Noelito40 has left 320 comments

Noelito40 comments on Renewing TS visa at the MRE

That 1 month extension sounds like a Salvo conducto, I got one from DAS last week,(Cost $41.500 no appointment needed) as my visa conjugal has expired, this allows me until 7th December to renew my visa. (As it happens my son will be born in the meantime so I can wait until he is born and get a residency visa)

Noelito40 comments on Big Help for Those Wanting to Change Visas

jimmy, also tell him that the cost is $160USD payable only in pesos so changes daily but about 320k pesos. He also needs 3 photos on a white backgound (3x3). He also needs to fill out a form, but this form is due to be updated soon, and is not downloadable. so just fill it out on the day (doesn't need notarising) finally, get there early, there is a queue from 7:30am. I'm pretty familiar with what's required as I visited the MRE 4 times in the past week to renew my visa conjugal, and everytime there was a problem (some of it my fault, some the MRE!) To cut a long story short in the I didn't renew my visa as my wife will be having out baby next week, so as he (my son) will be economically dependent on me, I no longer need the 2 yearly renewable marriage visa, I can get the "indefinite" residency visa... Go raibh míle maith agat...

Noelito40 comments on Big Help for Those Wanting to Change Visas

Jimmymcc, as far as I know, he can have the visa changed (I did exactly that 2 years ago). He needs a copy of his marriage cert, not more than 90 days old, also needs a letter from his spouse supporting his marriage visa request. Finally, a notarised copy of his wife's cedula. NB: Have all documents notarised and dated. Also, the MRE is responsible for his visa, so do the above, then contact the DAS within 15 dsays for his cedula. Note I'm on Bogotá so process may be different for Armenia, but the documents requred are the same

Noelito40 comments on Recommendations for banks and foreign money transfers?

I bank with Helm, formerly Banco de Credito, a smaller bank so might be worth a go. Although as I said before I was refused by 6 banks (Citibank and HSBC included) before a personal recommendation by a relative of my wife got me an account with Helm.

Noelito40 comments on Recommendations for banks and foreign money transfers?

Have had a lot of painful experenciences myself with banks here and I believe that nothing less than a personal recommendation from a native will get you an account. On another matter, you say that you have just got your cedula and your business is registered in Camara de Comercio but make sure you tell the DAS if your staus has changed as a result of your business, for example, when I got my first cedula I wasn't working so was registered as hogar (house husband!!) but that was 2 years ago and since then I got involved in a business (full registered with Camara de Comercio) but when I went last week to renew my visa/cedula, I requested the status change from hogar to independiente, but as I didn't inform the DAS within 15 days of investing in the company, I got hit with a fine ($248.000, half a minimum salary!)

Noelito40 comments on Colombia Rated No 4 on Lonely Planets Medical Tourism List

Haveing experienced the Irish system all my life and the Colombia system for the past couple of years I can tell you that the Colombian medical and dental system (even the EPS) is light years ahead of the Irish system. When I talk to people back home and tell them that I can phone today for a medical/dental appointment tomorrow they simply don't believe me!! Hats off the Colombian medical system!!

Noelito40 comments on The cost of everything in Bogota.

The OP makes a fair point, I too (living in Bogota for the past 2 years) am amazed that some things are dearer than Dublin!! (Even in nominal terms some things are more expensive here, so if you factor in Irish wages being about 5 to 10 times their Colombian equivalent, it means that the prices in real terms are extortionate. A few things I have noted are that in Colombia goods are expensive and services are cheap (in complete contrast to Ireland) this is of course because wage rates are lower here, and unemployment is higher, secondly, European tax systems tax the individual heavily and companies less (for example back home I pay up to 40% at the marginal rate, whilst manufacturing industries pay 12.5%), whereas in South American tax systems, direct income taxes are low, whilst companies pay very high taxes (especially import duties) hence the cost of goods is high!! If you add in the fact that capital cities are always more expensive than rural areas, then it stands to reason that Bogota will have a higher cost of living. I think is is important that anyone here thinking of moving to Bogota should really take note that although life can be very good here, it aint cheap!!

Noelito40 comments on Cedula de extranjeria form

Brian, can you remember what size photos you needed? 3x4? white/blue background? Also if you can dig out the form they mailed you and mail it to me I'd appreciate it. much appreciated

Noelito40 comments on Cedula de extranjeria form

thanks Brian, but with my wife 8 months pregnant, she'll not be with me, not least because the last time I went to the MRE there was a pretty long queue!!

Noelito40 comments on Cedula de extranjeria form

I have had a cedula de extranjeria temporal for 2 years now, which expires shortly, likewise my visa conjugal expires on the same date, so I will need to be visiting both the MRE and DAS to renew my documents. One other question, last time I got my visa I did not have to make an appointment, just turned up (early!!) and joined the queue, is this still the case, or is it by appointment now?

