Beyond just visiting ...

[rivardco]

I have spoken to several friends living in Colombia this week - to wished them a Happy Holidays - Happy New Year.

For these gringos that live exclusively, or much of the time in Colombia, the society, business and governmental practices take on a deeper meaning. So I thought a thread that deals with expat / part time expat issues would be helpful.

1, Governmental issues have been raised often enough. The process is pretty straight forward - few curve balls. Colombia likes gringos in policies and in practice. This posts is intended to go straight to number 2 ...

2, Becoming "established."

a) Socially. If one wants to climb into the upper crust of a given city, what are some of the channels, techniques? Private Clubs; Catholic Church; Political Connections.

b) Banking. There are whispers of capital controls in congress that may affect the ease of banking relationships outside the US. How does one go about establishing oneself, or a corporation. What investment is required? What time is required? How is credit rated, build, and maintained? How does being a gringo help or hurt this process?

c) What benefits / disadvantages are at work becoming truly "established" as a full time / part time resident as a gringo? Does the gringo tag ever do away?

d) what are the surprising expensive and inexpensive features of life as a gringo? (Little **** Hondas are considered "luxury cars" and are expensive! Join Body Tech and it is much more expensive than nice gyms in the US. But, a bottle of Scotch at a night club is usually only 40 - 60 bucks).

- and let's stay away from the constant facts of gringo price and saftey Those issues too are well discussed -

Jump in ...

[Tim413]

I would think actively being a part of a local church would help you become part of society. This has helped me go places most Gringos never experience.

Tim

[rivardco]

Excellent idea Tim! There was a nice Catholic church in my barrio ... and I saw the great potential in your suggestion. Next time, I will have a letter from my local bishop to present to the Bishop of the catholic diocese Antioquea

[rivardco]

I may as well add what I know, which is mostly social...

1, formal dance classes
2, meet owners and managers of hot clubs
3, Universities
4, Health Clubs
5, meet small bands that play rock - they love gringos who know what the words mean
6, Put an add in the paper for an English teacher
... of course shopping malls and dog parks.

[LastLion]

Do you what you love , find people who do the same thing, than go from there... If it is biking, hiking, museums, whatever, remote control cars, books, the theater, find your crowd and make go from there.

I agrre with tim, get involved in the local church. If your retired find something that you can donate your time to. hopefully bettering the people in your community.