Big news out of Reuters. Colombia is going to change a big chunk of its foreign debt to peso-denominated, presumedly to bank off of the peso's strength. Frankly, I'm a little suprised they haven't already done this. With the peso's consistent strength for the last 5 years (about 10% gain per year) they could have really taken advantage of this. Not to mention the fact that denominating your debt in your own currency helps to avoid external shocks ala asian financial crisis. This, combine ...
Quite a bit of discussion about official rates on the board, but has anyone noticed the fluctuation of the spread between the exchange houses and the official? I noticed last year around September, the exchange houses were selling dollars at about a 10% discount to the official rate. Until about a month ago this spread changed to only .5% off the official. Now, it has lengthened to 2.5%. rate last september: 2100/$ houses selling dollars for 1890 rate today: 1752 houses selling for 1710 ...
Anyone have any experience with income taxes as they relate to real estate, specifically rental real estate? Can you deduct depreciation/maintenance/administration as in the US? Personal Income taxes are flat rate of 35% right? ...
US inflation soared in Jan, even the ex-food/energy rate. This combined with the horrible housing numbers we got on Monday/Tuesday is going to make the peso freekin' superman (very strong) in the next couple of weeks. That 180 million worth of put options the Col Central Bank sold last week...they're gonna lose some money. Granted, they'll just sell more options to roll it over, but to cover the loss on these they'll have to sell many more contracts or dig into the reserve. Yesterday's r ...
What do ya think? McCain strikes me as one of the few honest and genuine people in Washington, though he may just be better at hiding his own skeletons. I tend to lean conservative, so that's part of it, but he's also quite independent and seems unafraid to stand up against his own party for an issue he feels is right. Although, it scares the chit out of me to think he'll keep us in Iraq and run up the deficit uncontrollably. I'd actually be fine with Obama as well. He's come out moderately ...
English school in Laureles for sale. I’ve received a couple of job offers and will be returning to the states in a couple of months. I am selling the school and all assets. The school is located in Laureles on calle 35 just south of the Don Quijote glorieta. This is a great part of town, with everything close. It has everything Poblado has but doesn’t cost as much. The school currently has 40 students, and brings in about 2,500,000 per month. I just started the school in October, but hav ...
Maybe Chavez isn't so crazy, after all, you've got to be at least halfway intelligent to fool that many people into electing you president. He won't be pres. for ever, and will need something to do afterward. My theory is, that he is using the international forum to make a reputation for himself. When he leaves office, he's planning on opening a used car lot called, "Crazy Hugo's Used Cars." The commercials would be great, with Crazy Hugo screaming into the camara things like, "prices sooooo ...
Everyone has their own views on how a country should be run and who are "the bad guys". Whether you're a socialist fighting the imperialists, a capatilist against the liberals. or a mujadeen fighting the great satan, you have your opinion and your welcome to it. I respect that. What I can't stand, is the political hypocrisy that is so en vogue now days with many nations and leaders. For example, from a report on the recent meeting of latin american nations at the new Bank of the South meetin ...
Anyone have any experience in trying to find a job other than teaching English? How well were you recieved? Any suggestions how to get a foot in the door somewhere? Anyone ever try the employment agencies?
I know the pay is pretty crappy, but not really a problem. It'll be nice to have a job and get back into doing what I enjoy. I've taught english before but really not what I enjoy doing and definately not what I got my Master's in. I've been here (Medellin) for a little over 6 m ...
Are reporting requirements for wire transfers of less than 10,000 any less than the big transfers? I know there are a few forms and requirements to transfer large sums. Anyone tried transferring smaller sums?
joe. ...
Well so much for the hope that last week´s market scare would induce a flight to quality and we would see the peso/dollar back at higher levels (good for those of us still living off of our dollar investments), with S&P upgrading Colombian bonds this week look for the Peso to strengthen even more. Also, how long will the Central Bank be able to keep up its frenzied purchase of dollars to keep the peso week(bought something like 3 billion last year)? Stack that up against the relative performanc ...
