'real advice on moving to bogota' Bogota

coldlionz from n. europe (Contact Member) -

As I have been searching the net actively for some time now, trying to find out as much as possible about Bogota, CO and living there - including the real experiences of people who have moved there from abroad (i.e. US & Europe). I now am reaching out in this forum.

My wife and I will be most likely moving there in just a few short months, although preceeded by a short visit in a few weeks. I am hoping to get the truth about Bogota. I am taking a job there and the company is taking care of most of the details - logistics of moving, finding apartments etc. - however, although I know Bogota has had a bad reputation, it seems that it has improved and is now being compared to any big metropolis. Rule of thumb being "Be smart and you'll be alright". Is this so? I truly want to believe so.

We are well traveled so we are not expecting our current environment and culture to follow us, and are looking forward to the cultural change. But I think Safety is the No. 1 question here.

I could ask a million questions now, but I will leave it at that opening statement and see if it triggers any conversation or reply, enabling me to ask some more specifics.

Thanks to anyone who reads and replys!!

Comment #1 Joel (63.176.159.162) -

Why retire in Colombia:

So what's life in Colombia like? What are the people like? How's the food? How much does it cost? Well these are the kind of questions that can only be answered by being here. Even just for a couple of weeks. Don't let the negative publicity spoil a wonderful trip.

New sensations, limitless possibilities, new and exciting beginnings may lie here for you.

These are some of the advantages of retire in Colombia:

Unique location at the North West corner of South America, two seas, Andean mountains.

The distance. About three hours flight from Miami to Bogota, Medellin or Cali;

Climate diversity. You can choose whatever to fit your needs. If you want you can feel the four seasons whenever time of the year.

• www.buycolombiarealty.com/Retire-in-Colombia.html

Comment #2 moya (63.176.159.55) -

I gather that your immediate worry is whether you would fit into the whole Colombian lifestyle given you have now landed a job there. My worry would not be so much given that most of the other logistics are going to be handled by the company.

I am sure that you will get more information on the first few days of your stay. You might even not have to look for other expats because the might be readily available.

Comment #3 Jazz (63.176.159.230) -

More of Colombia

Recreation

Fútbol (football) is the most popular sport, but Colombians also enjoy many others, including bicycle racing, swimming, athletics, volleyball, basketball, and baseball. Many Colombians have access to the beach, and some ski in the mountains. Wealthy individuals often belong to sports clubs offering golf and tennis. Bullfights also continue to draw crowds. In addition to general socializing, people enjoy dancing and music.

Holidays and Celebrations

Holidays in Colombia include New Year's Day (1 January), Epiphany (8 January), Saint Joseph's Day (25 March), Easter, Labour Day (1 May), Ascension (May), Corpus Christi (June), Feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul (July), Independence Day (20 July), Battle of Boyacá (7 August), Assumption (August), Día de la Raza (12 October), All Saints’ Day (1 November), Independence of Cartagena (11 November), and Christmas Day (25 December).

Comment #4 Buddy Martell (190.42.99.28) -

I cannot seem to find any specific information on importing my 22 pound, 3 year old, fully vaccinated Lhasa Apso to Medellin. I plan to move there in January to teach English for at least 1 year. Can anyone help me with this? Thanks.

Also, as I am moving to Medellin, any advice for living there as an ex-pat would be helpful. I have spent nearly a month there, so I know the city fairly well, but if you have any specific tips (apartment recommendations, areas to avoid, other concerns for my dog) I'd appreciate it.

Comment #5 Clara (63.176.159.244) -

on this site you can talk with other expat and learn, how is living in colombia when you are no originally, from there, you can also find cost of living and ask quiestions about moving to Colombia

• expat colombia

Comment #6 Jeanie (63.176.159.20) - 11/13/09 22:26

Glad I stumbled upon this forum. This has cleared all my inquiries regarding Colombia. Me and my siblings will be moving there before the year ends.

Comment #7 Ernest (63.176.159.163) - 11/24/09 17:42

Yeah, its a good thing that you found this site Jeanie. We hope to hear from you soon. Tell us some stories about Colombia when you and your siblings finally got there, :)

Comment #8 Thea (63.176.159.180) - 12/10/09 21:13

I am about to move in Colombia. They say that it is risky working there, especially me who is a tourist. but i would rather take the risk rather than to just waste the opportunity of working abroad.

I just want to know or if it is possible, could you please give me some advice on me moving to Colombia. Thanks a lot guys.

Comment #9 Allan (63.176.159.173) - 12/14/09 23:34

This is where these kinds of forum comes in. The sharing of information and other non-conventional results which have been buried and flushed down the pages of the most visited search engines. What would be even more better if people specifically expats would visit here in the forums and promote their blogs. The forums is another great way to SEO their blogs (if they care about those stuff and all).

Comment #10 SteveA (80.4.121.82) - 12/17/09 07:29

"Where do you all live?"

Hi all,

I am moving to bogata in January 2010 and would like to know the best place to live where maybe I can spend time with other ex pats and of course feel secure. Is there somewhere with a gym, swimming pool, and golf?

Thanks in advance for your help?

SteveA

Comment #11 eve (63.176.159.165) - 01/12/10 19:28

When it come to finding expats, my advice is simple. Try checking out one of those social networking sites.

Comment #12 Kasi (63.176.159.28) - 02/01/10 18:16

Beautiful country, Very big depending on which country your migrating from. Many tourists attractions and many different countries to visit as well on the entire continent. Weekends would be quite exciting if that's the kind of thing you like. Beautiful women as well.

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