rjstuff has left 667 comments

rjstuff comments on Vonage offers FREE calls to ALL landlines in Colombia

I signed up for it when I saw calls were free to landlines in Colombia and land as well as cell lines in India. We have had it for a while and on the first bill there were charges of 60Cents for when I erroneously dialed a wrong country (I guess). All my wife's calls (Daily - sometimes three times a day) to Barranquilla and several to Medellin, Santa Marta etc. were all free! It sems to be worth it - and as others have said it - the rates were the same $24.99 a month (about $31 with taxes).

rjstuff comments on New requirements for income as pensionado ??

MaBarker: I can't find the info I had from about two years ago - But if I recall correctly - You don't have to pay any taxes for pension income upto $10,000 a month (yes per month - not per year) for the first five years; after which the Colombian income taxes would apply and then because of tax credits - you should be able to avoid double taxation (Avoiding double taxation generally means - you pay the higher of the amount in the two countries - the two countries rates may never be the same). I will need to dig all this info and get updated values once I make the move (perhaps in a couple years time). Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Careful, VONAGE WORLD CALL COLOMBIA, might not be all its cracked up to be!

Vonage is great. I didn't know about the World plan till two weeks ago (saw it as an ad in an online Indian newspaper). I can now call my family and friends in India (both landlines and cell phones) for free and my wife can call her family and friends in Colombia (landlines only) for free. Her sister has a majicjack (in Barranquilla) but its erratic and doesn't always work well. So far I have called Belgium and India and my wife has called several people in Colombia and last I checked I had been charged 0.00 for all these calls. I have had vonage for about 5 years and the quality has become better over the years and connectivity has been very reliable.

rjstuff comments on American looking to marry a colombian and bring her to the US to live..what is the best procedure?

OK panaca - Go to Visajourney.com and look at K1 (fiance) and K3 (spousal) visas. On a K1, you sponsor her to come to USA and you two need to get married within 90 days of her arrival and then you apply for adjustment of status (or the greencard); on a K3 - you get married in Colombia and she will apply for the K3 visa in Colombia. Each has its good and bad sides - you can decide which one you prefer. Unless the Colombian has police records/criminal background - either visa will work and you can do it yourself rather than pay a lawyer (typically they charge $1500 at each stage) - yes there are several stages - For K1 you will have three stages - getting the K1 visa, getting the greencard; getting the permanent greencard; for K3 there will be just two stages. Ah yes then there is the citizenship. Some people are bitter like robbie others are not - My wife didn't know any English - we are still married (after 4 years) and many of her other friends are happily married here also. In my opinion the biggest problem will be money - if you have enough of it then other problems are easier to deal with - money is the number one reason for divorce even for Americans. Learning English is not a big deal (but will depend on her desire to learn it). Good Luck

rjstuff comments on retiring in columbia

Both Santa Marta and Cartagena are very nice and I love to visit them - but they are both very hot and of course touristy (read crowded). I am thinking of a moderate climate - my first choice is Bucaramanga; others include Medellin etc. What are you looking for in the place? Peace and quiet or party? Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Question on marriage

One thing I can say is - do what you want to do, regardless of the visa type. If getting married in Colombia is important to her and her family and that's what you would like to do - then do that. If that's not important then you can do the fiance visa. If you go to Visajourney and look at timelines for the different visas (for your area e.g. your region/state) you can get a feeling for how long a K1 (fiance) or a K3 (spousal) visa might take for you. Also, be aware that K3 has some advantages over the K1 so check those things out. When I did it, I found that the Fiance visa, for people in the Colorado area was faster by 4 or 5 months (this was in early 2005) and I followed that - my fiance (now my wife) was able to get the visa in 3 months. So, do a quick check and then if getting married in Colombia vs USA is not too big a deal you can follow the faster mechanism. But no matter what, if getting married in Colombia is important then do that. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Super beach near(ish) Barranquilla: Santa Veronica

Now I am a little confused about these beaches. When I was in Costa Rica a few years ago I was talking to a girl in a bar on a beach called Junquilla. The bar was one of those thatch roof type jobs without outside walls but does have interior rooms that double up as storage/kitchen etc. She was a Tico and when she found out that I was from USA, she asked me why I was there and I told her I love the beautiful beaches in Costa Rica etc. She said,"Don't you have bitches in USA?" So what are we talking about - beaches or b&*ches?

rjstuff comments on Is it OK to drive from Barranquilla to Bucaramanga?