Noelito40 comments on Cedula de extranjeria form

thanks for the clarification Bill but just to clarify, both my cedula and my conjugal visa expire on the same day so need to renew both..tomorrow it's MRE for the visa...

Noelito40 comments on WHERE TO INVEST

Best real estate investment in Bogota is a warehouse in Mosquera or surrounding areas. There is a plan in place (can't remember the exact name) to stop articulated lorries coming into Bogotá so if they come from Cartagena for example, they will have to off load in one of the bodegas in Mosquera for transferal into smaller trucks for delivery to Bogota. Add in the new road infrastructure from El Dorado and this is the place to invest right now!!

Noelito40 comments on Mods: Let's organise the information on PBH

A cost/standard of living index or table would be great, every week some asks "I want to move to Colombia, how much will I need!!!)

Noelito40 comments on

I´m pretty sure that what viajero is referring to is the fact that your monthly EPS bill depends on the number of minimum salaries you are earning, so $2.000.000 is 3 to 4 minimums so EPS is double. By the way where can I get more info on prestacion de servicios?

Noelito40 comments on MDE restaurants that offer 30% off with Visa card on Tuesdays?

http://www.visa.com.co/visamiercoles/ Last year they had a vise martes as well, for clothing stores, miercoles is for restaurants

Noelito40 comments on Investor-Restaurant-Business

If you are going to have a Turkish restaurant I would sell kebabs! (By the way there is a kebab shop here in Bogota, think it's called Mac Kebabs, it's on the septima with 40 or 50 something??) and Bill I agree completely on the bread suggestion, I too have been in Paris and the smell from the bakeries in the morning is unbelievable. I've been in Colombia for 2 years now and in my experience Colombians just don't do bread!!! For example I'd love to get nice nan bread here but so far no joy. Recently though the major chains have started doing French/Italian breads, like fougasse, not as good as the real thing but better than the what passes for bread here.

Noelito40 comments on opening a bank account

I was here 2 weeks and opened a bank account in Davivienda with my Irish passport!!! This was just because it was the local branch where my wife (a Colombiana) had her account. My experience with banks here is that it doesn't matter a damn what the government regulations are, the banks, and even the local branch managers make their own decisions. My guess is that if you do turn out to be a gringo laundering money it's the bank manage who'll get the bullet, so they are not going to put their jon on the line for the sake of any one person, native or foreigner!

Noelito40 comments on English Teachers?? my two cents...

I know Colombians here who are taking English courses online with the SENA, and having seen the standard of English of some of the tutors, I do feel a lot of sympathy for the students. After all, if you are a student (of any discipline) you will most likely take what your teacher/tutor says as gospel, so the students are reading and learning bad English, believing it to be correct.

Noelito40 comments on opening a bank account

Regrettably this is a common problem here (do a search on my posts and you'll find details of my trials and tribulations), to cut a long story short though, get a Colombian to vouch for you with his or her branch manager, and your chances will improve considerably, good luck...

Noelito40 comments on What has happen to pbh?

I've been on this site for 2 years now and admit that it has become a bit of a childrens playground, posts get hijacked, personal battles get fought on in public, but it doesn't bother me in the slightest, I post and read all comments in good faith and find it easy to simply ignore the chaff and focus on cultivating the wheat. Many posters here have helped me with information both before and during my time here in Colombia, and I hope that I have done my bit to help others, so whilst I agree it would be better if some posters simply grew up, I'm not going to worry too much about it, I will continue to seek and give help when I can!!

Noelito40 comments on website that has local listings for apartment rentals?

try http://www.metrocuadrado.com/servlet/co.com.m2.servlet.MostrarHome or www.fincaraiz.com.co

Noelito40 comments on 'Tennis' fashion

Am a fan of Tennis as well, see http://www.tennis.com.co/ by the way, just got back from unicentro and there are a few sales going on, don't think that Tennis has a sale though

Noelito40 comments on Bogota 2015: A great dream for residents of the Colombian capital city

And of course don't forget the under 20 world cup http://www.colombia2011.com/. These events are excellent for seeing if a city/country can manage the logistics of a big event, really stands them in good stead for the big prizes, the world cups, olympics, etc

Noelito40 comments on ************ COLOMBIA REAL ESTATE

Felipe, I've been living in bogotá for 2 years now and I too wondered how on earth people can buy houses here (the monthly mortgage rate in Colombia is not far off the annual rate in Ireland for example!), From what I can see there is a huge rental market here, as some posters pointed out, either people can't afford to buy, or they don't want to. But I would make one related point and that is, that Bogotá is not cheap! There have been countless cost of living threads on PBH, and the thought that you can come down here (Bogotá) and live like a king for next to nothing is a myth! The advice on renting before buying is good advice, both to suss out the property market, but also to get an idea of the budget you'll need for here!

