Downsides Of Living in Colombia | We Asked Expats!

[@HowToExpat]

You want more real practical information about Expat-Life? DOWNLOAD OUR FREE E-BOOK NOW: how-to-expat.com/the-real-deal-e-book Real practical information we gathered through our trips and while relocating to Colombia.

[@guillermohernandez4000]

I am From Colombia and I drive an 18 wheeler in Texas. When I go to Colombia Relatives had offered me their cars so I can drive while I visit. I have never taken the offer. I prefer to take a Taxi or even a Public bus. Driving there is too Crazy. :-)

[@skipstreet]

I can not believe someone complained about the language differences.

[@RolandeMusic]

Yeah, no offense to that guy but he didn't seem that smart. I grew up in America too, and we all learned Spanish starting at age 12 in middle school. Most middle schools and high schools teach Spanish, and there are entire parts of towns in Spanish (areas where lots of Mexicans live). It's probably the easiest second language to learn if you're american, so it's weird he'd move there without learning any of it.

[@piotrjeske4599]

@@RolandeMusic and in my school we all learned German and French, there is zero Mexicans or Latin America people here, there is more Australians and Poles here.

[@RolandeMusic]

@@piotrjeske4599 Damn where are u from? Australians? lol. I'm from Milwaukee and Chicago, and like a third of the population is hispanic here. We have Polish people too though.

[@piotrjeske4599]

@@RolandeMusic US territory of Guam.

[@RolandeMusic]

@@piotrjeske4599 Oh okay, I guess that makes sense. Most places I've been in the continental US have tons of hispanics. I've been to small towns in rural Iowa that are 50% hispanic; which means most people are exposed to Spanish speakers on a daily basis. Literally the only place I've been that didn't have many hispanics was Ohio and some states in the deep south (Alabama and Mississippi).

[@SLFinSF]

I've just watched 3 of your videos and will watch more of them. Want to thank you very much for these. It's always difficult trying to find information that you can trust about another country -- because most people are trying to market to you and will only present the positive aspects. I haven't been to Colombia, so don't know for sure, but yours seem quite measured and thoughtful. So -- thank you!

[@rolandboerhof9391]

I'm from Amsterdam, spoiled by a lack of traffic noise and pollution, so Medellin sounds like a big NO for staying a couple of months

[@Ramsefall]

It's interesting to see how many ex-pats choose Medellin as their destination. I get it, though--when I moved there in '05, that was my primary destination after arriving to Bogota. Lo and behold I found Bogota to have so much to offer and literally started encountering truly great people on day one that it seemed more sensible to stay, explore and establish myself there rather than going to Paisa country. After nearly traveling the entire country over a 7-year span and experiencing some fantastic spots, aside from the traffic the capital city remains my favorite. Thanks for sharing all the ex-pat insights in your video!

[@theewill1483]

Good to hear some perspectives. Making my decision to relocate there even stronger. IMHO these are basic gripes to anywhere in the world, so dealing with them in a generally happy country sounds perfect to me.

[@hiiij9638]

Colombia has become safer than before. Yes traffic is bad. Yes you can get mugged hut that's if you show off your phones in the street and dress like you're rich just blend in . Corruption is everywhere lol

[@christianguzman6510]

Is safer then before but is still unsafe...why because here you commit any crime and if you have money you dont do jail time

[@Teabagonyou]

Yea no country is more corrupt than America.

[@jimmyfloyd2028]

Another good video. I agree about the pollution. Even though I was only there 8 days, the pollution was very noticeable, especially downtown.

[@dilmerfandino]

But not in cartagena or barranquilla.

[@porridge57]

I love Medellin! I'm here now for two months. And all these are very good points. I have to chuckle at the comment about "extreme changes in the weather." I'm just gently teasing, in a light-hearted way, but Medellin has some of the most consistent weather I've ever experienced. Of course, I'm from Arizona, where the temperature can rise and fall by 18 degrees celsius over the course of one day. All the best to you all!