Fake advertising - tried it and its false. The rate is $400 on that one.

rjstuff comments on Any advice regarding Colombian Fiance who is barred entry into US

Your best bet is to talk to an attorney and find out, what, if anything can be done. For example - you could marry her and then apply for her visa with a waiver - (I am not sure of these things but have seen some postings about them in Visa Journey). A good attorney can tell you if there is anyway to make her a 'legal' resident. I understand from your post that she is now in Colombia. So you could figure out the possibilities before you make a permanent decision that may be too hard to live with. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Bucaramanga

I agree with HToma - just rent for 6 months or more and then decide if its OK or not. We will be looking at Bucaramanga in Dec. and then decide to move in a year or two - when (and if) we do - I will not buy a house, instead just rent for at least 6 months and then decide on whether to keep renting, buy or even to stay or not to stay there. My number one reason for choosing Bucaramanga is - it's not too hot nor cold (and its not a very big city). Good Luck

rjstuff comments on WILL A COLOMBIAN BANK OR ANY BUISNESS CASH SOME CHECKS MY FRIEND HAS FOR ME IN THE U.S ?

I sent my wife a check when she was going for her interview to US consulate and it took almost 6 weeks to get the money and they charged a nice hefty 4%. Its better to send money using Moneygram. You should cash your checks now and send money by moneygram. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Sending documents from Colombia....

I used Fed ex to send tax returns ans other such documents to my fiance in Barranquilla. Works pretty good but the prices are $70 or so for a packet. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Things to do in Barranquilla

Hey darloup, you seem to like Barranquilla - Good for you. I have been there a few times and the one thing that absolutely kills me is the HEAT. So, passing a day (not every day) in an air conditioned mall is pretty cool for me at least. I also suggested going to Santa Marta - Tyrona etc, Within Barranquilla, even my wife doesn't want to go anywhere during daytime. I thought the beach there is horrible though they do have a private club nearby that's great (but expensive) to go play Tennis/Golf. Have Fun with whatever activity you like - I tend to move in the late afternoons when I am there. My advice - stay cool and take it easy during daytime.

rjstuff comments on Importing from Colombia to the USA.

Contact you local Fed ex office and find out the rates and see if it can help you decide if adding the additional cost of shipping would still make it profitable or not. I have shipped to Colombia using fed-Ex so they must have a partner there (or they themselves might be operating there). Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Things to do in Barranquilla

Be aware Barranquilla is very very hot - so you may not want to be outdoors especially when the sun is out. For me a great way to pass the day is to go to Buenavista mall - have lunch in the food-court and yes they serve beer too so have a couple and then watch a movie - since its completely covered and air-conditioned - it works out great. At the end, you can do some shopping, they have a grocery store there too and go back home when it starts getting dark. Or else, go to Santa Marta for a few days - take a boat to Playa Blanca and/or Playa Crystal and now I hear Tyrona is Ok to visit too, so try that too. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Living as an Expat

photomatt, I asked my friend in the State revenue department what I need to do to not be taxed by Colorado state, once I move out. The answer - Nothing. Once you are no longer a resident, you do not have to file (or pay) taxes. But; practically, it will work like this. Say, I move out of Colorado in the middle of 2010 - I will file a Non-Resident/Part-Year resident (It's the same form for both) form for 2010 - paying taxes on a portion of my income - so, if I lived there 6 months, I would pay for 6 months. In 2011 I will be living in Colombia (or somewhere else) and do not have to file any Colorado returns. Just make sure to inform your income source (my pension is from Colorado) to not withhold any more state taxes, once you move out. It does make sense, unless you move out on Dec.31st and then you may have to explain the next year why you didn't pay state taxes, but for others; it should work very simply. Your problem (and mine) will be what to do about real estate property and any income from Colorado sources as that may be taxable (especially if it's significant) - I think, one can file as a non-resident and just pay taxes on a small portion - on the income from Colorado sources (Yes, I may get stuck because the pension might be taxable if I file for Colorado). So, the solution might be to get rid of all real estate etc. ASAP and not try to generate an income from it. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Ruitoque Golf Country Club Bucaramanga

They have nice (clay) Tennis courts too. What's the fee for using the facilities? Or do you have to be a member?

