elk has left 353 comments

elk comments on DAS Office Bank Change from GNB Sudameris?

DAS Changes: Cedula Temporal o Residente DAS is asking for 3x4 CM photos on a blue background with a mate finish. (I'm assuming this is 3 CM wide) DAS will need four photos each unless this is a renewal in which case they require only two each. Last year it was 3x3 CM at least for me. You don't need another blood test unless your blood type has changed since your last renewal. A copy of your old test should work. Medellin's office is open Monday thru Thursday 7:30 AM a 11:AM and 2:00 PM a 4:00PM

elk comments on DAS Office Bank Change from GNB Sudameris?

I just returned after spending the morning at DAS here in Medellin....and several branches of Banco de Bogota. I'm on my third pensionado visa renewal. Your no longer allowed to enter DAS with your motorcycle helment. The guard at DAS security entrance will direct you to a location where it can be stored. (for a fee) I waited 45 minutes just to get the instruction form relating to the new requirements. This was my worst experience thus far with DAS. I attempted to get a list of the Banco de Colombia banks where I could pay the 137,100 COP fee with negative results. The lady at the information desk wasn't interested in helping. I drove to the nearest Banco de Bogata branch and was told to make my deposit at another branch at Mayorista. This branch then directed me to another location within the Mayorista complex which was a small office with two young females working at their respective stations. (cajas) I wanted to make certain the deposits were made properly and ask for assistance. They both declined to answer any questions which may be bank policy. There was small desk within the bank, but no deposits forms. I had however brought my own from a previous bank. The two young employees seem to enjoy my frustration ...sharing many grins of pleasure. Directions: Enter Mayorista and don't stop at the main Banco de Bogota branch...continue about three hundred yards to "row" number five and turn right. It appears to be a very strange place for making a DAS deposit. If there are a lot of vegetable trucks parked in the area they could be blocking the view of the bank. It's located between the papayas, papas and tomatoes. :) Good luck

elk comments on Is Travel safe for Gringos between Medellin and Bolivar?

I just returned from Bolivar. I ride my moto to the area on a regular basis and have never experienced problems. According to the local police and military, Bolivar is safe but traveling to remote areas outside of Bolivar isn't recommended. Medellin to Bolivar takes two hours by moto and a bit longer by car or bus and the roads are good. The only dangers would come from the crazy drivers..both cars and buses. I really enjoyed my visit to Bolivar and the scenery is fantastic as is the city.

elk comments on lodp

Driving from the U.S. to Panama: You will have problems driving a car through Central America unless you have clear title for the vehicle, meaning no liens on the title. You might try obtaining a document from the lien holder allowing you to take the vehicle out of the country. Even with such a document you will experience many problems at the border crossings, especially Hondurans. Registering the vehicle in Panama without a clear title will be almost impossible unless your able to find a corrupt aduana agent.

elk comments on

I pay 250,000 COP each year and everything is handled by courier from Medellin. Having a retirement from the Social Security system makes the process very easy.

elk comments on Today another downturn for the dollar?

La_Huella - I agree "Hyperinflation" will be one of the many problems facing the U.S. I won't be relying on my U.S. pension being worth much here in Colombia once we get the printing presses up and running at warp speed. Even China is taking a second look at their U.S. loans. Hillary's begging had little effect during her recent visit to China. Like Jim Rogers, most of my funds are out of U.S. dollars. I'm hoping the banks here in Colombia remain strong and secure, but that's another gamble. At least Colombian banks require a person to qualify for a loan in contrast to the U.S. banking system.

elk comments on Tax liablities for letting Colombian Bank account go over 80 million pesos?

Cost of living in Colombia: I've been living in the Medellin area for the last 33 months and spend 1,700,000 COP per month. ($711.00 USD) I own my home and the above amount includes everything excluding my trips back to the U.S. on occasion. One could add another $300 for rent. In my experience living in Colombia is a bargain compared to other countries in Central America or the U.S. and the weather is a lot better. I have lived in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama and I'm happy to be in Medellin.

elk comments on Tax liablities for letting Colombian Bank account go over 80 million pesos?

