Top 10 Import Items for Expats/Colombians Living in Colombia

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 26, 2009, 07:30:

Peter (Moderator) (Trustee board) (Dev team) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 26, 2009, 07:30:

Elmin says on Oct 26, 2009, 07:32:

cats

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 07:33:

Ikea furniture would be perfect as most furniture items are easy-to-assemble products and already packed for shipping. =)

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 07:57:

Cats????.......

Peter, specifically which Indian spices are you referring to.....being that i have never eaten Indian food....=)

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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Elmin says on Oct 26, 2009, 08:00:

was just referring to a certain person bringing along a whole bunch of them

speaking of expensive prices, when will the wine prices go down. Its really ridiculously expensive compared to Europe

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 08:02:

now there is a good one.....cases of imported wine......and not the Chilean brands.....

now i know what you mean and who is the catlover with all those cats in Barranquilla......

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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davidyamiga says on Oct 26, 2009, 08:04:

Money?

Otra vez en casa...Cali!

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webmanco says on Oct 26, 2009, 08:07:

Pistachios.
I had not seen them here for sale.

High quality foldin bikes, they already sells them here, not all brands, but are quite expensive



Los Top 15

(vinos que se consiguen en colombia y están entre los 25 mil y 45 mil pesos)

Errazuriz, Reserva Carménère (Vino Tinto) Chile
Navarro Correas, Colección Privada Malbec (Vino Tinto) Argentina
Bodega Séptima, Malbec (Vino Tinto) Argentina
Julian Chivite, Gran Feudo Rosé (Vino Rosado) España
Etchart Privado, Torrontés (Vino Blanco) Argentina
Nieto Senetiner Brut, Pinot Noir (Vino Espumoso) Argentina
Bodegas O'Fournier Urban Uco, Cabernet Sauvignon/Tempranillo (Vino Tinto) Argentina
Sierra Cantabria, Tempranillo (Vino Tinto) España
Undurraga Aliwen, Cabernet-Carménère (Vino Tinto) Chile
Casa Lapostolle, Sauvignon Blanc (Vino Blanco) Chile
Vistalba Corte C (Vino Tinto) Argentina. Assamblage (varias cepas).
Santa Rita Vieja Reserva, Carménère (Vino Tinto) Chile
Monkey Bay, Sauvignon Blanc (Vino Blanco) Nueva Zelanda
Cline Ancient Vines, Zinfandel (Vino Tinto) Estados Unidos
Viña San Pedro Castillo Molina, Merlot (Vino Tinto) Chile

No hay extremo cierto o verdadero, porque los extremos opacan, enruedan, (lavan cerebros) verdades. Yotas

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Bill Turley (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 26, 2009, 08:07:

Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 08:11:

Bill, in Ctg you can find most of the common flavors of Smuckers jams and jellys at Carulla....including grape. Bagels would probably survive the shipping, but not sure about english muffins. When i import flour and corn tortillas, they have a 50/50 chance of survival.....shipping mexican chorizo even less. What is Gold Bond Powder?

Webmanco, are pistachios that expensive here?

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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medefockinllin says on Oct 26, 2009, 08:19:

Bill Turley - they sell English Muffins in the frozen section in Pomona. I buy them regularly.

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Bill Turley (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 26, 2009, 08:24:

Bill Turley (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 26, 2009, 08:27:

medefockinllin says on Oct 26, 2009, 08:27:

Webmanco - pistachios available in Medellin from La Mayorista

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webmanco says on Oct 26, 2009, 08:30:

How much?

No hay extremo cierto o verdadero, porque los extremos opacan, enruedan, (lavan cerebros) verdades. Yotas

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 08:58:

Kirkland pistachios from Costco and from a great State...jaja.....i sure miss shopping at Costco and Home Depot.....=(

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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theflatline says on Oct 26, 2009, 09:24:

I will give my top ten and offer alternatives where I can.


10. Shoes. You can get quality shoes in Colombia they they are twice the costs of the ones in the states. I prefer my Kenneth Coles to most except Velez.

