PBH / colombia (active forums more▼ | travelguide | pictures) / post

Newbie questions

Hi Everyone,

Yes some NEWBIE questions. I tried to read the previous posts before asking. I certainly do not want to ask the same question(s) that have already been answered.
First here is a little about me. I am planing to relocate to Colombia (maybe permanently, I guess time will tell). I am 38 years old (but look like 26, lucky me). I work off the internet and do not need a job just an internet connection. So lucky for me money is not a problem (question about this later).

So here are my naive, newbie questions.

1. Obviously the safety issue. I read the forum as much as I can. The general feeling I have is that if you are in the North part you are fine. Just do not show off wealth. Is this accurate? What is the security aspect really? I have traveled all over the world. I have been in very very dangerous situations. Brazil for me was very bad. How does Colombia compare to other countries? I am just trying to understand the safety issue before getting there.

2. How much am I looking at for rent in either Santa Marta, Cartagena or Barranquilla. Numbers seem unclear. I only need a comfortable place. Luxury is not the priority just comfort.

3. Since I will be working off the internet. I have my funds directly deposited in my foreign bank account. What hurdles await me for this type of financial setup. ATM dependent. Is rent mostly paid in cash? ATM withdraw limits?

Thanks for your answers in advance. I will try to participate with my findings to other members and try not to leech to much.

PS . You might be asking why I say I am planning on relocating if I have not even set foot in Colombia. Short Answer "a woman". That about explains everything. Before I get all the suspicious questions, yes I am certain she is legit and not a scammer. She as no intention on moving from Santa Marta. We have been talking every day for the past year and a half. I have talked to her entire family. She as passed every test I set. She never asked for money once.

By dathrill on Jun 26, 2008, 05:05 in Friendly Talkzone.

Philly says on Jun 26, 2008, 06:26:

I will answer the bank questions. I have a bank account in Colombia and the United States. I only take out 300,000 pesos per transaction( which is the limit for most banks, and because of the fees )That will limit you to around 9 to 10 300,000 peso transaction a day. The bank fees are sky high. It is around 10.00 dollars per transaction at the current rates. Make sure you inform your bank you will be making these withdrawns because if not, your bank will think some one stole your debit card and they will stop transactions.
Now the girl thing, you can only stay in Colombia for a limited amount of time. You have to get married, have a baby, or get a contract to work to stay for good. I am sure the people on this site are going to harrass you big time. You should listen to them. My situation has worked out just fine, but there are some crazy horror stories out there. GOOD LUCK!!!!!

0 funny, 0 helpful.

morphus says on Jun 26, 2008, 07:07:

If i'm going to move to Colombia for a woman she better be Sophia Vergara times 10.

uiu787

0 funny, 0 helpful.

kalder says on Jun 26, 2008, 07:59:

"You might be asking why I say I am planning on relocating if I have not even set foot in Colombia."

Perhaps. And someone may ask you why you have never set foot in Colombia, if you're planning on relocating there.

"kalder- have you ever had a woman?"--Sam Salmon

0 funny, 0 helpful.

sandman0011 says on Jun 26, 2008, 08:02:

Give it a test run:

Get a student VISA (Good for a year) and study a little Spanish;

Get a Citi Bank, BA, or other ATM card with a preset daily limit that only charges a minimal withdrawl amount of $1-$2.

Apartment rents will be all over the board depending on which parts of the cities you wish to live in. Hint: They will ask you how much you are willing to spend and that will become the basis for everyplace they show you. When asked, respond, "show me what you have and I will decide from there"

In most areas of larger cities you can get HS Internet access. It is usually charged in 100K increments starting at 200Kb. A friend recently got a 4Mb ADSL service in MDE.

Your girl does not have to look like Sophia Vergara to be a good catch. Most Colombian women will be a far better catch than any gringa you could ever imagine.

Good luck

www.medellintravelguide.com and www.medellinvisitorsguide.com

0 funny, 0 helpful.

ColombianoGringo says on Jun 26, 2008, 08:42:

Depending on where you live in the US, you may look into Capital One bank. I just opened a checking account with them for use in Colombia.

I made one test ATM transaction in Colombia with my debit card last week. I took out $400.000 COP and was only charged a $1.50 ATM fee, but there were no foreign exchange transaction fees like Chase normally charges.

If you maintain a minimum balance of $1,000, they told me that all ATM fees will be refunded at the end of each month so the transactions end up being free. There is also no monthly account fee or a direct deposit requirement.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

deathnova says on Jun 26, 2008, 15:02:

It's true, Colombianas will definitely be concerned about what your wealth but I don't know many Americans who aren't either.

Don't listen to the bitter and burned guys here that will try to talk crap though because really that's all it is. Misery need company.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

robi666 says on Jun 26, 2008, 15:09:

Santa Marta, Cartagena or Barranquilla are not the same fish.
Infact pretty different, for lifestyle, financially, etc... you should clear up your mind and decide.
If she is from SM, you probably want to start there.

"I am a citizen of the most beautiful nation on earth. A nation whose laws are harsh yet simple, a nation that never cheats, which is immense and without borders, where life is lived in the present."

0 funny, 0 helpful.

MaFe says on Jun 29, 2008, 19:54:

Colombianas will be 200% concerned about your bacnk account...but who cares? Have fun, enjoy...beautiful country, and we are great people! je je

"All human actions have one or more of these seven causes: chance, nature, compulsions, habit, reason, passion, desire. "-Aristotle

0 funny, 0 helpful.