Six year gringo in Bogota, and I am staying. I am not a 20 year old digital nomad , rather a 60+ professional eyeing retirement. Still, I am discovering every day reasons to love Colombia and to be excited about its future. For me trajectory more than current conditions is key. I still believe Colombia is trending up while everything I read about the US suggests my homeland is trending in the other direction. Still, best of luck to you.
They are k!lling , ribbing gringo all the time. Not safe a country where you have to be on a constant alert! Their men are not hard working and when they see you with their women they are jealous and their eyes is on you monitoring you.
Just curious if you watch Colombian news? Every days it’s something about how some guerilla and/or narco group is trying to gain more power by means of violence, possible hyperinflation, random gringos getting drugged and killed. For me the problems of colombia are REAL problems vs the ones we make up back home because we don’t really even have any problems
COLOMBIA has always been a beautiful country. However, thanks to ESCOBAR and FARC, those characters made Colombia ugly. However, now that both are gone, Colombia is in a rebirth and has taken off and with so much more to come. I live in the USA but I plan on retiring in Colombia...a beautiful country with a top notch health care system and a very low cost of living. Btw, Colombia has a climate/city for every preference (cold/cool/warm and hot).
These videos are sad. I've been living in colombia for 3 years and I just applied for my residency here . 3 years in, and I still love colombia as much as I did since day 1..I'd be devastated if I had to leave. I'm Ecuadorian and for me colombia has given me the opportunity to connect with my roots and experience financial success. I can't imagine leaving here to go back to the US. I can't ever see myself living in the US again.
It was also facts though. I guess there can be more opportunity in Colombia because it's a less competitive business environment but in general, there's more opportunity to earn a good living in the US.
it 100% depends on what you are doing here in colombia. If youre trying to run a legitimate business and invest, its a lot of headache. There are better places in the world you can objectively do it. Just because you cant see yourself living in the states ever again doesnt mean colombia is necessarily the right choice for everyone.
@@drewskeez1156 wait until the socialist govt collapses the country a la Venezuela, then swoop in pennies-on-the-dollar. Venezuela is the place to be bottom barrel shopping perhaps.
As a Colombian-American living in Medellin, I totally agree with your points. I think for me a better alternative will be to live in Medellin 6 months out of the year and live somewhere else, possibly Miami.
slow travel for the win. 3-6 months in colombia, 3-6 months in Brazil, maybe 3-6 months somewhere else, rotate. Thats living to me. Spent a few months in colombia and it was inefficient enough to know that id never want to do business there and be locked into that financial, judicial, or healthcare system. For me its a place to enjoy, a place for retirees and people that can earn remotely in dollars. Additionally if youre a foreigner and want to start a business there (in your name) then you need to pay an additional 20% (VAT) on your profits which is insane. Some foreigners put it in their wives name to avoid it but I would never do that either.
And when you are required to take the 72 vaccines that the CDC now recommends for all American children just to be able to board an international flight? I am staying where I have a Constitutional right to resist the looming dystopian totalitarianism.
It's sad to see you leaving, I have been following you channel for a couple of months and liked the content. I even tried to reach you a few days ago to get information about one of the properties you showed in one of your videos in Envigado. I wish you the best in your future endeavors and thank you for all the Medellin content. BTW- I am a native Colombian and I agree with all you said. When you are born there we learn to live like that, It is when we leave that we realize that it didn't have to be that way. The best thing is to keep a low profile.
Columbia is not a safe country, a country where you have to on alert all the time watching your back…the girls are there to scam you , Rob you, etc chances of getting robbed is extremely high. Not a safe country. Is not like that in countries in Middle East, Africa, even in Thailand 😢. It sad.
There are locals who roll heavy and hard bro, you might just not be on their radar. But your spot in Colombia is for people who are retired and on the end of their journey. Wish you the best of luck! I enjoy your honesty and candor.
Have you tried living in other cities in Colombia? I also left Medellin recently and don't plan on living there anymore. I've been living in Manizales the past 2 months instead and I find it a far better environment while still having potential.
I left Medellín shortly after my daughter was born for similar reasons. Manazales is a good college town and safer than Medellín. If we move back, Manazales would be our choice.
Let him leave brother, stop trying to influence what other people are trying to do. Are you his father? Let it go. He should knows what Manizales is all about. Stop this freaking control on people. Get a freaking life of your own. You think he is a child?
@@davidyerokhin Manizales only downside is its over 1hr from the international airport in Pereira. We considered Rio Negro too, it's close to the airport (in case Petro goes sideways).
As a colombian I'm not surprised noise is your number 1 reason to leave, nevertheless, that´s a problem every big, vibrant city in the world have. On the other hand Colombia has a lot of great medium cities and towns where digital nomads could have the time of their lives. Bucaramanga for starters, and if you love nature and the countryside you should really discover Boyacá. It is safe, quiet, incredibly cheap and you have a decent offer of restaurants. Nightlife exists but it's not amazing so if it is a must for you you should not consider it, but if you´re more like a sports person it´s really disneyland with all the mountains to ride, the lakes, etc. Good luck, love your content!
Noise is not a major problem in every big city. I'm lived in two very big cities and no problem. Medellin is very dense in population, so many highrises in short distance, too many motos,a moto going up a hill is constant noise, the culture is just loud, vendors yelling selling fruit, speaking through a microphone to sell a mattress, ect. Also, there is really no green space in Medellin, a green large park to just go and relax, sit in peace and quite. If you're sitting there you'll have 10 vendors or pesters come by and ask money/ interump you. I live there but after 2 years I was out and honestly it's gotten so much worse after the pandemic that I doubt I will ever live there again. Good for a one-week vacation
@@TT-jg8ju I was taking an uber like two weeks ago in Cali and I asked the guy if he had another job because he was dressed like he did. He said he had one, he worked in an office for a large company but not anymore because the owner had to leave the country as the guerrillas tried to kidnap him several times and also his family members. He left and dissolved the company. This was just a random guy I happened to stumble across...imagine how many other stories are out there.
