================================= How to work with me: ================================= 😎 One-on-one Consulting for planning your move abroad: calendly.com/adventurefreaksss/50min
This man is an example of how someone should prepare to be an expat. He did his homework and transitioned slowly while understanding all the pros and cons of living as an expat. He and his wife are very comfortable living a quiet, peaceful life in a rural area so a place where he lives makes a lot of sense. I can tell by his pronunciation that he has made an effort to speak Spanish, which most people do not consider. Studies that I have read indicate a majority of Americans do not stay for more than a few years, he clearly will be an example of a success story.
Excellent program, Hi from New York. I'm colombian and very happy to Americans enjoying Colombia 🇨🇴...the food is unbelievable cheap,beautiful views, is also very ssfe place.
Just keep in mind what he mentioned. If you do not have a hobby that you do like and you do practice then it can easily happened that you get bored very soon….
Colombia is my truly retirement country destination. Living in the country or rural or small city is the best option for me. Listening to this is very informative
I will be 59 in 3 months. Will retire at 62. My wife is from Bogota. We have been considering Bucaramanga and estimated high for monthly expenses at $3,500 USD. That is an average that includes travel over time. I just showed the house tour to my wife. She said, "We have to move there; we are wasting time." She is right. We don't really need to wait 3 more years, though the amount of USD we will save in that time will more than double our nest egg. So, we are biding our time. altitude of 7,500 feet is kind of high. Bogota is 8,600 and I get some mean soroche there. Not sure I would want to live that high up in Manizales. But man, I could learn to get used to it after seeing your house!
I retired in Colombia from new York city at 44 years old with a 4500$ a month passive income. The truth is for the first time in My Life I feel like a millionaire. I've been in Colombia for two years and I was finally able to save 80,000$ dollars in two years plus I lived comfortable. In the USA it was impossible to save money. Life in America isn't fun anymore dating has become impossible. The average American male lives like a castrated caged animal no matter what age 💯💯💯💯💯 Thank you for the videos.
Colombia is DEFINITELY the country i want to retire. My wife is Colombian and i cant wait to get out of the states. Im 45 right now and my plan is to get out of here on 5 more years.
This content is all about sharing the possibilities for anyone no matter what their financial situation is. Thank you for viewing our content @MrJrweir
We retired 4 months ago at 55 and 60 and we are traveling between Mexico and Argentina, in search of our favorite retirement city. This will take us 3-5 years slow traveling. We are currently in my wife’s home country of Nicaragua. We will here until February and our total monthly costs run about $1100/month. Manizales is absolutely on our list of cities to visit. We plan to be there for 3 months eventually.
@@danspencer4235 So far we have only been to Bogota, which we liked, but it is too big for us. Our research seems to point us to Manizales. Cool temps, low cost of living, good hospital…. Any cons living in Colombia ?
Loved this video…. I never thought of the coffee areas until NOW… wow the mountain views are stunning.. i will trade sea view/beach for mountain view and get a pool… BEAUTIFUL!!
@@therehastobesomethingmoore I have not found any drawbacks. The infrastructure is far better than Nicaragua and lots of other countries. You can also choose your weather, because the temperatures simply vary by altitude. Manizales is a popular choice with many expats.
I lived in Buenos Aires Argentina for 10 years. I have visited many countries in South America. For me, I need 1500 to 2000 dollars US per month to live a high style comfortable lifestyle. The same lifestyle would cost me at least 6000 dollars a month in Chicago.
I have been to about 15 different countries and I have lived in different states in the US, England and Nicaragua. I moved to Colombia about 6 years ago. I have continued to look for a better place to retire and I cannot find it.
FYI...I lived in Manizales. If you can deal with at times heavy rain, cloudiness and hills you'll be ok. Clothes drying works with an electric dryer NOT clothes lines but the people in Manizales are nice. No doubt.
An absolute gem of a video. Randy is a stand-up guy and I appreciate his thorough breakdown of all relevant topics. I will soon be proposing to my Colombian girlfriend and would love to attain residency for the beautiful country of Colombia. This cost of living and wonderful climate is just too amazing to pass on. Thank you kindly for this video.
At 40 I retired from the US Army. I had traveled all over Europe and Asia and some places in the states. I finally decided I would retire in Georgia and then picked up another career in Real Estate. Did about 15 years in Real Estate and then retired for a second time. I then bought an RV and drove the Pan American Highway from the USA all the way to Argentina, which took two years. Once I arrived in Colombia I knew it, I was going to retire here. I've been to almost every large city in Colombia and quite a few small ones. However, I met my fiancee here in Bogota and I have been here since 2021. She is retiring this year and we are moving to Villa de Leyva. Congratulations to you and the wife Randy, you all have done well picking this amazing country. Cheers!
Not really hurricanes here either. Though earthquakes are common here and globally speaking, all along the edges of the Pacific ocean. I can feel slight earthquakes multiple times a year. But nothing that has ever even toppled a paper cup. Well, in the last 14 months at least ;-)
I just turned 59 and searching for a country to retire to. I have probably watched thousands of hours of videos on different countries. Like Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica, Phiippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Italy, Moldova, Ghana, Ethiopia etc. by far this has had the most pact with great information. Specially healthcare. Columbia made my top 3 countries along with Philippines and Thailand. Can't wait for the update. One thing I wanted to ask was to start a business there. How easy is it? My expertise is high tech. My concern is in the level of expertise of the graduates in tech and engineering. How good are they? is there a Silicon Valley in Bogota?
