Coming to live in Colombia

ardhvc says on Oct 8, 2009, 19:02:

Because I am going down in November then I will get a fresh 180 days starting January 1st. This means I have rougly 7.5 months to find a visa to stay indefinitely. Good luck to me!

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ardhvc says on Oct 8, 2009, 19:04:

By the way, I found a plane ticket from middle USA to Bogota for $220. It leaves on a Wednesday morning. That is pretty cheap!

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Bill Turley (Moderator) (Trustee board) (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 8, 2009, 19:04:

ardhvc says on Oct 8, 2009, 19:06:

My gf salary and savings. I should be fine, I have worked awhile.

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ratbag says on Oct 8, 2009, 19:33:

cant wait to meet you amigo

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btwells72 says on Oct 8, 2009, 19:51:

ardhvc: "I found a plane ticket from middle USA to Bogota for $220"
Where exactly if you care to say and what airline?

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apeters says on Oct 8, 2009, 19:55:

good luck getting the paperwork to marry while you are in Colombia...that is sure to be a pain in the ass due to the 90 day requirement for all marriage-related papers. I would take the marriage out of the equation for now and try for a work visa. Good luck with all though and safe travels!

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ERIKA7 says on Oct 8, 2009, 19:58:

Your gf is going to support you? hahaha, never seem that one,

kidding, good luck with everything,

"por muy bonita que sea, tambien se caga y se mea"

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ardhvc says on Oct 8, 2009, 20:01:

Yeah, it is a risk and I don't have exact plans for how it will all work out. Hopefully, everything between my novia and I goes great and hopefully I can find a job I like. I guess no one knows about how easy it is to get the 90 days extended to 180?

Does PBH have any meet up stuff in Bogota? That would be fun.

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ratbag says on Oct 8, 2009, 20:16:

not sure but hooters in medellin is always a good spot to meet

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stephen_aubrey says on Oct 8, 2009, 20:17:

Living on your Gf's salary,most Colombian woman I met do not like paying for anything I hope she is aware of your plans......

" Most people talk a lot, few are up for the moment"

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ardhvc says on Oct 8, 2009, 20:40:

One thing I am thinking about is health insurance. I don't know how I'm going to manage that. I know there is travel insurance. But what about everyday health insurance? I guess I could just get insured with a Colombian insurance company until I get a job.

The other thing I am thinking of is transportation. I have thought of possibly getting a motorcycle for Bogota. I know how to drive one and I like them a lot. Don't know how ill advised of an idea that is. I just don't want to be on the transmillenio everyday for hours at a time.

And the final thing is a bank account. I wonder if I can open one without a visa for Colombia. What about having just my passport?

I guess my gf will pay for it all.

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flynn flanagan says on Oct 8, 2009, 20:44:

Ardhvc, I don't think that you are going to get a reset on the 180 days on January 1. You might want to look into that one. It's very possible that you will find a job teachuing english. English teachers don't make much money, especially in the academies. The good is that the academies don't require a work visa. Universities, and private primary/secondary schools are more likely to require a work visa. Be advised that the DAS (immigration and more) is in a great state of flux at this time. It is being eliminated as it presently exist, and reorganized. I don't know all the details, but you might see some confusion on any immigration issue. Getting married in Colombia will require documents from your home country. Hold off on the marriage thing. You may find money to be pretty tight once you get to Colombia. I hope you have some sources of money to go get you by till you get settled. Economics is a big issue, you've a lot to learn.

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bufalo says on Oct 8, 2009, 20:51:

yeah the extra 180 days after january 1 sounds a bit off to me as well...

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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Paisa/Calena/Luver says on Oct 8, 2009, 20:56:

"My gf salary and savings. I should be fine, I have worked awhile."

Colombian Girls love paying! They are really into woman's lib! Good Luck!

"PAY ATTENTION! I wonder if that person knows that when we push the FUNNY button, its because we are reading something outrageous, trying to be cynical, derogatory, sarcastic and/or obnoxious!"

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apeters says on Oct 8, 2009, 21:04:

i would not ride a moto in bogota, unless you have a death wish. I dont think you fully understand how crazy the cars are there...they have no respect for pedestrians, let alone a gringo on a moto.

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stephen_aubrey says on Oct 8, 2009, 21:24:

Money is going to be a big issue with you ,I hope I don't see hanging around the Gold museum with the" I just got mugged" story asking tourist for money to take a taxi to your embassy,also note it is very difficult to do anything without a cedula,and I have seen more than a few motorcyclist get run over by vehicles here I hope you are up on your defensive driving skills you will need them.

