Moving to Colombia

larryrn says on Mar 18, 2007, 05:54:

what to bring to Colombia Electronics - computer, LCD TV, etc. This stuff is less expensive for higher quality back in the states..

---
Larry Snyder
http://www.rn.org - Nursing Education Online and CE Provider

--- Larry Snyder - http://www.rn.org - Your Source for Online Nursing Education!

expatriate says on Mar 18, 2007, 07:29:

Bring everything I moved from California to Cali. If I was to do it again, I would have brought everything that I wasn't just about to throw away. I would have also brought a refrigerator and washing machine, but there is no need for a clothes dryer.

When shipping, you pay by volume, not weight. So go ahead and bring your weight bench, barbells, weights and dumbbells if you have them. Bring your gas BBQ. Bring your bed and sheets. Comfortable beds are very expensive here.

If you have a big winter wardrobe, only bring a few items, unless you are moving to Bogota.

The US is the shopping capitol of the world. Don't leave behind good items expecting to find the same thing here for the same price.

Household items are more expensive here, and usually lower quality.

arthur brode says on Mar 18, 2007, 08:20:

quality bed sheets/pillow cases,clothes hangers ivory soap,natural deodorant,bakingsoda toothpaste

http://www.calirentals.net/

Lowell says on Mar 18, 2007, 08:21:

bring All the above and a couple of English formated computer keyboards, programs for your computer, plastic screening for windows as screening windows here is not thought of as important (it really cuts down on the fly and mosquito problem), good cooking pots, pans and knives,

We use a clothes dryer. With 2 adults, 1 11 year old and a 13 month old baby we can soil a whole lot of laundry real quick. I've got a 22 lb Whirlpool washer and dryer.

Yes, American made good can be better built. However, not always are parts interchangeable. For the kitchen I bought a large Whirpool fridg, Whirlpool stove that has a spit for oven roasting with gas or electricity, large B+D toaster oven and LG microwave.

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

arthur brode says on Mar 18, 2007, 08:59:

bring the mountain bike too .

http://www.calirentals.net/

annieb says on Mar 18, 2007, 10:00:

Thank you guys for all the help! Keep posting if you think of anything else!

Robert Jorge says on Mar 18, 2007, 10:32:

The one thing I had wished I had thought to bring was extra contact lenses and contact solution. I don't know if you wear contacts, but it is very difficult to find multi purpose solution in Colombia. I spent a day searching in a city of 350,000 people, and I finally found one bottle at an attached vision center at an Exito. They also charged the equivalent of $20 for that one bottle. I pay $7 for 2 bottles here in the US.
Peanuts and peanut butter seemed to have been a hit with the family when I was there.
And Tinto beat me to the punch on over the counter medicine. I bought the generic equivalents of the major pain relievers at a Wal-Mart here and took them to Colombia.
Lowell mentioned screening. That is a great idea. When my now wife got to the US, and opened the windows, she asked what "that stuff was." It was window screen. She had never seen screen before. And she lived in a pretty tropical city with lots of bugs and critters. I had everything from cats, rats, moths, and even iguanas come in my apartment when I lived in Colombia. Screen would have been nice.

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

rocinante says on Mar 18, 2007, 11:06:

scotch Annie B - no disrespect but you surely have visited a country that you are moving to, yes? Whatever they didn't have that you need, I'd bring that.

Sarcasm aside, I spent a good deal of time about 4 trips in CO before deciding to move and then went on 7 subsequent trips. I started to move stuff down every trip and I looked to see what the stores had that I needed and what they didn't have.

For me what they don't have is:

Lactose "Lactaid" intolerance pills. Although lactose free milk is everywhere, I'm screwed on Cheese and Ice Cream (Mimos has lactose free Vanilla, that's about it).

Certain hair products.

Lagavulin scotch - all the other booze I could possibly drink is already there.

Cigars - price in Colombia too expensive.

Skippy Peanut butter.

Campbells cans of Cream of Mushroom Soup (I use it in a caserole recipe I'm addicted to).

Computer gear.

Guitar.

Pain killers and muscle relaxers.

When in the US I bring things back to CO that I have had delivered from Amazon.com to the US and other things that I'll run out of that are not available.

Right now I'm stuck in the US for a bit so I have plenty of time to shop!

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

annieb says on Mar 18, 2007, 11:11:

Nope I have never been, so I appreciate all the help.

rocinante says on Mar 18, 2007, 11:14:

Just a note Coke, Marlboro Cigarettes, Doritos and a whole bunch of other stuff is made in Colombia. If Doritos wants to sell it's product in Co it will be heavily taxed by the Colombia Government and rightly so. Solution? Open a factory here, employ Colombian workers, we'll provide great labor at a great price and you can sell you product here. It's a win win situation. However, Cuban Cigars cannot me made in Colombia, Computers and electronics cannot be made in Colombia and probably will never be made outside of Asia for the next 10 years. A bottling from a vineyard in France can only be made there. Also imported canned food is rare as cans weigh too much, add the tax and my campbell's soup would cost 21,000 pesos!

