Going Expat

[JimD]

I´m thinking of pulling up stakes, going expat and moving to Colombia when I retire some years down the road. Seems like it would be an interesting change of pace. Anybody else thinking along these lines? I´ve been told by many colombianas that they´d much rather stay in Colombia with their American husband.

[CROW]

I´m thinking of pulling up stakes, going expat and moving to Colombia when I retire some years down the road. Seems like it would be an interesting change of pace. Anybody else thinking along these lines? I´ve been told by many colombianas that they´d much rather stay in Colombia with their American husband.

Only way to go....removes the entire need to get married in the first place....just let them move in.

[utopiacowboy]

Colombia? Definitely not!!!!!!!!!! I am thinking of spending half the year in Canada and half in Chile or Uruguay, possibly Argentina. At some point in the not too distant future it may not be possible for Americans to leave the country. At the rate we're going, we could easily become a second rate East Germany. Hell, people would be digging tunnels to get INTO Mexico. 

[Jeff S]

Check out Uruguay U/C. My favorite S/A place.

[Zon]

Colombia? Definitely not!!!!!!!!!!

Why such strong feelings on the matter U/C?

[Alabamaboy!]

I am back to thinking of Colombia again as my retirement place. I subscribed to www.Internationalliving.com magazine and some of the recent info released regarding Colombia was very good. They rated it as the best "bang for the buck" for real estate in all of South America. I talked to a lot of people who have been looking into Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, and Belize and they all say they are overpriced and completely "gringolized".

Cost and duration of flights to other parts of SA turn me off a bit. I would like to travel a lot inside of Colombia too. There are a bunch of interesting cities, each with a different flavor.

I think their economy and banking system is solid. They are loaded with natural resources.

The only bad thing I can see is the bad currency exchange rate, but I hope to get a little business started to earn 2 million COP or so and buy a modest place with cash there, so that should cover things for the kind of lifestyle I need.

One thing I know for sure though, there is not much hope for a self employed person to retire in the US with enough cash to cover health insurance, overblown taxes, etc.

So I am in the planning stages.

I would like to go 1/2 time in Colombia or where ever in less than 8 years. Looking for 25% of the year in 4 years.

[Dave H]

I subscribed to www.Internationalliving.com magazine and some of the recent info released regarding Colombia was very good. They rated it as the best "bang for the buck" for real estate in all of South America.

Hey Alabamaboy,

Detroit has to be near the top of the list in the US for getting the most BANG for your buck (literally). But I wouldn't want to live there even if they were giving away houses...which they practically are! 

Uruguay and Chile sound good! Personally, I would also consider a small island in the Caribbean Sea with a low crime rate. I lived in the Florida Keys for a while and loved it!  I am probably going to move to a smaller island in the Philippines.

Dave

[kojak]

I lived in Colombia in the past spent over a year living in Cali, I would definitely not go back to living in Colombia full time....spending a couple of months a year in Cartagena would be nice.  Canada is nice if you can tolerate the cold, New Zealand very nice if it wasn't too dam far, Chile like California great weather on the pacific good living if you don't mine the earthquakes.

I'm actually still very optimistic about the U.S. yeah we are experiencing hard times and will be for the foreseeable future but we will recover. I wouldn't bet against the U.S. not just yet, if anything its going to make us more resilient. like a wise men once said adversity builds character, the challenges we face teach us resourcefulness, self-reliance, courage, patience, perseverance, and self-discipline.


regards, Kojak.

[Dave H]

New Zealand very nice if it wasn't too dam far,

I'm actually still very optimistic about the U.S. yeah we are experiencing hard times and will be for the foreseeable future but we will recover. I wouldn't bet against the U.S. not just yet,

regards, Kojak.

Hey Kojak,

I would like to check out New Zealand one of these days. It is just a stones throw away from me in the Philippines.

I would never count the US...there are plenty of good people getting very fed up with demands from the the gimme gimme gimmes!

Dave

[kojak]

Hey Kojak,

I would like to check out New Zealand one of these days. It is just a stones throw away from me in the Philippines.

I would never count the US...there are plenty of good people getting very fed up with demands from the the gimme gimme gimmes!

Dave

My tax accountant is from New Zealand, he's always showing me photos my goodness what a beautiful country, weather ain't bad either. I remember when I first met him I taught he was from Oz, he got pissed told me no self respecting kiwi would want to be mistaken for a Aussie....super nice guy my tax accountant!

I just got back from Panama family trip, I'm seriously rethinking my plans to relocate to Panama. Got so tired of family asking me for this and that and everything in between, so call family members that I had no idea they existed asking me for money, friends asking me for favorites....got really old after a while. Just because you live in el norte doesn't mean your loaded, is frustrating you try to explain it to them but either they don't want to hear it or just don't understand

[Gato4Astrid]

According to GP Index, New Zealand is the World's most peaceful country ....

[Dave H]

My tax accountant is from New Zealand, he's always showing me photos my goodness what a beautiful country, weather ain't bad either. I remember when I first met him I taught he was from Oz, he got pissed told me no self respecting kiwi would want to be mistaken for a Aussie....super nice guy my tax accountant!