" Most people talk a lot, few are up for the moment"

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ardhvc says on Oct 8, 2009, 21:25:

Hey guys, I am pretty sure it resets at the beginning of the year. If I remember what gator said right and something else I was reading tonight from the Delta airlines website says the following(emphasize calendar year which in my mind is Jan-dec and would reset at next calendar year):

Length of stay for U.S.A. nationals holding normal passports
can be extended up to a max. stay of 180 days per calendar
year.

Oh come on, let's not focus on the who is going to pay, I don't want my relationship to be focused on that. Anyways, it's just joking. haha Yeah, I would like some sort of bi-lingual business job.

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stephen_aubrey says on Oct 8, 2009, 21:35:

My understanding is 180days straight after that you must leave,so if you come in1 Nov you must leave 180 days later so 1 May out of the country but you can come back the very next day for another 2 months for the calendar year 2010.

your way sounds wrong and according to you a person could say a year straight if they come on 1 July naan come on your coming to the mean streets of Bogota start using some common sense.

" Most people talk a lot, few are up for the moment"

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whitewidow says on Oct 8, 2009, 21:36:

you can always import peyote. colombians are very spiritual people.

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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ardhvc says on Oct 8, 2009, 22:04:

Gator says on Sep 8, 2009, 18:43: flag

A new decreto, el Decreto 2622 de 2009,. Doesn't quite work that way. The new decreto is quite implicit in stating, "Individuals holding the status of visitor, tourist or technical visitor will be granted up to 180 days (per calendar year) of stay in Colombia." It is within DAS discretion allow a little more time if the date extends past midnight December 31. If you exit on December 31 you may return January 1 for an additional 180 days(unless you get a DAS agent with a hang over.)


I guess that means I could not just stay in the country and then start anew at the beginning of the next year. I would have to leave at the end of one year and then I could come back for another 180 days. Shit, how would I leave and come back? Drive to Panama and back or what?

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whitewidow says on Oct 8, 2009, 22:07:

yes, drive to panama. i do it all the time. ez pz, bro.

I'm no doper! I just play one on TV.

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bradk says on Oct 8, 2009, 22:44:

If you need work. Let me know. I work in network marketing and earn dollars while living in Colombia with a company that Donald Trump promotes. Send me a message if interested. Must have US contacts as the company is not yet in Colombia.

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misterfinger says on Oct 8, 2009, 23:02:

Brad what info you have on Bogota??? I thought your in Villavicencio now????

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Buongone says on Oct 8, 2009, 23:53:

Sounds as tho the OP needs to do some more research.

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Aji1 says on Oct 9, 2009, 04:30:

It will be an eye opening experience...

I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!

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pedro (☼Travelguide writer) says on Oct 9, 2009, 04:48:

TravelFamily says on Oct 9, 2009, 05:03:

Have you been to Bogota? I think it's more expensive here than most people realize. Also, if you haven't been here, then you haven't seen the death stars on the streets - I'm sure many attributed to moto accidents. Driving a motorcycle here will certainly shorten any 180 day plans that you have!! Not sure about the insurance, but it's been discussed before so a search should give you some good info. Good luck with the gf!!

The World is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page. ~St. Augustine~

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Gator says on Oct 9, 2009, 08:22:

90 days originally-no way more like 60. BTW I would not count on the leaving on say December 31 and returning on January 1 for an additional 180 days. There have been cases where DAS has taken 150 days in one year and if you tray to return after a very short absence from Colombia subtracted the 150 days from 180 days and given 30 days for that entire year. You should remember the only thing Colombian law address is a MAXIMIMUM of 180 days in a single Calendar year. It is TOTALY discretionary with the DAS agent. That, amigo, can be anything from no entry into Colombia to the full 180 day stay.

THERE IS NO APPEAL FOR A POE DECISION.

"Bene, cum Latine nescias, nolo manus meas in te maculare" .

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ellbee2 says on Oct 9, 2009, 09:06:

Brother, you need to do a bit more research. If you are only in Colombia on a tourist visa you can't do any of the things you are talking about i.e, buy a moto (bad idea anyway unless you have a death wish...in Bogota if you ride a moto it's not a question of if you will be hit, it's a question of when), you will not be able to open a bank account and finding a job is next to impossible (teaching is an option, but you better know what your doing). Remember you are in Colombia on a TOURIST visa, all you are allowed to do is visit. You are not allowed to work. Better you plan on living off your own savings and follow the rules. It's not difficult to extend your time to 180 days, but be prepared to wait in some pretty long lines though. Last thing, are you sure that's a round trip ticket? You can not travel on a one way unless your Colombian returning home. I faithfully watch the all the airlines for low rates and I've NEVER seen any that low unless your departing from Florida.

