Opening Colombian Bank Account

tomtom33 says on Dec 15, 2007, 12:07:

They want your first born child. Then they expect you to supply the vaseline for the hosing they give you on fees. But don't worry, they probably won't open an account for you anyway.

Bienvenidos.

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britabroad says on Dec 15, 2007, 13:29:

You need to be a resident and show proof of residence and a visa. Proof of any income. Your passport. Details of your bank account from wherever you´re from. Written letter of introduction from your bank to prove your credit worthiness etc. Many ex-pats seem to have problems with the Colombian banks even opening an account for them, so try someone like HSBC (UK) or Citbank (US), both have loads of branches. I opened a joint account with my Colombian spouse, which may be why I had no problems.
But have pots of that vaseline ready to supply. Apart from the fees (eg; $2000 pesos for each ATM transaction) you´ll pay $1600 pesos in tax for every transaction over $7 million pesos a month. This is just the tip of the iceberg.

Leave the big stick at home...carry a cannon!

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Gator says on Dec 15, 2007, 16:26:

What barrio in Jamundi?? Any where near Condominio Campestre las Mercedes?

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

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rocinante says on Dec 15, 2007, 17:33:

I was lucky and walked in and opened an account at Bancolombia. At first they didn't want to do it because my cedula was "contrasena". So I went to DAS and came back with the real one a few hours later (they are in the process of switching the cedula format and my cedula was waiting for me) and they openned the account right there on the spot. I guess I was in the right place at the right time. I just want to be able to pay UNE/EPM and rent without leaving the apartment.

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

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vicshere says on Dec 16, 2007, 03:23:

I am there HSBC and pretty happy...would be happier with no banks at all....but not practical

listo

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tomtom33 says on Dec 16, 2007, 03:52:

I have had my contraseña for 2 months now. Medellin DAS told me 30 days. I went back in 30 days, and said said another 30 days. Time to go back and hear that it will take another 30 days.

Of three VISAs that I registered in Cartagena, I got only one cedula, and I didn't get that one until the one-year VISA had expired.

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Ctg Bound says on Dec 16, 2007, 05:38:

tomtom33, why waste your time with them, the contrasena is fine.

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tomtom33 says on Dec 16, 2007, 11:30:

CB, you are right of course. However, with an actual cedula, there is one less thing that "they" can question.

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Dillard666 says on Dec 17, 2007, 15:20:

Muchas Gracias Amigos!!!

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