rjstuff comments on Fiance Visa, K1, May 2009 Experience

Hey Kiko: I called my wife's friends born idiots (mainly because they threw away $7,000 dollars - they still had to provide all the documents and information and the lawyer just filled out the forms and mailed them - and all the time they complain about not having money - if that's not idiotic then what is) and include in that list people who shell out money for lawyers for an uncomplicated case. As I said that twice in my post - I have also suggested attorneys to at least two people who had complications - the last one had an overstay and is adjusting from visitor's visa. So, if you read my post, you will know that born idiots refers to those who shell out money for an uncomplicated case and then complain about not having money. If the description fits ....

rjstuff comments on Fiance Visa, K1, May 2009 Experience

Using an attorney is a waste of money uness you have a complicated case. Most K1s are granted in Colombia - a few have to produce more financial evidence or relationship evidence. I have done the K1, AOS. removal and Citizenship for my wife and never paid a dime. I read up a lot on Visajourney and used common sense - many people have had delays because of using attorneys - its not a good idea to hire an attorney unless you have complications like criminal background, visa overstays etc. - on routine cases its just throwing away your money. My wife's friend has spent about $7,0000 for K1, AOS and Removal so far (despite my telling them to just follow my papers and giving them copies of everything I did)! And they complaint about not having money! Some people are born idiots!

rjstuff comments on Flying 1 way from Colombia to USA very expensive?

My wife got cheaper one way fares from Barranquilla to Miami than I could find online. Her travel agent was able to charge my credit card (with emails and scanned copies of a form etc) and so, my wife bought a one way ticket (she was coming to USA on a K1 in 2005). So, its possible to get one, if you have contacts in Colombia, they can find out for you. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on On my last 180 Tetley Tea Bags...help!

Tetley a UK tea? Wow! I have two boxes in front of me - I buy them from Indian stores and they taste like Indian teas - packed in India by TATA! To me lipton tastes similar to Tetley - unless you drink Tetley 'Masala' teas. In Barranquilla my wife bought teas at the grocery stores - one was 'Hindu' and there was another brand - they taste similar to other teas as far as my taste buds go. SO what Tetley tea are you looking for - US made/UK made or Indian made? I prefer Earl Grey - they seem to have the best taste but I can drink any brand (always hot tea never ice tea). Good Luck

rjstuff comments on

Hey gator or as you are otherwise known "AllKnowing": What do I need to do to get a spousal visa or what steps are needed for that - I am in USA with my Colombian wife (now she is also a US citizen - well as of June 10th she will be). I would like to be able to get the spousal visa before we move to Colombia (in the next couple years) but would like to know the steps involved and also if I should get it now even though we may not move til later? My hazy understanding is 1) we need to register the marriage 2) get a temp visa 3) get a cedula once we are in Colombia or something like that! Also, how would my wife go about changing her cedula (to the new name)? And lastly, is it cheaper (or easier) just to pay an agency to do this for us? Thanks:

rjstuff comments on What to do in Barranquilla this summer?

You can go to Cartagena for a few days - the touristo van will pick you from your home/hotel in Bqla and drop you at your hotel in Cratagena for $20 per person. Also you can go back to Santa Marta - take a boat $5 to Playa Blanca or inquire about Playa Crystal or even go to Tyrona National Park. Have Fun and yes Buenavista is great - you can stay in the air conditioned mall all day; watch a movie and have lunch with a couple beers - keep cool that way!

rjstuff comments on If...

Hey Satan: We are checking out Bucaramanga in Dec. - My first criteria is temperate climate - (my wife is from Barranquilla - way too hot for me). Secondly, I do not want a very big city or a very small city - Bucaramanga may be a little too big but we shall see. My wife doesn't like the idea too much at this point - she wants to live on the beach in 90 degrees, so we may not agree to do it eventually, but we are exploring for now. Do post what or where you decide to move - Thanks:

rjstuff comments on Colombia Maps For Garmin GPS

Ok - I am a novice or ignorant as far as GPS is concerned. If I buy a GPS unit here (I have ordered a Megallen 4250 today) can I then use it in Colombia by buying a map from one of these vendors? Or do I buy a CD or something from these people and load it on the unit? How is it done? Thanks for explaining and yes I owe you a couple Aguilla or Aguardiantes (or both).

rjstuff comments on

A friend of mine (bridge partner) was in a hurry - her hemorrhoids were bothering her - she reached for the bottle of vaseline to apply but instead used Vicks vaporub - almost ended up in the hospital! We tease her for her 'Fire dance'.

rjstuff comments on Is there an ATM in Cartagena that will let me to withdraw US$1,000 worth of COP?