"You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you are going because you might not get there." Yogi Berra

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bradk says on Oct 9, 2009, 09:32:

I am in Villavicencio....

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kenblanquito says on Oct 9, 2009, 13:19:

Student visa sounds like a good idea. Note Gator's comments!

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ardhvc says on Oct 9, 2009, 13:35:

Hey everyone,

I just got off the phone with a toll free line to Colombia which speaks of their visas for extranjeros(foreigners). The lady I spoke with on the phone(Sylvia Romero) recommended that my gf and I apply for the Conyuge de Nacional Colombiana Visa. Typically this is known as the marriage visa but she told me it is not necessary that my gf and I are married. Sylvia said that it doesn't hurt our chances if we have not married yet. She suggested this visa before trying to get a work visa as she said it was the easiest to get and often times they will give it to a person on the same day as the interview. However, it is not guaranteed. But if we do the necessary paperwork it shouldn't be a problem. I'm pumped b/c this means I do not have to worry about how I will stay! But obviously I will have to get a job. She said that when I find a job and sign a contract then I will need to go to DAS to apply for a change of visa status. The following steps are needed to ask for the coyuge visa:

1. Passport with available pages and valid for at least 3 months.
2. Two photocopies of the pages of the passport containing information.
3. Two originals of the visa application completely filled out, and duly signed.
4. Three recent color passport-type photographs.
5. Notarized photocopy of the Colombian conyuge's cedula.
6. Notarized letter written by the Colombian citzen requesting the visa for their partner.

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lpdiver says on Oct 9, 2009, 13:59:

TROLL>>>TROLL>>>TROLL>>>this thread merrily thru cyberland!

ts

Remember what the monkey says, "Fuck money it's free"

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mcheasley says on Oct 9, 2009, 16:01:

LP, I think you figured right.....................

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Philly says on Oct 9, 2009, 17:26:

Flyn, English teachers do not make good money. "The good is that the academies don't require a work visa. Universities, and private primary/secondary schools are more likely to require a work visa" Shut the F**k up. All jobs require a work visa. It is obvious you do not know what you are talking about.
To the original poster. Your girlfriend can sponsor you for your medical insurance. You only need your passport for that. Letting your girlfriend support you is the wrong move. I just do not see it. Good luck!!!!

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span_colombia says on Oct 9, 2009, 17:40:

nope, most employers will try to hire you on a tourist/student visa and have you work under the table - nearly 100% of the institutes. it's cheaper for them that way. I've also heard that private colegios work that way. not saying that I like; it's just the way it is.

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stephen_aubrey says on Oct 10, 2009, 06:06:

I don't think the op is a troll I just think he doesn't have a clue what he is getting himself into,I personally would not go to another country to live with zero source of income and nothing lined up income wise,also if I were you I would still worry how you are going to stay here.

I live in Bogota,I own my own place so i pay zero rent,I get a military pension which is good money for here,I am covered medically and for dental here and for any prescriptions all from a public service health care plan,I don't have to rely on anyone financially for anything,so from my point your plan is a little messed up.Good luck anyways.

" Most people talk a lot, few are up for the moment"

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perezoso says on Oct 10, 2009, 07:11:

I want pictures of the drive to Panama.

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ardhvc says on Oct 10, 2009, 09:16:

what is a troll? I guess I am being made fun of.

I agree my plan is not set in stone yet. From what they said the conyuge visa is pretty much guaranteed. The main part I need to worry about is finding work. I feel that if I look hard I should be able to find something in a few months. I still do not feel like teaching would be my only option, I have to be able to find another job related to my field. Time to get looking and now! The only way I am gonna survive is hustling to make this work.

Stephen, why do you live in Colombia? It sounds like you do not work there.

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Philly says on Oct 10, 2009, 10:24:

LOl, sorry I could not help myself. You have no idea what you are getting yourself into.

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ardhvc says on Oct 10, 2009, 16:06:

I have lived in Colombia for 6 months before, hopefully that experience and my knowledge from it will help me do well this time around.

