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The Journey to Get to Colombia - How many dreams unanswered? Is it worth the effort?

I have been trying to move to Colombia.....and trying....and trying.... and it is not so easy!

I read so many posts here of people trying to move to Colombia who are in the same boat as me.

Putting in place how to make a living, saving the start up funds, how to set up Vonage or a decent internet connection so you can work, how to have access to funds, how to be safe and not get killed or kidnapped, student visa's, apartments, health care once in Colombia, and all that anyone has to put in place to move to Colombia and then exist once there!.........

My questions?

Is it worth all the effort?

How many people have dreamed, and never made it to live in Colombia who wanted too?

For those of you, relatively few, who have made it, how has it worked out for you? All that you dreamed of, when you were dreaming and not in Colombia yet?

By Lon7 on Sep 1, 2008, 19:24 in Friendly Talkzone.

Bill Turley (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 1, 2008, 19:51:

I had those dreams but I found a decent job after 4 years of trying. That was 11 years ago and I have been very happy since.After moving up 2 levels in my profession (Teacher, Coordinator,Principal) I retired. I am 100% glad I made the effort. Really it is better than I dreamed and it is getting better each day. Try hard and join us here!

Mr. Bill Somondoco

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Azul says on Sep 1, 2008, 19:58:

I'm still in the dreaming stage.....someday...someday I'll make it.

las cosas caen por su propio peso

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rocinante says on Sep 1, 2008, 20:04:

It's worth it. But much more expensive than I originally thought. Plan accordingly.

"World economic indicators point to a democrat winning 2008. It will surely be Obama. Not that the US president actually runs the US." Feb 5, 2008

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pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 1, 2008, 20:34:

Hi Medo,

Yes, it's worth it.

Wish you were here. Please get down here as quick as you can!

que nota!

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TobyBoy says on Sep 1, 2008, 20:53:

Dear soul-brother,

I don’t know about you, but if I don’t move to Colombia soon, I will simply wind up kicking the bucket. I am desperate to relocate permanently to Colombia (-and I have experienced life in many countries), but I am happy to report that my whole family is also as desperate to move to Colombia as well, and even though that makes my moving-logistics even harder, it nevertheless fills me with great joy to know that my life will one day be complete, family and all, when I finally get to Colombia. I wish you all the best, and remember; better late than never! ,,,I will pray for your success right along with ours.

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Lon7 says on Sep 1, 2008, 21:01:

Sorry Raaay, ut um Pedro (wink*)...

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gringoloid (Trustee board) says on Sep 1, 2008, 21:08:

yes, medoblado, it's hard work and a lot of effort.....but God will reward your hard work appropriately and I am sure he will look after you and ensure you receive everything that you deserve once you arrive.

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Lon7 says on Sep 1, 2008, 21:13:

pedro and gringoloid are the same person? wow!

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pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 1, 2008, 21:16:

That's right Medo. Pedro doesn't exist, and never has. I just made him up! It's a cunning plan to win the PBH peso forecasting contest.

que nota!

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Lon7 says on Sep 1, 2008, 21:17:

sorry Raaay to claim you when its someone who idolizes you.

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OneHappyBoy says on Sep 1, 2008, 21:36:

Yes, we are starting now trying to plan, and maybe in 20 years we will make it, when we retire.....What I find interesting, is costs are quite out of line for what a guy can make... I am hoping I can possibly do some consulting, or at least live there part time, as the years go by..

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eafit2005 says on Sep 2, 2008, 00:17:

It is worth the effort. However as rocinante said, it is quite expensive and jobs are not very well paid. For colombians working in regular jobs like security personell, regular employees etc. life is really tough. If you have enough money in Medellin, then you can live really comfortably as all service related things like restaurants, taxis, delivery services etc. are much cheaper than in USA or Europe.

I finally moved back to Germany (with my colombian wife and my colombian baby) for several reasons. I didn`t make enough money to save and I don`t like spending everything that I earn in a month and not have any "backup" or saving. Then, when my son was born I had to think of his education and chances in life. In colombia education is or expensive or not very good. You can make it in public schools and without a lot of money for education, but look e.g. at the figures for people applying at the U. de A. and the number of students they enroll especially in high paying careers like law, medicine or administration....
I still miss Colombia and me and my wife dream about coming back there in some years (or decades ;-),

but for now its all about working, saving..... and dreaming ;-)

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elmodefoque says on Sep 2, 2008, 02:21:

now wait a cotton picken minute, this is a real kicker in the nuts
nearly all of the ramaining colombians in the interior wanna get the fok out and you guys want in.
they will change places with ya all in a heartbeat.
this freaking world is way too crazy for my old ass to understand anymore

I'll get there, when I get there!