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

rocinante says on Mar 18, 2007, 11:25:

BYOT - Bring your own TUMS Tums and Pepcid AC types of acid reducers don't exist. Maybe because of the lack of stress in Colombia, Compared to the US, there is less heartburn? I don't know.

Also there is no Vicks Nasal Spray.

The heavy cream they have is thick and already whipped so an alfredo type sauce is tough to prepare.

Certain spices such as Lemon Pepper, MSG, Nutmeg and a bunch of others are not found in Medellín.

The solution? Rooftop/patio spice garden. Right now I'm growing mint, rosemary, oregano and thyme. White Potatoes: Quater and put in a a pan and drizzle olive oil (expensive in CO), salt and sprinkle fresh chopped rosemary and bake. The Colombians love it.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

annieb says on Mar 18, 2007, 11:29:

I would never have thought of spices. Great idea.

rocinante says on Mar 18, 2007, 11:38:

annie B Well if that's the case, if you are a girl who needs to have certain brands of moisturizers, makeup or shampoo you will need to bring down some private stock.

Also the products like tweezers, nail clippers, cuticle cutters, scissors and stuff like that is of extremely lower quality. It's just the way it is. Just because a brand name of something is on the shelf doesn't mean it's really that brand.

Someone mentioned sheets and they are correct. Most fabric and clothing stuff is made in Colombia. A $40 Brand Name comfortable bra purchased in the US and a $40 bra same name, purchased in Colombia is not going to feel the same. This is not from my own personal experience mind you!

Another thing to realize that clothing and food are inexpensive in Colombia. But if you want to maintain a standard of quality throught the things you use, you will pay US prices.

If you are going to Colombia and down shifting a bit you will be ahead of the game. Clothing made in Colombia falls apart. The better stuff is exported. Colombian women will buy a nice button down shirt with a button falling off, buy it because it's the last one and fix it at home. They will sew and repair clothing until it practically disintegrates. It's the way of life for the lower and middle classes (80% of the population) and they're fine with this. Cultural differences.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

pedro says on Mar 18, 2007, 12:43:

Espresso machine I have searched around Medellin for a nice espresso coffee machine, but it's not that easy to find.

I looked around the department stores and malls, but keep seeing the same one or two tacky models for about 170k pesos. I'm doing without, until I can find something worth buying.

que nota!

annieb says on Mar 18, 2007, 12:48:

Do they have good tea?
Do they have good tea?

Lostgringo says on Mar 18, 2007, 14:07:

What to bring to Colombia Well I cannot agree with everything posted here..sorry guys. I found great sheets here for 3 of my beds. High quality percale..actually made in the USA and at a good place (in Medellin). I bought several shirts here (casual), and find them very good. Yes there is a problem with button but it only takes a minute to mend one. Some of the fabric made in Colombia is not that bad. They also import allot of fabrics. I had 1 suite, 3 sport coats and several pairs of pants made in Bogota. You need to go to a reputable tailor and pay a little more to have them made that's all.

I love to make chili and have had a hard finding any chili powder. The stuff I have found is very expensive. Funny they don't like or know about chili down here.

Don't buy a printer haul it down here. Unlike other items, printers seem to be very inexpensive here. They have all the deoderants here as they do in the US. At least I find what I want. Contact lenses and cleaner...why bother. Just get Lasik eye surgery like I did. Very inexpensive and the doctors here are highly trained.

Note please that most of the stuff you have in the US they actually have here. You just have to look a little harder. One thing I brought which I thought was important is numerous bottles of Vitamins. The best I could find. And like the poster above I brought 4 or 5 bottles of Tums...

I find the pain killers and muscle relaxers here just fine here. You need to know what to ask for. One thing you may want to consider bringing is a very good and dependable watch. I purchased a Timex Expedition that has leather straps. I is not and does not look like and expensive watch. However, I believe that it is one of the most dependable watches you can buy. I wish I had of bought a few more for my friends. No flash but very functional. Most of the watches here are either fake or made in China. You will pay dearly for a decent watch. How I wish I could go through Wallmart and pick up a bunch of stuff lol.

I had to pay an extra $100 US because my luggage 100lbs when I went from Bogota to Medellin. I was allowed to take this much on my Continental flight but not from Bogota to Medellin.

As mentioned above, the key thing you have to ask yourself, "Can I live without this product/brand name/quality?" In most cases they have everything you need but it may not be the same quality or brand.

If you like music, buy yourself an mp3 player and perhaps speakers to go with it. Ipods etc., are pretty pricey here.