[@HowToExpat]

Thanks a lot for the comment. Haha yes in Medellin that would be kind of weird to say😅. She is talking about Bogota 👍

[@davegarmendia1717]

Loved the Australians comments, and the comment on Motorcycles

[@nathanbraundscheidermann7647]

Next year I go to live in Colombia, i'm colombian but my family is German. I love my country 🏵🇨🇴🌺❤🦜

[@HowToExpat]

Grüsse nach Deutschland!

[@CapitanJusticia]

Driving issues? Colombian road trip are amazing because of the spectacular scenery!

[@deanbrunton4377]

But moving at 10km per hour? Please.

[@davegarmendia1717]

Agreed, green everywhere, beautiful mountains.

[@catbernstein8628]

Great information, as with the other videos. Even though I'm just planning a short visit, I have found the Expat videos have given me a little "sneak peek" of Colombian culture, and offered a much different perspective on Colombia than the information a tourist-oriented business might give. The devil is always in the details, and it is fascinating to hear about them.

[@HowToExpat]

Thanks a lot, glad you can benefit from the info even as a traveler :)

[@mariabaier3080]

The USA is not safer than Latin countries where you do not have mass killings at shopping centers, schools, churches, supermarkets, airports, hotels, concerts, sports events, universities There too many guns around and too many crazy people doing the constant killings. Drugs abund and road range are increasing. In Washington DC you can get shot for no reason. Many people are leaving the capital because of crime, the cost of living and fear of extremists like the ones who assaulted the Capitol and killed several people. Police get murdered all the time. Sad 😔

[@RickySterling]

As a Los Angeles lifer born in the early 80s, I feel like the Bane of traffic & smog when people from other cities complain about it. You merely adopted traffic and poor air quality. I was born in it, molded by it. (As he coughs from early onset lung disease.)

[@powprankz702]

Happy to see this channels growth and hopefully the growth of your business too keep up the good work guys and keep the videos coming

[@HowToExpat]

Thanks so much!

[@fortnitegod502]

@@HowToExpat hi do you you visa options for people in the uk?

[@scottmeyer4917]

Really good video. Always helpful to have a "360" view of life in Colombia.

[@HowToExpat]

Thanks 😁

[@rickhall8119]

The lack of quiet. They blast their music at all hours and every day.

[@travelingman9763]

Thank you both for your honesty! I'm in thailand retired and it seems that compared to many other places...I'm lucky as heck! I drive, have a beautiful 29 year old Cambodian GF who rnds daily with me, eat out daily all meals, drive to see Nature on motorbike and far away enough from a City but close enough to drive to Bangkok in 4 hours. Covid actually made loud noisy people more quiet!

[@spanishhere7131]

You're right guys, I'm from Medellín, I love my city and I tell my Spanish students about how wonderful my country is, but traffic and pollution is a big problem.🙄

[@GuillermoRodriguez-gu3oq]

To survive in Colombia book smarts is not enough you need street smarts.

[@deanbrunton4377]

Nobody reads books, so that makes sense.

[@captainlouis5593]

Basic common sense works too, just like anywhere else in the world.

[@joselassalle5906]

3:17 availability of weapons!? Is he joking? Coming from USA where guns can be bought like groceries!?

[@ralphlozano9177]

Those folks from Chicago, complaining about seeing firearms in Colombia making it quite obvious why they left Chi-raq. There is a good reason why many Latin American countries don't have a daily dose of weekend shootings in their larger cities. I'm sure this couple fleeing from Illinois can tell you why.

[@Letsgetit138]

Great videos. I like the politely stubborn concept in the other videos. Very real

[@davisurdaneta1426]

I have visited Bogota and Medellin, the Pollution in Bogota is 2x worst than Medellin. I got sick after 2 days Bogota due to air quality. When you go to Monserrate viewpoint, you could see how bad the smog is in Bogota.

[@rocioramirez2817]

Every big city has pollution. Medellin has a lot of trees and the trees are the longs of a city.

