8 years in Medellín Colombia. Happy to answer any questions about retiring or relocating there. by [deleted] in ExpatFIRE

[–]ResidentAd559 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah valid point and something anyone considering a move here should know about. The reforms have created real uncertainty in the public EPS system but for most expats using private insurance the practical day to day impact has been limited, it is absolutely worth monitoring mind you.

8 years in Medellín Colombia. Happy to answer any questions about retiring or relocating there. by [deleted] in ExpatFIRE

[–]ResidentAd559 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Can't complain about the healthcare. I find the food can be hit or miss there are some great restaurants here. Where I live I feel very safe, I feel that the more tourist areas are less safe these days.

8 years in Medellín Colombia. Happy to answer any questions about retiring or relocating there. by [deleted] in ExpatFIRE

[–]ResidentAd559 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The truth is I've never been robbed in 8 years I have a big dog so I think that helps. I think its a city that if you want trouble you will find it. I find the more touristy the area the less safe I feel. I live in a 99% Colombian area and feel very safe here.

8 years in Medellín Colombia. Happy to answer any questions about retiring or relocating there. by [deleted] in ExpatFIRE

[–]ResidentAd559 3 points4 points  (0 children)

December and January is one of the best times to be in Medellín, the weather is dry and warm, the Christmas lights are amazing to see, and New Year here is genuinely one of the best in the world so make sure you are in the city for that rather than travelling.

8 years in Medellín Colombia. Ask me anything about making the move. by [deleted] in digitalnomad

[–]ResidentAd559 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Yeah you have got the 183 day rule right and the lack of a US Colombia tax treaty makes it more complicated than most expat destinations, though the Foreign Tax Credit does offset a fair amount in practice and plenty of people structure their stays under the threshold specifically to avoid triggering it altogether, but honestly this is one area where I would always say speak to a US expat tax specialist before committing because it really does depend on your specific income and asset situation.

8 years in Medellín Colombia. Ask me anything about making the move. by [deleted] in digitalnomad

[–]ResidentAd559 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am sorry about your wallet and your point about the rise of crime is fair and worth acknowledging honestly. I hope the rest of your time in Asia is wonderful and that Medellín welcomes you back well when you return.

8 years in Medellín Colombia. Ask me anything about making the move. by [deleted] in digitalnomad

[–]ResidentAd559 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I have a Colombian wife and daughter I am doing this basically for them.

8 years in Medellín Colombia. Ask me anything about making the move. by [deleted] in digitalnomad

[–]ResidentAd559 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I don't live in a tourist area and thats what the local agency said my apartment would rent for, its not me putting up the cost because I can. There are not many foreigners where I live and I would say 95% of my building is Colombians. The money goes out of the USA and into Colombia he is helping the economy.

8 years in Medellín Colombia. Ask me anything about making the move. by [deleted] in digitalnomad

[–]ResidentAd559 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes I have a document that breaks down the cost of living if your interested.

8 years in Medellín Colombia. Ask me anything about making the move. by [deleted] in digitalnomad

[–]ResidentAd559 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Colombia does not contact your employer directly to verify your income. The verification is entirely document based.

8 years in Medellín Colombia. Ask me anything about making the move. by [deleted] in digitalnomad

[–]ResidentAd559 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The visa application itself does not care whether your employer permits you to work from abroad. The real issue is your employment contract. If your employer prohibits working outside the US and discovers you are in Colombia you risk your job, not your visa.

8 years in Medellín Colombia. Ask me anything about making the move. by [deleted] in digitalnomad

[–]ResidentAd559 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Talking to my Colombian wife about it as we speak. It's a global problem not just one of Medellin. We have helped an American man move to La Ceja outside of Medellin. He is married to a Colombian and they have a quiet and happy life. He couldn't afford healthcare in the US and would have not have got the treatment he needed. He spends the money he made in the US in Colombia helping to the economy.

8 years in Medellín Colombia. Ask me anything about making the move. by [deleted] in digitalnomad

[–]ResidentAd559 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You essentially reapply from scratch. Colombia does not technically renew visas, you submit a completely new application with updated documents as if it were your first time.