I hope I not offended anyone...this is just my own experience here in Colombia.

welovebogota.com "Luxury Apartment and rooms at reasonable prices"

Your Home Away from Home:http://www.welovebogota.com http://www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartment and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy!

rocinante says on Mar 18, 2007, 16:03:

El té en Colombia está maluca annie The tea sucks. I'm a loose tea drinker (www.tealuxe.com) and all the stores do have some bag green tea but its super low quality. Most of the "Tea" in CO is "aromático" which is herbal tea - meaning not really tea but berries and other crap. There is a wide selection of this type of stuff but the quality is poor. I'm lucky to return to the US every 8-10 weeks to bring back supplies. However there will be a time with it will only be once a year. I should be OK.

Right now I'm having a job problem, my boss is in India and his boss won't let me work remotely - so I'm in a bit of a quandry until May.

Lostgringo - we are in agreement regarding fabric and sheets and clothing, my remark "But if you want to maintain a standard of quality throught the things you use, you will pay US prices." is in line with your "I had 1 suite, 3 sport coats and several pairs of pants made in Bogota. You need to go to a reputable tailor and pay a little more to have them made that's all."

Also VITAMINS - completely forgot about that. You must bring down vitamin E and B complex. That and Advil.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

utopiacowboy says on Mar 18, 2007, 17:09:

What a fascinating place is PBsH. Here we have someone moving to a country which they have NEVER visited. Anywhere else would this be considered normal behavior?

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

analyzethis1 says on Mar 18, 2007, 17:27:

Lostgringo...re: lasik eye surgery I read that you had yours done in CO. I'm coming down late April for a month. I've been wanting to get this surgery but haven't heard from anyone's experience. Can you provide the name of the clinic you used and what was the recovery time? Did you have to visit the clinic everyday for a week or so for follow ups? I'm just wondering if 1 month would suffice for such a procedure.
Thanks.

There are two kinds of gratitude: The sudden kind we feel for what we receive, and the larger kind we feel for what we give. E.A. Robinson

annieb says on Mar 18, 2007, 17:29:

Your right crazy but I am so excited and know its going to be great!

Lostgringo says on Mar 18, 2007, 17:31:

I agree, however Yes your right Rocinante, but believe it or not I got some good prices on my sheets and my suite was really cheap compared to what I would have had to pay in Canada. This suit and the sports coats were all "hand stitched." I also had a shirt custom made out of very good cotton. I got to chose the cuffs and collar of the shirt. Price was $50 USD. They delivered it to my door in one week. So it is doable but takes some time and effort. I am retired and nothing better to do. Besides it gave a good excuse to see different parts of the city.

In terms of buying suits, shirts, pants etc in a high end mall, I have to agree that you will not get a good deal. I was looking at a nice pair of shoes in the mall (the name fails right now, maybe Centro Andino?)just across from the Bogota Beer Company in Zona Rosa (Bogota). I asked how much they were..I was told that they were from Italy and the price was $1,200 USD. I passed on them and went and had a beer instead lol.

In terms of the vitamins I recommend Omega-3 at 1,000 mgs capsules (made by Jamieson), and Quest Premium Multi-Cap Iron Free Vitamin and Minerals. I brought enough to last me over a year. Those are the best I could find on the market at the time.

Rocinante I am in total agreement with the Advil. I take Ibroprophine, so I bought a bottle of 500 pills. I also bought a few bottles of visine for my eyes.


welovebogota.com "Luxury Apartment and rooms at reasonable prices"

Your Home Away from Home:http://www.welovebogota.com http://www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartment and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy!

Lostgringo says on Mar 18, 2007, 17:51:

Lasik Eye Surgery First I have to say that initially I was not happy getting Lasik eye surgery done in Colombia. I had complication in which one eye did not take to the surgery 100%. I had to have two operations and the second one worked. I was under the impression that I would recover 20 20 eye sight. This is not neccesaraly true. I only had 90% of my in my one eye. I was quite disturbed with this initially. However, I have since learned that this is quite common. It has been over a year now and absolutely no problems. I am happy that I had it done.

I had my Lasik done at Clinica Barraquer in Bogota. I had Dr. Julio Barraquer do the surgery himself. 100% painless (they puts some freezing by way of drops on my eyes), and he talked me throughout the operation. Dr. Barraquer speaks perfect English. His father has been described as the "father of Lasik eye surgery." His clinic is known worldwide.

Having it done in one month is possible. But you will need follow ups. What happens if one eye does not take like mine did. One eye was a little blurry. Funny, I did not notice this for at least 2 weeks. For some reason I put one hand over an eye and saw that the other one was blurry.

