M7 has left 17 comments

M7 comments on Apartment Prices - Medellin

I purchased my apartment in Medellin with www.viventanet.com they have offices in Miami and New York. They walked me through the process and everything is straight up and legal. Sure you pay a bit extra for the broker services but the peace of mind having "training wheels" throughout the process was worth it (for me). Good Luck

M7 comments on Rentista Visa/A little help from my friends

where can i check for exact reuirements to get the "rentista" visa? i checked both Los Angeles and Miami, Colombian Embassy websites and no info. what does the "rentista" visa enable to bearer to do? longer stay? acquire cedula? etc???

M7 comments on Rentista Visa/I just want to be sure...

i'm researching this also.

M7 comments on Need apt help in Medellin - rental

hey, check out www.theapartmentmedellin.com he rents out a room in his place and he also has several new apartments (furnished) that he rents for mostly short term. awesome guy, i stayed with him last year, i'm even in the "guestbook". he knows a lot of people and can pretty much point you in the right direction for just about anything.

M7 comments on usher127

Usher127, I just read your summary on getting the "investor visa". on one of the posts you said that you could recommend a good lawyer. I would be interested if you have somebody in Medellin. I accept personal messages, thanks

M7 comments on Bank Account for Gringo?

I went to PayPal website and it seems that they do not offer service (receive money/ make payment) in Colombia (pesos). I do not qualify for the Investor Visa because my investment total is much less than $100,000usd although I do plan to purchase one or two more properties. Not sure if I will qualify for a Rentista Visa (?) (what is this?)

M7 comments on Bank Account for Gringo?

Thank you for the responses: 1) i do have a trustworthy person that i could open the account in their name and use that, but i kinda wanted to do it in my name, since i plan to buy more property in the future. this option is a last resort. 2) i read about the "new" investor visas, ...they are changing the laws to encourage more foreign investment, (?) especially retirees,,, to buy and live in Colombia... but i could not find any info on this on the colombian embassy website. i cant remember where i read this... 3) PayPal -- hhmm, sounds interesting. not sure how this works, i never used paypal before? would a business be able to deposit pesos into a paypal account and i would have access here in the the us? that would be sweet. i definately want to be 100% legal and not take unnecessary risk, as far as violating "rules" go. ALSO,,, any comments on having an international bank account? such as "Total Bank" in Miami,,, i inquired with them on their website and never even got a response. not a good sign. thank you very much for the assitance.

M7 comments on Arriving in Bogota by plane - cheatsheet

overnight in Bogota i have an overnight stay in Bogota and need a clean/safe/affordable hotel. prefer near the airport, since i leave early next morning. lots of posts for hotels in "La Candelaria" area... but..is this area near the airport? thanks any help. Michael

M7 comments on Bogota - hostels and places to stay Travel Guide

overnight-near airport looking for a clean/safe hotel near the airport (medium range- not fancy and not a slum). i arrive at like 10pm and leave next morning at around 9a so not much time to play. just check in, get something to eat, maybe a drink (if bar close to hotel) then go to sleep. recomendations? the posts i see,, are listed by "barrio" -- i dont know which barrio is near the airport.. thanks.

M7 comments on Do Banks in the US finance loans for foreign property

other charges? i am also looking to purchase an apartment in Medellin. i got frustrated looking for a bank so just settled on a 5yr/personal loan for half the amount. the exchange rates are looking real sweet at the moment too. :-))

since this will be a cash purchase,,,anybody know if there are other charges/ taxes involved just for being an extranjero? maybe there are special charges for electronic transfer of funds (such a large amount) ??

thanks

M7 comments on sponsoring a tourist?

confirmed "sponsoring" a tourist is total BS. it does not exist. my friend was completely off. they are sponsoring grandma as a family immigrant to get a green card - even though she will just come and visit periodically. i have looked into this matter and checked the laws. also your are correct in that writing a letter does not help in any way. thanks for the responses.

M7 comments on sponsoring a tourist?

yeah, i was surprised to hear this too. but my friends described it as more than just writing a letter but actually filling out proof documents etc.. i dont know maybe it is just for family members or something. ???

M7 comments on Seeking Medellin Hotel

oh well, the email address is no good. :-(

M7 comments on Seeking Medellin Hotel

thank you. barrio las laureles is where my friends live too. i'll check it out.

M7 comments on Gift ideas to bring *back* from Colombia

gifts? yeah the little "balcones" are really cute.

i have also brought back some "boteritos" mini statutes of some of Botero's artwork (can't remeber his first name: famous colombian artist). the little chubby people that he sculps and draws. cheverre

another unique thing; i bought some of these hardwood mini "barrilles" they look like mini wooden kegs with a spicket out the side. real cute and actually works. they weere kinda heavy but worth the hassle, when i gave it to my brother,, man he loved it.

M7 comments on Marriage documentation

Documentation i am planning to go to Cartagena end of this year. not yet decided wether to file for K-1 or to get married there and bring her back as K-3? (spouse) either way i want to be prepared.

Question: Since I have never been married, in order to marry my girlfriend in Colombia, I should take with me:
1: "fresh" Birth Certificate with state seal, notarized and apposilitized (whatever that means).
2: notarized copy of passport.
3: a Certificate de Solteria? what is this and where do i get it?

do i still need (2) statements from family/friends statinf that they have known me for 10 years as "soltero" ?

no preference on wether civil or church wedding, whichever is more simple in terms of paperwork.

i last read that both the fiance' and spouse (USCIS) visa processing times are now down to six months or less. accurate?

thanks for info,
M7

M7 comments on Santa Marta & Cali Accomodation

Accomodations well, i just learned that in that area a "Hotel" refers to the large chains (american style) and all inclusives while a "Hostal" (not to be confused with youth "Hostel") is a small family owned type of hotel. with various searches i was able to come up with a list in Cartagena, some of which have websites. probably you will find similar ones in Santa Marta.

the ones i found were small, very nice and with a romantic charm. here are a couple samples to give you an idea what i consider "nice,,," www.pietro.com & www.hotel3banderas.com i have not stayed at either yet,, still makiing arrangements.