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richardshari says on Sep 2, 2008, 03:24:

I'm very surprised myself to read these posts and like Mode says so many people are dying to leave! I don't wish to live there full time someday but would love to have an apt in bquilla and the freedom to go whenever i want and to stay as long as i want. But good luck to all of those that do make it. :-)

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ConorC says on Sep 2, 2008, 05:14:

If you're looking for a job why don't you find one in the States then transfer with the company...that's what I'm doing...

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btwells72 says on Sep 2, 2008, 05:33:

ConorC: interesting idea, but companies such as? I have been thinking of this idea too but maybe I am looking in the wrong place?

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gamm2 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 2, 2008, 05:43:

it took me about two years and a masters degree to get here...Not very many professions are available if you want to continue your previous lifestyle.... but its possible and I am very thankful everything worked out for me. Now I just have to wait for my Colombiano to get here.... (1 month left!)

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johnny2008 says on Sep 2, 2008, 05:55:

The concept of this thread is a bit lost on me. If you truly want to do something then it seems quite clear what you have to do, including making a sacrifice or two along the way.

To say you really want to move to Colombia then throw in a load of conditions, I want to live an ex-pat lifestyle, I want to earn top dollar from a US company, I don't want to be poor. Sounds to me like you are not embracing Colombia in its entirety. (paraphrasing, don't be offended)

Then the things like internet provision and finding accommodation, there would be the same issues if you were moving within the USA or wherever you happen to be.

If moving to Colombia is your ultimate dream, then you would drop everything, sell up wherever you are, make the minimal investment in a CELTA course, land a job and a work visa from a language school, enjoy a modest lifestyle, take it from there and see what you can make of it. It is relatively simple and anything that makes this more complicated is of your own making.

A wise man once said to me, "You can have anything you want in this life, but you cannot have everything."

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Bill Turley (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 2, 2008, 06:57:

The factor of cost is 100% a matter of the lifestyle you choose. My lifestyle is rural, peaceful and low-cost. I don't go out often, a resturant when we have either a special guest of something to celebrate. That costs about $15,000COP per person. I get a US SSA pension which would have me living at a poverty level in the US, here I live much better and don't worry much about money. My income before I retired was markedly lower than in the States, but it was adequate to live on
It is a great place to live and it is getting better. Set your priorities and act accordingly

Mr. Bill Somondoco

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ConorC says on Sep 2, 2008, 07:23:

Well just about any multinational operating in Colombia I'm sure it's not that difficult to find them...

At the end of the day, if you have a skill that's sought after in country then it obviously makes you more attractive, problem is finding that skill!

If I didn't have my work experience in the UK then it wouldn't mean a thing but then to get a decent job you have to know the right people which is a different matter entirely.

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jaramillo says on Sep 2, 2008, 08:16:

Bill, I'm happy it worked so well for you. It worked for me too, but traveling the other way :)
Best,

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pavo says on Sep 2, 2008, 08:24:

I moved here when I was young. Started out renting the maid's room in an apartment. Worked, worked, worked. Grew! Now if you have cash, that is a different story. Sell all you own and get on a plane. Half the fun is the plunge into the unknown. If you don't have cash, what do you have to lose?

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Philly says on Sep 2, 2008, 08:59:

I am doing okay, I would probably be doing better in the States, however for me the big difference is peace. The hustle and bustle of the States is really stressful and gets old. I started off here struggling to get an apartment, I mean really struggling. Now, my job, which is teaching got me an apartment. The stress does not even compare to the States. Now, I have to opportunity to be a Director of a very good Institute. I guess for me it was worth it and I am happy.

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tomtom33 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 2, 2008, 10:27:

I find things much less stressful in the US. I can speak the language, and I know how to navigate the bullshit.

But the bullshit in Colombia is worth it. I never would have come to Colombia if I had to worry about earning a living though.

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tomass says on Sep 2, 2008, 11:36:

And earning a living is getting harder in this economic downturn.
Latest official figures were up to 14.something% in Medellin.
So real figure probably nearer double.
And what % are on min wage? - 470000 pesos - rent, bus and food leaves zero.
Gracias im not in that ditch.
ive too lived in many countries and prefer it here even with a 75% less wage.

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spy1983 says on Sep 2, 2008, 12:55:

Why is it so hard to get an apartment? I think that is easy and so is the internet connection.

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gamm2 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 2, 2008, 14:38:

Its easy if you know a Colombian, a little harder if you dont.

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spy1983 says on Sep 2, 2008, 16:00:

I have heard that but found it isnt true. There are Americans here renting apts.

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spy1983 says on Sep 2, 2008, 16:01:

I mean you show up and you say here is what I have. Or you want it or not. They want to rent the apts..What problems has anyone encountered?

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Philly says on Sep 3, 2008, 06:43:

My job signed for my apartment. I ran into the same problems before so I negotiated that part in my contract. Colombia does make things hard on people, you just have to learn how to work the system. It takes awhile but you will learn the tricks.

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