I had to go in for more tests and they operated again. All of this took a few months. One month would be pushing it. I think you at least need 2 months to do this. Recovery time was amazing. I had my eyes done in the morning and had a few beers that night at the bar. I really did not experience any pain with this procedure. Mind you I had to wear sunglasses for awhile to protect my eyes.

The total cost was approximately $1,000 USD.

Would I do it over again. Yes! However, if I were to do it again I would only get one eye done. I was told I could try this by the doctor but I wanted it all done quickly and did not want to experiment. Apparently if you do it this way and you can adapt..you can see both far away and up close. Unfortunately, I still have to carry glasses around with me to read.



welovebogota.com "Luxury Apartment and rooms at reasonable prices"

Your Home Away from Home:http://www.welovebogota.com http://www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartment and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy!

analyzethis1 says on Mar 18, 2007, 17:58:

Thanks Lostgringo :-) The timing was all I needed to know. I will save this surgery for next year then. Meanwhile, I'll try to be in touch with the clinic and arrange for a doctor's consultation. Gracias por tu ayuda amigo!

There are two kinds of gratitude: The sudden kind we feel for what we receive, and the larger kind we feel for what we give. E.A. Robinson

manINred says on Mar 18, 2007, 18:02:

Why bring advil there's tons of advil in COlombia, and it's cheaper than in Canada/UK i find, why would she need to bring advil?

rocinante says on Mar 18, 2007, 19:53:

Tinto you hit the nail on Tinto you hit the nail on the head. I'm requested to bring 3 jugs of Advil everytime I'm in the US. Vitamins as well. There MUST have been some articles writtin about Advil and American vitamins. Me? I don't do Advil or take vitamins. I eat healthy for my vitamins and if I have pain I pop a Vicodin 10mg.

lost gringo, Lots of Visine in Medellín. $50 for a dress shirt? Same price in a US store such as Macy's. You did get some good prices on your shirts compared to Canadian cost - to use your words.

The point is Colombia ain't as cheap as it seems if one needs to maintain a standard they are used to in their home country.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

rocinante says on Mar 18, 2007, 20:02:

annieB You get your own post because like Utopia Cowboy, I'm baffled and I feel the urge to accuse you of withholding important information. I promise in advance I will believe everything you tell us, if anything, as sharing is optional. But what is the motivation for moving to Colombia? Have connections, family, speak Spanish, a job prospect? Why Armenia over some other city? Did you just say "I hate the US" and spin the globe and poke your finger and hit Colombia?

I gotta know!

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

annieb says on Mar 18, 2007, 20:52:

I am 26 and wanting to travel. I am going to be teaching second grade. I had other options but thought Colombia would be the most rewarding.

adrimm says on Mar 18, 2007, 20:59:

"50 for a dress shirt? Same price in a US store such as Macy's. "

For a custom-made shirt?

coffee beaner says on Mar 18, 2007, 21:57:

yea $50 dollars for a custom made dress shirt is not happening in the States, anyway I myself had a lot of problems finding visine... I went to Exito, Carrefour, Carulla and they never had any, rocinante where the hell did you find visine in Medellin????

Lostgringo says on Mar 19, 2007, 06:26:

Rubito is correct on this one We never agree but I have to say Rubito is right on wiith this post. Rubito you can use a coffee maker to boil water just don't put coffee in it and just run the water. The convection oven is great idea. I wish I had one roast chickens etc. I have a friend here who bought a close dryer in Exito. Personally I see no use for one here. I get along quite well without it. Yep, you buy bicyles here pretty cheap. Surely not worth going through the hassle of shipping it here. Like Rubito, I have not been able to find really good pots to cook with. However, the ones I have now are working ok.

Like Rubito, I take a large size shirt. In Canada I had to go to a Big and Tall Shop. Unfortunately most shirts that fit me were for tall men. In Bogota you can get the shirt "tailor made." They measure you and fit it perfectly for you size. You can also shop around for the material you need. It would certainly cost you more than $50 USD to have this done in Canada.

welovebogota.com "Luxury Apartment and rooms at reasonable prices"

Your Home Away from Home:http://www.welovebogota.com http://www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartment and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy!

Desideria (Moderator) says on Mar 19, 2007, 06:43:

I'm a little baffled as well Why move to another country at all if you cannot be without your small luxuries and amenities you are used to? It certainly takes the fun part out of the new experience.

My advice is bring NOTHING except your summer clothes, your prescription medicines and perhaps your laptop. The clothes in Colombia are fine, the bed linens nice (you can buy US brands too), all cosmetics and toiletries the same as in USA, you can get most over the counter medicines or with some active ingredients in any pharmacy, cookwear looked just fine at Home Center in Cali, cigarrettes, snacks, food and drink in general, are you kidding, folks? Eat platanos, arepas, drink manzana postobon, aguapanela, hot chocolate, Colombian coffee! Smoke (if you have to) local cigs.