[@dilmerfandino]

Barranquilla and cartagena have no pollution

[@angelramos6975]

Cant wait to visit Colombia

[@johneBGood]

Good information, as a Canuck here for 17 years, security is much better now, especially in Medellin than it was when I arrived. Pollution is a concern in the larger cities and that is why I like to live in smaller places as I have compromised heart and lungs. Many people are moving out of Medellin and moving to Rio Negro especially now with the tunnel, a 20-minute drive. Gringo pricing is a concern especially in Cali at this time, do not use your credit card!!!!! The new leadership may be causing some issues as they are talking with ELN and FARC and now in Bogota, people are being killed, cut up and placed in plastic bags and left on the street. But you can live a very simple and wonderful life here on a budget of less than $500 USD for a single person. The language will be an issue, especially in smaller towns or Bogota. However, in Ocaña even the moto-taxis greeted me in English. Just thoughts from a very old Canuck.

[@mariabaier3080]

The plastic bags , recently duscovered by the police are used by members of de Venezuelan gang of criminals called El Tren de Aragua or train who came to Colombia to rob, kidnap and to kill. It's unfortunate and of of serious concern Colombia is a host country of so many emigrantes who brought so much crime and social unrest

[@Jamminn555]

Love your videos! And this is excellent as well. Very well presented. And you are a wonderful couple!

[@HowToExpat]

Thanks so much for that nice comment :D

[@erichaynes7502]

I'd recommend going down to Colombia for 6 weeks, take their 4 week beginner Spanish class for $390. You'll probably have a very good time. Maybe then plan to live there 6 months out of 1 year, which is what your Visa allows.. but to live there year round is really next to impossible without so many MAJOR headaches.

[@Ralphie_Boy]

*My only problem I dread is getting into calling or answering a phone call, the first thing I hear is QUE, although I get that reaction once in a while in person my Spanglish or a New York Rican sound gets a smile and patients the cell will have my wife play the role of cell phone operator for a long time to come!* 📲🤣

[@davegarmendia1717]

Like that everyone expresses that the quality of air. Interesting, loved the comment from the woman from Chicago! Motorcycles , motorcycles, motorcycles. She is right on, motors are very prevalent and drive recklessly. Day or night always dangerous.

[@mikeperez1676]

Thank you ! helpful Video !

[@HowToExpat]

You're welcome!

[@intrepid5144]

I've been to Brazil, Sao Paulo mainly, and you couldn't pay me enough to try to drive there. LOL However, on our vacation on Ilhabela Island, I did the driving, and it wasn't too bad. You just have to constantly look-out for the Motorbikes!

[@trepidity23]

Question: I am looking at internet service providers in the area, and the speeds available are pretty slow. Are there any fiber providers?

[@dilmerfandino]

Yes there are fibers providers

[@rslashreddit_]

i plan to visit medellin later this year, hopefully it goes well. I wasnt sure if i should hire like a tour guide or assistant or some such to show me around when I go.

[@alfredom877]

The smog is a deal breaker for me.

[@davidcisco4036]

4:42 "extreme change in weather, up and down, up and down" in Bogota ? Where it never freezes and it is never hot ?

[@HowToExpat]

Haha yes of course this is relative. The thing in Bogota is, if you are outside in the morning many people wear a jacket, around 12PM a sweater, around 2 a t-shirt and then the same way back in the afternoon. That's what she meant. And that pretty much throughout the whole year

[@skipstreet]

I never noticed any smog in Bogota. That would be a plus.

[@Patrick-xv8uv]

@@skipstreet I was there for a week in March and it was awful. My eyes started burning as soon as I landed and my lungs started to hurt around the end of the second day.

[@skipstreet]

@@Patrick-xv8uv I was not there for a long period so maybe that's why I didn't notice it. Although I was there for over 24 hours. That's where the US Embassy is.

