The Passport

Welcome to The Passport

Because One Country Isn’t Enough.

Emily Tran · May 14, 2026

Emily — Denver to Medellín, fitness coach, 7 months 💪

Hi everyone!! Emily, 31, fitness coach, in El Poblado about 7 months. Vietnamese-American so the food adjustment was less than expected (so much fresh produce!!). I run outdoor here every morning and the elevation kicked my butt for the first month but you adjust!! Happy to...

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Posted in 💬Introductions

Megan Lopez · May 14, 2026

Megan — SF to Bogotá, PM, also Italy-curious

Hi, Megan, 28, product manager on a US team, in Chapinero for 5 months. Considering Italy as the next move (probably 2 years out). For now, full Colombia. I love a good list, I love a clean spreadsheet, I love being early to things. Excited to be one of the first 30 here.

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Posted in 🇨🇴Colombia

Ryan MacDonald · May 14, 2026 🇨🇴 Colombia

Real talk: what surprised me most about Colombian culture

Toronto-Colombia transition observations after 8 months:People remember you. The barista, the doorman, the corner store owner — they remember your name, your face, what you ordered last time. After Toronto-anonymous-by-default this floored me.Family is centered differently....

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Posted in 💬Medellín

C Carlos Mendez · May 14, 2026

Pet-friendly cafés in El Poblado (my dog approves)

4 spots my dog has personally approved. Drop yours below.

Outdoor patio café off Parque El Poblado

Tree-canopied café near Provenza

Tiny café on the Manila side

Brunch-forward café near the Park Way

Posted in 💬Expat Wins & Fails

Jennifer Lawson · May 14, 2026 🇨🇴 Bogotá, Colombia

WIN: Conversational Spanish breakthrough at month 4

I had my first "real" conversation in Spanish today. Not transactional. Not ordering coffee. A 20-minute back-and-forth with my building's portero about his daughter starting university next year, my work, the weather, and his thoughts on Bogotá traffic (strong).I understood...

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Posted in 💬Introductions

Tyler Jansen · May 14, 2026

Tyler from Minneapolis — family scout trip in 2 weeks

Tyler, 36, architect, wife is a teacher, we have a 2-year-old. Scout trip in 2 weeks (Bogotá, then Medellín). Considering a move next year. Schools, healthcare for kids, and bilingual daycare are my top questions. Hi.

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Posted in 💬Expat Wins & Fails

Chris Davidson · May 14, 2026 🇨🇴 Medellín, Colombia

FAIL: Tried to pay rent in cash, got dragged to the bank

Landlord asked for the first month's rent in cash. I went to the ATM, took out 3 million COP in mixed bills (the most cash I've ever held). Showed up at the apartment ready. Landlord looked at the cash, looked at me, said "we have to go to the bank to deposit this, I don't...

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Posted in 💬Santa Marta

Tom Walker · May 14, 2026 🇨🇴 Santa Marta, Colombia

Tayrona park — go in the off-season

Tayrona is one of the most beautiful places I've ever lived near. Crowded January-April. Quiet August-October. Hike to Cabo San Juan in the off-season and you might have the beach mostly to yourself.Closed entirely for a few weeks each year — check before you go.

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Posted in 💰Cost of Living

M Marcus Williamson · May 14, 2026

Cheapest decent Colombian cities for retirees (research notes)

Pre-move research from a methodical pre-mover. Voting open — would love your edits.

Bucaramanga

Low cost, mild climate, less expat density (pro or con).

Pereira/Coffee Axis

Moderate cost, beautiful, growing expat scene.

Cali

Low cost, hot, vibrant, salsa.

View full list (5) →

Posted in 💬Taxes & Banking

Greg Sullivan · May 13, 2026 🇺🇸 United States

FATCA reporting — anyone using a specialist?

Greg here, FIRE in Medellín. Question for fellow US citizens: are you DIY-ing your FBAR/FATCA reporting or paying a specialist? I've been DIY for 2 years and I'm getting nervous about a missed account. Any recommended firms that work with Americans abroad?