I received the following information from a local accountant here in Medellin. I'm not recommending anyone, just sharing my information. According to Mr. Cardona the Patrimonial tax declaration is required if your combined assets exceed 93,000,000 COP during the tax year. Leon Cardona Arenas Cell: 313-748-3638 Office: 373-2586 (Itaquii) 1) You are required to pay tax on interest paid by Colombian banks and other institutions if the amount of earned interest exceeds 23,000 COP during the tax year. 2) The multa for failing to file the DIAN Patrimonial tax declaration is 220,000 COP 3) Mr. Cardona’s fee for filing the declaration is 200,000 COP. 4) The tax year runs from January through December and your declaration is filed in May. 5) The declaration is required for assets exceeding 93,000,000 COP. This includes bank accounts, furniture, vehicles, real estate etc. This amount has and can change from year to year.

elk comments on US worldwide Taxes

Correction: You are required to file if the amount exceeds $10,000 during calender year. IR-2008-79, June 17, 2008 WASHINGTON –– The Internal Revenue Service today reminded U.S. persons who have bank and other financial accounts in a foreign country that they may be required to report those accounts to the U.S. Department of Treasury by the June 30 deadline. With globalization, more people in the U.S. have foreign financial accounts. There is nothing improper about setting up or maintaining such accounts. Still, IRS officials are concerned that U.S. persons may overlook that their accounts are large enough to trigger reporting obligations. “There are responsibilities that go along with owning such foreign bank and financial accounts,” said IRS Commissioner Doug Shulman. “Foreign account owners must remember that they may have to report their accounts to the government, even if the accounts do not generate any taxable income.” Since 2000, the number of Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR) forms received by the Treasury has increased by nearly 85 percent, from 174,528 in 2000 to 322,414 in 2007. Despite this significant increase in filings, concern remains about the degree of reporting compliance for those who are required to file. U.S. persons are required to file a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FBAR), Form TD F 90-22.1, each year if they have a financial interest in or signature authority or other authority over any financial accounts, including bank, securities or other types of financial accounts, in a foreign country, if the aggregate value of these financial accounts exceeds $10,000 at any time during the calendar year. The 2007 FBAR form is due June 30, 2008. The FBAR is not an income tax return and should not be mailed with any income tax returns. The FBAR must be filed on or before June 30 of the following year to: U.S. Department of the Treasury, P.O. Box 32621, Detroit, MI 48232-0621. Unlike with federal income tax returns, requests for an extension of time to file an FBAR are not granted. Civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with the FBAR filing requirements are severe. Civil penalties for a non-willful violation can range up to $10,000 per violation. Civil penalties for a willful violation can range up to the greater of $100,000 or 50 percent of the amount in the account at the time of the violation. Criminal penalties for violating the FBAR requirements while also violating certain other laws can range up to a $500,000 fine or 10 years imprisonment or both. Civil and criminal penalties may be imposed together. If you learn you were required to file FBARs for earlier years, you should file the delinquent FBAR reports and attach a statement explaining why the reports are filed late. No penalty will be asserted if IRS determines that the late filings were due to reasonable cause. Keep copies, for your record, of what you send. FBAR information returns for the 2007 calendar year must be filed with the U.S. Department of Treasury, P.O. Box 32621, Detroit, Mich., 48232-0621. The address for commercial delivery is: Correction: Filing required if your Colombia accounts $10,000 U.S. Department of Treasury, Currency Transaction Reporting, 985 Michigan Avenue, Detroit, Mich., 48226. The FBAR form is not available for electronic filing, but many income tax software packages can prepare a printed copy. FBAR forms and instructions are also available on this Web site or the FinCen Web site, and by calling 1-800-829-3676. Taxpayers who need assistance completing Form TD F 90-22.1 can contact the IRS by telephone at 1-800-800-2877, option 2, or via email at FBARquestions at irs.gov.

elk comments on US worldwide Taxes

Shared account information: I ask this question of a person that works with DIAN here in Medellin. He told me financial information is shared with the U.S. upon request. He works with computer systems for DIAN. As a U.S. citizen living in Colombia you are required to file with the U.S. government each year reporting all financial accounts held in Colombia....declaring highest balance of your accounts during the year.... converted to a dollars using the exchange rate on December 31st. of the reporting year. This document isn't mailed to the IRS, however IRS has access to the information. Your earned interest from Colombian banks are reported using the standard IRS forms.

