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elk has written 46 posts

FARC to train Venezuela's military

The computer files hint at the depth of Mr. Chávez's antipathy towards the U.S., which he often describes as an "empire" oppressing Latin America. According to one document, Venezuela's interior minister, Ramón Rodríguez Chacin, last November asked the FARC to train Venezuela's military in nuts-and-bolts guerrilla tactics -- including "operational tactics, explosives, ... jungle camps, ambushes, logistics, mobility" -- so that soldiers would be prepared to fight a guerrilla war if the U.S. we ...

Colombian Exports soared 48.8%

BOGOTA, April 26 (Reuters) - Colombian exports soared 48.8 percent in February compared with a year earlier, driven mainly by shipments of crude oil and products, the government statistics agency said on Saturday. Exports for the month reached $2.83 billion up from $1.9 billion registered in February 2007. Traditional exports climbed 74.5 percent and non-traditional exports rose 29.7 percent, DANE agency said in a statement. Colombia is enjoying its strongest growth in three decades -- mor ...

The Lonely Planet Guide Book

Most people who have taken guidebooks on the road realize that they're bound to contain a few inaccuracies. But did you ever consider that the guidebook's author had never even been to the place he wrote about? An Australian newspaper reported this weekend that a Lonely Planet guidebook writer named Thomas Kohnstamm has admitted to fabricating large parts of his books. The writer even copped to not having actually visited Colombia, a country he covered for the well-known guidebook publisher. ...

30 kilograms (66 pounds) of depleted uranium seized

Colombia Probes FARC Ties to Uranium Seized in Bogota (Update2) By Joshua Goodman March 27 (Bloomberg) -- Colombian authorities are investigating what the country's biggest guerrilla group planned to do with 30 kilograms (66 pounds) of depleted uranium seized in a raid on the outskirts of Bogota. General Freddy Padilla, head of Colombia's armed forces, said in a news conference yesterday that authorities were led to the buried cache by informants linked to an arms dealer named on slain ...

Kidnapping is ''harder to deal with than death

What about the other hostages? A very sad truth about hostages taken by the FARC. Come on Sr. Hugo give us your opinion..... BOGOTA -- In a second-floor window of an apartment building in Bogotá's quaint neighborhood of Usaquén, a sign proclaims: ``In my family there are 3,143 hostages.'' It's a simple but powerful reminder that Colombia's hostage crisis extends far beyond the few dozen kidnapping victims that leftist rebels want to exchange for jailed guerrillas. And a recognition ...

FARC tortures boy

Where is the world outrage? It’s time to put a bounty on the heads of the FARC drug dealers…who call themselves freedom fighters. Declare their secure jungle locations a free hunting zone and sell hunting permits to one and all. Dealing with these animals doesn’t work. It didn’t work with Pablo Escobar and it won’t work with the FARC. Free fifty hostages and they will take another one hundred and the cycle continues…. The FARC runs a very big business…drugs and kidnapping a ...

Update - Farc didn't have the boy

Washington Post Foreign Service Wednesday, January 2, 2008; Page A06 BOGOTA, Colombia, Jan. 1 -- A 3 1/2 -year-old boy whom Marxist rebels pledged to include in a hostage release that collapsed Monday is not in their hands, and has almost certainly been living in a foster care program in Bogota, Colombian officials said in interviews on Tuesday. They believe they have located the boy and are conducting DNA tests to confirm his identity. In an intricate operation overseen by Venezuela, he ...

Colombian Guitar - Giuseppe Gallo de Medellin

I had the pleasure of hearing Giuseppe Gallo play at the Molino Mall here in Medellin. He is a frequent Guitarist at the local malls and one of the most fantastic Guitarists I have ever heard. The concert is free with about 200 people in attendance. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lo6X3EQ22o ...