Noelito40 comments on Colombia in 25 years

Good video and here's hoping, but if they are to model themselves on the Celtic Tiger, my only hope is they don't f**k it up like the Irish did!!!

Noelito40 comments on Colombian Banks

Someone mentioned Helm (formerly Banco de Credito) I have my account with them and last year transferred a sizeable chunk of euros to pesos. Transaction went smoothly enough, costs not exorbitant, and in fact they held the money in a holding account, until the peso to USD rate was favourable, then they phoned me, asked me whether I wanted to take the rate and did the transfer. (Note this is because you can't go directly from euros to pesos, all foreign currency entering the country has to be denominated in USD) Helm also handled the banco de la republica paperwork (one of the forms 4, 5 or 11, can't remember which exactly! talk to the bank) Having said the above I also transferred a bit of money this year to my broker (www.correval.com) and as far as I remember this was cheaper because I didn't have to pay the 4 per mil!

Noelito40 comments on Where to buy a decent four-drawer file cabinet (at realistic price) in Bogota?

With the affect of the recession I'd say there are a few auctions going on of office furniture from companies who have gone to the wall!! No idea where to look for these but just an idea...

Noelito40 comments on ************ COLOMBIA REAL ESTATE

Felipe, I think you have to first think about what you want in Colombia as you talk about Cartagena with their prices per m2 on a par with Paris!! (Yes the prices are insane) but then a lot of the comments refer to Bogotá (where I'm based) but Cartagena and Bogotá are light years apart in terms of living, the weather, the size, cost of living, etc... so my advice would be to be more specific about what you are looking for in Colombia. Apart from the advice re metrocuadro.com, in particular the site has a very good list of average price guides for areas. hope this helps

Noelito40 comments on insurance

As it happens I went today to Mapfre (www.mapfre.com) to enquire about insurance on a local, the premium seemed reasonable (worked out about 0.3% of the value, note the value is the "replacement" value not the market value) What I liked about them was that they have no deductible on some events, for example malicious damage. I used Agricoles previously on another property but their service was terrible, hence I'm looking elsewhere right now for insurance...

Noelito40 comments on TODAY'S GAME....

Colombia were a bit unlucky today, they had Uruguay on the rack and at 1-1 were in charge, but the sending off (which shouldn't even have been a yellow, (there was no contact and no intent) ruined it for Colombia. I think though that he should have started Jackson Martinez and Giovanny Hernandez...

Noelito40 comments on Notary Scadal in Colombia

As far as I am told, having a document notarized (as pathetic and simple a process as that might be) means that it will be accepted in court, I'm told that if it is not notarized the other party can contest the validity of the signature and therefore document, etc...So you could be left with a contract that the other party is refusing to honour but if you go to court with that (unnotarized) document in your hand it may not be recognised. Note I'm not a lawyer so that's not gospel but suffice to say when I do business here I get all documents/contratcts notarized!

Noelito40 comments on What are the best living areas in Bogota for foreigners?

I've been living in Cedritos for close on 2 years now. Pretty much as strata 4 as you can get. Safe area, close to the 7 and 9, cinemas, unicentro, etc, and the utility bills are pretty reasonable. Also lots of parks within walking distance.

Noelito40 comments on Notary Scadal in Colombia

I like the system of having a document notarized. It´s cheap (I only pay about $7k) and it is accepted by the Colombian courts in the case of dispute. Back home (in Ireland) if I had to get a document authenticated I'd have to go to a solicitor and probably pay him for an hour of his time even though his secretary would problem sign and stamp the document!

Noelito40 comments on buying real estate in medellin and a lawyer to avoid

The issue of the taxes might be related to the fact that you pay taxes as a percentage of the "valor catastral" as per the escritura, this value is less than the market value of the property?!

Noelito40 comments on Hoy no es festivo

I wonder how many Colombians simply forgot to go to work today assuming it was just a normal (bank holiday) Monday!! haha

Noelito40 comments on Artesenia, market places and craft shopping in Bogota - Where should I go?

If you are still her next Sunday head for the market de los pulgas (flea market) in Usaquen (alongside Hacienda Santa Barbera shopping centre), Its Carera 7 con 116 (I think??, but Hacienda is well known) Usaquen is also a lovely place to walk around... does have a few tourist trap restaurants but a few good value ones too...

Noelito40 comments on Baby Clothes Website

As someone who will soon have the joy of looking at baby clothes for the first time I can concur that the prices of all baby clothes in Colombia is unreasonably expensive. There is no justification for charging sky highs prices for clothes that use less material than adult clothes, are not "branded" (they arrive on the same boat from China with the adult clothes) and only last a few weeks or months. In fact I think there is a market for a shop selling good quality secondhand baby clothes. I suspect though that it's the shame factor of some women from certain stratas who wouldn't be seen dead having their baby in secondhand gear is what keeps the prices up!