elk comments on Average COP-USD rate exchange in 2008

The exchange rate was 1.02 COP to the dollar in 1932. Dic 1/1932 $ 1,02 Ene 1/1933 $ 1,02 Feb 1/1933 $ 1,02

elk comments on Average COP-USD rate exchange in 2008

You can get the daily rates at Bancolombia for the full year or prior years. click on historico, excel o pantalla. Simply select the dates that interest you. You go back several years or a few days. I personally download to my excel program. http://investigaciones.bancolombia.com/InvEconomicas/Cotizaciones/Monedas.aspx?C=B

elk comments on buying in medellin

Warning: Be careful when purchasing from large developers, who require 30% down and deliver your apartment in six months to three years. They are having financial problems at the moment and you could lose your total investment/money. This is currently happening in Sabaneta with a very large developer. I could mention the company name, but I don't want or need problems. I know of two foreigners here in Sabaneta dealing with this situation at the moment. Being the largest and most successful company in an area doesn't guarantee financial security for the buyer. The company offers substantial discounts if you pay 100% in advance and don't mind waiting for a period of time. In the end you might receive nothing in return. I'm not sure if this is happening in other areas, but investigate before making the deposit.

elk comments on Filing Taxes while Working in Colombia

Take a look at TAXACT online. I have used them for the past two years here in Colombia. Don't forget to declare any foreign bank accounts when filing. https://www.taxactonline.com/s_online_tax2007/index.asp

elk comments on Citibank, Cash withdrawal UPDATE!

Davivienda had a max of 500,000 COP per transaction. It has been decreased to 400,000 COP per transaction. My Etrade card has a limit of $1,000 USD per day. The limit, I think, depends on your bank. The amount per transaction is determined by the ATM machine owner, BBVA, Bancolombia, Davivienda. I normally do five transactions to receive 2,000,000 COP

elk comments on

Esteban Rada - Lawyer Co. Take a look at some of Esteban's posts and comments. He has investigated many questions at the request of PBH members without receiving a fee. I have never used his services, but he has answered many questions and provided valuable information without asking for a fee. He has been more than happy to respond to emails as well. I would personally like to thank Esteban Rada - Lawyer Co for his contributions to the PBH members. If you want to know his fees then simply take the time to ask. Like a plumber in the U.S. the price may depend on the age of the toilet.

elk comments on Dollar at 2350 to the peso !

It really doesn't matter if we have a strong dollar or not. (Obama owns the printing press) Obama will be putting a "chicken in every pot". I no longer pay taxes in the U.S. and the $1,000 tax credit Obama will be giving me each year will be greatly appreciated. Spread the wealth....please.

elk comments on Cedula good for 40 plus years

bump

elk comments on Full coverage insurance in Colombia? for a honda 600rr?

Mranderson.... I ride in Medellin also, probably not a good idea with the crazy drivers, but the bike handles nicely. I really enjoy riding in the country south of Medellin. It has plenty of power for passing with or without a passenger. I rarely exceed 80 KPH and it handles the curves perfectly. Be sure and purchase the skid plate and tank protector if you ride in Colombia. I dropped mine on a remote gravel/dirt road with minor damage.

elk comments on I called BanColombia today to see why they haven't returned my 18 grand.

Sorry...It should read form #4 and #11. The funds for the original purchase came from the U.S. He had purchased the apartment using form #5. I suspect he may have problems when he returns to Medellin to visit friends. I'm not sure how DIAN tracks sales and funds wired back to the U.S.

elk comments on I called BanColombia today to see why they haven't returned my 18 grand.

The rules are always changing. I know a Gringo who recently sold his apartment for 200,000,000 COP using form #5. I told him he would have a problem returning the funds to the U.S. since had failed to use form #5 and #11. He simply opened an account with Citibank here in Medellin and wired the total amount back to the U.S. without problems. Everyone will have a different experience...Welcome to Colombia.

elk comments on Flights to Costa Rica are half the price of flights to colombia....

I also lived in Costa Rica before Colombia. The flight might be cheap, but the in country prices will more than make up for the total trip cost. Colombia is a bargain....

elk comments on Full coverage insurance in Colombia? for a honda 600rr?

Mranderson...I agree with you. I've been told my V-Strom is not likely to be stolen. I suggest using a "disk lock" for added protection. They don't seem to be a common item here in Medellin. I usually ride in the country and stay with my bike.

elk comments on Full coverage insurance in Colombia? for a honda 600rr?