Death threats against Houston area man

Update on the "reasonable cause issue" discussed earlier. Dec. 10, 2007, 8:35PM Death threat made against homeowner who killed burglary suspects HOUSTON — An unknown man called in a death threat against a Houston-area man who fatally shot two suspected burglars in the back, authorities said Monday. The caller made the death threat shortly before 2 p.m. Sunday, leaving a message with the Harris County District Attorney's Public Integrity Division. The message is laced with curse word ...

Medical emergency and EPS

A friend and fellow member of the PBH board suffered a heart attack last Thursday here in Medellin. We have had a number of negative posts relating to the medical service in Colombia and I thought this might be the appropriate time to post something positive. My friend had only the EPS medical insurance. He was admitted to the emergency room at the Envigado hospital near Medellin. It took only a few minutes before his condition was evaluated by a doctor. A couple of hours later he was ...

Motorcycle Insurance

I recently purchased a new Suzuki V-Strom here in Medellin. The dealer recommended a Colombian insurance company called "Altagama LTD" On September 7th. I paid 1,159,000 COP for only civil liability which included theft. I was told my policy would be delivered to me within a week. After numerous calls week after week I finally contacted the owner of Altagama LTD. He promised the policy would be delivered to me in two weeks November 15th. Instead of receiving the policy I received a cance ...

Taxability on a foreign Pension

Esteban R. aka: lawyer co was kind enough to research this important subject. I'm posting it again for the new comers to Colombia. Medical insurance has also been researched by Esteban. Many thanks Esteban for your time spent on the above subjects. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Pensionado Income tax and general tax information. By Esteban R. Colombian lawyer Email: lawyerscolombia at yahoo.com This is a short ...

Avianca - Los Angeles, Bog, Medellin

My sister made the mistake of booking with Avianca from Los Angeles to Medellin. I have read the earlier posts about problems making connections in Bogota and I'm looking for someone with recent experience on Avianca with this particular route. All flights are booked on Avianca. She arrives at 6:00 AM in BOQ with an Avianca connecting flight 50 minutes later to Medellin. She will have checked luggage. I would assume the bags would be checked through from L.A. to Medellin, but with Avi ...

Scam IRS

Note: I received the following email from the IRS. Has anyone else received a similar email.? SCAM The Taxpayer Advocate Service is an Internal Revenue Service program that provides an independent system to ensure that tax problems, which have not been resolved through normal channels, are promptly and fairly handled. After several recalculations of your tax payments since 2005, IRS makes you eligible to receive a refund of 343.56 US Dollars. Click here to request your refund ...

Need help - Suzuki dealer in Medellin

I have been attempting to purchase a new Suzuki 650 V-Strom here in Poblado with a total cost of 22,000,000 COP with accessories. I was told it would be ready 22 August, but nothing to date. The dealer was insistent that I pay for the cycle in total before delivery, but I declined. I ask for a purchase agreement which would be the norm in the U.S. He simply gave me his business card with the price written on the back along with the their Bank Account number. Apparently Suzuki S.A. of Colombi ...

Kilo's vs pounds in Colombia

Why does two pounds, rather than 2.2046 pounds, equal one kilo in Colombia. Apparently Colombia uses a different system than other parts of the world. I spoke to doctors and teachers and all say 2.0 pounds equals one kilo and have never heard of the 2.2 conversion. I have a wager with a female friend who weighs 57 Kg or 114 pounds according her and not 125.4 pounds when computing by 2.2046. Please explain.....why is Colombia different. ...

The Colombian Pensionado Visa - Update

Subject: Applying for or renewing the Pensionado Visa in Bogota August 15th, 2007 This Update reflects my recent experience applying for and receiving the Colombian Pensionado Visa. First, the rules are not written in stone and your experience might be different than mine. You will be required to visit three government agencies during the process. Your first stop will be at the U.S. Embassy in Bogota. Again, nothing is written in stone. I was asked if I had anything showing direct dep ...

Motorcycle Insurance

I'm in the process of purchasing a V-Strom 650 Suzuki motorcycle for 20,000,000 COP. I'm looking for a reliable insurance company for full coverage. The dealer tells me they can help me, but I would like to hear from someone with a personal experience. Are most insurance companies here in Medellin reliable? ...

