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What's all the fuss about...

You see a lot of moaners on here talking about the insane bureacracy here in Colombia. Now I'm sure if you're some muppet tourist with no roots then you're probably a bit buggered, but if you find yourself with a reputable company it's easy!

Cedula - documents completed, photos taken, fee paid, half an hour of waiting at the nice DAS office in Bogota and bingo! Card arrived 4 working days later!

Bank account - documents completed, tricky questions like what's my name answered with no issues, and bingo again! Account number received and debit card received 4 working days later!

Accomodation - few weeks looking around MC and the city asking doormen and the like, and what do you know? Bingo! Nice place sorted, contract signed, no need for those nasty country references. Easy.

So really, what is all the fuss about? :)

What I've seen in the business environment however, is a completely different story however...

Sit back and watch the fun :)

By ConorC on Sep 15, 2009, 15:18 in Friendly Talkzone.

tasco66 says on Sep 15, 2009, 15:30:

Looks like another PBH myth is blown away...

The trouble with free elections is, you never know who is going to win (Leonid Brezhnev)

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utopiacowboy says on Sep 15, 2009, 20:15:

Most PBH posters can't walk and chew gum at the same time. They're challenged.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 15, 2009, 20:31:

Just wait...

And, what reputable company?

"this may seem a strange post but it is not...when in colombia men need to be aware that colombia women may try to be seductive and entice a travelling gringo to have sex with them..to be forewarned is to be forearmed..." -- pow wow

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Gator says on Sep 16, 2009, 09:09:

You just learn to live with it. When in Rome do as the Romans.

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

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ConorC says on Sep 16, 2009, 15:18:

May surprise people to know there are reputable companies out there :)

It's a multinational. And I'm on a local salary before anyone has a moan...

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pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Sep 16, 2009, 15:29:

Cedulas are now quicker for everyone, as of this year. Before that, wait time used to be measured in months, not weeks. That's nothing to do with you or how you made your application.

Bank account is now consequently easier too, since you don't have to wait months for your cedula to show up like before.

It sucks on the coast, no matter who you are. Unless you want to throw money at the problem and overpay for things, anything on the coast is a clusterf--k. Bogota is a bit easier.

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luce says on Sep 17, 2009, 05:56:

Glad to hear your good experiences! I also encountered smooth sailing with many things. When we bought a house with my parents the entire transaction was complete within 3 days. When I went with my son to get his Cedula we were done within 2 hours (though I should my uncle got in line for us verrry early and also we don't even plan on picking it up until the next trip.) The same when we went to get his Colombian passport - in our hands within 1 hour. Same when I got the cell phone set up (I had previously gotten the impression this would be more difficult). In general I encountered ZERO problems. But long lines at the bank... now that's another story.

Loyal to both.

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