9. Shirts and Pants. My clothes from the states tend to last longer and are a little more hardy. Express and Banana Republic. A good option in Colombia with great quality and classic design is Color Siete,

8. Quality computer parts. As a former network engineer and tech(I have been tinkering since 1982) if I do not buy off the rack(Dell) I like to thrown my boxes together myself and you just cannot get quality parts at good prices. What they do sell is low end with a pretty face on it.

7. Quality frozen food. I like to cook but it is always nice to have bag of Tyson wings, lasagnas, pot pies(marie calendar), and other things for drunk or lazy moments. The ones in Colombia leave a lot to be desired for.

6. Headache powders.

4. Tools.

3. Sales. Real sales, not fake sales. OR outlet stores like Stein Mart or TJ MAx.

2. Like Miguel said. Mexican food items. I can make my own salsas and everything I eat. But tortillas, chips, and taco shells are a no go in Colombia. They have tortilla in Manizales but they are funky.

1. Civic Education. No pushing, yelling, loud music, learning to wait in lines, and not throwing trash in the street.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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larryrn says on Oct 26, 2009, 09:29:

I would not go with TVs as you can find TVs here from LG on sale at prices pretty darn close to Walmart. Plus the LG here come with a 3 year on-site warranty - vs a TV from the US has no warranty.

Your Source for Nursing CEUs - www.RN.ORG - www.RNCE.US - www.EnfermeriaSite.com - www.Enfermeria.US

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jdixon150 says on Oct 26, 2009, 10:05:

Real Cheese

"Life is not a dress rehearsal" Rose Tremain..

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theflatline says on Oct 26, 2009, 10:45:

Yep, real cheese alright.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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vicshere says on Oct 26, 2009, 11:06:

cheaper american brand construction power tools

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Juepaje says on Oct 26, 2009, 12:42:

Laser sailboat, real maple syrup, fresh cherries, Georgia peaches, Mexican tamales-goat, pig or beef, Tootsie Rolls, Hostess pink Snow Balls, polymer Kimber 1911 double stack with two full ammo cases.

Sic enim dilexit Deus mundum ut Filium suum unigenitum daret ut omnis qui credit in eum non pereat sed habeat vitam aeternam.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 12:45:

i can get Aunt Jemimas maple syrup in Ctg....now ammo would be interesting...what is a laser sailboat?

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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Saltador says on Oct 26, 2009, 12:50:

Miguel,
He's probably talking about "real" maple syrup. Liquid gold, even in the states. Like 20.00 a pint.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 12:53:

Hmmm.....never had the "real maple syrup".....doesnt go well with mexican food.....=)...flour tortillas and maple syrup....ugh.

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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Juepaje says on Oct 26, 2009, 12:59:

Saltador,
You are right. Aunt Jemima tastes nothing like the real thing. A Laser is probaly the most popular racing boat in the US and England. It is the perfect size for two. It is bigger than a Sunfish or Starfish. They are everywhere but have not seen one here and they are kind of big to ship to Colombia and then I would have no one to race against but myself. My last 2 boxes of 9mm bullets at the Batallon cost me 187,000 COP each and now have to wait 6 months before I can buy anymore. They only allow 4 boxes per year.

Sic enim dilexit Deus mundum ut Filium suum unigenitum daret ut omnis qui credit in eum non pereat sed habeat vitam aeternam.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 13:05:

almost $93 for each box of 9mm rounds? how many rounds per box?

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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Robert Jorge says on Oct 26, 2009, 13:35:

If one could aquire smokless powder in Colombia, reloading bullets could be pretty lucrative. Hmmm

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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Gator says on Oct 26, 2009, 14:37:

Usually fifty rounds per box.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 14:40:

damn, that is expensive....glad i dont buy there......

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 14:42:

RJ is right....make your own....

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 14:42:

make special ones for the sicarios...=)

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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Robert Jorge says on Oct 26, 2009, 15:11:

I can reload for about 10 cents a round of 9mm - assuming brass is available.