Agree with your points. If I owned multiple properties and had a large cashflow I'd leave as well. Many foreigners here online never admit that cost of living is mainly why they're here.
La sensibilidad es de ambos lados. La mitad de la economia Colombiana no está bancarizada, es informal, mucha gente le gusta el efectivo, no le gusta que el gobierno rastree su dinero con transacciones bancarias, no les gusta que el gobierno controle sus movimientos, hay mucha gente con mucho dinero que maneja un perfil bajo, por eso no vas a encontrar jugadores que hagan grandes movidas de dinero en una inversión como la que quieres. En USA por causa del credito y la bancarizacion tan facil es una carnada para vigilarte, para controlar tu dinero. Es entender la cultura de cada pais y ser conciente de tu entorno.
as an American born entrepreneur who has moved to Colombia I have to say there are so many "big thinkers" here in Colombia as compared to the United States. when you said whenever you find a American here and how you can finally have a "smart" conversation has to be the most small minded things I've ever heard. Here everyone is trying to get ahead with some sort of side hustle and its not hard to find multimillionaire business men casually in day to day life with amazing stories and big plans for the future. All my life in the United States in my experience its hard to find anyone doing almost anything most people are working jobs with no want to aspire for more. I think you are extremely close minded and the people who you have attracted in Colombia reflect who you are.
I agree with you, there are so called "smart" people everywhere to have "intelligent" conversations. Wonder if he learnt the language, this could be a barrier to connect.
you can clearly tell even if he learned the language you can see how important he thinks he is and how below him anyone else is. “Smart” conversation hahahaha
All about scope bro. I can find millionaires in Somalia but how many? US has 22 million millionaires vs 40k in Colombia. And who knows how many of those 40k are related to narco money and money laundering Not saying there’s not smart people here but there is a brain drain that happens in colombia where the most talented people tend to migrate to the US
@@diegoc3422Not in NYC. In New York City people are very dumb. You won't meet intelligent people to talk with. NYC is very boring. Saludos Íberoamerica
Always be honest no matter what anybody else Think Columbia is a beautiful place to visit But you gotta watch your back every time I go down there. most people wanna go to America for a better life.
I understand you and I agree. Pollution, noise, instability are important for me too. What good is all that money if the air is killing you, the noise is bugging you, you have to watch your back? I cherish peaceful living. Looks like some of the commenters below failed to leave your video on time, proving to be very sensitive.
Retired here and I will move again to Argentina. I followed this site because Colombia was in my list. I guess that age, income, expectations, access to good services, etc are key to have a comfortable and enjoyable life. It is also what we make out of our own situation. Good luck Cale, hope you find what you are looking for in your new place.
I don't know where you live but the United States a lot of crime .Many large and even medium size cities here bigger problems with crime than in Colombia. Not to mention mass shootings almost every week. It's all relative.
@@LouieManzabut you not have to be on this high alert like you have to be in Colombia. In the uk and United States, no one will snatch your phone, whilst you are using it walking out and about. And even if they do, government and mobile companies can block the phone and trace the phone. In Columbia, you can’t even use ATM machines to withdraw money without getting robbed, even in mall, colombian women as will spike your drink in the hope of Robbing a gringo dry! Girks are independent and they work in the US not expecting all their bills, including that if their siblings, family members, to be footed by a gringo. Girls here are independent and will not even ask you money for anything transportation or to take care of themselves etc is embarrassing to them! Foreigners who visit the US are not a target to be robbed. At least it’s safe in most places in the USA
@@LouieManzaThe main issue is that crime is not prosecuted and investigated in Columbia. There’s been many Americans and foreigners murdered without any real investigation or prosecutions. Yes America has its issues but there’s nowhere in comparison to Columbia especially with guerrilla warfare going on down there still. Also America is a big place lots of counties and neighborhoods with zero crime with high quality of life living.
@@acdsfjhu A total of 25 foreigners were killed in Colombia in 2022. Can't find how many are Americans but it's still unfortunate. Police in Medellin, Colombia say they arrested three people in the death of Paul Nguyen of Orange County, California, reports Vice. This was the latest murder and the police alrady solved it. It was another case of what's deemed a "Tinder" murder. Look, Colombia has had a huge influx of Venezuelan refugees in the last few years. 2.75 millon. Alot of the crime is committed by these nationals. Colombians are no saints but we must keep things in context. Many murders involving foreigners are solved by the police. They have a vested interest in protecting these people. If your idea of going to Colombia is to pick up prostitutes on apps like Tinder and do drugs, don't expect good thing to come out of this. Context always matters.
That's something I forgot to mention. Law is almost non existent and not enforced here. You could die and there would be no investigation. Happens a lot unfortunately @@acdsfjhu
Agree as well completely, have been living here for six years. Have a successful mainly online business through local entity however as soon as you start making good money Colombia just does not feel like a great country to keep large amounts of money in. The banking system is not setup for it and Colombia has still ways to go compared to countries like Singapore etc.
Good points raised but how can you call it the best city in the world for digital nomad's after you said it's easy for someone to place a hit on someone else, the smog & the threats of violence? Place's in Asia(bangkok, Singapore, Malaysia, Manila) would be much better that have similar lost of living but much safer & lower levels of crime.
Yes worst country LOL but people across the world sacrifice their life to come to the US. Why ?opportunity. Complain all you want but United States is the greatest
To each there own. IMO having them be around prostitution and homeless and be normalized to that is worse. Keep in mind I also grew up in small town Iowa. About as pure and honest as you can get in the US
@CaleMcMartin The key words were "grew up" ..I been living in states for 34 years. I can tell you for 100% fact that our America changed dramatically the last 3-5 years. That's what brought me to your channel. I don't want to get into the politics nor I'm I here to fight with you. The same way you adviced us on Colombia, I'm trying to return the favor on our America. Again, I wish you the best. If you have $. Everything is possible . #Respect
@@shabadime10 The Midwest is still clean and safe. I walked out of the grocery store this afternoon and there was very expensive looking electric bike leaned up against the building's exterior. No chains, no locks, nothing. This isn't uncommon where I'm from. If I was looking to raise a family, I would want to raise them in Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, the Dakota's.