In the process of looking for a job and was told I need to have my university degrees recognized by the Minister of Education. Anyone had any experience with this? Any tips on speeding up the process? I was told it usually takes a few months.
Thanks for the input,
joe. ...
Eafit here in Medellin requires verification of health insurance for admissions. I searched PBH but the cheapest I found was a poster quoting $80 per month. Anyone got a line on anything cheaper. Only need it to get through admissions, so the bare minimum works.
Thanks,
joe. ...
I want to get a tv to my apartment in Medellin. Anyone flying in soon? I would pay any extra baggage fees and pick you up at the airport. Don't bother responding if you've just signed onto this site, I want to be able to verify your identity.
If anybody's got a better idea for shipping, let me know. DHL/Fedex are too expensive and USPS won't get here until the second coming of Christ (if at all).
thanks,
joe. ...
Hey all, just got in to Medellin for the big move a few days ago. I'm looking for a Queen-size mattress and a decent tv. Any for sale? Any ideas on the best places to buy?
Also, it will be a while before all my visa stuff goes through, so anyone got any suggestions on prepago cellphones? I've heard Comcel is the way to go.
thanks,
joe. ...
O.k., not enough bandwith in Medellin for Vonage and SunRocket/Skype don't offer numbers for my area code in the states. Anyone know of another internet phone provider that offers call in options? Voipbusters looks nice but I think they only offer callout, not callin and voicemail.
Also, I've heard some people talking about fees for Intl. calls for Skype. If you have a skype number, say from the 515 area code, and make a call to that area shouldn't the call be free (even though y ...
Anyone had any experience with entering Colombia without a departure ticket?
I had planned on applying for some type of visa while in Colombia and don't know when I will need to leave/reenter so I bought a one way. I guess I could just by another ticket from Medellin to Quito with open dates. Is it going to be a big mess if I can't show a departure ticket at the airport? Last time, they didn't even ask to see it.
joe. ...
The posts about using official documents abroad (for work, citizenship, etc.) speak of getting the documents apostilled. Is this the same as notarized, or will I need something in addition?
Thanks,
joe. ...
I'm looking for an apartment, shared or full, beginning Dec 5th through at least February but probably longer. I've talked to the usual suspects and there are a few that look good, but I thought I would see if anyone's got any ideas.
Nothing too fancy. Internet would be nice, but not altogether necessary. I know what the fair rate is so please don't respond with higher that $400 per month shared or $550 for the whole apartment unless there are special circumstances. Poblado would ...
Hey all,
Getting ready for the move in December and looking at apartments. One of the frequent posters on this site (I won't mention who in case the replies aren't favorable) has a place on Calle Argentina close to Calle Oriental (about 5 min. walk from Plaza de Botero). The price is good but I'm a little reluctant to live in the city (Obviously, don't want to have to be looking over my shoulder if I'm out past 9pm). Anyone have any feedback about the safety in this specific area? Right ...
Does the Colombian Govt. allow deductions for depreciation of real estate on taxes?
Are there any other benefits to ownership over rent? Obviously with buying (the only alternative with mortgage rates up around 12%) you don't get the benefits of leverage or deducting interest as is the case in the States.
If there is no real effect on taxes by owning, why not just keep your money in reasonably safe investments. Do you think property value appreciation would be mor ...
Which certification is more valuable/popular in Colombia, the TEFL or CELTA (or does it really seem to matter)? Also, does it seem to matter much that you completed the course in Colombia or another country?
Bridge-Linguatec offers an online course. This would be nice because I could get the certification done without having to quit work yet, but what will be the response from schools? Anyone have any experience with how the online programs are looked upon?
Last qu ...