Hey kojak,

I have made that mistake myself before! (both ways) Now I ask first!

Dave

[kojak]

Hey kojak,

I have made that mistake myself before! (both ways) Now I ask first!

Dave

Don't even get them started on there rugby teams, I truly believe that the peace loving kiwis become rabid when the all blacks play the aussies....

Keep in mind H I didn't know anything about rugby until I met him, now every time I talk to him I get a all inclusive team report, stats. overview ect....last time I talk to him, he casually mention "about 15-20 times" that the all blacks hadn't lost to the aussies the last 12 times they've played.  

[utopiacowboy]

Colombia? Definitely not!!!!!!!!!!

Why such strong feelings on the matter U/C?

I can't escape being from Canada and Canadians' number 1 priority is security. In Colombia you're always looking over your shoulder. Even with one faction of the AUC watching your back you gotta worry about a different faction gunning you down! There's just no rest for the weary there.

[Dave H]

I can't escape being from Canada and Canadians' number 1 priority is security. In Colombia you're always looking over your shoulder. Even with one faction of the AUC watching your back you gotta worry about a different faction gunning you down! There's just no rest for the weary there.

Hey utopiacowboy,

I am the same way about security, especially after living on South Florida. People in the Philippines (including my wife) thought that I was over the top at first, with my weapons, security system and cameras. But, we are the only house in the neighborhood that hasn't been burglarized in a year and a half (knock on wood). Most of the houses have been hit several times, even with people home. They are all inside jobs by local, upper middle class neighborhood punks who use shabu. They hit my next door neighbor's house, who has armed body guards. They just kept watch from a house across the street and hit when they left for a few minutes. There are always people left in our house (often mean dudes, who are relatives) when we are away and have a sign outside telling thieves that they are being recorded on video and will face serious consequences if they come in...not worded quite so nicely.

I already went after several  armed robbers (one with a knife, another with a gun) who approached me on two separate occasions, when I was outside late at night. They took off in a hurry on motorcycles (had getaway drivers). I guess some of my "stuff" is a little over the top and a bit intimidating.   Man, I love it when people think I am an easy target and underestimate me!

I think that there are more problems in some upscale neighborhoods, where parents spoil their kids rotten! We never had these problems in our barangay surrounded by poor people or at our farm.  

Dave

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01NHcTM5IA4

[whitey]

My 7-10 year plan is to retire or semi-retire in Colombia.  Probably in Barranquilla, since my wife's family lives there ... although I'd prefer somewhere like Medellin where there's more to do and the climate is perfect.

I'm not sure whether I could handle living there year round, so am thinking 6 months per year.  There are also medical insurance and pension benefits to living half-time in Canada (although I haven't researched this much yet).

Almost every Colombian I know here in Canada prefers to live in Canada and does not want to return to Colombia to live, although they would/do like to return on vacations to visit family.  The reasons they give are primarily security and opportunity.

Right now my wife would much prefer to live in Colombia than Canada.  It will be interesting to see how she feels after living here for a few years ...

[Gato4Astrid]

About me:  I don't have any plans to live in Colombia in the immediate future, but I haven't crossed it out in the distant future.  I will wait until I have met my girlfriend many more times.  She has 2 daughters (age 13 and 6), therefore I have to think of their education as they do not speak English.

About my work:  I am in the oriental fashion business.  The busiest time of the year is from Mid-November to just before Christmas and again in the later New Year (Chinese New Year).   It means I am able to live there when my business becomes quieter and comes back in time for another busy season ....

I am planning to do some home study courses: Immediate & Advanced Interior Design, Property Development & Investment, and maybe Event Management.   

[utopiacowboy]

You're very amusing, Dave, and not to be underestimated!!!

[Alabamaboy!]

Hey Alabamaboy,

Detroit has to be near the top of the list in the US for getting the most BANG for your buck (literally). But I wouldn't want to live there even if they were giving away houses...which they practically are! 

Uruguay and Chile sound good! Personally, I would also consider a small island in the Caribbean Sea with a low crime rate. I lived in the Florida Keys for a while and loved it!  I am probably going to move to a smaller island in the Philippines.

Dave

I've been to Detroit, and not quite the same tropical feel or tons of beautiful women around to keep the blood flowing. (Just looking )

[Alabamaboy!]

My 7-10 year plan is to retire or semi-retire in Colombia.  Probably in Barranquilla, since my wife's family lives there ... although I'd prefer somewhere like Medellin where there's more to do and the climate is perfect.

I'm not sure whether I could handle living there year round, so am thinking 6 months per year.  There are also medical insurance and pension benefits to living half-time in Canada (although I haven't researched this much yet).

Almost every Colombian I know here in Canada prefers to live in Canada and does not want to return to Colombia to live, although they would/do like to return on vacations to visit family.  The reasons they give are primarily security and opportunity.

Right now my wife would much prefer to live in Colombia than Canada.  It will be interesting to see how she feels after living here for a few years ...

Maybe we can be room mates! Sounds like your plan is about the same as mine. And my girl is also from BAQ. Please PM me if you have any good leads on real estate. I am thinking BAQ or Santa Marta.