I have a 2008 V-Strom 650.... Liability insurance, SOAT, is required here in Colombia and it's the first thing they ask for when your stopped. Don't ride without the mandatory liability insurance. Mine costs 275,000 COP per year. You can get additional insurance, but it's expensive. Additional liability which included theft cost me 1,590,000 COP per year. ($688.00) You can double this amount for full coverage. My insurance company notified me after six months they had made a mistake and had given me a 50% discount in error and ask for another 1,590,000 COP or the policy would be canceled. ( I didn't respond and the policy was in fact canceled) I decided to stay with the required SOAT insurance and take my chances. I can only imagine the problems of collecting from this company in the event of an accident or claim. You will never know if your with a good insurance company until you make a claim.

elk comments on

I made the flight from Dallas, MIA, MDE last week with 55 minutes to change planes in Miami. It will depend on the arriving and departure gates. Miami has made recent changes and my gates were within two minutes of each other. He will be cutting it close....

elk comments on Visa question

You need to renew your pensionado visa each and every year along with a new cedula from DAS. I have the pensionado visa along with several other members of this board. DAS has never ask about a return ticket, they are only concerned with issuing the new cedula, good for one year, based on your visa from MRE. I live in Medellin and handle the renewal using a contact in Bogotá. (I use Deprisa which has been reliable)

elk comments on Home security in Bogota Colombia

Webmanco: It does happen and more often than you might think. I can speak from experience. We have had two armed forced entries into my building during the last two years. The security guard and occupants were bound and held hostage during both robberies. On another occasion, I had a man beating on my door late at night. I called the security guard, and waited for him to respond. Watching through the "peep hole" in my security door, I could see the guard exit the elevator, but he was afraid to approach the man. I really don't blame the guard since he was unarmed. I agree there are many simple burglaries.

elk comments on Home security in Bogota Colombia

What will the security guard do when he responds to your call for assistance? Probably nothing unless he is armed and willing to risk his life. He may however call the police for you. Armed men entering your apartment probably don't care if you have an alarm or not. They would rather have you present during the robbery. Entering your home to steal a television is another story and an alarm might be a benefit. I personally installed a security door. They are expensive, 2,500,000 COP, but at least you can sleep without worrying about the bad guys forcing their way into your home.

elk comments on Have to apply for my pension visa in 2/09. But my Passport expires 7/09. How will this complicate?

Facts: 1) You may apply for a U.S. passport at any time, regardless of the expiration date of your current passport. 2) U.S. passports issued in Colombia are printed in the United States and require 10 calendar days for processing 3) You may request certified letter of benefits by sending a fax to Bogota. They may however require that you register your Colombian address at the Embassy in person. You can still have your benefits deposited to a U.S. Bank rather than a Colombian bank. Important Information about U.S. Passports U.S. citizens must hold a valid, unexpired U.S. passport to travel from Colombia to the United States, even if they also hold a Colombian passport. If your U.S. passport is expired, you will have to apply for a new one before you can travel to the United States. The Embassy can no longer extend the expiration date on your previous passport. U.S. passports issued in Colombia are printed in the United States and require 10 calendar days for processing. In cases in which there are questions about the applicant's eligibility for a passport, issuance may take even longer. To avoid delaying your return to the United States, you are urged to obtain your passport before traveling to Colombia, if possible. You may apply for a U.S. passport at any time, regardless of the expiration date of your current passport. For instructions on how to apply within the United States, please visit http://travel.state.gov/. For more information on entry and exit requirements for Colombia, please see the Department of State's Country Specific Information. Contacting the Federal Benefits Specialist By email or fax: Our federal benefits specialist can be reached by email at FBUBogota at state.gov or by fax at (1) 315-2196. Email and fax inquiries are answered by the next business day. For those without access to email or fax, you may contact our federal benefits specialist by phone from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon, Monday through Thursday, except Colombian and U.S. holidays. The number is (1) 315-0811, extension 2422. Due to the high volume of calls, you may find it difficult to contact us by phone, and for this reason we encourage you to rely on email or fax communication instead. http://bogota.usembassy.gov/service/federal-benefits.html

elk comments on Have to apply for my pension visa in 2/09. But my Passport expires 7/09. How will this complicate?

What type of retirement do you have, social security? If so send a fax for your benefits letter. This will save you a trip to the U.S. Embassy. They won't ask anything about your passport expiration date. Last July I faxed an old copy of my benefits letter which they had issued in 2007. They simply re-typed the same information onto a new form and sent me a new certified copy via deprisa. My total cost was 2,500 COP for the fax.

elk comments on Have to apply for my pension visa in 2/09. But my Passport expires 7/09. How will this complicate?