I generally use my debit card and Davivienda ATMs allowed 500,000 withdrawal twice a day (roughly $500) - but I only did that once or twice - generally I would take out 400,000 or 500,000 and then go back once it was used up - for most small stuff I paid in cash, larger stuff - hotels and some restaurants and shopping - I used my credit card. My bank charges 1% for the ATM and the credit card transactions - so it's not too bad (once you get used to this). I would suggest - avoid carrying large sums on you also - not too afe and can attract attention if you inadvertently took out wads of 50 or 100 mil peso notes. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Lakers - Nuggets NBA playoffs Tonight 8pm (20:00 hrs colombia time)

It's even better if you watched it here in Denver last night! Many free beers for everyone - if you stuck around after the game! Go Nuggets!

rjstuff comments on

Best thing for me - about 20 years ago - went to one of those clinics where they burn the hemorrhoids - its an outpatient thing - takes about an hour each session - the doctor burns two or three hemorrhoids each time. Took about 8 or 9 sessions - 4 or 5 weeks to get it all done. Have been taking fiber (I use Psyllium husk pills from GNC - just one a day) and try and not eat too much hot food - recurrence about once (for two or three days running) in a year (usually after I get some stomach flu type thing) but many years have been completely free for example the last three years. The Psyllium Husk pills are approx. around $10 for 300 - for me this is the best; I also take some Vitamin C, B and fish oil pills at the same time. I had tried Metamucill and others but they tend to get my stomach upset at times - Psyllium husk is natural and is very mild. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Do I need to send my marriage certificate to Bogota for an "apostille"?

I agree with guacharaca, my wife got her birth certificate translated and certified by someone next to the notaria office in Barranquilla for two dollars, she got 2 certified translated copies ($4) just in case - way too cheap and you don't have to look for a translator in Canada (or USA for me) or try to do it yourselves.

rjstuff comments on Where can Colombians travel to with no Visa?

My understanding is that Colombians living in Colombia can and do travel to Costa Rica now without a visa for up to 3 months. My wife's friend who lives in Barranquilla has confirmed this also. Just as its true that US nationals do not need visa to Colombia for up to 3 months beyond which they do need a visa also.

rjstuff comments on The Official Guide for GMAT Review - 2008 edition for sale (Medellin/Poblado)

I thought the max was 800 - so you are at 95% ranking or more - what the heck are you doing here? You should be devising a new pyramid or ponzi scheme. jejeje

rjstuff comments on Where can Colombians travel to with no Visa?

Best way to find is use this http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/plan_flight/international_travel_information/visa_passport_information/index.jsp I can see that every post left out Costa Rica for which Colombians do not need a visa any more.

rjstuff comments on Electric bill on the high side

One way to cut down on air conditioning costs is to wet mop the floors two or three times a day. This will help cool it down (yes the humidity can be a problem but you need to figure out how to do this) - when I was in my wife's house in Barranquilla - they will wet mop the whole house, open the doors and let it evaporate - after that they ran fans in 2 or 3 rooms and the A/C when it got too hot (afternoons) and at night to get to sleep. The wet mopping was done sometimes in the afternoon and most evenings too - to try and get the house cooled down. It does help, at least a little bit; but, yes we are a little spoiled living in USA and do not worry about turning the ac on or off. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on HELP PC TAKEN BY COLOMBIAN POLICE

I am not at all familiar about the Colombian police and such practices (I assume they believe its stolen or contraband merchandise and have confiscated it) - but couldn't you prove that you brought it in the country by showing your passport and the stamp of entry - I am assuming you would say that no duty was charged as it's under the permissible amount! Would that not shoe authentic ownership (of sorts)? I and my wife have taken cameras and ipods etc. and given to friends and family - heck I never saved the receipts (some were around $100 and some were 2 or 300); are the cops allowed to confiscate these? I only have a few receipts of my possessions - like the new TV (for its warranty of 1 or 2 year) after which its of no use to me; so I generally do not save receipts - is this a new practice we need to get into if we move to Colombia? Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Its been Proven now! Fidelity Smart Cash Account Card! No Fees Whatsoever and Fantastic Rate!