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Posted in 💬Introductions

Nicole Park · May 13, 2026

Nicole — LA, Medellín in 6 weeks, content creator

Hi everyone, Nicole, 30, Korean-American, LA-based lifestyle content creator. Flying to Medellín in 6 weeks for an indefinite stay. I'll be the one asking what to wear and where to film. Looking forward to learning from this group.

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Posted in 💬Cali

Pierre Gagnon · May 13, 2026 🇨🇴 Cali, Colombia

Salsa lessons for total beginners — Cali recommendations

For anyone considering Cali for salsa (the only correct reason to consider Cali):Start at a beginner-friendly academy, not a "club casual." The clubs assume you can already dance. Group classes 2-3 nights a week for 2 months will get you actually dancing in social...

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Posted in 💬Food & Recipes

S Sarah Kowalski · May 13, 2026

Pasta cacio e pepe (since Italy launches next week!)

Three ingredients, technique-heavy. The most "Italian" Italian dish. Practicing for next week's hub launch.

2 servings 17 min medium Italian

View recipe →

Posted in 🇨🇴Colombia

M Matt · May 13, 2026 Personality quiz

Which Colombian city matches your personality?

8 questions. We assign you a city. Take it with the seriousness it deserves (none).

Find out · 8 questions, 6 outcomes

Posted in 💬Introductions

Sophie Leblanc · May 13, 2026

Sophie from Vancouver — Bogotá-curious

Bonjour à tous, Sophie, 29, graphic designer in Vancouver. I'm pre-move, considering Bogotá in about 8 months on the DNV. Solo move. Currently in the "am I crazy" phase. Probably yes. Will keep asking.

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Posted in 💬Bucaramanga

Brian Fisher · May 13, 2026 🇨🇴 Bucaramanga, Colombia

Why I'm visiting Bucaramanga next month — research mode

Bogotá-based but considering a side trip to Bucaramanga for a weekend. Heard great things about the climate (eternal spring), the food (cabro al horno, anyone?), and the price (much cheaper than Bogotá). Anyone been? Worth the bus trip?

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Posted in 💬Visas & Immigration

A Amanda Rivera · May 13, 2026

Documents I wish I'd known to apostille before leaving the US

Year-1 lessons on documents I learned the hard way.

Birth certificate

Everyone knows this one — get it first.

Marriage certificate

Even if you're not using it — backup for if you marry someone here, or for healthcare-related stuff.

Background check (FBI)

Takes 6+ weeks; start NOW.

View full list (5) →

Posted in 🏖️Cartagena

Kevin O'Brien · May 13, 2026 🇨🇴 Cartagena, Colombia

Surviving Cartagena heat — practical tips after 1 year

Year-1 lessons:AC bill is your largest non-rent cost. Plan for it.Linen clothes only. Cotton holds humidity. Synthetics are a nightmare.Two showers a day minimum. Sometimes three.Hydration is medical, not optional. Electrolytes daily.6am-10am is your workout window. After...

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Posted in 💬Expat Wins & Fails

Mike Thompson · May 13, 2026 🇨🇴 Pereira, Colombia

FAIL: Tried to ship my couch from Texas. Don't.

Quoted me $4,200 to ship my favorite sectional from Dallas to Pereira. Took 11 weeks. Arrived with a stain I'm pretty sure is mole. Paid $700 import duty I didn't expect. The same couch in Pereira would have cost me $900 new.Don't ship the couch. Don't ship the bed. Don't...

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Posted in 💬Healthcare

Mike Thompson · May 13, 2026 🇨🇴 Pereira, Colombia

Dental work in Medellín — full cost breakdown (4 crowns)

Drove from my finca to Medellín for dental work — 4 crowns, full evaluation, X-rays.Total: $1,840 USD. Quote in Dallas for the same work: $9,400. Same materials (porcelain), comparable lab (work was done at a clinic with a US-trained dentist).Yes I did my research first. Yes...

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