Just bring yourself, an open mind, an ATM card and a positive attitude towards everything that is new and unknown. Oh, and perhaps a good dictionary.

Cheers,
Desi

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe
they are free." —Johann Wolfgang van Goethe

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

Lowell says on Mar 19, 2007, 08:05:

moving Visine = Visina

Vicodine = apif-x (sp?)

Spices etc. Bought in bulk when in Panama, along with 1/2 gal sesame oil, wassabi powder, sweet chili dipping sauce, good seasons salad dressing mix, ranch dressing mix. See more items available in stores now than a year ago.

Substitute for chili = Aji

Clothes dryer = Whirlpool- bought flexible metal/foil duct for the exaust duct - clean or relpace duct once a year.

Whirlpool fridge has ice maker. Nice to always have ice.

Whirlpool gas oven with spit/Rotisserie that has functions in gas and electric = Whirlpool.

Hot water for shower - high quality (+ or - 70K)for shower with remote switch - used for over 1 year no problems.

Heck, I live now better than I ever did in the States. I get to enjoy all my Stateside goodies along with the miriad of items available in Colombia. Yee Ha! Not a good place to need to be on a diet. Way way too many great things to comsume.

Haven't found good fly swatters, good ant poison (think I know where to go), rubber bands

Alfred E. Newman. "What. Me Worry?"

esanch36 says on Mar 19, 2007, 08:34:

Bed linens fine???? your crazy....Where the hell in colombia can you find decent thread cotton bed sheets for a reasonalbe price???????????/ My family just bought an apartment in bogota, and had to buy all the sheets in the USA because the you cant find anything above 300 count thread and its really expensive... i would suggest buying your beding in the States..its so much cheaper

All right, I'll ask: How come it took three seconds to euthanize Eight Belles, but the Womens NBA is starting Year 12???

Desideria (Moderator) says on Mar 19, 2007, 09:00:

It's been a while since I had a household in Colombia but I had excellent quality Cannon bedsheets bought in Colombia and the price may have been higher that in USA but it's such a small investment anyway that if you add the price of transport to the cost of the sheets you are not going to save that much or even enough to make it worth while.

Cheers,
Desi

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe
they are free." —Johann Wolfgang van Goethe

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

esanch36 says on Mar 19, 2007, 12:17:

What?????? Not saving You call saving 40 to 80 dollars not worth it....Many tell me what you do and what you husband does. Sorry but most of us arent living the good life like you i guess. Cost of Transport????? what transport you but them in your luggage????Duhhhhhhhhhh...

All right, I'll ask: How come it took three seconds to euthanize Eight Belles, but the Womens NBA is starting Year 12???

esanch36 says on Mar 19, 2007, 12:18:

you put esanch36

All right, I'll ask: How come it took three seconds to euthanize Eight Belles, but the Womens NBA is starting Year 12???

Desideria (Moderator) says on Mar 19, 2007, 12:49:

esanch, how many sheets and pillowcases can you stuff in your suitcases on the top of your clothes, shoes, toiletries, presents, etc.etc. before you've reached the weight limit you're allowed? Perhaps you guys traveling from USA have right to bring more stuff but we who travel from Europe seem to never have any room in our suitcases and are paying every extra kilo dearly. Room for bedsheets? Well, maybe for one, for a single bed....

"Many tell me what you do and what you husband does" ...pray tell me too what they say. I'd be most interested. What do we do and what kind of luxurious life do we lead?

Cheers,
Desi



"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe
they are free." —Johann Wolfgang van Goethe

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

esanch36 says on Mar 19, 2007, 14:07:

Im sorry Desi Being the dumbass that i am, that likes to save $80 dollars.i meant to say "can you tell us what your husband or you do for a living? so i can make a career change. " I didnt mean to imply that i know what you do. A typo

All right, I'll ask: How come it took three seconds to euthanize Eight Belles, but the Womens NBA is starting Year 12???

Desideria (Moderator) says on Mar 19, 2007, 14:15:

That 80 bucks is less than what I have to pay for overweight every time I travel to/from Colombia. That's what I was trying to say. Not that I'm a wealthy person and that 80 dollars does not matter to me. It just seems to me that there is no way getting around paying for me.

I'm sorry I misunderstood you. What I or my husband do is totally irrelevant. Evenif I were wealthy I would not like to throw money around, but you know what they say in Colombia,
"lo barato sale caro".