This is not fee free for use in Colombia - Note this from their application: ATM Fees Please note that Visa does charge a foreign transaction fee of 1%, which is not waived, and will be included in the amount charged to your account. So, it's OK if you do not currently have a US debit card that doesn't charge any ATM fees (mine doesn't) but for foreign use - you are still stuck with the 1% fees.

rjstuff comments on

Can't you get a three month supply from the drug company? That way you can bring all your needed quantity with you. My nephew is here in USA (for one year) on a student visa (from India) and to be safe he brought 3+ months of his Insulin (he is Type 1) - we were able to get prescriptions here and he didn't have any problems, I would assume you could do the same - you need to work with the drug company on this. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on

We all change - some a little, some a lot. Depends on how long you have lived in the place and how much you want to or feel like the locals. I have forgotten most of my Punjabi (can't read or write it any more) and a lot of my Hindi too (Can't write it but can read a little bit) - these are two languages I grew up with for 25 years. Here in states, never used them and eventually lost the ability (yes, I used to know Russian too at one point and now don't remember more than a few plabras any more). I can't live in my home country (India) any more - its too crowded and people are too strange for my comfort level (yes, my comfort level has changed over the years). I am willing to try out Colombia though - not stuck up on living in USA. My wife has been in USA for 5 years but would go back to Colombia in a second (we might move in the next 2 or 3 years), but even she has changed from before. People experience, learn, adapt and change all the time. (Even living in the same country.)

rjstuff comments on carrying new merchandise thru customs?

I have taken Ipods and cameras for family and never said anything to anyone. They didn't even open up the suitcases in Bogota and Barranquilla. One thing of course, take them out of the boxes, keep them in the plastic cases if they have one and carry the instructions, chargers etc.. I generally put them in my suitcase not carry on. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Follow up Robbed in Medellin

When I am out of USA, at any given time, I only carry one credit and one debit card and some cash on me - and a little cash alone if I am just walking around the neighborhood. I leave the rest at home - never carry a wallet - have stuff in different pockets but not much money or cards at any given time (except on the way to and from the airport or another city). This is to not lose everything if something happens. (Yep, also split money and cards with my wife - she has hers and I mine).

rjstuff comments on Will I be able to plug my laptop in colombia with just an adapter, or do I need a converter?

I agree with Allen - all the hotels, home in Barranquilla etc. were the same as if in USA - We had cameras, cell phones, toothbrushes and shavers to recharge and they all plugged in (I never ever gave it a 2nd thought). The same experience in Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica. Good Luck

rjstuff comments on Do they eat curries in Colombia?

Hey, I've always appreciated and respected any woman who can cook. How about your wife and mine meeting up in Colombia to create the perfect "Cololombiano-Indio dish"? ;-) Hey Darloup: When are you planning to be in Barranquilla? We will be there this Dec.-Jan for 6 to 8 weeks. I agree -Let the wives cook, I will bring the wine or beer or whatever you prefer. Take Care

rjstuff comments on Do they eat curries in Colombia?

I am from north India (punjab) but using yogurt (sometimes to marinate - as in tandoori dishes) doesn't guarantee it's going to be mild - one can add red peppers (chillies like cayenne) to make it as hot as you want. I have never seen the masking of food using spices (curry) - for example if you walk into a typical dhaba (like a 'soda' for average people) they will quote you several dishes - 1) potatoes, 2) potatoes and peas, 3) potatoes and cheese, 4) potatoes and cauliflower, 5) potatoes and carrots - they may all have the same gravy (curry) and same or similar spices but they all taste different - you can taste the difference between peas and potatoes and carrots etc. - otherwise they will make one dish and call it by any name you chose! jejeje! Actually, they have several large pots each one of which contains one dish - you can see them sitting on the coal ovens out in the open. If you are eating really bad stuff- yes you can add more spices and chillies to mask the taste but that's seldom done from my knowledge. My wife is making some cheese, peas and carrot curry for lunch. got to go!

rjstuff comments on

And remember the festivities start almost a month prior to that! Its party till you drop - every day! Have Fun

rjstuff comments on Do they eat curries in Colombia?