I'm also living in Colombia on a pensionado visa. If your receiving social security benefits the Embassy will simply mail you the required document in less than a week. (they actually paid for the deprisa shipping fee in my case) I sent my letter and passport to Bogota and had a friend make the trip to MRE for the visa. I had everything completed with four days. (I paid 250,000 COP which was much cheaper than flying to Bogotá. Why not try renewing your visa in January which will give you six months on your passport.

elk comments on Gun Laws

Gator: Thanks for the details! I'm going to have to take another look at my police officer friend and his opinions. I did ask him what he would do if he found an unlicensed weapon on a person. He said it would simply be confiscated by the police and nothing would happen to the owner. I prefer not to take chances however...and follow the law. Thanks

elk comments on Gun Laws

Ctg Bound Thanks, I will have to do some further research on the subject. I met a taxi driver last week who lived in the U.S. He was showing me his new automatic weapon which according him cost around $4,000 USD with the license here in Medellin. Do you have any idea what a license would cost?

elk comments on Gun Laws

I was told by the local police that a personal handgun could not be imported...period. They can however be purchased here in Colombia, but this very expensive.

elk comments on Self defense laws in Colombia

Why jump on Corporalgator? He is simply asking an important question. Colombian law is very different from the U.S. when it comes to crime. I would rather get my information from locals with personal experience and law enforcement here in Colombia. The following information comes from a police friend with twenty years of experience working here in Medellin. You can believe it or not. I personally found it unbelievable at first. 1) Robbing someone in the U.S. with a gun is a serious felony. Robbing someone in Colombia with a gun is less serious and depends on the amount of money or property taken during the robbery rather than the choice of weapons. 2) Example: Your sitting in a friends bar and the robber enters with a gun and takes 15,000 COP from the owner. You given the opportunity assault the robber and inflect serious injury. Who has the problem you or the robber? ( You) You might find yourself paying for his medical expenses and wages until he recovers. I was told by several locals including the police to leave the area ASAP to avoid legal problems. This seems to be the opinion of many locals. Their advice is never get involved. 3) I ask about protecting yourself in your home during a home invasion. You have the right to use reasonable force only....and not the right to throw the ladron from your tenth story balcony or shoot the robber while he is simply holding a knife. I find it very different from the U.S. when calling the police and getting involved is the norm, but in Colombia becoming a witness can be very dangerous and not recommended. I think we foreigners need to learn more than just the Spanish language when living in Colombia.

elk comments on

I'm going to make this short. This kind of thing does happen in Medellin and probably all over Colombia. I think the original poster is providing valuable information and everyone should take note. I purchased a new apartment in Oct of 2006 here in Sabaneta...a very safe area according to most people I know. We had two home invasions within the first six months by the same group, one woman and two or three armed men. Occupants along with the guard were bound while the groups forced their way into three apartments during the first robbery which occurred in the afternoon. Robbers don't need the key to your apartment for entry, just a "crow bar". The female had rented an apartment in the building and knew the residents and who apparently had money. According to a police friend, who was involved in the investigation, told me they netted 60,000 COP during the first robbery. The same group returned about two months later and repeated the same forced entry and robbery, again netting a large some of money and property. Points: 1) The security guards are of little use when confronted by armed robbers. 2) Keys are not needed to enter your apartment...I have since installed a security door. 3) Bringing strangers to your apartment isn't the norm for Colombians and we should learn from the local culture. 4) Have you noticed that most Colombians don't like to get involved when a crime has been committed? I attempted to report a crime to our security guard and ask him to call the police. His reply was, it's not a good idea to get involved. Defending yourself from such criminals is another matter and different from the law and customs of the U.S. You don't have the right to kill or seriously injure the assailant during the commission of the crime and the related consequences might surprise you. This subject might be better discussed in another thread.

elk comments on Late night MDE arrival

I also have the PLUS system ATM card and have used it here in Medellin for the last two years. It works at Davivienda, ATH, and BBVA but not Bancolombia.

elk comments on What kind of short term financial instruments do you recommend in Colombia..

Just how secure are the banks in Colombia? No such thing as FDIC insurance to my knowledge. Another question, why do many Colombians avoid the Colombian banks and keep cash in their homes?

elk comments on Amnesty for repatriated undeclared capital

I wonder how this might effect the purchase of real estate in Colombia as it relates to form 4 and 11 requirement?

elk comments on ¿Simple steps for hooking up Skype?