I have lived in Colombia for about 6 years. My wife and her two brothers started a business and all they did was rent a commercial space and open for customers (also did some advertising). In other words, there was no licensing, no bureaucracy... Small businesses are basically ignored by the government. I don't know at what scale you might attract their attention. Government income is primarily from sales tax and corporations. There is some technology activity in Medellin. Most large corporations are based in Bogota'. Medical care is terrific. I recently went to the E.R. twice and ended up hospitalized for a week and then an IV infusion every 8 hours at home for another week. There was no direct cost (I purchased a few medications that were not immediately available through the health service. Less than $50.) So a health emergency that would bankrupt many people in the US was completely covered by my EPS insurance. I have continued to search for a better place to live in retirement. I cannot find one.
Computer skills in Colombia (and definitely not the pay for it) is not high compared to the US. However, if you like mentoring, I imagine you could find motivated employees willing to learn from you, and because the pay standards are so low you could afford the lower productivity before they ramp up their skills. You could also hire other expats who already have more skills. Regardless of which country you go to you will need to adjust to their culture rather than expecting everyone in your business to have already embraced your cultural business values. For example, if you come from Seattle (arguably among the best in the world for customer service) you will be shocked at how little most Colombian (and probably for many countries) businesses pay attention to the value of good customer service. Colombia's startup center is Medellin.
What a nice interview I’m Venezuelan and my wife is Colombian and we both have American citizenship but we are planning to retire in Colombia. We visit her relatives every year (Santa Marta) but next time will visit the Eje cafetero Manizales.
I stay in Airbnb at 6 minutes walk from the 10 pools at the Estadio Olympica Complex in Medellín. My Airbnb cost is $12 USD per night. I need to go minimizing of my Illinois condominium. I lived my first 20 years in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. I live about 8 months per year in Estadio. Medellín temp is 60 to 85 all twelve months.
I absolutely loved both of these guys! I could listen to both of them talk all night. I'm originally from Colombia. I've been in the states for 30 years. I try to travel back to Colombia once a year . I'm a teacher in NY and my "American Dream" is to one day be able to afford moving back to Colombia. I pay $800 per month for health insurance, and half the time medication is not covered by my plan. 😢 I loved your top about domicile..I never thought of that, and it could certainly make a huge difference. Great job guys! You are both an inspiration! Never abandon your dreams. Someday I'll join you.
I visited Cali and I'm definitely going back. The language was my major issue.. Literally nobody spoke English anywhere so that will be something i need to work on but the food is delicious affordable and quantity is huge. Transportation is ridiculously cheap.. like you could just Uber anywhere and as an American you probably feel like your taking advantage of the driver (I did) i had to literally hold myself back from tipping too much. Even tipping 5 usd is considered insane by locals.
Just one clarification on the domicile point. Not sure what the process is for TX, but it takes just one night's stay in SD to gain residency, get a drivers license and register to vote. Plus no state taxes. You do first need to signup for a physical mailbox beforehand (I use the one in Spearfish), but then you just stay at a hotel fr a night (I recommend one in Rapid City), go to the DMV, show them your hotel receipt, and they will process your new drivers license and register you to vote in less than an hour.
Owned a finca on the outskirts of Palestina as well. Two stories, six BRs, 6 baths, two living rooms, two kitchens, Olympic pool, hot tub, beautiful views surrounded by plantain and banana trees. Paid $110,000 for it. Very economical to live there. Just be aware, it's virtually impossible to get away from the noise. Colombians love their music LOUD in the evening, and especially on weekends (all night, non-stop). They also love loud motorcycles and the sound of horns (constant horn honking for no apparent reason).
So I am hoping to visit the café triangle this spring looking for a place to make a home. I have lived in Mexico for a dozen years but am being priced out plus Mx has no retirement or digital nomad visas. I can be legal in Colombia! But don’t know how it might be for a single older woman. I think I will find out and write about it as there’s not much info about moving alone. Scary but I am a good longterm traveler. Randy have you met others who live alone?
The Permanent Resident Visa in Mexico is what is used for retirement. It does however have a higher monthly income requirement pricing out those living on Social Security alone. Thanks for viewing our content and I hope you find your place in Colombia!
Would love to have a 3 bedroom version of his house. Living where Randy does is what I have been looking for. But I am in Thailand so kinda hard to find.
I moved here from Tacoma WA. 15 yrs ago. I bought a large Farm home, in Cali, Colombia. Kilometro 18. My Mom get her retirement check mailed thru the embassy in Bogota.
Im in New York and I’m finding it extremely hard to get by. My monthly expenses are around $4000 and I’m not saving anything and I’m at the point where I want to just leave. Thanks for the video, very informative.
You're not alone. Data indicates that 40% of retirees have no retirement savings. They lived paycheck to paycheck and live on social security alone. Many are exploring alternative ways to live and save. Thanks for viewing!
@@adventurefreaksss I’m actually 41 but truth of the matter is I’m having a difficult time here, everything has gotten so expensive, it feels like all I do is pay bills. I am from Colombia but I haven’t been back in over twenty years so this is also nerve wracking but I have reached a point in my life where NY doesn’t seat right with me anymore.
