wcarmack has written 13 posts

Gringo couples living in Colombia

Are there any other gringo couples on PBH living in Colombia? Woody/Susan

By wcarmack on 2008-02-01 12:32:25. 13 comments.

Cali to Costa Rica - Some Colons at a decent price

To anyone in the Cali area going to Costa Rica whenever......... We have $C-90,000 which has been nesting in our possession. We do not anticipate needing it. Should you be going to Costa Rica and need some Colons on arrival, we will part with these for the going rate at the time you buy them - as determined by an online broker. Today Yahoo had it at 516.02 to the USD. That's about $175 US. When we were leaving Costa Rica a few moons ago the exchange rate was something like 480 to 1. ...

By wcarmack on 2008-01-28 22:16:10. 0 comments.

Airport Baggage Guys

When one arrives at El Dorado Airport there are these "baggage guys". Since we were carrying too much luggage (2 suitcases each) plus carry on stuff. We were glad to have the help moving the stuff through customs. My question: What is the normal tip per bag these gentlemen? Thanks, Woody ...

By wcarmack on 2007-11-15 23:05:57. 16 comments.

Wireless hotspots

Are most wireless hotspots 802.11b? (as opposed to 802.xxG or 802xxN) The listings I found were a "b" Thanks, Woody

By wcarmack on 2007-11-08 04:00:01. 0 comments.

Radio Scanner

Hmmm. I am wondering if packing my radio frequency scanner is a good idea. It will pick up everything except the newer digital e-com systems. It occurred to me they be in a legal grey area - their capabilities considered. Wouldn't want that. Should I pack it or use the sledgehammer on this fine instrument that has served me well over the years................... Ahhh, to pack or not to pack, dat be de question. Then there are our family two way radios - useful when we go separate ...

By wcarmack on 2007-09-27 04:32:44. 2 comments.

Immigrant with suitcase full of electronics

Folks, I am thinking of packing a few computer goodies in my luggage for our impending move to Colombia. For example, a wireless N gigabit router, a network camera, some switches and assorted other similar items for use in our new place. I am even contemplating bringing in a new Mac mini in addition to the laptop we've been traveling with. My question is: Will we be nailed for duty and/or taxes upon arrival? And if so, any idea what the level of pain might be? I am operating on the ...

By wcarmack on 2007-09-21 02:45:56. 12 comments.

Domestic help information

What is the approximate monthly cost of a full time domestic employee in Cali? I would imagine full time to be five days a week or whatever the norm is. What are the responsibilities of the employer to the employee? In addition to any legal responsibilities, what would be the moral considerations? I know that in Costa Rica, a bonus is paid in December equal to one months pay or portion thereof based on length of employment. Thanks, Woody ...

By wcarmack on 2007-09-16 05:24:38. 9 comments.

Western Union Comments solicited

Folks, Is using Western Union to send modest amounts of money from Canada to Colombia a reliable means? The intended recipient would be a Colombian citizen. I priced it from Western Union Canada and the fee appears to be about $10 beaver pelts CDN to send approximately $100 CDN. Does the intended recipient suffer any additional fees when picking up the money? The fee was slightly different on this end if I make the purchase in Pesos Colombianos which I thought would then deliver to ...

By wcarmack on 2007-08-22 04:53:31. 25 comments.

Arriving in Colombia with visa

When a person arrives in Colombia with a resident visa issued by a Consulate of Colombia, is it necessary to go to Bogota? We intend to reside in Cali. Where is the cedula issued? Thanks, Woody ...

By wcarmack on 2007-07-29 13:25:20. 10 comments.

Who was Alfonso Bonilla Aragon?

Well folks..... I have searched the Internet and my humble collection of books on Colombian History but I can not find any mention of Alfonso Bonilla Aragon.

Who was he?

I imagine that since the airport is named after him he is from Valle?

When I first came to Cali in the early seventies it was Palmaseca International.

I want to know these things...

Thank you.

woody ...

By wcarmack on 2007-07-01 15:21:49. 3 comments.

Colombia Free Trade deal toast?

If I am reading this correctly, the Trade Agreement with Colombia may not be passed?
Woody

Junio 29 de 2007 -
Congresistas demócratas de E.U. descartaron discutir Tratado de Libre Comercio con Colombia

En un mensaje firmado por la presidenta de la Cámara, Nancy Pelosi, dicen que esperan resultados en violencia contra sindicalistas y 'parapolítica'.

El Congreso estadounidense abordará en julio la ratificación de los TLC con Perú y P ...

By wcarmack on 2007-07-01 05:15:39. 9 comments.

Pensionado visa question

When a person holds a Pensionado visa what is involved in leaving Colombia and returning? Any special trips to the DAS or special stamps that are needed?

In what seems like a never ending preparation to return to Colombia it occurs to my wife and I that since we are leaving several children in North America there may be a need to zip back and forth on occasion.

Thanks,
Woody ...

By wcarmack on 2007-06-22 20:18:50. 2 comments.

Not Authorized to access??

When I tried to access:

García Márquez A Little About Him And LAS FARC!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

under the New Forum Topics, I received a "Not Authorized to Access" message. What is with that?

Are some people special? Just curious.

Woody ...

By wcarmack on 2007-03-28 02:08:29. 1 comments.