To all Brits living in Bogotá

Sorry to be so specific but I would like to know how British people living in Bogotá have found the experience so far.

I’m a Colombian and my husband is English. We’re now starting a family and we both want a healthier environment to raise our children (I mean, in terms of family values and things that really matter in life), added to the fact that I would like to be near my folks when the baby is here.

Anyway, the point is that my husband is willing to go but really with still tons of doubts about it (and I must confess, so do I). I don’t want to give him false expectations but on the other hand I also want him to see how wonderful it could be. We don’t want to be old and think why didn’t we do it? We want to say we did it and it worked or we did it and it didn’t work! (we're both late 30's and architects!)

So, I think the best way to really know how it could be for him is asking other guys out there who are already doing it and either heating it or loving it! (Hopefully, it will be more of the latter). We don’t live in London, so that means that he is not really used to a city like Bogotá, although he’s been there twice now.

We’re going on ‘reconnaissance’ to Bogotá in about one month, so we can see where we could live and the sort of things that we could be doing once we get there. Are there places where ex-pats meet informally? Are there associations, clubs, etc. where he could get to mix with other people like him so he won’t feel so isolated while he finds his feet there?

My family says that it’s not a good idea to go back but then again, I do think that sometimes, we Colombians like to see things in a very pessimistic way, worse than what it actually is...

Please, some advice will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you!! :O)

By Patico on Feb 2, 2008, 13:12 in Friendly Talkzone.

Peter (Moderator) says on Feb 2, 2008, 13:50:

There are a LOT of things to think about...

- Colombians indeed are often too pessimistic about Colombia
- raising kids in Colombia is different: good schools tend to be elite-ist, for example
- a mortgage will cost you like 9% in Colombia, versus perhaps 5% in interest in Europe.
- health insurance is very expensive
- decent schools are very expensive (I've heard 500$/month for a good highschool!)

You also have to check out your career possibilities.

Having said all that, I think it's wonderful that you're considering the idea, and I understand. In the end, after you figure out all the practical details, you can have a pretty nice life in Colombia. It's an emotional decision.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Poor but snappy

Peter (Moderator) says on Feb 2, 2008, 13:51:

And yes, "we did it and it didn't work" is better than "what if"?

Poor but snappy

adrimm says on Feb 2, 2008, 14:02:

I can't give any specific suggestions (sorry) - But I don't think that you'll have too much trouble finding expat Brits - they are certainly there. When I was in the Amazon, I met a school teacher Brit (working in Bogota) on a field trip with his class. He had recently moved back to Bogota with his Colombian wife.

I have a foggy idea that there is actually an expat social club, some of the immersion English schools (Anglo Colombian School) might also be good social resources.

ConorC says on Feb 2, 2008, 14:58:

I know in Medellin the British Consulate has monthly meetings for ex-pats but I don't know anything more specific than that as I didn' get involved whilst I was there so speak to the embassy in Bogota and as adrimm says you may find the same deal.

ixent says on Feb 2, 2008, 16:33:

I loved living in Colombia, as did all the other Brits I met there. The only trouble is that if you are a native English speaker, the most easily available job tends to be teaching English, which is OK unless you want to do something else.

Does you husband speak Spanish? I certainly think that is important if he is to get the most out of his time in Col.

usher127 says on Feb 2, 2008, 17:18:

I'm a Brit and i spent 10 years living in London. I've never been so happy living in Medellin and the thought of going back to England is sooo depressing.

You have every reason to live in Colombia and if you can come with some money to buy property you would be crazy not to.

Bogota on the other hand... not sure... even for people used to big cities, Bogota can get to you after a while. Medellin is simply paradise.

I would much rather bring my kids up in Colombia. Colombians are generally very well mannered and humble people... Brits (& gringos) are comparatively stressed-out, cold and often arrogant.

Either way, you'll find enough Brits here to have the best of both cultures.

durito says on Feb 2, 2008, 17:55:

"- health insurance is very expensive
- decent schools are very expensive (I've heard 500$/month for a good highschool!)"

I can't speak for Great Britian, but my costs in the states were 10x that, and the insurance was more.

For the original poster: It all really depends. I would think you all would love living here -- but that doesn't mean it will fit for raising a family. What are your working plans? Finding a job here isn't real easy -- if you can keep your British job and work remotely that would be ideal. I'd also suggest trying it our for a while to see if you like it -- though that depends on how far along you are on starting your family.

robi666 says on Feb 2, 2008, 17:57:

durito, I noticed that too, but did not say anything because I don't know about GB.
You would pay more for the "free" health insurance in Italy (and I guess everywhere in Europe).
Where? In your tax declaration.

"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."

durito says on Feb 2, 2008, 18:04:

Exactly, not that the US has low taxes --- and even living in Colombia we still have to pay them (the brits do not). Nevertheless the Colombian health plans I'm looking at small fractions of what I'm paying now.

JumboBond007 says on Feb 2, 2008, 20:33:

Note to Peter:

" a mortgage will cost you like 9% in Colombia, versus perhaps 5% in interest in Europe"

Buying property in Colombia is much cheaper than Europe anyway, so if you have enough cash, you could buy most in cash if you have to save interest rates.

If you buy typical 3-bedroomed house in England for £150,000 at 5%, you pay around £875 monthly. To pay £875 monthly in Colombia at 9%, you would need £105,000 house. CHEAPER if you buy less than £105,000.

If you have £30,000 cash, in England £120,000 at 5% = £700 monthly
In Colombia, £75,000 (£105,000 - £30,000) at 9% = only £630 monthly, thus you save £70 a month.

SO IT IS ALWAYS BEST TO HAVE ENOUGH CASH to buy property.

Ctg Bound says on Feb 3, 2008, 04:33:

Note to Peter as well:

" a mortgage will cost you like 9% in Colombia"

Mortgage rates are more like 16% in Colombia.

Patico says on Feb 3, 2008, 13:01:

Thanks everyone for your very useful comments.

Yes, we know that we need to work out the practical side of it and we're actually planning on starting our own architects' office rather than getting employed. It would be probably easier and we would like to think that we also have enough experience in the business to do it.

About buying a house, etc. we know that buying in Colombia is going to be a lot cheaper than buying here. Even with lower interest rates here, prices are ridiculous! added to all the taxes that we pay every month out of our salaries.

If you have any more comments on your experiences, please do write!

Thanks a lot again

p/s nice to know that most of the comments so far have been on the positive side!

curramberochris says on Feb 3, 2008, 18:22:

I am Manx, have lived in Colombia 4 years and now my g/f is expecting. So we now have to decide whether if it worth moving back to the Uk or staying in Barranquilla. Not surre which would be the best yet?????