@@The1morningstar New York is a great city. I love NY but you need to make a lot to survive there and have a nice quality of life. Keep considering alternative options and something could open up for you!!
I agree with Medical Surgery. San Vicente in Las Lomas at José Maria Cordova Aeropuerto has medical surgical care equal or better that in USA (Cleveland Clinic, John Hopkins, or Mayo in Rochester, Minn). There are several insurance. I likely will have SURA.
This was full of useful information. I am Canadian and myself and my husband are going to San Gil Columbia for 2 weeks to look around. I would love to know more about the health care qualifications.
Thank you for viewing! Based on conversations including this one, healthcare is really excellent in Colombia for Expats. I found this article you may want to check out. medellinguru.com/health-insurance/
We are traveling between Mexico and Argentina in search of our favorite cool weather retirement city ( currently in Xela, Guatemala ). Manizales is very high on our list. We have been to Bogota and loved it but it’s too big for us. With this gentleman being in a rural area, I always wondered if being a gringo out in the country would make me a target ? My wife was born in Nicaragua, so she blends in…. I don’t. Ha I guess the possible downside of being in the country would be if we needed a hospital in a hurry. We are 56 and 61 and healthy but we aren’t getting any younger.
your report is excellent. I intend to expatriate myself in Colombi and for the moment at least I speak French only. You should do the same report with AT LEAST FRENCH subtitles.
I'm an American living in coffee country $1,000 will not get you a cellular card or permanent visa I know this for a fact. I have both permanent visa and cellular ID. Living in small towns and coffee country you can't live like a gringo you need to live like a colombiano. Sadly most Americans from their ego with them when they arrive here.
Yes it's true about EPS disallowance and health status vs visa rejection for pensioners. No EPS for pension visas. And a very good immigration-only lawyer (Emigrando Asesorias Consulares) in Pereira told me of a case where a retiree was rejected for a visa because they weighed 150 kg (330 lbs). Also stay away from the people Medellin Guru recommends for visa lawyers - that company is terrible.
Very informative video. I just a have a question about social security benefits. If you receive your social security and get pansionado visa how much would you be taxed in Colombia. I heard it's like 35% but I'm not sure if it's correct. Thank you
This is from Randy: Colombia is not double-taxing. So if you have SSA income in the USA and you pay tax on it there, you will not need to pay tax in Colombia unless the Colombia tax is greater than what you have already paid in the USA. Then you only pay the difference. However, this is the official position. Practically speaking, you are HIGHLY unlikely to need to pay any tax in Colombia on your SSA income.
@@adventurefreaksss if SSB is the only income you receive, then you don't file and pay income tax in Florida or maybe in the USa, then probably Colombia will get their share of taxes from your SSB, but maybe I'm wrong
This is from Randy: In any case, there is a minimum income level below which Colombia does not charge any income tax. I cannot recall precisely what it is, but I can say that I have never heard of anyone with only Social Security income having to pay tax in Colombia. Colombia will generally only tax that is earned IN Colombia. SSA is not.
It is very close to two big cities like Manizales and Pereira. It is a perfect location 30 and 40 minutes from everything. Sometimes, people have to drive that or more when you live in huge cities like New york, Miami Bogota, or Medellin
Yes I agree. I'm going to do an update in the next coming months in regard to this. Randy will be my guest again and provide updates. Thanks for viewing!!
Not at all that 'extravagant'. -- By myself I want the "less is more" life and little to take care of. A small thrifty / frugal but nice studio in a good area with '''some''' English nearby ? Perhaps a Medallion suburb and remain near the $1000 / month or a little higher ? Not sure that is doable ?
Is 90,000 dollars saved and 1,100 dollars a month enough to live in bogota colombia? I have family who live there i want to buy an apartment and live there with a Colombiana girl. I’m on disability from the state and won a lawsuit
@@rubenescomacias It is always dependent on lifestyle however Based on our data you should be able to do it. Did you view our Bogota video? ruclips.net/video/ALif-lFd9fI/видео.htmlsi=_esQYDHeBzP2BWlZ
Will be tight, depending on your lifestyle. Smaller town will be best for you. You can buy a small place for $40k, keep some of your capital, live on $1000/mo. It will be basic life, but you can survive and live in a beautiful location.
If you can rent this house for $600 it doesn't make any financial sense to pay $110k for it. You will get more money investing this money into stock market.
Colombia has a wealth tax. After you become a tax resident, you have to report your global income and global assets. And you will be tax on that. 😂😂😂 be aware 😂😂😂
I wish you people would quit putting the stuff out giving people wrong information $1000 a month isn’t happening here! I live in Armenia! You will cause trouble for people thinking that they can come live here for that amount of money not gonna happen! Stop stop stop
Our content involves interviewing real time expats on the ground and living in these countries sharing the details and specific costs of how they they and others can live on the amount indicated. I suggest you watch the full video to learn how this is done before suggesting it's not gonna happen. It's happening every day and we cover how.
@@DurangoC $300 rent; $100 utility, water, phone, laundry ; $10/day on food is $300/month: $100 healthcare : $70/mo transportation; $100/mo entertainment. It’s starting to get tight…Just depends on where you want to cut your expenses and what standard of living u have🤔
You chose one of the best cities to live in. I absolutely love Manizales, it's a milliom times beter tham medellin. I am.fro colombia live in the country side of eje cafetero close to armenia, have a boutique hotel and all my foreing guests agree that the thing that they love most about colombia it's the people.