Yeah I'm assuming you knew all this before you even went to Colombia and even if you didn't with the average person should be able to figure it out in a couple months. I agree with most of stuff that was said. Best luck to you!
I lasted 3.5 years , living in Medellín.... Coming from Canada , it was a difficult decision to actually pick up and move there (retired firefighter) ... my fiance is a Paisa lady ... the constant noise , pollution , crime and corruption , and all around inefficiency in doing any kind of business finally wore me down , and I returned to Canada a few months ago .... my lady is trying to get her visa to move to Canada to be here with me ... Beautiful affordable country to visit and the weather is amazing , but it's not easy to actually live there .... Good luck bro ...
@@CaleMcMartinWait a minute...you just equalized the entire country to medellin? It's like me going to NYC and saying I dont want to be in the usa because of pollution, street gangs, and drug violence. Wow. Have you guys actually visited the small towns or only hang around the red light districts of Medellin?
Wait a minute...you just equalized the entire country to medellin? It's like me going to NYC and saying I dont want to be in the usa because of pollution, street gangs, and drug violence. Wow. Have you actually been to other small towns not around Medellin or you only hang around the red light districts? If you bring her to canada there is a 50/50 chance that she will go into depression and probably leave you after the novelty wears off
Medellin is my favorite city in Colombia. Outside of Medellin it is wayyy less developed. Some of the small towns are cool to visit but not to live. Med still has best infrastructure by far@@reycondor8083
@@reycondor8083 Wow , thanks for the completely uninformed and useless response .... you have zero idea of what you're talking about .... but do go off anyway .... Cheers
Thank you for talking and speaking your mind . This is so true. I left after living there for two years. Bc of those exact reasons. I felt lonely as an entrepreneur. Surface level conversation and low level thinking. Makes you feel like an alien. Traffic had me inside my place most days using rappi for all my needs. Thanks for being candid and sharing
Forgot to mention that. Family structure here is a mess. Single mom capital of the world. Also mega high domestic violence rate but tell me again how Latin culture is more “family oriented” 😂
Interested to see what the next chapter will bring. I think in reality anyone who wants to be a major player in real estate or business will need to have a footprint in the United States / Europe. Latin America is a fun and unique market but the reality is the US is a $20 trillion / year economy, the largest in the world. There is definitely a downside to the less regulated, less well maintained latin american countries economically and personally if that is where you choose to live
Latin America is a big region, where countries are not the same. You fail to see the diversity due to your ignorance. Latin America is the same as Latin Europe is just a region where languages derived from the Latin are spoken. You even fail to see that parts of Canada where french is spoken or the french guyana or Haiti or even parts of the US where spanish is spoken is also Latin America. When you mention Europe, again you show your lack of knowledge. Europe is a mess is about to go downhill fast. Yes, while true that the US is the largest economy it's obvious you're not seeing where it's heading. let's not be arrogant and ignorant that's why the world complaints.....
Where's Wes leaving to. Wonder if life with David will leave. Honestly, south America is overrated. Too dangerous, southeast Aida is better for the safety and similar cost of living.
i think that colombia is just getting long in the tooth to alot of the guys that have been down there awhile myself included ....colombia just doesnt hit the same and its even gotten to the point where im not even that interested colombian women anymore and find the paisa accent to be annoying and makes me want to roll my eyes lol.
@@commanderclaude8781Colombia is just overrated by passport bros trend. Prices will only go up dollar value going down not so special anymore still lower cost of living but you pay other prices for thst
Definitely appreciate your video. It's easy to watch and you're not too confusing/boring with the technical stuff...do you offer any consultation with startingairbnb abroad?
Hello...how has the COP valuation affect you? The usd has lost closed to $1.000 pesos in exchange valuation. What causing it? Any idea if the trend will continue to be unfavorable to the usd? Given that the average income in Medellin is low , can a person live well on a $1.500 usd a month income? Thanks By the way , do you mind sharing information about what town has that beautiful view in your background?
@@LetterSignedBy51SpiesWasA-Coup won't be suprise if pesos will go back to 010 years ago so Colombia won't be that cheap anymore :v plus digital nomads already increasing prices in local market
Im surprised your leaving Colombia. I love Colombia but selling everything and moving there full time didn't seem practical at my age maybe when im in my mid to late 50s i will retire there
I wish you the best on your new journey. I'm planning in 4 years to leave this harsh expensive country, USA. I want to be where the people are friendly, family oriented, weather is great, cost of living makes sense with the economy, food is pure and no preservatives and money is not the topic of every conversation like the USA. I visited many countries and realized Colombia maybe for me. Again wish you the best!!!!!
I am not mad about anything you said. Alot of it was facts. But Anerica is not the best place to raise kids. Canada beat america on safety in school, Norway beats america on quality of life, Switzerland on average salary. Top 5 places to live are always, Notway, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, and Canada not in this order but pretty much the same. PS Norway also has right to guns, they just are more educated on their purpose.
Canada is a communist country with no rights plus it's freezing cold and filled with Carens (male and female). If you want to walk out the door or sends your kids to school, you need to show your clot shot papers.
I've been bouncing around Latin America for years and agree with a lot of what you said. One thing worth mentioning is that Quito has a far lower cost of living than Medellin. I escaped the street-level noise by getting a really, really nice, furnished, 30th-floor apartment for $1100 per month. Everything you said about driving is true about LatAm in general. I use Uber (or DiDi) 100% of the time (incredibly affordable compared to what the rates are in developed countries). The one thing I never see anyone in your position talk about is how amazing dating is down there (if you're a white American, anyway). Women treat you like you're a celebrity or something. In any case, I'm in a fortunate position because I'm able to work online and draw a U.S. salary. I'm able to live pretty large in Latin America while saving a ton of money. I understand your urge to leave. I'm still having a good time though.
Yes, But Quito doesn't have paisas my friend and lets not lie to each other that is what everyone wants.. and he also mentioned it. The sexual thing is real there but also.. its a very pretty city if you stay in good areas and the weather in great.
