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Ric has written 18 posts

Colombia and Texas share the same problems

Colombia has its problems with kidnappings and murder in certain areas, but Texas shares the same problems at the border with Mexico and its's not likely to change in the near term for either.

July 15, 2006
Why The Sheriff Won't Patrol The Border
Sheriff's deputies in Hidalgo County, Texas, will not patrol the border, and for apparently good reason -- they're outgunned. Responding to a 911 call about a raid and a kidnapping, the deputies soon found themselves pinned ...

Current exchange rate 2,633

I arrived yesterday in Medellin.

The current exchange rate using my E*trade ATM debit card was 2,633 COP which appears to be more than the current published exchange rate? No fees charged by Etrade Bank.

I also purchased a cell phone for 38,000 COP at Exito. ($14.43 U.S. including 8,000 COP phone time) You will however need a cedula or Colombian friend to make the purchase.

Ken ...

Arrest of foreigners and legal issues

I will be moving to the Medellin area soon and I’m curious about the legal issues a foreigner might face if arrested in Colombia.


I’m not trying to be an alarmist, but rather I’m looking for information from individuals that may have faced this issue. I know the legal system of the United States works much differently in Central and South America.

Here in Panama a person accused of a crime can be held for several months or years without being brought ...

Moving to Medellin/Sabaneta - June 29, 2006

I will be moving to Medellin June 29th and will be looking for an apartment in the area of Sabaneta. I would prefer a furnished apartment, but I can purchase the basics items if required. (price 700K to 1,000,000 COP) Internet connection is important.

I will also be looking for short term lodging until I acquire the apartment and would appreciate any information.

Ken aka: Ric (ricbuddy_at_gmail dot com) ...

Living in Colombia y tax liability

I will be moving to Medellin in particular the Sabaneta area June 29th.
I have a couple of questions concerning the move. First the Colombian Embassy will not provide information by telephone and I’m located many hours from Panama City.
Viewpoint IMHO is very knowledgeable and states the following:
“But if you reside in Colombia more than 180 days a year (as a resident) then be prepared to pay the price as (and if) you fall into their taxation nets.”
My plan ...

Pensionado Visa for Colombia

I have asked this question at the Visa site, but never received a reply. Once you have the Colombian pensionado visa what is the process for leaving Colombia for a visit to the U.S. and then returning?

Panama requires you apply for a multi-entry visa in addition to their pensionado visa and I assume Colombia has similar requirements.
ricbuddy(at)gmail.com

Thanks ...

Pensionado Visa - Gator/Pastygringo

Pensionado Visa for Colombia

I have asked this question before, but I haven’t received an answer. I would appreciate a reply from anyone currently holding a Colombian Pensionado Visa or anyone having reliable knowledge about the subject. I appreciate the information shared by Gator, Pastygringo and others.

I found the following statement rather confusing. I’m assuming once a Colombian Pensionado Visa is issued the holder will be able to leave and return to Co ...

Pensionado Visa for Colombia

I think I understand the process thanks to the help of Gator and others on this board. I however have a few questions.
1) I read the Pensionado Visa allows one entry into Colombia. I’m assuming having a Pensionado Visa would allow one to leave and return to Colombia during the year without reapplying for another Pensionado Visa. I would however like to confirm this with someone who presently holds the Pensionado Visa.
2) Item number six below states: “ or APOSTILLE when co ...

Sabaneta/Hunter

Hunter:

I'm looking for information on Sabaneta and would like to contact you. (elkins_ken dot yahoo.com) Douglas tells me you live in Sabaneta.

I would appreciate comments from anyone else who might know the area. I've been making daily visits to Sabaneta from Medellin.

Ken ...

Arriving Medellin update

I arrived late Wednesday night at the Medellin International airport.

Taxi fares to Poblado are currently 42,000 to 46,000 COP
I only had 40,000 cop but found one driver who would accept $20.00 U.S. I was unable to locate an ATM at the arrival area. Reportedly they are available, but I didn't want to drag my bags around the airport.

Exchange rates: I use an Etrade ATM check card. The exchange rate is currently 2,271. Etrade doesn't charge a fee.
< ...

Need good Doctor in Medellin

I'm looking for recommendations for a good Cartiologist. Any related information would be appreciated. I will me arriving January18th.

Best area for retirement?

Where are the best Colombian retirement areas for the older generation?
I’m 63 with good health and a hopefully a few good years remaining. I currently live in Panama near the Costa Rican border in a very rural area. I have spent several years living and traveling Central America and have survived “cultural shock” so making the adjustment to the people and culture shouldn’t be an issue. I spent three weeks last September in Medellin and enjoyed the people and area, especially Env ...

Search: Pereira rental, begin Jan 18

I'm looking for a rental in or near Pereira for one month beginning around Jan.18th.

U.S. filing requirements for Col. bank accounts

In Brief:
This is a reminder that the deadline for filing 2004 Treasury Department Forms 90-22.1 (i.e., TD F 90-22.1), related to foreign bank accounts, is June 30, 2005.

Body:
Background

Any U.S person (i.e., citizen or resident in the case of an individual) who has a financial interest in (or signature or other authority over) a bank, securities or other financial account (including a trust) located in a foreign country must report this to the Treas ...

Update - Visa exchange rates vs dollars

I used my Visa card, not ATM card, at Bank Conavi.
I was told the exchange rate would be 2,305 COP per dollar which I considered very good. I have had pending charges posted to my Visa account since Aug. 25th. reflecting an exchange rate of 2,305 as stated by the bank. However today the final charge on my Visa account reflected and increase being charged by Conavi. The actual exchange was actually 2,239 COP after the increase and not the stated rate of 2,305. I also paid an additional cha ...

Arrived in Medellin via Panama

I made a sucessful trip from Panama to Medellin via Avianca airlines. (Aug. 24th)
Changing planes in Bogota for my final distination to Medellin was not difficult. For your information my bag was transferred by Avianca and I was never required to clear customs either in Bogota or Medellin. I found the Colombian people ready and willing to help with directions and advice. Thanks to several people here on PBH for their advice and suggestions. I changed dollars to peso's after clearing i ...

Visiting Medellin – Help

I will be visiting Medellen Aug. 24th for three weeks and have a couple of questions:

Visa card - Due to a recent problem with my ATM/checking debit card I will be forced to use another Visa card without a pin number. Can I use this card inside a bank rather than at the ATM which requires a Pin number? I think the answer is yes, but I wanted to confirm. I plan to use dollars at the airport for the taxi. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

This site is great a ...

Alert – ATM / Visa Cards

Apparently thousands of Visa and Master cards have been compromised including my E*Trade ATM / VISA card. I’m currently in Panama and was making airline reservations to visit Medellin when receiving the above notification. After numerous calls to both E*Trade and Visa, the card is being canceled within 15 days according to their policy. I asked why they would be waiting 15 days to cancel my card and never received a satisfactory answer. It seemed strange to me they would allow the card to ...

 


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