[@MrJrweir]

The growth of a developing nation, somethings are going to be good, and somethings are going to be bad. Live in NYC, live in the greater Miami or Washington D.C. then talk about traffic, the adaptation of the new culture, possibly the hardest thing to do.....

[@omarcarosi6564]

Thank you for all you do.

[@item6931]

Are there 'satellite' cities around Medellin that are basically independent with most of the usual conveniences? I'm used to living in smaller cities not far from the major city and just visit when needed.

[@HowToExpat]

That's what I thought too. I want to give you 2 tips. 1. A latin american city feels 3x smaller than a US city. 2. The best satellite city would be Rionegro (a little cooler than Medellin) or Pereira (although far). I had the exact same plan as you described but are happy now inside of the city. Hope it helps. Sam 😉

[@item6931]

@@HowToExpat Great info! Thanks!

[@item6931]

@@HowToExpat Quick question. I really like the look and location of Rionegro. It looks fairly affluent though, is it expensive?

[@HowToExpat]

No the opposite. It's cheaper than Medellin. Around 30% cheaper. I love the area there but for me it's a little far still (although a tunnel who should be finished in a couple of months will cut travel time) and it's too cold for me. Otherwise I would live there 👍

[@domirican81]

Item69 ... I lived in Rio Negro for 6 months. I grew up in a small city in Virginia, so Rio Negro was like home and I loved it. My gf was bored there so we moved back to Medellin. I would retire in Rio Negro if I could.

[@Michael-s2p3p]

The biggest con for us is the relative scarcity of green places to visit in the city, especially if you have a dog. The second biggest con for us is that marijuana is still illegal. My wife is a paisa and we live ok with the delays and inconveniences of the culture.

[@robcochran9372]

Smog? Not enough restaurants? No home comforts? traffic? Cut me a fucking break, trying living in NYC or LA and paying 10 times as much

[@robcochran9372]

@Mystichrome Gaming That's the plan

[@Goodie1120]

I have family in Cali but I’m skeptical of going because people are struggling with the pandemic and I’m 6’5 I would stand out so bad 😩 I am half colombian

[@jamesjdoolin]

Cons: #1. Food is not so good compared to the United States, especially beef/steaks.... Little variety and vegetables are hard to find... that goes for restaurants or the grocery store. #2. Traffic sucks and there are no rules. #3. Things move at a VERY slow pace. When someone tells you 5 minutes it really means an hour and if they say "tomorrow" it means sometime this week. And if they say next week its probably never gonna happen. #4. Homeless people and beggars on the street are EVERYWHERE in Poblado/Provenza which is the nice part of town , you cant walk down the street or eat on a patio without being asked for money at least once every 3-4 minutes. Poblado/Provenza is where most tourists are. #5. Street Vendors are annoying and the ones with the boxes around their necks selling candy or cigarettes are usually selling cocaine/weed/etc. #6. The noise level is always high, motorcycles, car horns, street vendors with amplifiers, street rappers with boom boxes, and MUSIC, MUSIC, MUSIC turned up at every restaurant, bar, club, and business all next door to each other as if it were a competition to see who can be the loudest. You will want to make sure your hotel/Airbnb is at least 2 blocks from the nearest club/bar or busy street if you like sleeping at night. Quiet time is from 5 to 5:15am Mon. thru Wed. #7. and finally the people in general are not motivated to work. Work ethic is poor in case you are planning to hire people or do business. On the plus side a full time employee makes only $250-275 a month minimum wage so you can hire 3 or 4 people to do the job of one person. This list is for Americans who are use to a Walmart/Target and a few grocery stores within 10 minutes of their house, who work at least 40 hours a week if not 60 hours a week, who value peace and quiet, and are not use to beggars approaching every 5 minutes. James from Dallas & Miami (and Miami could do better with some of the things on this list) In fact, this list could be about Miami 🙂

[@Xcerptshow]

4:27 That is how the audio should sound.