Bogota 9 million people like living in New York lived there for a year did not like it. Medellin San Francisco 2 and 1/2 million people beautiful City stay out of the gringo areas they're overpriced. I suggest smaller cities The weather varies greatly between say Medellin primavera. I suggest you make a visit check out all the cities The smaller towns are much nicer. Been here since 2016 no mass shootings Yes there is some crime, but nothing like America. I live in Santa Rosa which is also coffee area where I grew coffee. I have a modern three-bedroom two-bath apartment $200 a month TV internet gas electric and water about 85 a month. My private health care is 150 a month it is good. The only really bad spot I know of is the Colombian Ecuador border That's where the cartels were driven off to. I discovered that traveling by bus between cities is the way for me to go when I was looking for the place I wanted to live. It's dirt cheap even if you take it top of the line buses. If I saw a place I liked I would just get my bag and get off the bus spend a couple days and then move on to the next city. I live in Santa Rosa which is coffee country I grow coffee which I send to my family's farm in California. When you come leave your damn ego at home if you don't want to live as a Colombian would then you shouldn't even bother coming. A beautiful country with wonderful people.
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How to work with me:
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😎 One-on-one Consulting for planning your move abroad: calendly.com/adventurefreaksss/50min
This man is an example of how someone should prepare to be an expat. He did his homework and transitioned slowly while understanding all the pros and cons of living as an expat. He and his wife are very comfortable living a quiet, peaceful life in a rural area so a place where he lives makes a lot of sense. I can tell by his pronunciation that he has made an effort to speak Spanish, which most people do not consider. Studies that I have read indicate a majority of Americans do not stay for more than a few years, he clearly will be an example of a success story.
Thank you for viewing @happydays162!
Excellent program, Hi from New York. I'm colombian and very happy to Americans enjoying Colombia 🇨🇴...the food is unbelievable cheap,beautiful views, is also very ssfe place.
Just keep in mind what he mentioned. If you do not have a hobby that you do like and you do practice then it can easily happened that you get bored very soon….
Colombia is my truly retirement country destination. Living in the country or rural or small city is the best option for me. Listening to this is very informative
Thank you Paul!
I will be 59 in 3 months. Will retire at 62. My wife is from Bogota. We have been considering Bucaramanga and estimated high for monthly expenses at $3,500 USD. That is an average that includes travel over time. I just showed the house tour to my wife. She said, "We have to move there; we are wasting time."
She is right. We don't really need to wait 3 more years, though the amount of USD we will save in that time will more than double our nest egg. So, we are biding our time.
altitude of 7,500 feet is kind of high. Bogota is 8,600 and I get some mean soroche there. Not sure I would want to live that high up in Manizales. But man, I could learn to get used to it after seeing your house!
Yes, it is amazing what you can purchase for and rent in this area. This is like the Tuscany of Colombia. Absolutely beautiful out there!
I retired in Colombia from new York city at 44 years old with a 4500$ a month passive income. The truth is for the first time in My Life I feel like a millionaire. I've been in Colombia for two years and I was finally able to save 80,000$ dollars in two years plus I lived comfortable. In the USA it was impossible to save money. Life in America isn't fun anymore dating has become impossible. The average American male lives like a castrated caged animal no matter what age 💯💯💯💯💯 Thank you for the videos.
Thank you for sharing and glad to hear Colombia is working out. I love Colombia!!
Very nice interview. Is from these Zone and it is Unesco world Heritage: It is called Coffee cultural Landscape.
@@solotravelerstour Thank you for this addition!!
As a Gringo millionaire do you pay Colombian taxes? Pretend you earn minimum wage so you pay the minimum for health care. Of course you do.
@@GQ1921 in Colombia you are taxed on your world wide income. So you pay no taxes. Cute. Not so much a free life as a stolen one I guess?
I will return to Colombia in 6 years, I am 45 years old... I will spend my final years in the best way.
Thank you for viewing @cesarpaez1559!
Iam turning 65 next month, and I am MOVING to Colombia in October! I wish I had made this decision long ago!
@@steveapplebaugh2200I hope you’re there now! If so, how are you doing?
I'm planning on spending the last days of my life in Colombia. We're going there for the second time in a few months and love it!
We are 59 and ready to enjoy our lives.
Very peaceful
Colombia is DEFINITELY the country i want to retire. My wife is Colombian and i cant wait to get out of the states. Im 45 right now and my plan is to get out of here on 5 more years.
This guy is living the "Life of Riley" congratulations .....kinda envy him😊
This content is all about sharing the possibilities for anyone no matter what their financial situation is. Thank you for viewing our content @MrJrweir
We retired 4 months ago at 55 and 60 and we are traveling between Mexico and Argentina, in search of our favorite retirement city. This will take us 3-5 years slow traveling. We are currently in my wife’s home country of Nicaragua. We will here until February and our total monthly costs run about $1100/month.
Manizales is absolutely on our list of cities to visit. We plan to be there for 3 months eventually.
Maybe we could do a podcast on your costs and discoveries in Nicaragua? Send me an email if interested! Cheers!!
I moved from Nicaragua to Colombia and never went back. You may never make it to Argentina. Welcome to Colombia!