I'm using the Logitech hand held phone with Windows Vista and it works perfectly. The instructions from Logitech and Skype are rather confusing, but the following is what finally worked for me. I had conflicts with the microphone and speakers settings until I finally found the problem. First, download and install Skype and any other software from your hand held phone. Open the menu in Skype and select Tools, options. In my case I see the option for Logitech for the microphone and speakers. Select your approiate Micro/Speakers and then save them as the default. (under Skype) Your Miro/speakers within windows will be different.

elk comments on US Dollars - Colombian Pesos

U.S. to issue new currency http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=qy8qrc&s=4

elk comments on Importing New Truck to conserve cash, bring dog and tools

You say: "Also, I want to drive down with my dog and a truckload of hand/power tools (used personal items" Driving from the U.S. to Panama isn't as easy as it might sound, especially when your driving a vehicle with a lien on the title. (loan) I have made the trip or drive seven times from the U.S. to Panama. You will be crossing seven borders to reach your final destination. Each border official has a way of extracting their piece of the pie. (Honduras is the worst in my opinion) Each country will have their own view of the law as it relates to your vehicle. Normally the title must be in your name only, without a lien holder shown on the title, but perhaps you can make a donation under the table. Bringing a number of power tools across the border will be another issue and will again require paying mordida. Plan on paying $350 to $500 in border fees to reach Panama. It may cost more in your case with the tools, dog and vehicle title. Research the requirements for bringing an animal across each border. The Aduana looks for any reason to add an additional fee for the border crossing. On a positive note, the trip is very interesting and enjoyable with the exception of the border crossings. Plan on at least 12-14 days to reach Panama.

elk comments on

Your obligation to support the immigrant(s) you aresponsoring in this affidavit of support will continue until thesponsored immigrant becomes a U.S. citizen, or can becredited with 40 qualifying quarters of work in the UnitedStates.Although 40 qualifying quarters of work (credits) generallyequate to ten years of work, in certain cases the work of aspouse or parent adds qualifying quarters. The Social SecurityAdministration can provide information on how to countqualifying quarters (credits) of work.The obligation also ends if you or the sponsored immigrantdies or if the sponsored immigrant ceases to be a lawfulpermanent resident and departs the United States. Divorcedoes not end the sponsorship obligation.

elk comments on

Yes, the I-864 can be enforced and your on the hook for 10 years unless the spouse dies or becomes a U.S. Citizen. My ex has remarried, but I'm still on the hook until October 2012. I checked with my retirement system and was advised that half of my retirement benefit could be garnished by the government. (I think its like fighting or dealing with the IRS)

elk comments on was my post nuked?

Great job, Peter.... I for one appreciate your time and effort.

elk comments on Almost there - 3 pesos to go

CTG: It's kind of like opening a box of Chocolates...you just never know what you might get!

elk comments on $US at 2005COP

Reported TRM this morning is 1,975 in the El Colombiano, yet the closing was 2,003 at the Bancolombia site. Yahoo reporting a price of 2,006 COP this morning at 7:17 AM

elk comments on one of the nicest neighborhoods in Medellin.........Santo Domingo?????

With all do respect guys! This is not "small town U.S.A." There are many places in Medellin that are not safe and this includes Santo Domingo. Why do police friends and Santo Domingo taxi drivers warn me against walking through the neighborhoods of Santo Domingo. How does going with a local protect you from robbery or kidnapping. I doubt your "local" would even report your disappearance or get involved for fear of becoming a victim himself. There is nothing wrong with visiting Santo Domingo, but don't go wondering off into the neighborhood. I enjoy Santo Domingo, but stay with shouting distance of the police and the Cable-Metro.

elk comments on one of the nicest neighborhoods in Medellin.........Santo Domingo?????

It is a very interesting area, but I suggest speaking with the local police before venturing away from the Cable-Metro. I did and was told by the police and taxi drivers the area is very dangerous for foreigners. It's however your choice....

elk comments on VISA RESIDENTE - Five years in Colombia

Resident visa based on Pensionado status: A friend of mine just applied for and received his permanent resident status based on being a Colombian "Pensionado". He has five years in country and now only needs to renew his cedula every five years. (No more trips to MRE in Bogota) He tells me the process was very easy. I have had the same experiences with MRE in Bogota. I recently completed my annual pensionado visa renewal via mail. I live in Medellin and sent all the required documents via Deprisa here in Medellin to a person in Bogota. The process was fast and saved me a trip to Bogota. If anyone would like to know a reliable contact in Bogota please contact me. Again, thanks to Art Brode and others for their help and sharing of information.