Colombia Peso Declines to Four-Week Low on Credit Quality Worry

By Helen Murphy July 26 (Bloomberg) -- Colombia's peso fell to its weakest in a month as investors shied away from riskier emerging-market assets amid concern that losses in U.S. subprime mortgages will mount. The peso fell 1.8 percent to 1,985.00 per dollar at 11:57 a.m. New York time. Earlier, it reached 1988.90 pesos per dollar, the weakest since it touched 1993.00 on May 27, according to the Colombian foreign-exchange electronic transactions system, known as SET-FX. ``No currency is ...

New law - Increase in health care payments by Colombian Pensionados

Jubilados/Pensionados to be paying more for health care depending on the amount of your monthly pension. It also appears the minimum monthly salary has increased to 425,000 COP per month. Colprensa-Bogotá Cerca de 684 mil pensionados del país tendrán que asumir de su bolsillo el aporte adicional en salud (0,5 por ciento) establecido en la Ley 1122 de 2007. Así lo establece un proyecto de ley radicado en el Congreso por los ministerios de la Protección Social y Hacienda en ...

Holiday in Bogata 15th

I plan to fly to Bogata on 13 Aug to renew my Pensionado visa. This will give me two days, Monday and Tuesday to complete the task. Wednesday Aug. 15th is a holiday. My question: Are offices closed on the 16th following the holiday? ...

Renewing your Pensionado Visa

I will be renewing my Pensionado visa the first part of August. This will be my first renewal and I'm wondering what the requirements will be. I now own my home here in Medellin.

Hopefully the renewal will be much easier. On the initial pensionado visa application I simply requested a letter from the U.S. Embassy stating I had a retirement pension from the U.S. social security system with no dollar amount indicated in the letter.

I would like to hear experienc ...

Airport tax - New Rules and changes in law

I just spoke with Lawyer Co. (Esteban) here in Medellin. He is still making phone calls and contacting the Medellin airport for further information regarding the airport tax. You will find the related web-site below. It would appear major changes will take place regarding items brought into Colombia. I'm still confused about a laptop computer or cell phone being taxed at the airport. It may be confusing for the aduana inspector at the airport until they get this sorted out.

I ...

New law relating to import tax

I spoke to "Lawyer Co" aka: Esteban a couple of days ago. He tells me there will be a new tax law or rules relating to items brought as baggage into Colombia. I had a couple of questions relating to camera's, and computers. He will research and then make his post. ...

Peter: Tax and your foreign Pension

Peter:

I replied to a post by Casini77 with the subject line: "Lawyer Co" with doesn't reflect the true subject. I didn't want the information to be lost and have reposted with the above subject line. I will ask Lawyer Co. to respond to this post so we are able to do a Google search for the " Foreign Pension tax"

Cassini77:

I had lunch with Lawyer Co. , Esteban Rada, yesterday here in Medellin to discuss the taxation of foreign pensions. He ...

Old Bookmark doesn't work

Peter:

This was my old bookmark for PBH which no longer works. (http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/forum/)

Others may not be aware they need to change the URL to the new site. Perhaps a link, if possible, to the new site would be helpful. Many members may think your site is still under construction as I did yesterday. ...

Where is the search function?

I just found the new PBH site, by accident.
Looks interesting...but will take time to adjust for some of us.

Congress Hires Illegal Immigrants to Write Immigration Bill

Note: IMHO the immigration bill should contain no more than four pages...

Bienvenido a los Estados Unidos!

Bem-vindo aos Estados Unidos!

Benvenuto agli Stati Uniti!

Welcome to the United States (if English is your only language)

In an attempt to break the nagging logjam over immigration, congressional leaders announced today that they were hiring illegal immigrants to write the nation's new immigra ...