[whitey]

Please PM me if you have any good leads on real estate. I am thinking BAQ or Santa Marta.

Will do, A-B ... although I probably won't even start looking for another 2-3 years.  Santa Marta may be a better option than BAQ ... maybe I can talk Nazly into living there!

We stayed in a beautiful apartment in Edificio Karey (right on the beach) for a week once.  I could definitely see myself living there, but the noise at night from the bands on the beach was pretty bad ...

[Dave H]

You're very amusing, Dave, and not to be underestimated!!!

Thanks utopiacowboy...I think?  

I hope I didn't scare anyone off! Many areas of the Philippines are no where near as bad as parts of Miami  IMHO. The average visitor will probably have a very safe and nice trip...especially with a Filipina guarding his body.   About the only chance that I get for real adventure is when my wife is not watching over me!   Then I get scolded when I tell her all about it later.   An inexperienced visitor may get charged the "Kano price" in a market, by a street vendor, or by cab (not in Cebu - my favorite cabbies), which is still cheap. In a big city, perhaps a pickpocket if not paying attention to who is bumping into you or an unattended package or item taken.

I guess I march to a different drummer. Some people like to visit fancy resorts...I prefer to stay in a nipa hut on the beach. I ride my mountain bike or motorcycle into the bundok where no Filipino with common sense would ever go! I have been to many places most locals have not.

During my US vacation a few months ago I was in Miami, Washington D.C.,  Baltimore, and Detroit. Not most people's idea of fun! I took an enjoyable 16 hour Greyhound bus ride from Baltimore to Detroit. I met many nice people along the way.

My motto is "Walk tall and carry a BIG STICK!  It doesn't hurt to have a nice "stick" for those few times that it is really needed. If you don't have a big stick...act like you do!" I think most people that have problems walk around with their heads down, not paying attention to what is going on around them. They are often not even sure where they are going and look lost. (If not sure, go foreward!)   They lack confidence! (Taking a self defense class will give to bigger balls..if only from  being kicked repeatedly in your nuts.)   Victims usually have a "I am an easy target" written all over them! It also helps that I can curse fluently in English, Spanish, Italian, Chavacano, Tagalog, and Bisayan!

Dave

[throwawaydad]

Hey Dave!

What does the law say in the P.I. about being strapped up?

Here in IlliNOISE, we are one of only 2 states in the Union that have no provision for concealed carry.

Meh.

Whenever I'm in the downtown area, I'm armed.  What's the old saying?

I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6.

I am an EXPERT at avoiding trouble, but sometimes trouble finds you.

Sorry for the thread drift.


TAD

[Dave H]

Hey Dave!

What does the law say in the P.I. about being strapped up?

TAD

Hey TAD,

NOT! It is best to follow the law!!! But your wife or girlfriend can have a licensed firearm...which you might mistakenly carry by accident or be handed before a potential incident. If problems do occur, it really helps to have the right connections! It is a good idea (from my Filipino friend's lawyer - killed several intruders) to also have an unregistered throw down gun...in case one of the assailants gets away and takes their gun or guns. During election time there is a ban in effect that prohibits carrying firearms, even by many of those who are normally licensed to do so. The police have numerous road blocks set up to search vehicles for firearms! There are MANY unregistered, illegal firearms in the Philippines, some are carried by normally law abiding citizens for protection...but of course also by criminals, who know that the vast majority of people are unarmed out of fear of being imprisoned for up to 6 years for illegal gun possession...which is not as stiff of sentence as being dead forever!   (Most Filipinos can't financially afford registered, legal guns)

http://www.pctc.gov.ph/laws/basicFA.htm

http://law.suite101.com/article.cfm/law-on-firearms-in-the-philippines
Requirements for Possession of Firearms
"It is illegal to own or possess firearms, including their ammunitions, without license. A person with a license to possess firearm alone cannot carry or transport a firearm outside of his or her residence; he or she must additionally have a license to carry firearm. The licenses to possess and carry firearms are issued by the chief of the national police. With respect to police and military personnel, their authority to possess and carry firearms are covered by mission orders, which are issued by their respective commanders or superiors as enumerated under the Implementing Rules and Regulations to PD 1866."

http://glocktalk.com/forums/showthread.php?t=445910

[Dave H]

Having been shot at a half dozen times (that I know of) in South Florida, I relied often on firearms for personal protection. To be honest, I really haven't felt much need to carry one in the Philippines. I have plenty of friends and relatives who legally carry guns (PNP, military, and business owners). Most are all to willing to come along if I asked and would bring me something to play with as well. I usually only deal with the occasional punk, drunk, or drug addict. I have a variety of weapons to choose from; telescopic batons, escrima sticks, pepper sprays, knives, bolos, sling shots, hand tools, chainsaws, etc. One of my favorite "tools" is a modified weed blow torch that I used to give the guy with the gun a sun burn!   I usually have a cane (have several fighting canes) with me, which is quite adequate on just about anything short of a gun. Just about anything can be used as a weapon...including my hard forehead.   I am also quite fond of large rooks!

In much of Latin America, I would stick with big guns!

Dave