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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Juepaje says on Oct 26, 2009, 15:39:

Please tell me where I can legally get gun powder and primers in Colombia. You can't even get black powder for old guns. You have to make it yourself. I can re-use my casings. Have lots of them and it is a box of 50. I asked the first time how in the hell was someone supposed to practice when it takes me about 30 to get warmed up. They just laughed.

Sic enim dilexit Deus mundum ut Filium suum unigenitum daret ut omnis qui credit in eum non pereat sed habeat vitam aeternam.

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Robert Jorge says on Oct 26, 2009, 17:19:

Good question. As far as I know, reloading powder and primers aren't available. However, dynamite and other explosives are readily available. Wierd huh?

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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theflatline says on Oct 26, 2009, 17:35:

Robert,

Can you imagine Colombian reloads for sale?

YIKES!

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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whitewidow says on Oct 26, 2009, 17:39:

san pedro cactus...... for ornamental purposes only.

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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Robert Jorge says on Oct 26, 2009, 18:07:

I'm just thinking if one could obtain the components, that might be a really good business idea. I'm sure it would be frowned on - if not illegal though. But if legal, I could set up shop and make some pesos. I already have presses and dies for .12 guage, 9mm, .40, .308, .223, .45 auto, and .38 Special. I could sell better than commercial grade ammo at half the price people pay in Colombia, and still make one hell of a profit margin. So, it must be illegal and/or impossible, or somebody would already be doing it.

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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kenblanquito says on Oct 26, 2009, 18:29:

Strong English Cheddar Cheese, Decent French Cheeses, English Real Ale, Marmite, Indian Spices, Golden Virginia Tobacco and filters to make your own cigarettes, Good Quality Junk Food (like Marks and Spencer from the UK), Non-made in China good quality kitchen gear, good quality (education) books at sensible prices, Tetley tea bags, sensibly-priced wine (Chilean wines are cheaper in the UK, how can that be justified?), double-glazed windows at affordable prices.
Getting home-sick now!

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onthemoon says on Oct 26, 2009, 19:21:

victorias´s secret lingerie, splashes, lotions, lip glosses, son caritos aqui.

Love Happens...

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 19:32:

Ammo....jajajaj.....

Hell, we talked about GIB, MES, Sapo,

we talked about how old those folkloric dancers looked....what to wear for halloween......

it gets a little hazy after that.....=)

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 19:36:

as long as we hide the fact that he is italian, we might get a pretty penny....we can sell him as a sex slave to some rich colombian cougar......one of the fat ugly ones.....=)...as long as she understands there is no refunds nor warranty.

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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onthemoon says on Oct 26, 2009, 19:42:

Ni medio peso doy yo. =P

Love Happens...

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excavator59 says on Oct 26, 2009, 19:44:

Proper back Bacon not the streaky fatty stuff that shrivels up,Marmite (you either love it or hate it),Proper Fish & Chips (Haddock preferably) Yorkshire Puddings with Roast Beef & Gravy,Digestive Biscuits,Rice Pudding in Tins,Cornish Pasties,Steak & Kidney Pies with Mushy Peas & Gravy, A proper Chinese Take away all I can think of at the mo! Just a thought PG tips tea although the Liptons is good & the Té Samoa is really good & cheap!

Life is like a Pubic Hair on a Toilet Seat (Sooner or Later you get Pissed Off)

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kenblanquito says on Oct 26, 2009, 19:57:

excavator
I will go along with the Yorkshire puddings and the decent bacon.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 20:02:

sorry but thats a little too gay for me, AT......i thought sapo wanted us for our money and gringoness.......biachhh

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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morlecoco (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 26, 2009, 20:07:

onthemoon says on Oct 26, 2009, 20:07:

gays....sorry guys, nice pictures. very pinky.

Love Happens...

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 20:07:

Maybe if we fatten him up a little, put him in gold chains, sandals with black sock, khaki shorts, and that hawaiian shirt he always wears. We can market him as El Mero Macho de Los Sapos or something. If worst comes to worst, he can star in our own Snuff Film.......we will make $$$$$ on that!!!!!!!!!!!!! The only problem with those kinds of films is there is no retakes! Gotta get it right the first time!