[@chrisawelch]

My 3 cons... 1) Traffic, traffic is hell in Medellin. There is no way I will ever drive there. Basically... EVERYONE has the right of way. So, watch out! hahaha. As a pedestrian, you have to be careful. And it can be frustrating. 2) No air conditioning. At least not in the Airbnbs I stay in. I really miss AC when I'm there. It makes me want to go home some days when I have no AC. 3) Grocery shopping. I like to cook, a lot. When I go out, I expect and want 100% Colombian. But when I'm at home, I want to cook like I always have. And it's difficult finding things I'm used to... Ribeye! Forget it. The closest thing I've found is a Pecho. Like a ribeye with the toughness of a NY strip. Also, NY strip... forget it. hahaha. All the different types of cheeses and meats I like to have for sandwiches, nope. If you are used to microwavable meals as a way to diet and portion control, forget it. You cook everything. Which I'm used to now since I've gone low carb. That's it. 1) I get used to it, try to time my outings. 2) buy a big effective fan or two. 3) Keep trying more grocery stores. I stay there every few months for a month at a time. I plan on buying a home there so I can stop using Airbnb and actually leave my things there and make flying easier and have things there that make me feel comfortable. So each time I go, I try new stores now. Some things get better. I finally found where to get a decent selection of salad dressings.

[@insuchaway]

Regarding number 3... Is oatmeal/almond milk available at the grocery stores you've frequented?

[@chrisawelch]

@@insuchaway oatmeal yes. Almond milk, I don't know. But I'm about to start using it in shakes... So when I go in December, I'll be looking for that.

[@insuchaway]

@@chrisawelch Thank you for the information; food is my number one concern traveling anywhere.

[@IvanDSaboya]

Chris, in Bogotá we dont need to use AC.. have you been here yet? The climate is cool, but very unpredictable sometimes maybe.

[@chrisawelch]

Yes, almond milk. I've seen it at a few stores recently.

[@davenebennett6058]

I would love to live here

[@shagwellington]

She's so gorgeous.

[@dremunoz2600]

I have family in Colombia and speak the language for the most part however its the poverty that is frustrating. About 40% of Colombians live below the poverty line or close to it, creating a situation where so many people are trying to sell you shit you don't want or need. When I was in my dad's hometown the number of street sellers was ridiculous. There were guys with vests loaded with cell phones selling phone time. On the flip side there's also a lot of "matenidos" with their hand out. If I ever want to retire outside the US I'd probably move to a small town.

[@mariabaier3080]

Emigrants from Venezuela to Colombia are creating social unrest, crime have risen, begging on the streets, stolen cellular, mugging is everywhere. Most of these emmigrants do not want to work.. the venezuelan government took care of them so they are not accustomed to work. Medellin is the preferred city for those people to live.

[@dremunoz2600]

baier - that's a real shame. It's not supposed to be that way. Now you have Petro that promised the world and is walking back on many of his promises.

[@satony9969]

Great video. And I enjoy your vids. Quick question, is there anybody out there that knows if Sprint cell phone service is in Medellin ? I have a IPhone X will I have any problems? Thx.

[@HowToExpat]

I would surely get a local sim like tigo or claro

[@claudiaregresiones]

Ojalá y el alcalde vea estos comentarios y hagan algo yo soy paisa pero vivo en New York y cuando fui fue muy estresante el tráfico demasiadas motos

[@dilmerfandino]

Es mejor impulsar el transporte público como el metro.

[@sjacobs310]

Awesome video. Where in switzerland are you from 😊

[@HowToExpat]

Zurich 😊

[@mariabaier3080]

Very, very expensive country to live . One if the highest in Europe . Beautiful and civilized but the climate is a no,no.

[@BookerT1]

How is the water quality in colombia?

[@HowToExpat]

At the coast it is not drinkable however, in Medellín most people drink the tap water, including us. I guess it depends mostly on where in Colombia you'll be staying.

