Colombia

[Randy Jackson]

I am doing some research into retirement locations south of the US. Mexico is too hot for me, even the "cool" highlands. I intend to spend part of the year here in the US because I live in Colorado and love it here, just want to be away for the winters once I can't ski any more. So far my best location is Colombia due to the cool weather in the Andes. Does anyone have any information they'd like to share?

[synthia]

The first thing you need to do is find out how long you can stay there as a tourist, and how often, and whether you could get a resident's visa.

If you are talking about not being able to ski because of future expected health issues, then you have to take into consideration that altitude can be a problem, and you have to evaluate the quality of medical care.

I've met a lot of people who have traveled in Columbia over the past few years and they all liked it. I've also met a couple of young people who lived and worked there. I've never met anyonce contemplating what you are describing. Hopefully one of our posters will know more.

[Randy Jackson]

Thanks, Synthia. Yes, I need to do more research on the visa aspects. All I know at this point is that American tourists don't need a visa in advance and Americans are very welcome. What I don't know is what the details would be if I went more often, stayed longer etc. I've been twice now with no problems but you're right, I shouldn't assume anything.

Healthwise, I assume at some point I'll have to quit skiing because of my knees. I already live at 5000 feet so I don't anticipate altitude being a problem.

I know that there are quite a few Americans already living in Colombia and I'm interested in hearing about their experiences.

Thanks for your reply!

[synthia]

There are lots of countries that don't require American tourists to have visas that make it extrememly difficult to retire there. Look at many European countries.

I think that verifying what you would have to do to live there legally should be the first thing on your agenda.