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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miamimike says on Oct 26, 2009, 20:11:

Webman--I wasn't aware of the fact that High Quality Folding Bikes werre a Hot Item in Col. I just bought a like new Dahon Boardwalk(reasonably high quality) last week. The Guy I bought it from had 4 and wanted $300 for all four or $75 each. Wonder what they would sell for in Bogota? Mine is just like the one in the below link only its Red with silver fenders. Rides like a dream~

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dtwright/3362586873/

No hay Peor Ciego que el que no quiere Ver o Sordo que el que no quiera Oir--Sarah Palin, Wasilla Alaska

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whitewidow says on Oct 26, 2009, 20:11:

those are some nice x-tabs sapo. they look familiar although i have not seen the real deal in years.

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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whitewidow says on Oct 26, 2009, 20:18:

your private stash, AT?

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 20:20:

he does have an identical guitar...hmmmmmm...but i am no snitch...=)

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 20:22:

damn, that is his guitar!!! OOOOPPSSSSSSSSSSSS! did i post that?????

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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Robert Jorge says on Oct 26, 2009, 20:25:

You guys got me falling off my chair laughing here in depressing Destin. Thanks!

"You can not take the barrio out of the girl you really can't." Oneforamillion

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 20:30:

Wow! Sapo is a flaggot! who would have thunk??????

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 20:32:

Just DONT ask AT to play the guitar.......You WILL regret it.....oh, and ixne on his home videos as well......NOT pretty!

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 20:35:

elSapo says on Oct 26, 2009, 20:06 (today): flag

You see? I cannot be peaceful... I flagged your comments.

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 26, 2009, 20:40:

Nobody likes a two-timing flaggot!

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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webmanco says on Oct 26, 2009, 21:02:

MiamiMike I did sent you a PM the day before you picke up your folding bike, but I guess PM were not working.

Here a couple of links

http://www.dahon.com.co/

http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/expensive-bicycles/

No hay extremo cierto o verdadero, porque los extremos opacan, enruedan, (lavan cerebros) verdades. Yotas

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christobeldawg says on Oct 26, 2009, 21:37:

fried okra, chili dawgs, tender beef, less drama[about everything}, some sense of reason, versus emotion.

traveling hopefully is always better than arriving

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La_Huella says on Oct 27, 2009, 00:01:

Who needs San Pedro when you have yagé??

You can get real maple syrup here, I've seen it at a couple Carullas. Camps, my favorite.

Unilago does carry high end components too for whatever you need and their prices are usually right in line with Fry's.

I don't know why anybody would want to eat the beef anywhere in North America compared to here. Now if you were coming from Brazil Uruguay or Argentina THEN you could bitch.

No shoe you could get in N. America matches the shoe you could get in Restrepo, and for no more than 80k as well! I have a pair of loafers I paid 48k for that will FADE any Kenneth Cole. I even had them raise the arch for my messed up feet at no charge. For shirts and pants go to a confeccionaria in Santa Rosa Sur. Tailor made shirts for maybe 15% of what you'd pay in the US, and better quality too!

The furniture dealers in 12 de octubre are cheap and can make anything to order. Their stuff also lasts for more than 5 years, unlike Ikea. Swedish meatballs are impossible to find though, you'll have to settle for the Paisa recipe which is equally yummy.

Single malt scotch and proper agave tequila are available here. Expensive though.

Wife and I tried importing some Victoria's Secret and selling it here. People were disgusted with the look and quality. We couldn't even sell it for what we paid for it. Local stuff is much better.

Good fish and chips are available here at Something Good restaurant at Cll 45 and Cra 27a. 5 lucas.

The neighborhood Marsella was mentioned here recently. In that neighborhood right off of Americas below Av Boyaca there are TONS of real cheap factory outlets. You guys didn't look very hard...

Cava De Queso (several branches) has great cheese of all kinds but also stupidly expensive.

Rice pudding in a can??? Yeccchhh... well you certainly will not find it here :P

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La_Huella says on Oct 27, 2009, 00:08:

My wish list is smaller than ever but it is down to...