Cheers,
Desi

"None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe
they are free." —Johann Wolfgang van Goethe

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

analyzethis1 says on Mar 19, 2007, 14:58:

Annie B, I agree with Desi somewhere in one of his posts. I believe to truly experience the lifestyle and the livelihood of another country, you must live like the locals. You must think in terms of pesos and stop comparing to what it would cost in the US, UK, etc. You must eat the food and buy clothes that are cultivated and made in CO, respectively, and spend within your means. In this case, within your salary as an elementary teacher. That's just my two bits.
HOWEVER, there are exceptions. To minimize cost of transporting all your assets, and due to limited space in your luggage, I would bring pertinent items like meds (OTC and prescription) and vitamins. Only because I have allergies and my body is used to the products I've used all my life. Lastly, your laptop. Other than this, you can survive on Colombian soil!

There are two kinds of gratitude: The sudden kind we feel for what we receive, and the larger kind we feel for what we give. E.A. Robinson

Lostgringo says on Mar 19, 2007, 15:57:

$80 savings for sheets esanch36 just how many sheets are you carrying in your suitcase to save $80? Sheets with a high percale count are heavy. I did not pay allot for the sheets I bought here and I think they are 450 percale...450 threads per inch. I bought 3 sets. Made in the USA. I don't think I paid over $30 a set (I am very cheap). However, I do have a bit of a problem with them! Mattresses in Colombia do not always have the same dimensions as they do in the USA. My sheets are a little smaller than I would like them to be. If you really want to save money on sheets go the garment district in Bogota and buy the material you need, then have someone make the sheets to your specifications. They will custom make your sheets and pillow cases for next to nothing.

Desi is correct. Bring yourself and necessities like medicine and vitamins, perhaps a few other things, but don't load up on allot of stuff you really don't need. Try and separate your NEEDS from your WANTS. Continental Airlines only allows a total of 100 lbs last time I looked. If you travel by air in Colombia you are only allowed to have 50 lbs. Sometimes they include youR laptop and sometimes they don't. You may pay more for a few items here but you more than make that up on the huge savings for everything else here.

Desi I will look again at home center for the pots you are talking about.

Lowel thanks for the info on Iji as a substitute for chili. I am going to look for it tomorrow.

I remember my first trip to Colombia. I brought numerous tooth brushes, tooth paste, M&Ms for treats and so on. I was a little embarrassed when I learned they had everything here and I was NOT in the 3rd world country like I had imagined. I had had some strange idea that Colombia was like Cuba. Boy was I wrong!
`

welovebogota.com "Luxury Apartment and rooms at reasonable prices"

Your Home Away from Home:http://www.welovebogota.com http://www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartment and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy!

annieb says on Mar 19, 2007, 17:17:

I appreciate all the suggestions that everyone has given me, and don't worry I am going in with an open mind. I was just curious to see what people that have moved wished they had brought. Thank you everyone for your insights.

rocinante says on Mar 19, 2007, 20:02:

Don't leave home without it I'm lucky - or unlucky - enough to travel back and forth A GREAT DEAL. So bringing sheets and other stuff is not a problem. I've gone with tons of space in my suitcase, because everything I need is already there. Everybody is different. A $50 Perry Ellis dress shirt in the US (Macy's, Centruy21, etc...) will blow away the same $50 dress shirt you buy in your average Colombian store - that's all I'm saying to the OP. She can do what she wants with that info. If I ever stop traveling between the US, Europe and Colombia and I'm in need of a snazzy shirt I will hook up with a tailor, thanks for the advice.

Carrefour has Visine. Go to the big one with the Cine.

Desi you live in two places and travel between, I can't see you and your hubby not having enough space in four 70LB suitcases to bring what you need - 400 thread count sheets as well.

Hey, I bought down my crap (a cheese grater, garlic press, pans, rubbermaid spatula, OXO measuring cups and other utensils that they make). I really don't need anything that I don't already have.

Out of everything on my sparse original list the only repeat consumables are hair proucts, Lactose pills, Peanut butter, campbels soup for a recipe and a certain scotch. I can easily do without those items as there are total substitutes. If I didn't truck back and forth every two months the only thing that would hurt is the Lactose pills. Who doesn't love ice cream?

Bottom line is the OP can get a feel for what is there and not there.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

rocinante says on Mar 19, 2007, 20:13:

aint no thang like a chicken wang "My gf's recently bought mattress... was in line with what one of the same quality would have cost in the USA. Dunno about sheets. The ones she has seem fine to me." - rubiYou could sleep on a bed of wet nails with sandpaper stapled around a cinder block as a pillow - who's kidding who? You are not a viable judge in this department.

I do have to say that your line about "simultaneously defecating, having an orgasm while eating a chicken wing" immediately catapulted you to massive stardom in Cyber Colombia world. LMK when you're ready for St. Marks and bring a designated driver, unless you want to sleep at Elmos like one of our buddies here... I won't mention any names.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

rocinante says on Mar 19, 2007, 20:31:

"I believe to truly "I believe to truly experience the lifestyle and the livelihood of another country, you must live like the locals. You must think in terms of pesos and stop comparing to what it would cost in the US, UK, etc. You must eat the food and buy clothes that are cultivated and made in CO, respectively, and spend within your means. In this case, within your salary as an elementary teacher. That's just my two bits."And naughty bits they are. Living like the (majority of) locals is the reasons one moves in the first place. This is why you won't catch me dead living in a neighborhood higher than a 2 or a 3.