@@danspencer4235
So far we have only been to Bogota, which we liked, but it is too big for us. Our research seems to point us to Manizales. Cool temps, low cost of living, good hospital….
Any cons living in Colombia ?
Loved this video…. I never thought of the coffee areas until NOW… wow the mountain views are stunning.. i will trade sea view/beach for mountain view and get a pool… BEAUTIFUL!!
@@therehastobesomethingmoore I have not found any drawbacks. The infrastructure is far better than Nicaragua and lots of other countries. You can also choose your weather, because the temperatures simply vary by altitude. Manizales is a popular choice with many expats.
I lived in Buenos Aires Argentina for 10 years. I have visited many countries in South America. For me, I need 1500 to 2000 dollars US per month to live a high style comfortable lifestyle. The same lifestyle would cost me at least 6000 dollars a month in Chicago.
Mark, thanks for this information. Would you like to be on the podcast? Love to hear your story and tips on living down there?
What a beautiful home...that is my dream, living in the coffee triangle with my wife.
It is one of the hidden gems on the planet! Looks like Tuscany but with coffee instead!!
❤❤❤
I have been to about 15 different countries and I have lived in different states in the US, England and Nicaragua. I moved to Colombia about 6 years ago. I have continued to look for a better place to retire and I cannot find it.
These is the best zine to live. It is a gorgeous zone, quiet, friendly and cheap.
FYI...I lived in Manizales. If you can deal with at times heavy rain, cloudiness and hills you'll be ok. Clothes drying works with an electric dryer NOT clothes lines but the people in Manizales are nice. No doubt.
Thank you for this addition and viewing our content!!
All I can say is AWESOME !!!!!!!!!!!!! Great info here. 😎
This is what I want todo!
I'm from Colombia living in Australia and thinking about being retired in my hometown Barranquilla, I hope to be able to come back at some point :)
Thank you for sharing and we hope you get back too! Colombia is a beautiful country!!
An absolute gem of a video. Randy is a stand-up guy and I appreciate his thorough breakdown of all relevant topics. I will soon be proposing to my Colombian girlfriend and would love to attain residency for the beautiful country of Colombia. This cost of living and wonderful climate is just too amazing to pass on. Thank you kindly for this video.
Did you see the most recent podcast Randy and I did? Thank you for viewing and good luck with the proposal!!
@adventurefreaksss I have not but I'd love to watch! And thank you for the kind wishes!
Great video, very informative. Hope you do a follow up video on changing domicile that your guest mentioned.
Thank you Yatze21!
I definitely want to hear about this!
Here's the follow up: ruclips.net/video/G-5lS-1_G-k/видео.html
Here is the follow-up video: ruclips.net/video/G-5lS-1_G-k/видео.html
@@Calipeixegato
At 40 I retired from the US Army. I had traveled all over Europe and Asia and some places in the states. I finally decided I would retire in Georgia and then picked up another career in Real Estate. Did about 15 years in Real Estate and then retired for a second time. I then bought an RV and drove the Pan American Highway from the USA all the way to Argentina, which took two years. Once I arrived in Colombia I knew it, I was going to retire here. I've been to almost every large city in Colombia and quite a few small ones. However, I met my fiancee here in Bogota and I have been here since 2021. She is retiring this year and we are moving to Villa de Leyva. Congratulations to you and the wife Randy, you all have done well picking this amazing country. Cheers!
@@bernardbarbour you are an absolute adventurefreak! Would love to have you on the podcast as a guest. Let me know?
We have great weather in Colombia 🇨🇴 and the best part is we do not have Tornadoes 🌪
Not really hurricanes here either. Though earthquakes are common here and globally speaking, all along the edges of the Pacific ocean. I can feel slight earthquakes multiple times a year. But nothing that has ever even toppled a paper cup. Well, in the last 14 months at least ;-)
Agreed 🤝
I just turned 59 and searching for a country to retire to. I have probably watched thousands of hours of videos on different countries. Like Mexico, Ecuador, Peru, Costa Rica, Phiippines, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Italy, Moldova, Ghana, Ethiopia etc. by far this has had the most pact with great information. Specially healthcare. Columbia made my top 3 countries along with Philippines and Thailand. Can't wait for the update. One thing I wanted to ask was to start a business there. How easy is it? My expertise is high tech. My concern is in the level of expertise of the graduates in tech and engineering. How good are they? is there a Silicon Valley in Bogota?
Thank you for viewing and for your kind words about our content @Josebonete! I'll forward this to Randy to see if he has an answer. Thank you!
I have lived in Colombia for about 6 years. My wife and her two brothers started a business and all they did was rent a commercial space and open for customers (also did some advertising). In other words, there was no licensing, no bureaucracy... Small businesses are basically ignored by the government. I don't know at what scale you might attract their attention. Government income is primarily from sales tax and corporations. There is some technology activity in Medellin. Most large corporations are based in Bogota'. Medical care is terrific. I recently went to the E.R. twice and ended up hospitalized for a week and then an IV infusion every 8 hours at home for another week. There was no direct cost (I purchased a few medications that were not immediately available through the health service. Less than $50.) So a health emergency that would bankrupt many people in the US was completely covered by my EPS insurance. I have continued to search for a better place to live in retirement. I cannot find one.