[@mannyc.2039]

100% agreed with all expat. Even though I am Colombian but living outside Col. every time I travel to Colombia I see a lot problems to resolve in many aspects. Like most of the Latin American countries , corruption and lack of education make these Countries not a good choice to live.

[@CapitanJusticia]

But they are living happily there, unlike you.

[@Sam66305]

Every single country has problems to work on. Do you see systemic racism and mass school shootings in Colombia? Do you think corruption doesn't exist in the U.S.? Exactly

[@exblvr8859]

Yes, but Colombia is cheap, has good climate.

[@NickDemski]

You shouldn't sit in front of an antler because it makes it look like you have one antler LOL

[@vapeusaandexpatrelocation8418]

Well my cons from Colombia are a bit different. I am from US but with Puertorican blood jijiijiji. So I came 9 yrs ago, I do speak spanish so no problem comunicating but since my accent is boricual in Colombia I just a gringo en espanol jijijijijij so prices do hike when I talk that is one con. Renting now you just place on CD 3 months rent and buala but when I got here I need it a Colombian with a paid house to co-sign with was very dificult at the time. Credit in Colombia is very hard to obtain, I am a military US pension plus another 2 pensions(yes I do make good in here or any country) but that dont matter since is US money not Colombian so I have to create a bussiness to have credit and file incom tax in here jajajajajaj. I do have car (have bought 4 new cars since 2011) but is not easy do do so unless you can proof income inside the country. Last con well I am military and most of my life from the south (North Carolina) and owning a weapon is a pain, an finding a shooting range is hard but not imposible, I reside in Pereira and there is a range here jijijijijijijijijij but I only have a traumatic pistol which is good for 25 meters and below jijijijijiijiji.

[@jaimeletemps]

You are from switzerland !

[@RiverPlaid]

Great video🌸

[@jesuslazalde9245]

What do yall do for a living where yall can live their?

[@tahiti1]

My cons - supermarket queues, traffic pollution (understandable given that Medellin in a valley) and biggest con, ever increasing number of whingeing gringos always complaining and making little effort to become fluent in spanish or integrate.

[@404housepizza3]

upside of living in Medellin 404 house pizza..best NY STYLE Pizza

[@dareasonx24]

What do you do to make money

[@Sixz89]

Isn't a European license valid in there? I drove around a lot in there, just with my Dutch license. Or does it change when you are not a tourist anymore?

[@HowToExpat]

As soon as you get your residency your drivers license won't be accepted anymore. As a tourist you have nothing to worry about :)

[@davidd6635]

Kinda weird, Ok to drive as tourist, but not as resident. Guess they want some money. But, 20 HRS?!!! This is an Irritation for me, as I want to have my own drive.@@HowToExpat

[@HowToExpat]

@@davidd6635 completely agree.

[@juandavidrestrepoduran6007]

@@davidd6635 Once you become a resident or a citizen, the logical thing is that you get your local documents. Is it real that you had to take a test again tho? Anyways I think the 20 hour thing is definitely wayyyyyyy laxer than in other countries.

[@williamhutchison5969]

@@HowToExpat Maybe it's changed from three years ago but this answer is wrong. Once you have ANY visa, your home country visa is invalid and you need to go through the process to get a Colombian one.

[@dugrober]

Driving boring? What a joke. Drive here in Germany, and you see nothing except for Bayern. It is paradisiac there!

[@royking7298]

I can't imagine why anyone would leave Switzerland to go to any 3rd world country. Everyone wants to get INTO Switzerland and can't. Like me!

[@Sam66305]

Cost of living for one. For the most part, Colombia is a beautiful and peaceful country offering a lot of European benefits. It's the reason there are a ton of American ex-pats relocating there.

[@mr.b9597]

3rd world? That would be inaccurate Medellin was actually rated the most innovated city in the world in 2013.

[@exblvr8859]

Obviously no one goes to Colombia to earn Colombian salary. Some people have fixed income from their home countries and they look for cheaper places to live on it.European and North America men both gay or straight move to Colombia to find love.