Danger is my middle name. - Austin Powers

Los pobres son lo mejor.

Actually in those hoods (Robledo, Manrique, Boston...) the neighborhood crime watch is stellar. Everyone knows one another and has everyone else's back.

If you move to a foreign country and hang with your own kind and assimilate into your old culture... why move in the first place? Why hang out with the gringos and go to Parque Lleras and live in Poblado? ¡Es que no tiene sentido!

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

arthur brode says on Mar 19, 2007, 21:27:

i got it down to a science i buy whatever i need online(ebay,ect) and have it shipped to my freight forwarder in Miami.once my freight forwarder receives the goods he ships them to my door in Cali.i even changed my credit card billing address and bank account address to my freight forwarders address in Miami.

Date Requested:
Mar. 19, 2007

Subject:
Arm&Hammer Toothpaste
Invoice
Qty Item ID Description Unit Price Amount
20 250095689459 Arm & Hammer Toothpaste 1.69 33.80
Subtotal: 33.80
Shipping: 7.43
Currency is in U.S. Dollars (USD) Total: $41.23 USD

http://www.calirentals.net/

rocinante says on Mar 19, 2007, 21:40:

Arthur the $7.43 is the shipping to the freight forwarder from Ebay dealer or where you ordered from. The Freight Forwarder also charges and you did not include that. There is a great freight forwarder in Bogotá that I've heard of but not one in Medellín. If anyone know of one that could be good. Doesn't even have to be door to door service.

Arthur next time post credit card and SS numbers as well. You might want to edit your post!

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Peso 1400 by November" Feb 5, 2008

arthur brode says on Mar 19, 2007, 22:56:

ooops its $2.40/pound from the freight forwarder in Miami to Colombia.Usually arrives in Cali within a week from the time it is received in Miami.Yes,J.J. Logistics delivers to Medellin as well.If you are interested in the service email me and i will send you the contact info.arthurbrode at aol.com

http://www.calirentals.net/

TonyMattei says on Mar 20, 2007, 07:35:

cuban cigars for sale any body looking for cuban cigars


i have monte cristo No 2 about 18 left........what are you guys willing to pay for one....... they are straight from cuba got back last week....email me at anthonymattei at saggiodream.com


thanks

TonyMattei says on Mar 20, 2007, 07:42:

eyes surgery in colombia best thing i ever did..... clincia bibiana doctor name si armando lavrede and was in bogota.....wonderful experiences and i paid for everything 1.200.000 pesos which is about 600.00 dollars......surgery was 6 mins total 4 total eye exams day before.. and then you have to pay your drops. wonder experience..... then 2 o 3 days later you g for a follow up.... one small note there will be some itchy and small pain that comes in goes for about 4 -6 hours but as soon as surgery is doen you can see.......any further questions email me at anthonymattei at saggiodream.com

adrimm says on Mar 20, 2007, 18:14:

I think that I'd have to agree with Desi.. if this is a move to experience life in a new place - and most of the 30 million Colombians seem to get by just fine with what is available in Colombia* - then one would presume that other people can too - (we're such habitual creatures, it's embarrassing).

I'm sure that Annie will do just fine.




*What is available in major Colombian centres is considerably more than what I expect most foreigners would anticipate

Lostgringo says on Mar 20, 2007, 19:19:

Gay Side bazucojoe when I was younger is was Harleys and fast times. Now that I am older this woman's side had come out in me. Scares the hell out of me lol.


welovebogota.com "Luxury Apartment and rooms at reasonable prices"

Your Home Away from Home:http://www.welovebogota.com http://www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartment and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy!

mvefwd says on Mar 20, 2007, 19:59:

I know one thing you will not need. CNN reports that HOOTERS intends to open a franchise in Colombia...

Viva Colombia
---E

No matter where you go... You are who you are...