Computer skills in Colombia (and definitely not the pay for it) is not high compared to the US. However, if you like mentoring, I imagine you could find motivated employees willing to learn from you, and because the pay standards are so low you could afford the lower productivity before they ramp up their skills. You could also hire other expats who already have more skills. Regardless of which country you go to you will need to adjust to their culture rather than expecting everyone in your business to have already embraced your cultural business values. For example, if you come from Seattle (arguably among the best in the world for customer service) you will be shocked at how little most Colombian (and probably for many countries) businesses pay attention to the value of good customer service.
Colombia's startup center is Medellin.
What a nice interview I’m Venezuelan and my wife is Colombian and we both have American citizenship but we are planning to retire in Colombia. We visit her relatives every year (Santa Marta) but next time will visit the Eje cafetero Manizales.
I know Randy from work! Hes a great guy!
I stay in Airbnb at 6 minutes walk from the 10 pools at the Estadio Olympica Complex in Medellín. My Airbnb cost is $12 USD per night.
I need to go minimizing of my Illinois condominium. I lived my first 20 years in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. I live about 8 months per year in Estadio. Medellín temp is 60 to 85 all twelve months.
I absolutely loved both of these guys! I could listen to both of them talk all night. I'm originally from Colombia. I've been in the states for 30 years. I try to travel back to Colombia once a year . I'm a teacher in NY and my "American Dream" is to one day be able to afford moving back to Colombia. I pay $800 per month for health insurance, and half the time medication is not covered by my plan. 😢 I loved your top about domicile..I never thought of that, and it could certainly make a huge difference. Great job guys! You are both an inspiration! Never abandon your dreams. Someday I'll join you.
Where do you teach in NY? What subject?
I visited Cali and I'm definitely going back. The language was my major issue.. Literally nobody spoke English anywhere so that will be something i need to work on but the food is delicious affordable and quantity is huge. Transportation is ridiculously cheap.. like you could just Uber anywhere and as an American you probably feel like your taking advantage of the driver (I did) i had to literally hold myself back from tipping too much. Even tipping 5 usd is considered insane by locals.
Thanks for this, what part of Colombia were you in?
Great info video, I'm glad you guys are enjoying our beautiful colombia 🇨🇴 greetings from USA 🇺🇸 ✌️
Thank you @hermanruiz6683!!
Just one clarification on the domicile point. Not sure what the process is for TX, but it takes just one night's stay in SD to gain residency, get a drivers license and register to vote. Plus no state taxes. You do first need to signup for a physical mailbox beforehand (I use the one in Spearfish), but then you just stay at a hotel fr a night (I recommend one in Rapid City), go to the DMV, show them your hotel receipt, and they will process your new drivers license and register you to vote in less than an hour.
Great info! Are you still living abroad. If so, loved to have you as a guest too! Cheers!!
@@adventurefreaksss I am living in Medellin now. I prefer to stay off the grid, but thanks for the interview offer.
Owned a finca on the outskirts of Palestina as well. Two stories, six BRs, 6 baths, two living rooms, two kitchens, Olympic pool, hot tub, beautiful views surrounded by plantain and banana trees. Paid $110,000 for it. Very economical to live there. Just be aware, it's virtually impossible to get away from the noise. Colombians love their music LOUD in the evening, and especially on weekends (all night, non-stop). They also love loud motorcycles and the sound of horns (constant horn honking for no apparent reason).
Thank you for this addition. What a terrific place you had in such a beautiful part of Colombia. Terrific!!
Yea. This is fact. I am living since 12 years in Colombia and do have always earplugs close to me….
So I am hoping to visit the café triangle this spring looking for a place to make a home. I have lived in Mexico for a dozen years but am being priced out plus Mx has no retirement or digital nomad visas. I can be legal in Colombia! But don’t know how it might be for a single older woman. I think I will find out and write about it as there’s not much info about moving alone. Scary but I am a good longterm traveler. Randy have you met others who live alone?
The Permanent Resident Visa in Mexico is what is used for retirement. It does however have a higher monthly income requirement pricing out those living on Social Security alone. Thanks for viewing our content and I hope you find your place in Colombia!
@@adventurefreaksss Many thousands of dollars per month yeah!
Would love to have a 3 bedroom version of his house. Living where Randy does is what I have been looking for. But I am in Thailand so kinda hard to find.
Yea, you'd have to build one in Thailand!! Thanks for viewing @davidcarr5434!
I moved here from Tacoma WA. 15 yrs ago. I bought a large Farm home, in Cali, Colombia. Kilometro 18. My Mom get her retirement check mailed thru the embassy in Bogota.
Thank you for viewing our content!
Beautiful place.
The Tuscany of Colombia:)
Prettier, because it has lusher nature. @@adventurefreaksss
A+ video!!!
Im in New York and I’m finding it extremely hard to get by. My monthly expenses are around $4000 and I’m not saving anything and I’m at the point where I want to just leave. Thanks for the video, very informative.
You're not alone. Data indicates that 40% of retirees have no retirement savings. They lived paycheck to paycheck and live on social security alone. Many are exploring alternative ways to live and save. Thanks for viewing!
@@adventurefreaksss I’m actually 41 but truth of the matter is I’m having a difficult time here, everything has gotten so expensive, it feels like all I do is pay bills. I am from Colombia but I haven’t been back in over twenty years so this is also nerve wracking but I have reached a point in my life where NY doesn’t seat right with me anymore.