@@jlucumi I can't figure out why my comment inspired an accusation of dishonesty. I've been to Medellin. I enjoyed it. I like many other cities in Latin America more. If all you're looking for is the best bang for your buck in terms of cost of living, I was just pointing out that Quito is probably a better fit. It also has a beautiful indigenous culture. Paisas are delightful too though.
why "white American"? even when your an immigrant your kind still cant help but be racist! and try to benefit from white supremacy. i am not "white" American but did great in dating in Latin America.
@@anthonygarvia3147 in Latin america the women see white guys as a status symbol its not just in colombia its the entire whole of latin america that thinks this way ...they think if they have a white guy even if hes from america or europe and they have children with him it will increase their social status ...alot of the black youtubers "passport bros" say the women go crazy for black guys but as somebody that has been going to latin america my entire life i can tell you thats definitely not the case and if they get lucky in colombia its because the women think they have money because they come from the states... and they are alot of times lowkey racist behind closed doors ...its all do to with classism mainly.
@@commanderclaude8781 LOL you are delusional. i've been to every Latin American country, ever, as a "Puerto Rican - American" and let me tell you 90% of women have 0 respect for gringos at all. what do you think this is, Southeast Asia?? a status symbol? hahahaha. there is literally a stigma for Latinas that date white guys, its almost an embarrassment for them. i remember one girl told me "i wish you weren't a gringo, my friends would respect you more" thats reality. most girls were interested in my "Puerto Rican" side but when i told them I was more American their interest faded away since I'm "Latino" and speak Spanish, i get the inside scoop, most women dont take white dudes seriously at all and the classy ones are embarassed to be seen with one since its a stereotype and stigmatized there but i do imagine that you like other gringos ive seen in LatAm date MIDS and barrio girls and act like you're the man while the classy women run away from you and your kind. "status symbol" LMAO this aint the Phillipines boyo
Hey Cale I just got my Colombian digital nomad visa and me and my Colombian girlfriend would like to rent an apartment like the one is this video. I’ve been Airbn’ing for 8 months and it’s awful. Where can I find a spot like this?
cale i love that place where you staying in by any chance do you know the name of the area so i can look into rentals there please by the way awesome video
I just finished my multi-month visit to Thailand, Medellin, and Peru. I also loved Medellin and I also made the same decision because of the noise, safety and political issue. Also no damn way I am taking vaccines just to be able to fly there on the next pLandemic. The net worth tax was the nail in the coffin for me, because no way I want to report my worldwide assets. Rural Baja works best for me, with very low population density. The only way for a cerebral Anglo-Saxon to live in the Latin America is to live where there are no people. Mexico never had any C19 entry restrictions nonsense, and I can drive my vehicles across the border with no permit needed. Other factors include the very long driving distance from the mountains to any beach worth visiting. And I just much prefer the California style environment than the tropical, wet highlands (Beach Boys forever etched into my psyche)
The threat comment was so ironic. No one threats others more than MAGA cult members. It's become almost synonymous with GOP politics here. I saw your channel a few years ago and noticed your contempt for paisas in general. Leaving that city is a wise move for you I think.
Everybody here you have to pay attention to what he is saying, a lot of bullshit, have you see where he lives its a really nice place and location. He talkes about 'large sums of money" I believe theres other reasons why he is leaving Comombia. . This you tubers talk a lot of crap. I beleive he doesn't have a much money as he claims
Mi amigo in the U.S. right now the economy is not the best , your are talking about taking on loans in the U.S my friend do your research they are the highest in a very long time plus are you kidding if you come to U.S for $1.000,000 dollars you will get a one bedroom apartment with one window but I’m sure the banks will be happy to assist also the US is the new poor working people economy have you seen the amount of good hard working people going homeless, I don’t know amigo I wish you the best on your new journey. still the U.S is a great nation with many opportunities to work but honestly is not the same country that I found 30 years ago. Good luck my friend
Six year gringo in Bogota, and I am staying. I am not a 20 year old digital nomad , rather a 60+ professional eyeing retirement. Still, I am discovering every day reasons to love Colombia and to be excited about its future. For me trajectory more than current conditions is key. I still believe Colombia is trending up while everything I read about the US suggests my homeland is trending in the other direction. Still, best of luck to you.
They are k!lling , ribbing gringo all the time. Not safe a country where you have to be on a constant alert! Their men are not hard working and when they see you with their women they are jealous and their eyes is on you monitoring you.
Yeah but the weather in Bogota...
The USA is trending sideways. Colombia is trending down. Just look at the currency. Crime in Colombia is far greater than in the US.
Just curious if you watch Colombian news? Every days it’s something about how some guerilla and/or narco group is trying to gain more power by means of violence, possible hyperinflation, random gringos getting drugged and killed. For me the problems of colombia are REAL problems vs the ones we make up back home because we don’t really even have any problems
COLOMBIA has always been a beautiful country. However, thanks to ESCOBAR and FARC, those characters made Colombia ugly. However, now that both are gone, Colombia is in a rebirth and has taken off and with so much more to come. I live in the USA but I plan on retiring in Colombia...a beautiful country with a top notch health care system and a very low cost of living. Btw, Colombia has a climate/city for every preference (cold/cool/warm and hot).
These videos are sad. I've been living in colombia for 3 years and I just applied for my residency here . 3 years in, and I still love colombia as much as I did since day 1..I'd be devastated if I had to leave. I'm Ecuadorian and for me colombia has given me the opportunity to connect with my roots and experience financial success. I can't imagine leaving here to go back to the US. I can't ever see myself living in the US again.
It was also facts though. I guess there can be more opportunity in Colombia because it's a less competitive business environment but in general, there's more opportunity to earn a good living in the US.
You are LatAm thus you will fit in just fine. We Anglo-Saxons have a different culture and standard.
it 100% depends on what you are doing here in colombia. If youre trying to run a legitimate business and invest, its a lot of headache. There are better places in the world you can objectively do it. Just because you cant see yourself living in the states ever again doesnt mean colombia is necessarily the right choice for everyone.