HP sauce (also not available in the US, my parents bring it to me from Canada when we meet in NY)... and all the exotic teas I can get in the Russian and Chinese neighborhoods in NY. My only other food nostalgia is sometimes I get a craving for Jamaican food, although supposedly my friends here have a hookup for that now...

African black soap... the recipe is so simple, the main ingredient is plantain skins... but nowhere to be found here...

Sports clothes and shoes. I'm hoping to cross this off the list soon if I can find a tailor up to it, I don't like giving Nike my money.

anything to do with Mac... I actually hate Apple products with a passion but they are necessary in my profession...

most of my music gear, although some cables and accessories are now manufactured locally and I buy those whenever possible.

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La_Huella says on Oct 27, 2009, 00:14:

Oh, and sex toys ARE ridiculously overpriced here, as is lube, but I learned that almond oil is not only cheaper it's actually a much better alternative.

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lampltr says on Oct 27, 2009, 03:24:

Interesting post.....got my wife bringing a turkey frier back with her next week. Us guys, would have to say specialty tools, air compressor, pressure washer, and for Sapo a Bidet' to keep his butt clean jeje

La Huella, instead of paying your "cheap priced" Almond Oil, bet you can get some used palm oil for free jaja.

Bill, sincerely hope your chafing and rashes are not on the buttocks especially mixing with the heat :-o

Antithesis, great foto...I too was busting a gut on that one, you guys are nuts!

Reloads, never thought of that, great idea. Used to do the same for my 30.06 but as stated obtaining powder here would be something else, but takes one to know one....

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sandman0011 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 27, 2009, 05:12:

oneforyourmillion says on Oct 27, 2009, 07:07:

Can you imagine Colombian reloads for sale?"

JAJA yea take aim, fire...then count your fingers and see if the slide is still there and not in your head. Or make sure you do a mental check that the round actually left the barrel before cycling another one. jiji 200K is how honest people buy their bullets.

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 27, 2009, 07:10:

antithesis seems to be some leaves missing.............jiji

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pavo says on Oct 27, 2009, 07:14:

1. Beef Jerkey
2. Junior Mints
3. Bathroom Supplies
4. Clothes
5. Compressed Air in a can to clean computer
6. Batteries
7. Metamusil
8. Honey Baked Ham
9. Computer Stuff
10. Books

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La_Huella says on Oct 27, 2009, 09:06:

Compressed air you can get at Unilago...

Bathroom supplies, what could possibly be missing from here?

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 27, 2009, 09:24:

Rubber duckies?

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 27, 2009, 09:27:

pepperoni please, the real stuff. Not what they claim is pepperoni..........

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 27, 2009, 09:32:

yes VS is ery popular these days. Importing a lot of that.

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La_Huella says on Oct 27, 2009, 09:36:

That's the difference between the coast and Bogota jajajajajajajaa......

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theflatline says on Oct 27, 2009, 11:01:

La Huella,

The problem is that in the states I can hit Macy's on one of their big sales and pick up many high end articles of clothes for next to nothing. I can shop for better clothing at a lower cost in the states than in Colombia.

When I so like a particular shirt or coat I have bought in the states, I have them replicated in Colombia so I can control the material. I have been that for about 25 years now. But you need to do it in Itagui, where are the textiles are pumped out, super cheap and makes for a nice trip to Medellin.

HP Sauce has been sold in the states for AGES. Most sandwich/fish shops here in Ocala, Florida even have it.

Heinz owns the company, and the American version is similar to the Canadian version, and of course you have been able to by the Brtish one in specialty shops here for as long as I remember. And in New Orleans a restaurant I worked in in the late 1980s had it. I guess I am old.

Computer parts, until you can show me a New Egg in Colombia then I will rest my case.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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Miguel_Clavo says on Oct 27, 2009, 11:18:

oh, how can i have forgotten...i am really surprised that NOONE else has mentioned it...XL condoms!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JAJAJAJAJAJAJAJAJJA..you know, the ones with the serial numbers at the end once you unroll the entire thing? What? Never seen the Serial numbers????? Pobrecito! JAJAJAJAJAJJA

RVW orderded me to remove my tagline congratulating the PBH Mods New Golden Boys. Lame.