@@The1morningstar New York is a great city. I love NY but you need to make a lot to survive there and have a nice quality of life. Keep considering alternative options and something could open up for you!!
Hey, I live in Chinchina, for 10 years now. I would like to connect with you, neighbor!
A palace!! Thank you!🪷🌲🪷
Great interview!
New subscriber. Good video 👌!
Thank you!
Yay Manizales! 💛❤💙
Does colombia offer seniors discounts on utilities, attractions, restaurants public transportation, flights, if they are expats?
This guy is a fucking legend and super well spoken.
I agree with Medical Surgery. San Vicente in Las Lomas at José Maria Cordova Aeropuerto has medical surgical care equal or better that in USA (Cleveland Clinic, John Hopkins, or Mayo in Rochester, Minn).
There are several insurance. I likely will have SURA.
Where do you currently live? I am looking for somebody to do a podcast with on Mexellin.
This was full of useful information. I am Canadian and myself and my husband are going to San Gil Columbia for 2 weeks to look around. I would love to know more about the health care qualifications.
Thank you for viewing! Based on conversations including this one, healthcare is really excellent in Colombia for Expats. I found this article you may want to check out. medellinguru.com/health-insurance/
Great interview
Thank you!
Excellent information.
Very good information, thanks.
Thank you Libuse!
What was his experience bringing the dogs with him and what was required?
Thank you for this video. Is the weather humid wher you are ? I imagine so ?
Very helpful information. Could you include a guest/guests who talk about experiences transporting pets when moving to Latin America? Thank you.
That's a great idea!
I second this!
We are traveling between Mexico and Argentina in search of our favorite cool weather retirement city ( currently in Xela, Guatemala ).
Manizales is very high on our list. We have been to Bogota and loved it but it’s too big for us. With this gentleman being in a rural area, I always wondered if being a gringo out in the country would make me a target ? My wife was born in Nicaragua, so she blends in…. I don’t. Ha
I guess the possible downside of being in the country would be if we needed a hospital in a hurry. We are 56 and 61 and healthy but we aren’t getting any younger.
Have you been to Cuenca? Great year around weather, not rural, not too big, world heritage site...very beautiful.
It is on our list !
We will be in Xela at least 11 more months. Not sure after that….still have all of South America and Mexico to check out.
your report is excellent. I intend to expatriate myself in Colombi and for the moment at least I speak French only. You should do the same report with AT LEAST FRENCH subtitles.
That's a great idea! Maybe you can be my translator:). Thank you for viewing!!
Don't get me started. I visited Paris in 2018 and was treated like crap by the people. The only nice people I met in Paris were non-French.
I'm an American living in coffee country $1,000 will not get you a cellular card or permanent visa I know this for a fact. I have both permanent visa and cellular ID. Living in small towns and coffee country you can't live like a gringo you need to live like a colombiano. Sadly most Americans from their ego with them when they arrive here.
Que no se note que eres Colombiano 🤦♀️🤫
Yes it's true about EPS disallowance and health status vs visa rejection for pensioners. No EPS for pension visas. And a very good immigration-only lawyer (Emigrando Asesorias Consulares) in Pereira told me of a case where a retiree was rejected for a visa because they weighed 150 kg (330 lbs).
Also stay away from the people Medellin Guru recommends for visa lawyers - that company is terrible.
Very informative video. I just a have a question about social security benefits. If you receive your social security and get pansionado visa how much would you be taxed in Colombia. I heard it's like 35% but I'm not sure if it's correct. Thank you
Great question. We'll get you an answer!
This is from Randy: Colombia is not double-taxing. So if you have SSA income in the USA and you pay tax on it there, you will not need to pay tax in Colombia unless the Colombia tax is greater than what you have already paid in the USA. Then you only pay the difference. However, this is the official position. Practically speaking, you are HIGHLY unlikely to need to pay any tax in Colombia on your SSA income.
@@adventurefreaksss if SSB is the only income you receive, then you don't file and pay income tax in Florida or maybe in the USa, then probably Colombia will get their share of taxes from your SSB, but maybe I'm wrong
This is from Randy: In any case, there is a minimum income level below which Colombia does not charge any income tax. I cannot recall precisely what it is, but I can say that I have never heard of anyone with only Social Security income having to pay tax in Colombia. Colombia will generally only tax that is earned IN Colombia. SSA is not.
@@adventurefreaksss thank you very much
Great!
Those prices,, are so LOW, because is NOT in a CITY!!! is in the country side.
Yes, and the countryside he lives in is muy Bonito!!
It is very close to two big cities like Manizales and Pereira. It is a perfect location 30 and 40 minutes from everything. Sometimes, people have to drive that or more when you live in huge cities like New york, Miami Bogota, or Medellin
How did he find this house?
good video
How I can keep in touch with your guest plse
Yoohoo, Randy, somebody wants to connect with you:). Hopefully he'll reply!!
The pensionado visa not getting health insurance may be a deal breaker ???
Yes I agree. I'm going to do an update in the next coming months in regard to this. Randy will be my guest again and provide updates. Thanks for viewing!!
How can I reach out to Randy Lagman.
He will most likely see this inquiry and reply! I'll also let him know. Cheers!