Have always wondered, what do you call a girlfriend? I've peeved girls off by calling them amiga, and accidently misled others' by calling them novia. I've heard from some that novia implied 'fiancee', so obviously that's a little strong. Any middle ground?
joe. ...
Have heard a lot of people talk about getting a huge discount in the asking price on a house for paying cash. Anyone know about how much this usually runs? Also, what's the usual "negotiating" markup they usually put on real estate?
Thanks.
joe. ...
O.k., two parts.
One, anyone know of forums like this one but for other countries? A Poorbuthappy Venezuela perhaps?
Two, what is the standard/cost of living like in Venezuela relative to Colombia? The Venezuelan Bolivar has lost about 66% of its value against the dollar over the last few years. This in contrast with the strenthening currencies of most of the countries in the region. Of course, with Chavez driving off foreign investment the 10-year economic forecast for th ...
Hey all, it's been awhile since I checked out the site. Looks like everyone is still here for the most part.
Anyway, I started a charity a few months ago and am looking for a paid representative there in Latin America. The details of the position are too lengthy to post here, but can be discussed more later. Anyone here is welcome to apply, but what I am looking for is any ideas or help PBH'ers might have in setting up the position.
About the organization(you'll al ...
Just read the news report about Pineda and Arias being forced out of the elections. The U.S. State Department denies any influence but I think we all know better. Guess someone should apologize for our track record of "promoting" democracy abroad 'cause we know the govt. won't apologize.
Anyway, question for the more experienced expats in Colombia and Colombianos on the board. What are your views on the paramilitaries and specifically the politicos backed by the para groups? Are ...
Ok, most of you are probably saying, "Des...where?". Yeah, it's nowhere's ville here in Iowa. Juanes cancelled his concert last Friday for a "sore throat". Sucks because we RARELY get any latin music talent here, let alone someone really good.
Well, going to Medellin next month, but I won't like it. O.k., I'll like it but I'm swearing off the dude's music for a month.
Ah well, at least "Tigres del Norte" will still play here (sarcasm really doesn't come across on ...
Anyone know of a site on the internet that broadcasts news of Colombia or South America in general?
thanks,
joe.
Looking for someplace in Medellin that I can call the states for cheap. I am the Executive Director of a charity and would like to be able to answer phone mail while I am in Medellin in April. Landlines tend to be poor quality reception, and I would rather not have to pay by the minute with phone cards. So if anyone knows a place that has a VOIP connection I could use(for a flat fee or inexpensive per minute) I would appreciate it.
Thanks,
joe. ...
Need a place in Medellin between March 30-April 10th. Own room and must have hot water, also must be in safe neighborhood. Thanks, joe.
Planning on being in Medellin for week of 14th-22nd January for a spanish immersion program, and am looking for a room. I'm 28, responsible financial analyst here in Iowa. I've been to Cali, but never Medellin so something with access to transportation routes and in a good neighborhood would be nice.
Email here or to jhogue99 at hotmail.com
thanks,
joe. ...
Ever since returning from my vacation in Cali and seeing how nicely someone can live on so little I have been trying to think of ways to go back and live there. I'd have a little over a grand coming in each month from investments, but have been looking into ways to make about another thousand or so to live really nicely. Anyone ever check out any of these work-from-home jobs? A few pay hourly wages that wouldn't be much in the states but with a Vonage line one could work from Colombia and be mak ...
Hey everyone, I was looking into living in Colombia for awhile and came across something that said foreigners had to pay income tax of around 35%. Is this true? Is the tax system for residents progressive like here in the states or do they pay a flat rate also. I know a lot of people, residents & foreign, work off the books and obviously don't report for taxes. Do a lot of companies offer an 'under the table wage' to avoid paying taxes? Any thoughts? Thanks.
joe. ...
Planning on taking a 3-week vacation in July and would like to take spanish lessons in Cali. Anyone know a GOOD/credible school or teacher. I haven't had much luck on the internet(I've found one school in Bogota). Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks. jh. ...
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