Uribe asks US not to punish Colombia

The U.S. and congress in particular are making a big mistake by not allowing Colombia access to the FTA. What message are we sending to Colombia and the Colombian people? Where will Colombia go if the FTA is denied? Will Colombia be forced to join others in their hatred of the U.S. Many countries around the world have lost respect for the U.S. and our people.

Do we want China, Russia and others to establish themselves in South America. What's next Central America? We need to tak ...

Foreign pension and Colombian tax

The below information was copied from DIAN'S web-site. It appears jubilado pensions are not taxed in Colombia which I think means a pension from a foreign country would also be exempt. (excluding the 50 salarios minimos mensuales)

I hope I'm reading this correctly and would appreciate opinions.

5. Las pensiones de jubilación, invalidez, vejez, de sobrevivientes y sobre riesgos profesionales, hasta el año gravable de 1997. A partir del 1° de enero ...

The Red Hot Peso

BOGOTA, Colombia: Colombia's peso hit a seven-year high against the dollar Tuesday, as an International Monetary Fund mission arrived for talks on ways to cool off the red-hot economy.

Colombia's currency had surged 20 percent since 2004 and analysts had expected it to retreat this year. Instead, the peso has risen another 14 percent — more than any other currency in the world — as record investment continues to propel the economy.

On Tuesday the peso reached 1, ...

Strong peso is a thorny issue

The rising currency aids many Colombians. But some, such as rose exporters, feel pinched.
By Chris Kraul, Times Staff Writer
May 19, 2007

BOGOTA, COLOMBIA — The Colombian peso is on a hot streak, and that's good for national pride, consumers of luxury imports and tourists heading to Disney World. But it's a bouquet of trouble for Bogota flower grower Carlos Borrero and the rest of this nation's export-centered rose industry.

Like most growers who s ...

Gov considering Dollar accounts

Colombia considering allowing dollar accounts in Colombia. Costa Rica has used this system for years, but I'm not sure how it will effect the current problem with the escalating peso. Job loss is in Colombia is a concern for everyone and not just the Gringo's holding dollars. Hopefully we will soon see a bottom in the exchange rate.

BOGOTA -(Dow Jones)- The government is considering letting Colombians hold savings and checking accounts denominated in U.S. dollars, Financ ...

Picking a lock with a Banana

And you thought your apartment was safe.

The first clip is rather amusing, but "lock bumping" isn't. I have a very expensive security door which I thought was safe until viewing the below sites. I had reservations about posting this information, but I think most professional criminals know about "lock bumping" since it has been around for several years. In short don't spend your money on expensive doors and locks as I did, but rather look for other security options.

...

Cost of living and the current exchange rate

Many have ask questions concerning the cost of living here in Colombia vs the U.S. Personally I won't be jumping ship until it passes the 1,500 COP mark. Living in Colombia is still a bargain compared to other Central American countries in particular Costa Rica and Panama.

Hopefully the rate will stay above 2,000 COP.

In my case it presently costs me about $1,176.00 to live in Medellin. I own my home, live alone and use public transportation. I could probably li ...

The Colombian Peso Y Uribe

Note: At least the president of Colombia is aware of the problem relating the fall of the U.S. dollar. (or strength of the Peso) Perhaps we will see some positive changes as the Colombian exports are effected.

Colombia's Uribe Seeks to Stop Speculative Capital (Update1)
By Andrea Jaramillo
May 1 (Bloomberg) -- Colombian President Alvaro Uribe called on the central bank to send investors a ``clear signal'' that it plans to stop ``speculative'' capital inflows that ...

The falling dollar

It appears the dollar may suffer evern more against the Colombian peso in the short term. (or long term) It brings back memories of the 2002 tech stock crash in the U.S. Everyone was waiting for the "bottom" day after day after day....

On a positive note I'm still ahead living in Colombia even if the dollar falls to say 1,600 COP to the dollar. Buying my apartment last October makes the picture even brighter.