As far as the naysayers go, I feel that sometimes you can't have complete security about how things will work out in life, sometimes you have to take a leap of faith and figure it out as you go. In this case, I am not motivated by certainty(security), money or having the easy life. My motivation is the relationship and the fact that I care about my gf. My alternative is to try and win the lottery, in other words, trying to get a visa to bring my gf up to the USA, who knows how long that would take or if it would even happen.

At this point, my main focus is just making this situation work as best as possible. I'll be posting more as I go. Thanks for all of the help and good points made so far already. For example, I called the ministerio de relaciones exteriores yesterday after a comment above about only being allowed in the country with a round trip plane ticket. You were right about that. So I will need to buy a round trip ticket to get in as a tourist. Or I could get the conyuge visa before leaving but that is a pain in the ass and would be just as expensive as eating the second half of the round trip ticket. With the motorcycle comments, you all are right, that's a bad idea. I love motorcycles but I think the coast is a better place for them anyways per the weather. Also, regarding the costs of living, I am planning my budget out about that now. More on that below.

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ardhvc says on Oct 10, 2009, 16:14:

Here are the estimated monthly costs I have for living in Bogota, these are just for the typical major expenses one incurs:

Rent: Arrienda $300 a month(something simple, small, to get by)
Electricity/water months: $60
Gas-?
Transportation: $40(don't know if there is a trans milenio pass)
Medical Insurance for me(unless I get on my gf med. insurance)-$50
Food-$150

Any input on these estimates is welcome. Or if I forgot a key expense.

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flynn flanagan says on Nov 2, 2009, 06:46:

The visa situation is in flux at this time, and you'll have to see how it plays out. What this means is that if you find a job that requires a visa, you may be able to have your company or school help you get the visa without you having to leave the country. In the past it has been required that a person not be in the country to recieve some visas, requiring them to leave.. Again, I think that this may be changing. As stated before, some schools and companies will pay you under a thing called "prestaccion de servicios". This is an under the table deal. I have personal experience with this system.$150 for food will work, if you prepare all your own food. You can eat pretty good with this amount. Exito has a special on vegetables and fruit one day every week, buy all your veggies on this day. Carrefour has the same thing, but on a different day. PM me if you need any information. I've spent significant time in Colombia, however not much in Bogota. Some say that life in Colombia will be difficult, at least at the beginning. I would have to agree with them. Don't expect a cake walk. Your gf may love you , but her family will see you as a source of financial aid. Be careful.

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ardhvc says on Nov 2, 2009, 11:17:

I come on November 18th!

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ardhvc says on Nov 2, 2009, 11:18:

Flynn, not sure I understand you well when you said, "In the past it has been required that a person not be in the country to recieve some visas, requiring them to leave.. Again, I think that this may be changing. As stated before, some schools and companies will pay you under a thing called "prestaccion de servicios". This is an under the table deal. I have personal experience with this system".

Are you saying that I cannot come into the country without a visa and then apply to get one to stay? I am going to apply for the conyuge visa with my gf. Then if I get a job I can switch to the job visa.

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flynn flanagan says on Nov 2, 2009, 18:43:

In the past a person could apply for a conyuge visa while in country. With some other visas this was not true. As I understand it with the coming changes it will be easier to apply for most visas. Meaning no requirement to leave the country to apply and receive the visa. Again we'll have to see how all this shakes out with the new coming system. If you seek a conyuge visa, I believe that you will be able to apply and receive in Colombia. With the old conyuge visa, you had to re apply every 2 years, and after accumulating 3 years or more of conyuge visa time you could apply for a permanent resident visa. Even though it is permanent, you still have to get a new ceduela every 5 years. Again, some of these things could change with the new coming system. If you apply for a work visa under the new system , I believe that you will be able to apply and receive in Colombia. As far as having a work and a conyuge at the same time, I have no idea how that presently works, nor how it will work in the future. As I have said, a person can work teaching English in Colombia without a work visa. A school will simply pay you as a "prestaccion de servicios" meaning sort of under the table. It is done all the time. You big worry here should be ...will you get paid for work performed? Some schools have a history of screwing the gringos teachers out of their pay. This also happens frequently. Don't forget the cedula (Colombian ID). Whichever visa you acquire, there will be a requirement to acquire a cedula rapidly. 14 days I believe for the conyuge visa. Best to begin the cedula process the same or next day after acquiring the visa. Confused? Don't feel bad, nothing is easy or straight forward when doing this visa cedula process.

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