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Need Info About Colombia...(thinking about moving there)

by xpatflipper
5 replies
Hi:

I'm a Gringo working in UAE right now as a writer but I'm thinking about moving to Barranquilla, Colombia. Last time I was there was 2001 but I know things have changed a bit. I loved it back..... but I'm trying to get an idea of what my living costs would be now.

Anybody here from Colombia or have any contacts there I might be able to ask a few simple questions? I'll still be writing(for an online MLM magazine) but I don't make a fortune so I need to not get in 'over my head'.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

Thanks,
Art Williams
skype: atwill4
#colombiathinking #info #moving
  • Profile picture of the author methomas
    I've lived in Bogotá for the last 10 years, but it's getting too crowded and polluted and at 9,000 feet elevation, the air is too thin.

    I will be looking to move to Villavicencio this year.
    I have no intention to returning to the US.
    Food and medical is far superior here.

    You can use Google to find out anything about any of the major cities in Colombia.
    You can find the cost of living and compare to other cities in Colombia or the USA.

    M E

    UPDATE: As of Jan. 1, 2015 - Many old buses were removed from streets and the pollution level has been reduced substantially.
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    • Profile picture of the author xpatflipper
      Hi ME:

      What a coincidence. I just got through booking my pain-in-the-ass 'onward booking' ticket(with Jet Blue...Cartegena to Ft.Lauderdate) in order for American Airlines to let me on their flight Dallas to Bogota. I kinda didn't want to spend the money because, like you, I have zero desire to ever go back to the US. I think I can get a partial refund later.

      Otherwise I'm all set to hop on the flight here in Dubai>Heathrow>Dallas>Botota>Barranquilla on the 16th. I'm looking forward to experiencing the Carnival in Barranquilla and there's no dancing here where I live either so I'm looking forward to having access to some girls who like to dance in Barranquilla.

      BTW, somebody told me that I could book my ticket, print it out, and then cancel it because the check-in crew in Dallas never check to see if it's valid or not. They just want a piece of paper. Do you know if that's true?

      Regards,
      Art Williams
      xpatflipper@gmail.com
      skype; atwill4
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      • Profile picture of the author methomas
        I don't know about the ticket.

        I mostly fly American since United bought out Continental. I've had only bad experience with United.

        When I fly from Bogotá, I go to New Orleans.

        I will be flying Jet Blue to Orlando later in the year.

        There will be plenty of beautiful women anywhere you go in Colombia.

        I met one 19 years ago, been married 18 1/2 years.

        They seem to party at any excuse.

        I'm 78, so I don't do much partying.

        If you need to learn Spanish, Pimsleur is the best program.

        Let me know if I can help you when you arrive.
        Use PM,

        M E
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        • Profile picture of the author Enfusia
          Hi, have fun in Barranquilla, it's great and you won't have any problems finding chica's who want to dance.
          Do watch out for the brichera's though. If your Spanish is not fluent they will be up on you.
          When at the clubs dance with girls who are in a pack. If you see a girl there by herself be wary. They most often have a boyfriend close at hand.

          While in clubs don't drink anything that you left at your table and came back too. You have a risk of waking up on dirt road with no wallet.

          Stay away from Cali, still a little FARC action over there.

          Bogota is quite nice and relatively inexspensive. Cartagena while beautiful with the walled fort city inside the city etc.. is pretty pricey.

          If you're interested another fine destination is Medellin. Pretty hilly (maybe that's why the chica's are in such good shape), but nice. there you'll want to stay in the village (El Poblado), nicest area although Envigado 7 miles SE of the center is pretty nice. A real up and coming area.

          Have fun, you'll freaking love the place and never want to leave.

          Best advice, Learn Spanish!!!

          Patrick
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          • Profile picture of the author xpatflipper
            Thanks for the advice. I had a year of Espanol in high school plus a roomie in Houston who was from Equador so...my ear is tuned into the lingo. I like it and can speak very basic stuff now. I think I'll pick it up relatively quickly.

            I've got my necessary return flight on JetBlue but I'll be getting whatever refund I can after I get there.

            On the drinking stuff....I hardly ever drink and even then just one beer.

            I hope they Bachata there.

            Regards,
            Art
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