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theflatline says on Oct 27, 2009, 12:05:

Last time I checked you could get aspirin in Colombia.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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La_Huella says on Oct 27, 2009, 12:12:

flatline I've never seen HP in the US but I'll take your word for it...

but you've obviously never been to the outlets in Marsella OR been inside Unilago... hell.. Newegg is the most EXPENSIVE of the online vendors of computer stuff.... I can beat their prices any day in the US OR here...

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theflatline says on Oct 27, 2009, 12:20:

La Huella, where did you do most of your living in the states? I have seen i in New Orleans, San Francisco, Philadelphia, and here in Florida.

Plus, my best friend is from Rugby, and I think he has an HP homing device implanted in him. He buys it a Publix here.

New Egg might cost a little more, but they cross ship, always have things in stock, and never give you a problem exchanging stuff.

Tiger Direct always sells one off crap, refurbs, etc. I know there are plenty of other vendors online that are cheaper, but i do not paying the few the few extra dollars for the comfort of New Egg.

For years as a network engineer, I would be able to get things as a fraction of the cost because of the buying power I had. I would purchase an average of 300 new systems a month, so my personal stuff came at cost, or the vendor would throw it in.

Can I get 4 gigs of ram for 40 bucks in Unilago, Coolermasters cases, or 19 inch LCDs for 90-120, because if I can I will gladly do it.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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La_Huella says on Oct 27, 2009, 12:31:

I lived in NY the whole time but I travelled a lot.....

the only thing I haven't seen are the Coolermasters down here.

Disclaimer... if we are talking about anywhere outside of Bogota, then it is true, all those things can be hard to find and stupidly expensive...

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webmanco says on Oct 27, 2009, 12:31:

TheFlatline

Where in the USA can you get retail 4 gigs of ram for 40 USD?

Where in the USA can you get retail 19 inch LCDx for 90-120 ?

No hay extremo cierto o verdadero, porque los extremos opacan, enruedan, (lavan cerebros) verdades. Yotas

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theflatline says on Oct 27, 2009, 12:57:

Web,

Many online retailers will do specials on them for 50-60 dollars with a 10 20 dollar rebate. I do not think Colombian has rebates. I bought the 4 gigs in this box for 60 with a 20 dollar rebate from new egg.

Here is a whole page. Plus dell will throw in a killer deal on their monitors. Last week they were doing 22 inches for 100 bucks.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/ProductList.aspx?Submit=ENE&N=201019... 4017&QksAutoSuggestion=&ShowDeactivatedMark=False&Configurator=&Subcategory=20&description=&Ntk=&CFG=&SpeTabStoreType=&srchInDesc=

Another page.

http://www.pricewatch.com/browse/monitors/lcd_19in




Heck if you just need something to browse on, for the kids, or an extra desktop this is a current deal for deal.

$394 plus shipping gets you this 22" Viewsonic VA2223wm 1080p Full HD LCD monitor equipped Dell Vostro 220 Mini Tower Desktop with 2.6Ghz Intel Dual-Core E5300 processor, 2GB DDR2 SDRAM, 160GB HD, 16x DVD /-RW DL, 10/100/1000 networking, Windows 7 Home Premium, and a 1 year warranty! Expires 10/28/09.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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webmanco says on Oct 27, 2009, 13:12:

TheFlatLine, thanks for the replay.

I had bought from Newegg, Amazon, Ebay and others. Never did try the e-mail in rebate, I look for bargains and browse sites like slickdeals. Still a little more expensive in Bogotá you can get high end computer parts to built your system. It is obvious in USA there are more where to choose from, Nowdays everything is 1 click well maybe a few clicks away. The diferrence is that it would take longer to get things in Colombia plus S/H would increase the cost of everything.


http://dell.com.co/

No hay extremo cierto o verdadero, porque los extremos opacan, enruedan, (lavan cerebros) verdades. Yotas

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theflatline says on Oct 27, 2009, 13:20:

Greg,

I would think you would need to post a cost of the comparison of Aspirin in the states versus in Colombia. And is it really worth the luggage space to bring back a wal mart industrial size bottle of aspirin to save a few pesos.