@@drewskeez1156 wait until the socialist govt collapses the country a la Venezuela, then swoop in pennies-on-the-dollar. Venezuela is the place to be bottom barrel shopping perhaps.
As a Colombian-American living in Medellin, I totally agree with your points. I think for me a better alternative will be to live in Medellin 6 months out of the year and live somewhere else, possibly Miami.
slow travel for the win. 3-6 months in colombia, 3-6 months in Brazil, maybe 3-6 months somewhere else, rotate. Thats living to me. Spent a few months in colombia and it was inefficient enough to know that id never want to do business there and be locked into that financial, judicial, or healthcare system. For me its a place to enjoy, a place for retirees and people that can earn remotely in dollars. Additionally if youre a foreigner and want to start a business there (in your name) then you need to pay an additional 20% (VAT) on your profits which is insane. Some foreigners put it in their wives name to avoid it but I would never do that either.
And when you are required to take the 72 vaccines that the CDC now recommends for all American children just to be able to board an international flight? I am staying where I have a Constitutional right to resist the looming dystopian totalitarianism.
It's sad to see you leaving, I have been following you channel for a couple of months and liked the content. I even tried to reach you a few days ago to get information about one of the properties you showed in one of your videos in Envigado. I wish you the best in your future endeavors and thank you for all the Medellin content. BTW- I am a native Colombian and I agree with all you said. When you are born there we learn to live like that, It is when we leave that we realize that it didn't have to be that way. The best thing is to keep a low profile.
Columbia is not a safe country, a country where you have to on alert all the time watching your back…the girls are there to scam you , Rob you, etc chances of getting robbed is extremely high. Not a safe country. Is not like that in countries in Middle East, Africa, even in Thailand 😢. It sad.
There are locals who roll heavy and hard bro, you might just not be on their radar. But your spot in Colombia is for people who are retired and on the end of their journey. Wish you the best of luck! I enjoy your honesty and candor.
Have you tried living in other cities in Colombia? I also left Medellin recently and don't plan on living there anymore. I've been living in Manizales the past 2 months instead and I find it a far better environment while still having potential.
I left Medellín shortly after my daughter was born for similar reasons. Manazales is a good college town and safer than Medellín. If we move back, Manazales would be our choice.
@@nampmaljr9294 It's an amazing place
Let him leave brother, stop trying to influence what other people are trying to do. Are you his father? Let it go. He should knows what Manizales is all about. Stop this freaking control on people. Get a freaking life of your own. You think he is a child?
@@davidyerokhin Manizales only downside is its over 1hr from the international airport in Pereira. We considered Rio Negro too, it's close to the airport (in case Petro goes sideways).
@@ElvisGarciaDeJesus-bl4cf Lol this is the funniest comment I've ever read in my life
As a colombian I'm not surprised noise is your number 1 reason to leave, nevertheless, that´s a problem every big, vibrant city in the world have. On the other hand Colombia has a lot of great medium cities and towns where digital nomads could have the time of their lives. Bucaramanga for starters, and if you love nature and the countryside you should really discover Boyacá. It is safe, quiet, incredibly cheap and you have a decent offer of restaurants. Nightlife exists but it's not amazing so if it is a must for you you should not consider it, but if you´re more like a sports person it´s really disneyland with all the mountains to ride, the lakes, etc. Good luck, love your content!
He said one of the reasons. Not no.1
Noise is not a major problem in every big city. I'm lived in two very big cities and no problem. Medellin is very dense in population, so many highrises in short distance, too many motos,a moto going up a hill is constant noise, the culture is just loud, vendors yelling selling fruit, speaking through a microphone to sell a mattress, ect. Also, there is really no green space in Medellin, a green large park to just go and relax, sit in peace and quite. If you're sitting there you'll have 10 vendors or pesters come by and ask money/ interump you. I live there but after 2 years I was out and honestly it's gotten so much worse after the pandemic that I doubt I will ever live there again. Good for a one-week vacation
Extortion seems to be an issue in Colombia, has this affected your decision to move?
What did u hear
I’ve heard stories of that also. These RUclipsrs are leaving a lot of the downsides to living there.
Yeah, this needs to be talked about more.
@@TT-jg8ju I was taking an uber like two weeks ago in Cali and I asked the guy if he had another job because he was dressed like he did. He said he had one, he worked in an office for a large company but not anymore because the owner had to leave the country as the guerrillas tried to kidnap him several times and also his family members. He left and dissolved the company. This was just a random guy I happened to stumble across...imagine how many other stories are out there.
Agree with your points.
If I owned multiple properties and had a large cashflow I'd leave as well.
Many foreigners here online never admit that cost of living is mainly why they're here.
there are FAR CHEAPER & SAFER areas we could be living in especially in Asia and Eastern Europe so if that were the case it woudn't be the main reason
La sensibilidad es de ambos lados. La mitad de la economia Colombiana no está bancarizada, es informal, mucha gente le gusta el efectivo, no le gusta que el gobierno rastree su dinero con transacciones bancarias, no les gusta que el gobierno controle sus movimientos, hay mucha gente con mucho dinero que maneja un perfil bajo, por eso no vas a encontrar jugadores que hagan grandes movidas de dinero en una inversión como la que quieres. En USA por causa del credito y la bancarizacion tan facil es una carnada para vigilarte, para controlar tu dinero. Es entender la cultura de cada pais y ser conciente de tu entorno.
as an American born entrepreneur who has moved to Colombia I have to say there are so many "big thinkers" here in Colombia as compared to the United States. when you said whenever you find a American here and how you can finally have a "smart" conversation has to be the most small minded things I've ever heard. Here everyone is trying to get ahead with some sort of side hustle and its not hard to find multimillionaire business men casually in day to day life with amazing stories and big plans for the future. All my life in the United States in my experience its hard to find anyone doing almost anything most people are working jobs with no want to aspire for more. I think you are extremely close minded and the people who you have attracted in Colombia reflect who you are.
