Banking: What is the “cuatro por mil”?

24 years ago, the Colombian government started a tax on bank accounts that was supposed to end in a year’s time, and it’s expected to continue indefinitely. Withdraw cash or pay bills or withdraw money in any fashion from your Colombian bank […]

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Quick Facts: The Colombia Basics

The official language is Spanish. Independence day is July 20 (independence declared in 1810) Colombia is a democracy, a multi-party republic with a President, Vice President, Congress & Senate and an independent Supreme Court. The outgoing President is Ivan Duque (Conservative). Gustavo […]

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Hacking Colombia: At Home

Whether you plan to live in an apartment or a house in Colombian urban areas, the way we live in our homes may differ a bit from what you’re used to in your country of origin… Washing dishes: Almost nobody has a […]

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Hacking Colombia: Supermarket

Colombia has a lot of supermarkets from small neighborhood ones to giant department stores. For foreigners, take it for granted that you’ll have to adapt your diet to Colombia’s: While some of your favorite foods from “back home” might be available in the imported […]

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Bright Lights, Big City, Big stores

While many other writers wax eloquent on the beauty of Colombia’s natural environment, its rich culture and picturesque pueblos, all of which I do as well, I also go through the motions bringing you the mundane details of everyday life here, thinking […]

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Hacking Colombia: Busetas

You can’t miss them: throngs of diminutive buses zipping around streets at breakneck speeds competing for passengers. This is public transportation, Colombia style! When it rains, which in some parts of Colombia can be several times a day, taxis all but disappear […]

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Hacking Colombia: Taxis & Uber

Taxis are very affordable in Colombia. You could go from one end of the city to the other, say in Medellín, for under $10 US. You’re likely to spend $2 to $5 on most trips. Taxi rates are usually set by the city […]

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Hacking Colombia: Lotteries

There are a lot of lotteries in Colombia. Cities, states (departamentos as they call them here) and charities have their lottery tickets selling throughout the country. Thus, you could be in Medellín and buy tickets for the Medellín, Bogotá, Boyacá, Manizales and […]

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