Moving to Colombia

"Stay in the area for a while before making a desision and try and get some inside information ..someone from your own country who has lived in this place a while," said one expat in Guatape.

"Go for it. Keep your money invested in the USA and take what you need monthly. Rent initially. Great buys for cash. $2000 usa will allow you to live like a king. Body massages $7 for an hour Nails done over one hour $15 dollars Papayas -- $0.40 per pound Mangoes --$0.15 per pound Sirloin steak -- $2 per pound beer -- $0.50 per can Rent - ok place $75/month Rent - nice $150 per month Rent -- very, very nice $250 per month Rent -- Country club type -- swiming pool, everything, view, fantastic- $700-$800," said one expat who made the move to Cartago.

"Traveling through Colombia i stumbled upon a town called Guatape 1 hour from Medellin," said one expat in Guatape.

"Anything you want. You can start at $40K to $300k. Nice neighborhoods around $70k and very luxurious country homes with swimming pools , air, cable, 5000', barbeque areas, security, etc. They are like fancy homes in a country club," remarked one expat who made the move to Cartago.

"Expat homes and apartments in Colombia are typically modern, spacious and feature sleek contemporary designs. Most apartments come with amenities such as air-conditioning, fast Wi-Fi, washing machines and well-equipped kitchens. Common features include balconies, terraces or outdoor areas, allowing for those living in these apartments to get a taste of outdoor living. As cities become more cosmopolitan, developers have created several family-friendly buildings to cater to the demands of expat families, with large communal areas and modern security measures," explained one expat living in Colombia.

"The average cost of housing in Colombia generally varies in price depending on the location and size of the property. Generally, prices for housing in the major cities such as Bogota, Medellin, and Cali tend to be higher than in smaller cities and rural areas. On average, a studio apartment in a major city can range in cost from approximately US$150 to US$500 per month," said one expat in Colombia.

"I lived in Roldanillo in the north of the Valle del Cauca for a year in a secure conjunto. The house was less than 5 years old, with 2 stories, 2 bedrooms, a study, and a bathroom upstairs; Kitchen, dining/living room, half-bath, and laundry area, downstairs. In front was a parking space, partly covered, for one car. The conjunto has 24/7 security, a swimming pool, hot tub, and playground, and is located just outside of the edge of town, about a kilometer from the city center. So, the cost was 500,000 per month, including the administration fee. At today's exchange rate of 4562.8 pesos per dollar, the cost is US$109.58. And, Roldanillo is a very nice little town of around 35,000 and had been mentioned in the news some years back as being one of the safest towns in Colombia. If I decide to return to and live in Colombia the only place I would live is in Rolda (I lived in eight different towns/cities in 9+ years in Colombia)," said one expat who made the move to Colombia.

"We are currently renting, but when I get there permanently next year, we will be buying. We actually were able to sign up for a government plan through a local bank. We make monthly deposits & in a year, they'll offer us our mortgage," explained one expat living in Cali, Colombia.

"We knew we had come to stay for several years or more. So we rented an unfurnished apartment. Some friends referred us to locals and the process was very easy. We bought a few things new like mattresses, TV and recliners, but all the rest of the furniture was used and we got some bargains. We had to buy lots of accessories, and those cost more than we counted on, but we have them now and they aren't going anywhere. In 3+ years, we have had 5 different homes. We could not have had all our adventures if we had purchased a home," said one expat in Medellin.

"Pack lightweight clothing as the weather in Colombia is hot and humid throughout the year. Pack comfortable shoes for navigating the cobbled streets. Pack some formal clothing for special occasions. If you plan to do a lot of outdoor activities, make sure to pack insect repellent and sunscreen. Bring any personal items and documents that you need for your stay in Colombia, including a valid passport, a valid visa, and any medication. Pack enough money to cover your initial costs in Colombia. Lastly, bring an open mind and a desire to explore the vastness and diversity of this amazing country," commented one expat who made the move to Colombia.

"Wish I had brought my whole family, my old cars, and American footbal. I should have left behind most of my furniture and stuff. Be light, sell lots of stuff before moving. keep it simple," remarked one expat in Cartago, Colombia.

"It is important to try to avoid making any negative comments about Colombia's past conflicts or suggest that there is still violence present. Additionally, it is considerd disrespectful to dispute with or criticize a person's religious beliefs. It is important to use formal language when addressing someone and to take off your hat when entering a church or a private home. It is also recommended to dress modestly and to give a gift such as flowers or chocolates when attending a social gathering or an event. It is inappropriate to whistle at women and it is important to avoid using offensive language or gestures," commented one expat who made the move to Colombia.

"Yes said to a man's wife "su esposa..esta caliente?" which is " Is your wife hot? (is she a "hot piece"?) They say "Su esposa tiene calor"? which is "Does your wife feel the heat?"," remarked one expat in Buga, Colombia.

"Medellin is knows as "The City of Eternal Spring", and the weather is the most agreeable of any place I have ever been. The country has had image problems in the past, and today the people welcome foreigners with open arms," replied one expat when asked about moving to Medellin.

"Colombia has become an increasingly attractive destination for expats due to its warm, welcoming atmosphere and its rich culture, diverse landscapes, and year-round pleasant climate. The country offers a lower cost of living than many other countries, with affordable housing, good public healthcare and an abundance of educational opportunities available, making Colombia a great place for expats to call home. Additionally, bilingualism is prevalent in the country, making it easier for expats to adjust to their new surroundings. Furthermore, the country's friendly people, vibrant nightlife and a sense of safety and security that many other parts of the world simply don't offer have all contributed to the increasing appeal of Colombia for expats," stated one expat who made the move to Colombia.

"Pay the higher insurance premium to insure quicker access to specialists. Have at least a working knowledge of the language as most doctors speak no English. ," stated one expat who made the move to Colombia.

" Minor problems can be taken care of here, but really serious problems require a trip to a bigger City like Bogota which is 11 hours away by car.," remarked one expat in Florencia.

"Colombia has a well-developed healthcare system, with both public and private hospitals and clinics providing a wide range of medical services. The country has a high number of qualified medical professionals, including doctors, nurses, and specialists, who are able to provide quality care. Colombia also has a number of specialized medical centers, such as cancer treatment centers, that offer advanced treatments and technologies. Additionally, the country has a number of health insurance plans available to citizens, which can help cover the cost of medical services," said one expat living in Colombia.

"I had a sinus infection and rather than go through the insurance plan, I just went to a private physician and paid cash. The doctor visit (including a basic physical exam) plus an antibiotic and an anti-inflammatory injection was less than 20 US dollars," offered one expat living in Ibague.