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The Pensionado Visa and your Colombian Tax

This may be of interest to anyone holding the Colombian Pensionado Visa. Normally we are required to have an income of approximately $1,800 USD per month to qualify for the visa and pay taxes on that amount after five years of residency in Colombia. Based on the Colombian tax schedule this amounts to a tax liability of approximately $4,968 USD per year. (23% up to 96,000,000 peso’s) Most current foreign residents are not concerned about tax liability in Colombia since they are able to hide th ...

Dollar vs Peso Exchange Rate

Note: Central bank unable to control the fall of the dollar...vs the Colombian peso.

Colombia Peso Rises to 6-Year High on Outlook on Dollar Inflows

By Andrea Jaramillo

March 12 (Bloomberg) -- Colombia's peso rose to a six-year high on expectations the sale of the nation's largest steelmaker will boost dollar inflows into the country.

Shareholders of Acerias Paz del Rio SA, including company workers and the government's Industrial P ...

Tax on foreign income

I'm curious how the below would effect someone living in Colombia as a "Pensionado". Comments please.

Foreign residents are taxed only on their Colombian-sourced income for the first four years of their stay in Colombia. On their fifth year of residence, foreign residents are taxed on their worldwide income. The income tax is determined in accordance with a progressive table, of which the highest marginal rate is 38.5%.

http://www.globalpro ...

Colombia Peso Advances to Five-Year-High

Colombia Peso Advances to Five-Year-High on Expected Inflows

By Guillermo Parra-Bernal

Dec. 19 (Bloomberg) -- Colombia's peso rose to its highest in almost five years on speculation a surge in state asset sales and corporate investment by foreign companies will foster demand for the currency next year.

The nation's benchmark fixed-rate peso bonds also rose on optimism a strengthening currency will let the central bank hold off on further interest-ra ...

The Dollar vs the Peso Rate

The current exchange rate is a killer if you happen to be buying property with U.S. dollars at the present time. Question is which way is going to move in the next two or three months?

High Against U.S. Dollar

By Helen Murphy

Nov. 9 (Bloomberg) -- Colombia's currency rose to a seven- month high as slowing inflation boosts the appeal of local currency assets, increasing inflows into South America's fourth- largest economy.

The falling Dollar

It would appear the dollar may be reaching a new low in the near future. "The behavior of the North American foreign currency during the last weeks is attributed to the entrance of foreign capital. According to analysts devaluation may contine with further expectations of more foreign capital invested in Colombia with the sale of Ecogas and the capitalization of 20% of Ecopetrol.

Perhaps December with give us breathing room with locals purchasing dollars for trips to the U.S. over ...

Where to find large shoe size in Medellin?

I would appreciate any advice on finding a size 13 EE shoe in the Medellin area. I've searched high and low with negative results. I would think Medellin would have a "Big Man's" store, but that has also proved fruitless.

Ken ...

Received my Colombian Pensionado Visa

I received my Colombian Pensionado Visa yesterday.
It was a piece of cake thanks to Art Brode and the PBH posts.

I used my social security retirement benifit as the basis for the visa. The dollar amount being received never came up. The U.S. Embassy provided me with a letter which was legalized and then presented to MRE. The Colombian people in all three offices were very helpful. I will post in detail with addresses in then next few days.

P.S. I had no d ...

Airline Security in Colombia

Latin American airports increased security on Thursday after the British authorities announced they had foiled a plot to attack aircraft heading for the United States from London's Heathrow Airport.

In Colombia, the national airline, Avianca, said it had boosted hand luggage checks, but had not changed its flight plan.

http://english.people.com.cn/200608/11/eng20060811_292162.html ...

The Colombian Pensionado Visa

The Colombian Pensionado Visa

Steps for acquiring the Colombian Pensionado Visa based on U.S. Social Security Benefits
Below are the steps for acquiring the Colombian Pensionado Visa based on individuals receiving Social Security Benefits from the U.S. Thanks to Art_Brode for his contribution of information and Patsygringo. According to Art the minim income of approximately $1,700.00 USD per month was not required, at least for him. Apparently you can obtain a certif ...

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