I agree with you, there are so called "smart" people everywhere to have "intelligent" conversations. Wonder if he learnt the language, this could be a barrier to connect.
you can clearly tell even if he learned the language you can see how important he thinks he is and how below him anyone else is. “Smart” conversation hahahaha
@abrahamgomez1166 exactly my friend agree with you 100%
All about scope bro. I can find millionaires in Somalia but how many? US has 22 million millionaires vs 40k in Colombia. And who knows how many of those 40k are related to narco money and money laundering
Not saying there’s not smart people here but there is a brain drain that happens in colombia where the most talented people tend to migrate to the US
@@diegoc3422Not in NYC. In New York City people are very dumb. You won't meet intelligent people to talk with. NYC is very boring. Saludos Íberoamerica
Many gringos leaving Colombia
Always be honest no matter what anybody else Think Columbia is a beautiful place to visit But you gotta watch your back every time I go down there. most people wanna go to America for a better life.
I understand you and I agree. Pollution, noise, instability are important for me too. What good is all that money if the air is killing you, the noise is bugging you, you have to watch your back? I cherish peaceful living. Looks like some of the commenters below failed to leave your video on time, proving to be very sensitive.
I hope Colombia keeps growing and attracting more tourism and people that want to to do business and live here long term
Retired here and I will move again to Argentina. I followed this site because Colombia was in my list. I guess that age, income, expectations, access to good services, etc are key to have a comfortable and enjoyable life. It is also what we make out of our own situation. Good luck Cale, hope you find what you are looking for in your new place.
Leftism is the main reason, no need to explain. I live in Medellin and have been thinking the same.
Violence is extremely high in Columbia, not a safe country. A country where you have to be on constant alert all the time! Not good.
I don't know where you live but the United States a lot of crime .Many large and even medium size cities here bigger problems with crime than in Colombia. Not to mention mass shootings almost every week. It's all relative.
@@LouieManzabut you not have to be on this high alert like you have to be in Colombia. In the uk and United States, no one will snatch your phone, whilst you are using it walking out and about. And even if they do, government and mobile companies can block the phone and trace the phone. In Columbia, you can’t even use ATM machines to withdraw money without getting robbed, even in mall, colombian women as will spike your drink in the hope of Robbing a gringo dry!
Girks are independent and they work in the US not expecting all their bills, including that if their siblings, family members, to be footed by a gringo. Girls here are independent and will not even ask you money for anything transportation or to take care of themselves etc is embarrassing to them!
Foreigners who visit the US are not a target to be robbed. At least it’s safe in most places in the USA
@@LouieManzaThe main issue is that crime is not prosecuted and investigated in Columbia. There’s been many Americans and foreigners murdered without any real investigation or prosecutions. Yes America has its issues but there’s nowhere in comparison to Columbia especially with guerrilla warfare going on down there still. Also America is a big place lots of counties and neighborhoods with zero crime with high quality of life living.
@@acdsfjhu A total of 25 foreigners were killed in Colombia in 2022. Can't find how many are Americans but it's still unfortunate.
Police in Medellin, Colombia say they arrested three people in the death of Paul Nguyen of Orange County, California, reports Vice. This was the latest murder and the police alrady solved it. It was another case of what's deemed a "Tinder" murder.
Look, Colombia has had a huge influx of Venezuelan refugees in the last few years. 2.75 millon. Alot of the crime is committed by these nationals. Colombians are no saints but we must keep things in context. Many murders involving foreigners are solved by the police. They have a vested interest in protecting these people. If your idea of going to Colombia is to pick up prostitutes on apps like Tinder and do drugs, don't expect good thing to come out of this. Context always matters.
That's something I forgot to mention. Law is almost non existent and not enforced here. You could die and there would be no investigation. Happens a lot unfortunately @@acdsfjhu
Agree as well completely, have been living here for six years. Have a successful mainly online business through local entity however as soon as you start making good money Colombia just does not feel like a great country to keep large amounts of money in. The banking system is not setup for it and Colombia has still ways to go compared to countries like Singapore etc.
Banc Colombia pays 14% for a 1 year CD
Good points raised but how can you call it the best city in the world for digital nomad's after you said it's easy for someone to place a hit on someone else, the smog & the threats of violence?
Place's in Asia(bangkok, Singapore, Malaysia, Manila) would be much better that have similar lost of living but much safer & lower levels of crime.
Wishing you all the best. You definitely have a plan. But I disagree with you regarding raising kids in USA..worst country in my opinion.
Yes worst country LOL but people across the world sacrifice their life to come to the US. Why ?opportunity. Complain all you want but United States is the greatest
To each there own. IMO having them be around prostitution and homeless and be normalized to that is worse. Keep in mind I also grew up in small town Iowa. About as pure and honest as you can get in the US
💯 agree, the only reason I would move back to the US is job/economic that's about it, there's no other reason the US worth moving to.
@CaleMcMartin The key words were "grew up" ..I been living in states for 34 years. I can tell you for 100% fact that our America changed dramatically the last 3-5 years. That's what brought me to your channel. I don't want to get into the politics nor I'm I here to fight with you. The same way you adviced us on Colombia, I'm trying to return the favor on our America. Again, I wish you the best. If you have $. Everything is possible . #Respect
@@shabadime10 The Midwest is still clean and safe. I walked out of the grocery store this afternoon and there was very expensive looking electric bike leaned up against the building's exterior. No chains, no locks, nothing. This isn't uncommon where I'm from. If I was looking to raise a family, I would want to raise them in Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, the Dakota's.
fresh air that someone can be honest about real world problems, too many liberals in the comment section being offended by truth.
Yeah I'm assuming you knew all this before you even went to Colombia and even if you didn't with the average person should be able to figure it out in a couple months. I agree with most of stuff that was said. Best luck to you!
Thank you for your honest opinion.
I lasted 3.5 years , living in Medellín....
Coming from Canada , it was a difficult decision to actually pick up and move there (retired firefighter) ... my fiance is a Paisa lady ... the constant noise , pollution , crime and corruption , and all around inefficiency in doing any kind of business finally wore me down , and I returned to Canada a few months ago .... my lady is trying to get her visa to move to Canada to be here with me ...