[@johncouch7785]

Switzerland was one of the most beautiful countries I have visited. It also ranked N° 1 in boring.

[@shagwellington]

They have the same issues with motorbikes in Vietnam. It's nuts. The gun thing is definitely a con. Be easy to get robbed or shot. Getting Gringoed. Need to speak Spanish.

[@guillaumefrancois3942]

Did you get shot at?

[@eddieBoxer]

All countries has good and bad, show me a perfect country and I'll move there.

[@nameless1724]

how is the girl @ 2:00 able to walk around with gold on her neck? isnt that dangerous to do in Colombia

[@nyerling5723]

Traffic is terrible in every big city in the world.

[@Goodie1120]

You have so many Volcom shirts hahah

[@LonskiBig]

...:stability"...it wasn't always like that.....

[@migeeel9158]

But luckily i’ll be back in the us in four days

[@TheMichaelangelo11]

What is a expat? Clear definition?

[@mrscarface6438]

What’s an expat , if your living in colombia 🇨🇴 makes you an immigrant, no ?

[@keithrichard391]

I almost got shot by a security guard@ Airport..his gun went off accidentally:)

[@HowToExpat]

Scary..

[@shagwellington]

My gosh, she is so cute!

[@williamhutchison5969]

If you're talking about the girl in the green sweater, I hope you are looking at the other two, she is cute, she'd be a nine in North America but she's about a five here. Trust me, I've lived in Colombia for twelve years, eights and up are everywhere.

[@ralphlozano9177]

In my humble opinion, Colombia is home to the most beautiful women in the world and as a confirmed bachelor who loves to smell and pick beautiful flowers it may become impossible to maintain my bachelorhood for very long. ❤😘

[@sccrdude082]

It blows my mind that no one mentioned sexual tourism. It is so obviously in your face now as compared to five years ago. I guess some would consider that a pro though?

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

Uhm yes sir that would definitely be considered a pro.

[@Sam66305]

@@PurpleMusicProductions Phew good thing there isn't any sex trade problems here in the U.S. Now if you will excuse me I am going down the street to the building with all the fluorescent lights to get an Asian Massage.

[@bertoalhotarugo3251]

Colombia vs phillippine expat

[@carlosgomez-ct6ki]

Colombia has never had dictatorships as the other countries in the region.

[@randymillhouse791]

I plan on retiring in Bucaramanga. And don't call me Shirley!

[@zackbog]

i hear alot of complaints about bad air but some of the places these people come from is worst

[@dilmerfandino]

Barranquilla and cartagena have a good air

[@tonylogan4092]

Medellin is not Colombia, but rather is just a tiny section of it. Other places in that country are totally different from there, and many of them I think I would be much more comfortable than in Medellin.

[@HowToExpat]

Agree It's what you are looking for, but this video is actually about the whole (sure let's say the most common expat spots) Colombia. We interviewed people from Cartagena, Bogota and Medellin and even our comments at the end are regarding Colombia in general. I hope that came across like that. I really like Pereira and Santa Marta too.

[@Sam66305]

@@HowToExpat The "Eje Cafetero" (including Pereira, Manizales, and Armenia) is unlike any other place in Colombia and where my family is from. You should spend some time there. The landscapes alone are worth the trip.

[@HowToExpat]

@@Sam66305 We have actually been to the "Eje Cafetero" it's beautiful and lush. We unfortunately did not go to Manizales but Armenia and Pereira. Next time when we go back we surely have to go to the thermal pools/bath!

[@Sam66305]

@@HowToExpat It's unfortunate you missed the Termales of Santa Rosa. There are actually two. Go to the one that has the hotel, it's a little more exclusive. However, the scenery is more beautiful at the other. Manizales is a unique city with the climate of Bogota and the hills of San Francisco. I also wouldn't miss Salento for its artisan crafts. There is so much to see in this region you could spend a lifetime there. I plan on retiring there so if you want to do a video on the location I would love it. Thanks for all your fine work.

