The Passport

Welcome to The Passport

Because One Country Isn’t Enough.

Stefan Hoffmann · May 11, 2026 🇨🇴 Colombia

Getting a Colombian tax ID (NIT) as a foreigner

For anyone running a business or working as a legal contractor here: you need a NIT. The process: register at the DIAN office in person, bring cédula extranjería + RUT registration + proof of address. Takes about 2 hours if the queue is short. Then your accountant can...

0 0 73

Posted in 💬Healthcare

Rachel Brennan · May 11, 2026 🇨🇴 Colombia

Pharmacy basics — what's over-the-counter here vs back home

Quick PSA for new arrivals: a lot of things that need a prescription in the US (some antibiotics, some sleep aids, even some basic asthma stuff) are OTC here. Don't take this as license to self-medicate, but it does mean a quick farmacia visit can solve a lot of small issues...

1 3 42

Posted in 🇨🇴Bogotá

Karen Stevens · May 11, 2026 🇨🇴 Bogotá, Colombia

Why does it rain like THIS in October?

Bogotá has been pouring for 9 of the last 11 days. Is this normal October? Is climate change? Is the city personally targeting me?Asking for everyone newly arrived who thought "spring-like weather" meant "no rain."

2 1 52

Posted in 💬Taxes & Banking

James Patterson · May 11, 2026 🇨🇴 Colombia

183-day rule and US tax residency — practical implications

For Americans considering moving here long-term: the 183-day rule (becoming a Colombian tax resident) is the big inflection point. Once you're a Colombian tax resident, you owe Colombian tax on worldwide income (with US-Colombia treaty offsetting some).Real...

2 3 72

Posted in 💬Water Cooler

Emily Tran · May 11, 2026

What's playing in your headphones today?

Bad Bunny on repeat (predictable). What's everyone else listening to while they work?

4 6 76

Posted in 💬Food & Recipes

Amanda Rivera · May 11, 2026 🇨🇴 Colombia

First attempt at arepas from scratch — review

Tried making arepas con queso in my Cartagena apartment. Used pre-cooked harina P.A.N. flour, queso costeño, water, salt. They were fine. Not as good as the lady's at the corner who sells them 5 for 2,000 pesos.Going to keep trying but mostly I'll keep buying hers.

1 1 59

Posted in 💬Expat Wins & Fails

Rachel Brennan · May 11, 2026 🇨🇴 Bogotá, Colombia

WIN: Bargained for a queso costeño at Paloquemao market

Went to Paloquemao market on Saturday looking for queso costeño. Asked the price (15,000 COP, full block). Smiled, said "ay no, está caro, ¿no me lo deja en 12?" The vendor laughed, said "para ti, 13," and we shook on it.I felt like a local for exactly 8 seconds. Then I...

1 1 51

Posted in 💬Visas & Immigration

Rachel Brennan · May 11, 2026 🇨🇴 Colombia

Working remotely on a tourist visa — is anyone actually doing this and what's the real risk?

I'm here on the M visa now but I have a friend in the US who's planning to come for 6 months on tourist status (PT-1) and just work remotely. I keep telling her this is technically not allowed. What's the actual enforcement reality? Has anyone seen anyone get pushed out?

1 4 49

Posted in 💰Cost of Living

David Thompson · Apr 13, 2026

$3000/month in Bogotá vs Medellín — what it gets you

Quick breakdown after 8 months of expense tracking. Bogotá rents have crept up but groceries and transport are cheaper. Medellín is the inverse.

0 2 50

Posted in 🏖️Cartagena

Isabella Cruz · Apr 04, 2026

Best beach near Cartagena (it's not Boca Grande)

Boca Grande is fine for an afternoon but the water is murky. Take the boat to Playa Blanca instead — about $15 each way, much nicer water, plenty of food vendors.

0 1 45

Posted in 💰Cost of Living

Noah Patel · Mar 16, 2026

Banking: which Colombian bank for expats?

Bancolombia is fine but their app is rough. Davivienda has better English support. BBVA international is the easiest to open if you don't have an M visa yet.

0 3 68

Posted in 💰Cost of Living

Alex Brennan · Mar 12, 2026

Fitness/gym scene in Bogotá

Bodytech is everywhere, ~$50/mo, decent. Functional gyms (CrossFit-style) are surprisingly affordable — about $90/mo. Yoga is cheap and good, especially at Atman in Chapinero.

0 2 61

Posted in 📢Announcements

Isabella Cruz · Mar 08, 2026

Member milestone: we just crossed 500 members 🎉

Quietly happened last weekend. Thank you for being part of this — especially the regulars who answer questions when nobody else has the experience yet.

0 4 57

Posted in 📢Announcements

Maria Rodriguez · Mar 08, 2026

New: weekly office hours every Thursday

Starting this week, I'm hosting an open Zoom call every Thursday at 10am COT. Bring questions about visas, taxes, banking, or just hang out. Link in the Events space.

0 4 51

Posted in 🏖️Cartagena

Alex Brennan · Mar 07, 2026

Is Cartagena worth a long stay or just a long weekend?

Spent 3 weeks there in March. Beautiful but exhausting — heat, hawkers, party atmosphere. I'd go back for a week, not three. Disagree?

0 1 45

Posted in 🏖️Cartagena

Matt · Mar 07, 2026

Weekend trip: Islas del Rosario

Spent the weekend on Isla Grande. $80/night for a hostel with private bath. Snorkeling was great, the town is tiny, and the boat ride is half the fun.

0 1 40

Posted in 📢Announcements

Alex Brennan · Mar 05, 2026