Beautiful affordable country to visit and the weather is amazing , but it's not easy to actually live there ....
Good luck bro ...
Ya the inefficiencies here drive me insane
@@CaleMcMartinWait a minute...you just equalized the entire country to medellin?
It's like me going to NYC and saying I dont want to be in the usa because of pollution, street gangs, and drug violence. Wow. Have you guys actually visited the small towns or only hang around the red light districts of Medellin?
Wait a minute...you just equalized the entire country to medellin?
It's like me going to NYC and saying I dont want to be in the usa because of pollution, street gangs, and drug violence. Wow.
Have you actually been to other small towns not around Medellin or you only hang around the red light districts?
If you bring her to canada there is a 50/50 chance that she will go into depression and probably leave you after the novelty wears off
Medellin is my favorite city in Colombia. Outside of Medellin it is wayyy less developed. Some of the small towns are cool to visit but not to live. Med still has best infrastructure by far@@reycondor8083
@@reycondor8083 Wow , thanks for the completely uninformed and useless response .... you have zero idea of what you're talking about .... but do go off anyway .... Cheers
Thank you for talking and speaking your mind . This is so true. I left after living there for two years. Bc of those exact reasons. I felt lonely as an entrepreneur. Surface level conversation and low level thinking. Makes you feel like an alien.
Traffic had me inside my place most days using rappi for all my needs.
Thanks for being candid and sharing
Dollar is dropping like a fly ! What is the name of the complex that you were living at ? That view is just wow
Ignore the short term moves, look at the long term. The Colombia peso is worth half of was it was 10 years ago in dollars.
Bro, the US is NOT #1 for family values. 😅
But he's from the US and the single motherhood rate in Colombia is 84% - that's not family values either. That's a recipe for societal destruction.
Forgot to mention that. Family structure here is a mess. Single mom capital of the world. Also mega high domestic violence rate but tell me again how Latin culture is more “family oriented” 😂
Love the real talk
maybe you should try Thailand?
Interested to see what the next chapter will bring. I think in reality anyone who wants to be a major player in real estate or business will need to have a footprint in the United States / Europe. Latin America is a fun and unique market but the reality is the US is a $20 trillion / year economy, the largest in the world. There is definitely a downside to the less regulated, less well maintained latin american countries economically and personally if that is where you choose to live
Latin America is a big region, where countries are not the same. You fail to see the diversity due to your ignorance. Latin America is the same as Latin Europe is just a region where languages derived from the Latin are spoken. You even fail to see that parts of Canada where french is spoken or the french guyana or Haiti or even parts of the US where spanish is spoken is also Latin America. When you mention Europe, again you show your lack of knowledge. Europe is a mess is about to go downhill fast. Yes, while true that the US is the largest economy it's obvious you're not seeing where it's heading. let's not be arrogant and ignorant that's why the world complaints.....
Where's Wes leaving to. Wonder if life with David will leave.
Honestly, south America is overrated. Too dangerous, southeast Aida is better for the safety and similar cost of living.
i think that colombia is just getting long in the tooth to alot of the guys that have been down there awhile myself included ....colombia just doesnt hit the same and its even gotten to the point where im not even that interested colombian women anymore and find the paisa accent to be annoying and makes me want to roll my eyes lol.
@@commanderclaude8781 lol what about the jungle
@@commanderclaude8781Colombia is just overrated by passport bros trend. Prices will only go up dollar value going down not so special anymore still lower cost of living but you pay other prices for thst
@@commanderclaude8781😂
Definitely appreciate your video. It's easy to watch and you're not too confusing/boring with the technical stuff...do you offer any consultation with startingairbnb abroad?
Best wishes cale.✌️
Hello...how has the COP valuation affect you? The usd has lost closed to $1.000 pesos in exchange valuation. What causing it? Any idea if the trend will continue to be unfavorable to the usd? Given that the average income in Medellin is low , can a person live well on a $1.500 usd a month income? Thanks
By the way , do you mind sharing information about what town has that beautiful view in your background?
Usd will lose value won’t be strong currency as before. If Biden will win next presidency America will start to be 3rd world country 😂
Ignore the short term moves, look at the long term. The Colombian peso is worth half of was it was 10 years ago in dollars.
@@LetterSignedBy51SpiesWasA-Coup won't be suprise if pesos will go back to 010 years ago so Colombia won't be that cheap anymore :v plus digital nomads already increasing prices in local market
Im surprised your leaving Colombia. I love Colombia but selling everything and moving there full time didn't seem practical at my age maybe when im in my mid to late 50s i will retire there
I wish you the best on your new journey. I'm planning in 4 years to leave this harsh expensive country, USA. I want to be where the people are friendly, family oriented, weather is great, cost of living makes sense with the economy, food is pure and no preservatives and money is not the topic of every conversation like the USA. I visited many countries and realized Colombia maybe for me.
Again wish you the best!!!!!
What city do you live in and how much rent do you pay ??
Great video, really appreciate you sharing this and being so honest.
So is your GF going to the USA ?
And if so how ?
Tourist visa?
Or did you separate?
Love the update video bro. Love the honesty. Can’t wait to see where the next chapter in life takes you. Let’s go!!!!💪💪
Good luck with your future plans!
I am not mad about anything you said. Alot of it was facts. But Anerica is not the best place to raise kids. Canada beat america on safety in school, Norway beats america on quality of life, Switzerland on average salary. Top 5 places to live are always, Notway, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, and Canada not in this order but pretty much the same. PS Norway also has right to guns, they just are more educated on their purpose.
The problem in usa is multiculturalism
If all that is true why isn’t there a mad dash for people to become citizens of those countries?
Canada is a communist country with no rights plus it's freezing cold and filled with Carens (male and female). If you want to walk out the door or sends your kids to school, you need to show your clot shot papers.
Amazing video and perspective!