I'm wondering if it's even cheaper if one spouse is a native
It would def help you obtain residency! Thanks for viewing our content @ buckchile614!!
Not at all that 'extravagant'. -- By myself I want the "less is more" life and little to take care of. A small thrifty / frugal but nice studio in a good area with '''some''' English nearby ? Perhaps a Medallion suburb and remain near the $1000 / month or a little higher ? Not sure that is doable ?
Thank you for viewing Frank and good luck on your journey. Yes, I love simplicity as well! Cheers!
Check with the Colombian Embassy.
Is 90,000 dollars saved and 1,100 dollars a month enough to live in bogota colombia? I have family who live there i want to buy an apartment and live there with a Colombiana girl. I’m on disability from the state and won a lawsuit
@@rubenescomacias It is always dependent on lifestyle however Based on our data you should be able to do it. Did you view our Bogota video? ruclips.net/video/ALif-lFd9fI/видео.htmlsi=_esQYDHeBzP2BWlZ
Will be tight, depending on your lifestyle. Smaller town will be best for you. You can buy a small place for $40k, keep some of your capital, live on $1000/mo. It will be basic life, but you can survive and live in a beautiful location.
@@billymak2610 If you buy a property for 40k, would it be difficult in your opinion to live on 1000 per month USD?
I think 1,000 would be enough to live comfortably since he won't be paying rent
Immigrants are always welcome ❤
What about the air quality. Medellin
I found this on the web: www.iqair.com/us/colombia/antioquia/medellin
How can I be in contact with you
who would you like to contact?
@adventurefreaksss the guy in Palestina manizales.
@@oscargomez6198 is there no contact information in the description? if not, than guests do not want to be contacted.
har ...all income and asset base.. worldwide is taxed in colombia for individuals ..duh..
If you can rent this house for $600 it doesn't make any financial sense to pay $110k for it. You will get more money investing this money into stock market.
Depends on what stocks? What stocks do you recommend?
Colombia has a wealth tax. After you become a tax resident, you have to report your global income and global assets. And you will be tax on that. 😂😂😂 be aware 😂😂😂
Thank you for this additional information @termita358!!
Definitely true. They changed the rules because all the gringos. Prepare to pay at least 30% to the gov.
|Didn't he slide down the mountain in the last earthquake? High big earthquake area.
I did not know that about the area. Thank you for this info!
I wish you people would quit putting the stuff out giving people wrong information $1000 a month isn’t happening here! I
live in Armenia! You will cause trouble for people thinking that they can come live here for that amount of money not gonna happen! Stop stop stop
Our content involves interviewing real time expats on the ground and living in these countries sharing the details and specific costs of how they they and others can live on the amount indicated. I suggest you watch the full video to learn how this is done before suggesting it's not gonna happen. It's happening every day and we cover how.
$1k a month is very doable, it just requires sacrifices.
You tell him cousin.
@@DurangoC $300 rent; $100 utility, water, phone, laundry ; $10/day on food is $300/month: $100 healthcare : $70/mo transportation; $100/mo entertainment. It’s starting to get tight…Just depends on where you want to cut your expenses and what standard of living u have🤔
talk about guerrilla warfare isn't sure to live in that Country
My friend that doesn't exist in that area.
Good luck to anyone crazy enough to go live in that Norco run country
More likely to die from lead poisoning in the USA, woman
@@buckchile614 or in a mass shooting.
Good luck to you being in the crime ridden USA! And getting worse
Safer than the U.S.
Just don't go poking your nose in coca fields.
You chose one of the best cities to live in. I absolutely love Manizales, it's a milliom times beter tham medellin. I am.fro colombia live in the country side of eje cafetero close to armenia, have a boutique hotel and all my foreing guests agree that the thing that they love most about colombia it's the people.
What is your boutique Hotel! Let us know and we will come:)
Prices have gone up quite higher, by now 08/2024. But still very affordable
When you say quite higher, what pricing are you seeing? Thank you!
Bogota 9 million people like living in New York lived there for a year did not like it.
Medellin San Francisco 2 and 1/2 million people beautiful City stay out of the gringo areas they're overpriced.
I suggest smaller cities The weather varies greatly between say Medellin primavera. I suggest you make a visit check out all the cities The smaller towns are much nicer.
Been here since 2016 no mass shootings Yes there is some crime, but nothing like America. I live in Santa Rosa which is also coffee area where I grew coffee.
I have a modern three-bedroom two-bath apartment $200 a month TV internet gas electric and water about 85 a month. My private health care is 150 a month it is good. The only really bad spot I know of is the Colombian Ecuador border That's where the cartels were driven off to.
I discovered that traveling by bus between cities is the way for me to go when I was looking for the place I wanted to live. It's dirt cheap even if you take it top of the line buses. If I saw a place I liked I would just get my bag and get off the bus spend a couple days and then move on to the next city. I live in Santa Rosa which is coffee country I grow coffee which I send to my family's farm in California.
When you come leave your damn ego at home if you don't want to live as a Colombian would then you shouldn't even bother coming. A beautiful country with wonderful people.
@@edwardmille8879 thanks for this information. Did you buy a car or solely rely in public transportation?
¿How can I learn when and where to meet Randy for coffee in Palestina? Perhaps I may send my WhatsApp # to you , to send to Randy?
Sure ill pass it on to him:)