Is their some reason you need tons of aspirin?

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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theflatline says on Oct 27, 2009, 15:26:

They jury is still out whether an aspirin a day lowers blood pressure.


People take it on a daily basis to prevent stroke and heart attacks because it thins the blood. This why doctors have been extolling the aspirin a day regimen for years. If you have a medium to high blood pressure issue, you need blood pressure meds. Asprin was only show in extreme cases to drop it 4-6 points, which is not much in the grand scheme of things.

However, they are finding out that an aspirin a day also increases the risk for stomach and brain bleeding, which then can cause stroke.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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La_Huella says on Oct 27, 2009, 16:30:

You know what I'm craving right now? Spam YEECHHHH jajajajaj......

But I've found that in most cases it just makes sense to go native and eat the fresh stuff.... not healthy to eat shit coming out of a can or package anyways. That's one of the reasons I moved here in the first place.

In general I find that the things I liked so much up in Canada or the US I just don't miss as much as I thought I would...

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theflatline says on Oct 27, 2009, 17:01:

Hormel Chili no Beans and Old El Paso Taco kits.

Legaleez for Complete Morons - A book for gringos in Colombia for who think they understand the nature of the law in a country where they cannot speak the language.

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sloopskipper says on Oct 27, 2009, 18:33:

sandman0011 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 27, 2009, 05:12 (today): flag
"Decent pickles...Vlassic Stackers would be wonderful;

More canned or frozen veggies (all they usually have is corn, peas and carrots, peas and beans). I'd like some canned/frozen spinach, french style green beans, honest to goodness BBQ baked beans etc...More variety overall!;

Decent Chicken salad (OK, Pomona has a decent chicken salad sandwich but they won't sell the chicken salad separately);

16-20 Ct shrimp that isn't $30.00 per pound!;

A standing rib roast or prime rib in general! I don't know where those cuts go in the local butcher shops but they do not seem to exist. I did get a Pomona butcher (who had spent some time in the US) to cut me out a few T-Bones one day but he had a hell of a time pricing them.....! A corned beef brisket!

Frenches Fat Free dressings (Ranch, Bleu Cheese, Honey Mustard, French);

Reasonably priced nuts (Almonds, Pecans, Cashews). BTW-Carulla has just released it's own brands at substantial savings over other brands....still expensive comparitively! IE: Can buy a 2 pound cannister of whole almonds at Costco for $8.99. Here 100G of almonds cost $4.00

The others (wine, cheeses, spices have all been mentioned).

I find the clothes, shoes etc to be OK if you know where to shop for bargains. Things like appliances, electronics, computers (and parts) are ridiculous. Even batteries are insanely priced (buy online in the US and get a friend to bring em to you), Just try to find decent local aluminum foil or clear plastic wrap (my friends bring it for me).

Thank goodness it is the small things I miss. The positives of living here far outweigh these minor inconveniences.
"The Journey between what you once were & who you are now becoming is where the dance of life really takes place." www.medellintravelguide.com"


I guess I’ll have to stop complaining about the things I can’t get, up here in Panamá, because the list is really trivial compared to what the folks wish for in this thread. I can easily find turkeys, hams, and cranberry sauce (jellied, or with berries)

Except to the Brit’s wish for Yorkshire Pudding (which I thought people made, rather than bought), I saw few things that aren’t readily available here in supermercados, without even going to the delis (Vlasic Pickles are readibly, but haven’t see the refrigerated ones).
.
I live on the coast (but the coast is always close in Panamá) so mariscos are a bit cheaper. I buy these headless langustinos (10-12 per pound) for $6-6.50 per pound. Caribbean lobsters are six bucks, and giant red Pacific Crabs are $3 per pound.:





A pretty nice selection of cheeses from Holland, Belgium, France, and Italy (in the SUPERMERCADO):





All the brand fashions are here, but maybe no bargains.

However, I do miss Mashalls, T.J. Maxx, and their peers. I had them in Puerto Rico.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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sloopskipper says on Oct 27, 2009, 19:08:

Yeah, Anti, all the high cholesrtol cheese I love, except LIMBURGER!