Noelito40 comments on For all of you resident expatriates...what comapny do you use for healthcare in Colombia.

We are with Cafe Salud (Think they own or are owned by Salud Coop) see also http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/post/medical-insurance2/

Noelito40 comments on PBH restaurants (Good food for a small price)

For good value food with a Cataluna twist try Sal y Pebre, cl 93N 13A-10 (Bogotá)

Noelito40 comments on Drinking water and being pregnant

bclare, my wife is 5 months pregnant and she drinks the tap water here (in bogotá) and it hasn't had any adverse affects on her (or on our baby!!) I usually drink tap water when I am eating be it at home or in a restaraunt and have never had any problems either. What we do however is fill a wine bottle with tap water and keep it in the fridge. I agree with other comments that you should get your fill of the wonderful juices here in Colombia but avoid acidic fruits such as strawberries...My wife yesterday came out in a rash yesterday and the doctor reckoned it was a reaction to eating strawberries, so just passing this on... Best wishes to yourself and your baby

Noelito40 comments on Best coffee in Colombia?

As far as I know, coffee is rated 1 to 17 in ascending order of quality the rating being know as the "malla". I am a partner in a couple of small coffee docks in Bogotá and we use coffee with a malla of 15. I think that Oma and Juan Valdez use malla 12 or 13. I'm also told that the best stuff is indeed exported but we are doing out bit to let Colombians drink a tinto of the good stuff!!

Noelito40 comments on Ecopetrol Plans to Sell $1.5 Billion of 10-Year Bonds

Heard that a recently found well has a potential for more barrels than first expected hence today's jump. I'm told the increase could last for a couple of days but not at the same intensity (presumably that there are those speculating that they have still underestimated the find) so maybe 2800 could be a good number to sell at! (would be 100% for anyone who bought in the initial public offering) PS: Financial advice is like a cigarette packet, it should come with a government health warning!!!!

Noelito40 comments on Copy of cedula

yeah johny so it's a crap shoot, well could be worse, could be russian roulette!! I think I´ll start carrying a photocopy with me and see what reactions I get

Noelito40 comments on Copy of cedula

I have no problem providing ID when requested (I will admit though that I often wonder about giving my cedula number and other info to shops, this is invaluable marketing information for them, but on the other hand it could be good because if you buy something and subsequently need to return it and have lost the receipt, then the details of the transaction tied to your cedula should be sufficient for "proof of purchase") Getting back to my original question however, a friend of mine recently had his wallet stolen and had to pay $130k (and waste time) in replacing this, so if he just had a photocopy in his wallet he'd have saved all this hassle.

Noelito40 comments on Copy of cedula

Yeah, I always show my cedula when I pay with a card (I assume that's standard practice) also there are many buildings that when you enter as a visitor they require a document (usually cedula), but what I don't know is if a photocopy would be accpetable in either of these situations? Although stephen if the guy in Carrefour was following procedure then they won't accept photocopies?

Noelito40 comments on Ecopetrol Plans to Sell $1.5 Billion of 10-Year Bonds

Ecopetrol up over 4% today!! currently trading at 2770, anyone know what happened to cause this jump? and is it likely to continue or are we at the top of a spike?

Noelito40 comments on Ecopetrol Plans to Sell $1.5 Billion of 10-Year Bonds

Ecopetrol up over 4% today!! currently trading at 2770, anyone know what happened to cause this jump? and is it likely to continue or are we at the top of a spike?

Noelito40 comments on Fiscal ruin of the Western world beckons

As someone who lived in Ireland both before and during the Celtic Tiger (and who worked in the Public Service) I can tell you that the waste of taxpayer's money that went on was staggering. In addition the Fianna Fail Government there was elected by buying the votes of all public sector workers!! Yes widespread corruption does take place in so called first world modern democracies!! It worked like this, in 2002 all public sector workers were benchmarked against the private sector so they (the public sector) were given ridiculous wage (and as a result pensoin) increases (which you must remember are protected for life??) In return the public sector gave...NOTHING!!! No productivity increases! No improvement in services!! nothing!!! Of course they gave their vote to Fianna Fail!! So maybe now you understand why Ireland is royally f**ked. And there are no signs that the economy will recover! (The factors that gave rise to the Celtic Tiger are no longer in place) On the bigger geopolitic question, I´'ve been saying for a while that there is a new world order taking place. It is now the countries with raw materials who are calling the shots, no longer the "first world"!!

Noelito40 comments on Best coffee in Colombia?

For me it has to be Lukafe (intenso)...

Noelito40 comments on Nice opening round for Villegas at the British Open

I'm doubly rooting for Camilio as his caddy is a Dubliner!!