[@HowToExpat]

@@Sam66305 Thanks for the recommendation, we will surely do that the next time we visit. Take care!

[@gymee425]

extreme changes in weather????? disregard that! obviously shes never lived in extreme weather places!!

[@michaelcooke8665]

Try living in Vancouver b.c you'll wish you were in colombia

[@meowmeow1733]

03:21 "Weapons".....this is my biggest fear about this place. This more then anything makes this place scream "3rd world" to me.

[@Regalman]

An aussie talking about inequality. LMAO

[@rocambole93]

nobody talks about high tax rates

[@williamhutchison5969]

There are literally no taxes here, what the hell are you talking about. ??There is VAT only, 19%, and that's buried in the sale price of everything.

[@rocambole93]

@@williamhutchison5969 im not talking about the sales tax, im talking about the income tax even foreign like US social security

[@williamhutchison5969]

@@rocambole93 I don't know anyone here that pays income tax to Colombia, I doubt with income of social security only that you would meet the threshold and you would have to be flagged some way for it even to come to the country's attention. In any event, like Canada, I am Canadian, there are tax treaties and the payment in one generally gets credit in the other. Your best source though for accurate info would be a bilingual accountant here. You might also be able to research the level at which tax kicks in using the internet.

[@Kozette007]

Language barrier in a Spanish country 😧

[@vkx1940]

I’m dying at someone from Australia saying a con is corruption and inequality. Look in a mirror first😂

[@johnnino2755]

As a Colombian American who has been to Australia a few times on business .. I can tell you your comment is one of the most ignorant I have ever seen on here .. you can’t compare the levels of corruption , poverty and crime between Colombia and Australia .. the latter is a first world country and the former isn’t ... the only thing Colombia has on Australia is the women .. they are hotter in Colombia 😬

[@stevenparadise5932]

Asian food Hmmm

[@zzospreyzz55]

Lol Chicago people afraid of seeing guns. This is the definition of irony.

[@casebeth]

There's plenty of transport.... It's real first world problems to whine about the driver's license.

[@plos2765]

All these different videos about Columbia have been great because it's made me know not to go there which is probably a lifesaver. No Santa Marta, no Cartagena, no Medellin, etc. No thanks

[@mikeg3281]

It is very dangerous even in the good place, technology sucks, corruption, no laws, traffic is a free-for-all, choice of products is poor, very out dated

[@nigelperry8863]

More crap audio!! What's the problem with everyone???

[@joemaguire5575]

Yeah big ears whatch your honey does not rob you

[@joemaguire5575]

Usually it's cops that rob people but some honies are experts in robbing and snitching to cops to set up to rob you

[@joemaguire5575]

Be clever

[@rickhall8119]

Everyone drives like an idiot.

[@inolvidable.]

Why does this channel always highlight the negative when the positive side of Colombia absolutely far exceeds the negative? There is not perfect country, and Switzerland is not exception. Perhaps, it is more secure, but boring; it will never have the ambient and countrysides that Colombia does. Her face's gestures are as if everything was disgusting. Maybe, you don't want to encourage others to immigrate to Colombia because you want it for yourselves. I bet that you come back to Switzerland, and will miss Colombia like crazy, with all the possible issues.

[@HowToExpat]

I appreciate that you want that Colombia has a good image. We too. We have about 100 videos where with 50 of them we say how much we love Colombia, and about 4 where we speak about the downsides. We even made a video where we talk about why we love Colombia more than Switzerland. So if you look through our channel more you will find that ;)

[@viajerozz]

@@HowToExpat I've watched many of your very good videos and they were all very positive. This is the first one that discusses the cons and it is honest. Her facial expressions are endearing :-)

[@asher3795]

Been to Switzerland and Its so boring that I almost commit suicide. Same in Sweden, Denmark and Norway.

[@Jeff-vc2nw]

You actually move to Colombia? Learn Spanish!!!

[@elalbert2475]

muchas quejas de las comidas colombianas