As you probably know, curry powder was used mainly to HIDE the putrefaction of Indian ingredients. What an interesting piece of misinformation. I was born in India (more than 50 years ago) - we Indians enjoy food number one; movies number two, Songs and dance - number three and drinking - number four (you may change some of these). 1) I never heard this about hiding the putrefaction of ingredients - maybe in some remote village centuries ago - we have fresh produce and meats delivered daily to our homes (or you can go to the local market) - the butchers will kill the chicken/goat right in front of your eyes if you so want! And yes they have refrigerated and frozen meats too for at least several dozen years. 2) Curry powder is a term that foreigners use (and now adopted by Indians) - we use spices and yes chillies too - spices make the food spicy - the chillies make it hot - there is a big difference. 3) Colombian food is tolerable (not as bad as Costa Rican food) but Indian food is fantastic - once you develop the taste - my Colombian wife did in about 8 months and now she uses more spices than I do in our cooking! 4) Travel and experience the foods - Indians have more snack and sweets than anywhere in the world - They have snacks like Samosas, Tikkas from the north and several from the south and west (I can't remember all the names) but dosas and idlis are a few; they have sweets called Rasgullas, Gulabjamun, Barfi, Halva - each of these come in hundreds of varieties and even I haven't eaten all of them! The best thing is - you can taste and decide what you like once you have had the chance to travel and experience - I like the fresh fish caught and cooked in front of you in Santa Marta and other places, I like the empenadas with some hot sauce and beer - Traveling and tasting and experiencing - you do develop likes and dislikes - but for me there is so much to enjoy and learn - and I try and enjoy everywhere I get a chance. Try it you will like it!

rjstuff comments on

Sounds pretty cheap to me. I am assuming this is their fee and then you have to pay the actual fees associated with any forms etc. What is the total cost they are quoting? Good Luck

rjstuff comments on I am homeless - Please help!

I agree with darloup: Many a times people fly off the handle on a word or insinuation and then the newbies are scarred for life! jejeje. When I first joined PBH; I read as many posts as I could - I was gathering info before asking for any. And I was able to laugh at some of the people who posted (I choose a thick skin sometimes) and that's the best approach to use I think on this and any other internet forum. Best wishes to all

rjstuff comments on

You are dead wrong but I guess you have your opinion on how you see things. The most important question to ponder is this: To all the men or women who have married a Colombian - Will you change what you have done? My gut is - most people will say NO! I love my Colombian wife dearly and she tells me (often) that she loves me dearly (she also says her friends want to meet someone like her husband - too bad most of my friends are married or have girlfriends etc.) I know a few other Colombians men and women here in Denver and they all seem to lead a happy, fun life. Not everyone is in it for just mindless sex and or money but for my experiences - Colombian women are far more passionate, affectionate and loving than others (my experience is limited to some US and some Indian women).

rjstuff comments on opening bank account

Noelito: I have read some of your posts and found them very interesting. I will do more research when we actually move, but I am hoping that my wife can open an account and then add me if not then at least she will be able to transfer moneys from US banks more or less without too many problems (she is a joint owner on all of my accounts). I would have the money from the sale of our home (between 100 to 200K depending on market conditions - so I am not considering it too large) which we would use up for furnishing a home, buying a car etc. in Colombia (I just want to rent to begin with); so I am hoping to be able to use this money for buying a car, TVs, computers, furniture, Kitchen appliances and dishes and cooking pots and pans etc. etc. etc. I am estimating around 25K for home stuff and another 30K for a car - am I too far off the mark? Too little? Too much? Any leftover moneys are for traveling/emergency etc. - I may leave some of it in the US banks (I need my US bank for my pension deposits every month) to be used as needed (to pay credit cards etc if need be especially on large bills). Am I wrong in assuming that I can keep using my US bank and credit cards as I have now (Yes there is a 1% fee every time but its better than putting all our money in Colombian banks - but we shall decide later on.) Is the plan too unrealistic or seems OK for the most part. Any comments are welcome. We will look at Bucaramanga later this year as a place to move to, but may take another year or more to eventually get there, so any knowledge gained now will be useful. Thanks all

rjstuff comments on opening bank account

Hey Snappy and Gator: My question is a little different - My wife has a cedula - with that can I be added to a bank account she opens? I will be applying for residency if we move there (in a couple of years). She has a pension account but closed her bank account when she left Colombia. I assume she could open a bank account easily and I am hoping I can be added to her account. Thanks for your answers