Lostgringo says on Mar 20, 2007, 20:01:

Harley's and Me Maybe that is something she could bring to Colombia. She would have to bring it in parts as she could import the whole thing at once. No bazucojoe Harleys and me don't get along anymore. The good times on Harleys have got up and gone. Good memories though. Wouldn't trade them for anything. Before it was my Harley comes first and then my wife. Now it is my g/f first. It's not a trade off. I can live with here in Medellin where the weather is always nice and there is great eye candy. Besides I could not control my Harley. Couldn't house break it. Every time I got on the damn thing it would head for the bar, loud music, cold beer and sleazy women. Damn bike lol.


welovebogota.com "Luxury Apartment and rooms at reasonable prices"

Your Home Away from Home:http://www.welovebogota.com http://www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartment and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy!

southern151 says on Mar 20, 2007, 20:04:

In Colombia too?... I just saw on the news yesterday that they are opening one in Israel. They will stay away from "Holy areas" and there will be a few differences between the US and Israel restaraunts. It seems to be an odd place to open a Hooters restaraunt to me. Odd in Israel...not odd in Colombia.

mvefwd says on Mar 20, 2007, 20:24:

Hooters I hope they keep it natural.

Viva Colombia
---E

No matter where you go... You are who you are...

Mr. Hollywood says on Mar 20, 2007, 20:35:

Annie If you're young and coming to Colombia for a limited stay (a year or two) bring nothing more than what you'd normally take on a long trip. You can get everything in any of the big cities and putting together your household is a wonderful way to integrate with your surroundings. The things you realize you can't buy in Colombia you'll get on your next trip home or someone will bring down.

Things that are hard to find are English books, good tea, certain cosmetics if you're picky about that.

As noted above, computers and cameras are more expensive. DVD players and stuff seem about the same.

southern151 says on Mar 20, 2007, 20:40:

LG... I think that's a common characteristic of Harleys. My Harley does the same damn thing! It did it again last night!! I've tried starving it of food, kicking it and dropping it in the ditch and it still won't learn.

Maybe we should start a thread on the characteristics of Harleys?

annieb says on Mar 20, 2007, 21:26:

Wow, who knew that I would get such a response and so many diffrent points of views! I think that it is going to be the sheets I bring and that is about it, just to remind me of home.
Can't wait for the move. Thanks for all the help. I can't wait to explore my new home.

Mr. Hollywood says on Mar 21, 2007, 11:29:

One thing about sheets, though Bear in mind that Colombian beds are actually not the same standard sizes as the US ones. Your sheets will fit but not perfectly.

lezlienann says on Mar 21, 2007, 12:14:

moving I too am moving to Colombia from Philadelphia. What moving co. did you use Thanks
Lezlie

Lezlie

annieb says on Mar 21, 2007, 17:59:

Moving Lezlie, I would start a new post, you might get more help.

Lostgringo says on Mar 21, 2007, 19:19:

welovebogota.com "Luxury welovebogota.com "Luxury Apartment and rooms at reasonable prices"

Your Home Away from Home:http://www.welovebogota.com http://www.apartmentinbogota.com "Luxury apartment and rooms Cheap" Only 2 blocks from the American Embassy!

famsearch says on Apr 1, 2007, 07:01:

think of the practical things too... i was talking about this with my wife a few days ago. it's not like the u.s., where you can drop your bills in the mail. you get to go stand in line to pay them (electricity,phone,water,etc. are all lumped together), and if the bill isn't paid, they cut off all of them. just calling someone is different too. unlike here, where you can make as many calls as you want for a set price, in colombia you pay for each call by the minute. when she told me about internet access in colombia, it reminded me of the bad old days of when aol charged by the hour. not trying to dissuade you, just adding a few of the practical things of life that my wife mentioned to me.
dan

dan

Monpirri says on Apr 7, 2007, 09:56:

Let's not under estimate Colombia "Computers and electronics cannot be made in Colombia and probably will never be made outside of Asia for the next 10 years."
Rocinante


EPM to assemble HP computers - Colombia .
COPYRIGHT 2003 Financial Times Ltd.
(From Business News Americas)

Byline: Christine Romans

(BNamericas.com) - Colombian multi-service utility EPM has begun production at its US$3mn computer assembly plant, local newspaper La Republica reported.

EPM took control of the plant after winning a tender from US PC manufacturer Hewlett-Packard (HP) (NYSE: HPQ) on September 2.
EPM's factory workers have received formal training on assembly from HP and are now working to meet the company's goal to assemble 200,000 computers in three years, EPM chief executive Edith Cecilia Urrego said.

The plant will assemble the Compaq Evo D310 and D315v PC series with the EPM label. EPM aims to commercialize the computers via 54,000 peso (US$19 today) monthly payments over three years.

The plant is located in the Rionegro free trade zone in Antioquia department, near Medellin. - (BNamericas.com)

http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-24509512_ITM

Does anybody remember who was the Microsoft representative who just visited Colombia couple weeks ago?

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008

Monpirri says on Apr 8, 2007, 08:06:

High tech assembly plants in Colombia Theres is also a computer assembly plant in Bogota.
IBM, Siemens, HP have manufacturing and distribution plants.
NEC also has a strong presence in Colombia either in manufacturing or in distribution.
Of course there are also a lots of software developers doing business there for several years.

Annette Taddeo for US Congress 2008