Really it is amazing, because I found myself complaining about the trivial things I couldn't get here, until I read about all that is not to be found in Colombia.

I even have a gourmet cheese shop about a block away, and another gourmet shop another block further.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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sloopskipper says on Oct 27, 2009, 19:16:

The Mercado de Mariscos is amazing, right on the pier. It's maybe like the old Fulton Fish Market, and ironically, maybe, right next to Chinatown on Canal Street(?) . I have some other fotos, I must look.

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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christobeldawg says on Oct 27, 2009, 20:38:

public golf courses. They are still in the 1950's US, on golf for regular folks.

traveling hopefully is always better than arriving

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Desi1 (Moderator) (Trustee board) says on Oct 28, 2009, 00:46:

1) Uncooked lingonberry jam for my Swedish pancakes
2a) Black juniper berries for seasoning of venison and reindeer roasts
2b) Venison and reindeer
3)Wasa whole grain rye flatbread
4) IKEA furniture stores
5) Mor Anna gingerbread cookies
6) real christmas without all that noise and blinking things
7) coffee medium roasted, not burned
9) Finnish sauna baths
10) even sidewalks

A fronte praecipitium a tergo lupi

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sandman0011 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 29, 2009, 07:44:

oneforyourmillion says on Oct 29, 2009, 07:49:

sloop where do you live? Reminds me of the seafood in Cali you could get at the market. Here in Bogota? ummm? Not impossible to find but not that fresh of course

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sloopskipper says on Oct 29, 2009, 08:42:

Yeah, sandman they are, and the last I saw any nearly that large was in Pennsylvania, probably 15 years ago at Christmastime. Price? $23US/pound.

Sorry onefor, but I'm 50 minutes away, by air from Cartagena, in Panama City.

It is a really nice market (and virtually oder-free because all is fresh off the boat). I think it was only built a few years ago.:



You can buy fresh mariscos and they will cook them to order at the second level restaurant:



View from the restaurant (that's the old city "Casco Viejo", in the background.:



Giant Pacific Red Crabs(?) 3 dollars/lb:



Langusta ($6/lb):

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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oneforyourmillion says on Oct 29, 2009, 10:18:

UMMMMM YUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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La_Huella says on Oct 29, 2009, 12:12:

That is one area where the coast kills Bogota... the seafood. Seafood in Bogota has ALWAYS been a let down for me. Generally I just avoid it.

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sloopskipper says on Oct 29, 2009, 17:12:

I sorta wonder if the lack of North American/European products on the shelves in Colombia might not a business opportunity for someone.

I would guess there might be, at least, 20% (probably more) products from north of Laredo in this tiny country (Panamá).

Without researching, I think are maybe 30-35,000 gringos and western Europeans, out of a population of about a million, just in Panama City.

The conclusion seems to be that the locals must also buying the products that are not available from local providers (or that they see advertised, or mentioned on Gringo TV [they can watch ABC, CBS, CNN, "FOX", and much other cable content]).

My supermercado (el Rey) always has pretty girls offering samples of their vendor's products.

Snyder's (of Hanover, Pennsylvania, and a former client) had a young lady last night offering Margaritas, salsa, and their white corn chips. They have maybe 10'X5, or more, shelf space in my local store, along with Duritos, and most any other brand you can think of, like Borden's Ice cream, Kraft Cheese, and much European cheese. There are a lot of importers working the Americas to hook up with.

The U.S. snack, chip, and cookie vendors must have a large, at least, 70'X5X2 shelf space, and at "least" 10 % is gringo (and even much more on the snack side).

Seems that some people think "everybody's outa step but me".

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 29, 2009, 17:16:

La_Huella says on Oct 29, 2009, 18:07:

Not talking about fish. The (river) fish here is fine. I'm talking SEAFOOD baby............

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makopp5 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 29, 2009, 19:22:

La_Huella says on Oct 29, 2009, 22:41:

Yup. No getting around it... the seafood here is ALL frozen and that ruins it.

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