I've been bouncing around Latin America for years and agree with a lot of what you said. One thing worth mentioning is that Quito has a far lower cost of living than Medellin. I escaped the street-level noise by getting a really, really nice, furnished, 30th-floor apartment for $1100 per month. Everything you said about driving is true about LatAm in general. I use Uber (or DiDi) 100% of the time (incredibly affordable compared to what the rates are in developed countries). The one thing I never see anyone in your position talk about is how amazing dating is down there (if you're a white American, anyway). Women treat you like you're a celebrity or something. In any case, I'm in a fortunate position because I'm able to work online and draw a U.S. salary. I'm able to live pretty large in Latin America while saving a ton of money. I understand your urge to leave. I'm still having a good time though.
Yes, But Quito doesn't have paisas my friend and lets not lie to each other that is what everyone wants.. and he also mentioned it. The sexual thing is real there but also.. its a very pretty city if you stay in good areas and the weather in great.
@@jlucumi I can't figure out why my comment inspired an accusation of dishonesty. I've been to Medellin. I enjoyed it. I like many other cities in Latin America more. If all you're looking for is the best bang for your buck in terms of cost of living, I was just pointing out that Quito is probably a better fit. It also has a beautiful indigenous culture. Paisas are delightful too though.
why "white American"? even when your an immigrant your kind still cant help but be racist! and try to benefit from white supremacy. i am not "white" American but did great in dating in Latin America.
@@anthonygarvia3147 in Latin america the women see white guys as a status symbol its not just in colombia its the entire whole of latin america that thinks this way ...they think if they have a white guy even if hes from america or europe and they have children with him it will increase their social status ...alot of the black youtubers "passport bros" say the women go crazy for black guys but as somebody that has been going to latin america my entire life i can tell you thats definitely not the case and if they get lucky in colombia its because the women think they have money because they come from the states... and they are alot of times lowkey racist behind closed doors ...its all do to with classism mainly.
@@commanderclaude8781 LOL you are delusional. i've been to every Latin American country, ever, as a "Puerto Rican - American" and let me tell you 90% of women have 0 respect for gringos at all. what do you think this is, Southeast Asia?? a status symbol? hahahaha.
there is literally a stigma for Latinas that date white guys, its almost an embarrassment for them.
i remember one girl told me "i wish you weren't a gringo, my friends would respect you more"
thats reality. most girls were interested in my "Puerto Rican" side but when i told them I was more American their interest faded away
since I'm "Latino" and speak Spanish, i get the inside scoop, most women dont take white dudes seriously at all and the classy ones are embarassed to be seen with one since its a stereotype and stigmatized there
but i do imagine that you like other gringos ive seen in LatAm date MIDS and barrio girls and act like you're the man while the classy women run away from you and your kind.
"status symbol" LMAO this aint the Phillipines boyo
Wes is leaving also..... interesting timing.
Yea he's leaving because his wife/ex wife trying to destroy him.
@@robertjackson3779why? Is she Colombian?😂
@@kurrwa yes lol
@@robertjackson3779 true colors always are shown after time
@@robertjackson3779How is trying to destroy him?
Brazil
Hey Cale I just got my Colombian digital nomad visa and me and my Colombian girlfriend would like to rent an apartment like the one is this video. I’ve been Airbn’ing for 8 months and it’s awful. Where can I find a spot like this?
Good luck, wish you the best excellent video
cale i love that place where you staying in by any chance do you know the name of the area so i can look into rentals there please by the way awesome video
not how you spell chau in spanish. you spelled it in italian.
I want your apartment. Is it for rent ?
You are moving to Vermont I bet.
Familiar title haha
You went to the wrong city!
You should ride a bicycle or motor motorcycle,
Buy property only for cash.
I just finished my multi-month visit to Thailand, Medellin, and Peru. I also loved Medellin and I also made the same decision because of the noise, safety and political issue. Also no damn way I am taking vaccines just to be able to fly there on the next pLandemic. The net worth tax was the nail in the coffin for me, because no way I want to report my worldwide assets. Rural Baja works best for me, with very low population density. The only way for a cerebral Anglo-Saxon to live in the Latin America is to live where there are no people. Mexico never had any C19 entry restrictions nonsense, and I can drive my vehicles across the border with no permit needed. Other factors include the very long driving distance from the mountains to any beach worth visiting. And I just much prefer the California style environment than the tropical, wet highlands (Beach Boys forever etched into my psyche)
Cool vid. If you ever decide to explore brazil shoot me a message. Nice property investment opportunities there.
I’m in Rio now! Love it but market seems hard to penetrate. Would love to hear what you’re doing here. Email me at: calemcmartin11@gmail.com
No one cares...
You cared enough to comment. He hurt your feelings with the truth 😂
@@LetterSignedBy51SpiesWasA-Coup then i hurt you too?
The threat comment was so ironic. No one threats others more than MAGA cult members. It's become almost synonymous with GOP politics here.
I saw your channel a few years ago and noticed your contempt for paisas in general. Leaving that city is a wise move for you I think.
I don't know how much you know about the US but the increasing crime and lack of decency isn't coming from the Trump voters.
Good riddance
What a nasty thing to say …prick
But hurt 😂
I was just joking, lots of good fortune..
Everybody here you have to pay attention to what he is saying, a lot of bullshit, have you see where he lives its a really nice place and location. He talkes about 'large sums of money" I believe theres other reasons why he is leaving Comombia. . This you tubers talk a lot of crap. I beleive he doesn't have a much money as he claims
Mi amigo in the U.S. right now the economy is not the best , your are talking about taking on loans in the U.S my friend do your research they are the highest in a very long time plus are you kidding if you come to U.S for $1.000,000 dollars you will get a one bedroom apartment with one window but I’m sure the banks will be happy to assist also the US is the new poor working people economy have you seen the amount of good hard working people going homeless, I don’t know amigo I wish you the best on your new journey. still the U.S is a great nation with many opportunities to work but honestly is not the same country that I found 30 years ago. Good luck my friend
Gringo jaja no one cares jaja
You cared enough to comment. He hurt your feelings 😢