Gator has left 6513 comments

Gator comments on Internationally acceptable medical qualifications

Unless she has mega bucks USA too expensive. Either of the two below offer an outstanding medical education. Between them National would be my choice. Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Facultad de Medicina, Ciudad Universitaria ( Bogotá) Pontificia Universidad Javeriana Facultad de Medicina (Bogotá)

Gator comments on overstay of 4 days? need extension or just pay fine?

Cheaper to pay for an extension

Gator comments on Is Voting Compulsory?

In 1991, the constitution was changed to allow non'-citizens to vote in local elections, but the changes were not immediately implemented.On July 31, 2006, the Colombia legislature voting by noncitizens bu only in lopcal election like for mayors and city council elections. To vote,the law states you must have been a resident of Colombia for 5 years and must register with the national registrar authorities (Registraduría Nacional del Estado Civil). Voting is not compulsory and voting aliens have the same voting-related privileges citizens would. E= Extranjería

Gator comments on Can a non-Colombian who doesn't live in Colombia but is married to a Colombian become a Colombian citizen?

All I cary around is the cédula

Gator comments on how do I make a local phone call in Cartagena??

many times they just give you a phoney number to get rid of you.

Gator comments on Is Voting Compulsory?

Not entirely correct-you can NOT vote in national elections but CAN vote in local ones

Gator comments on Is Voting Compulsory?

Bull shit- the locals would burn you out.

Gator comments on Colombia is still Uribeland, after all

Piedad Cordoba!!!!!!!!!! My God, better to keep you mouth shut and thought a fool then to open it and be proven to be one,

Gator comments on Is Voting Compulsory?

Presently all Latin American countries EXCEPT Colombia, Nicaragua, and Venezuela have some legal requirement for voting, though many countries do not have any legal punishments for not voting, or do not enforce the requirements. Article 258 of the 1997 Colombian Constitution states is only a civic duty. However voting can give preferential access to some universities and civil service employment and reduce military service time.

Gator comments on Can a non-Colombian who doesn't live in Colombia but is married to a Colombian become a Colombian citizen?

To the OP, no, there are in-country requirements time-wise. Ojbarberena, you may go through the Colombian consulate having jurisdiction over where you live; not that big a problem other collecting the necessary paperwork from the parents. Place of birth does not matter and he can hold dual citizenship.

Gator comments on Enering with less than 6 months on Passport

If the visitor enters without a formal issued visa the passport must be valid for at least 90 days. If the visitor is entering from a country requiring a formal visa Colombian ( a TU Visa) visa passport must be vallid 90 days. Generally speaking DAS will stamp the passport entry for thirty day stay. The catch comes if you atrempt to extend the stay in Colombia.

Gator comments on My Dentist denied US visa

no limit on (B-2) tourist and (B-1) business visas. K and CR are also O.K.

Gator comments on 16 and still here.

sniff, sniff, is that a troll I smell. Quite frankly, based on my prior knowledge I see no hope for immediate relief in this case. If the sisters are 21 they can apply for you and if successful that wait 'might be 10 years. "...USA illegally your entire life and then at the age of 15 you caught a plane to Colombia. Is that right?' You needed a passport and written permission to leave the US. What passport did you use? I can smell the BS from here

Gator comments on SURVIVAL TIPS FOR 2012 IN COLOMBIA

Suizo, rotflmao

Gator comments on My Dentist denied US visa

Crap Shoot, at best. One of the wife's sisters in Cali was turned down a year ago (home owner, $$$ in the bank, and a good pension, homeowner) reason "too young." She is 52. Like it or not is is at the sole discretion of the Consulate and the interviewing consulate officer. She should have been given the reason-if not she can ask.The consular officer normally will inform the applicant in writing of the basis of the refusal. If she was refused under what is called Section 221 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act she did not furnish some required information but then she can apply for another appointment and furnish the information requested in the refusal letter at no cost. Unfortunately, there is no appeal or reconsideration process for visa refusals.

Gator comments on Can anyone recommend any decent bars in Boca Grande in Cartagena?

Totally depends on the place-I would say average $3.500/6,000 rum and coke, local beer like an Aguila or Club Colombia say $2.500/3.000. Just about every place with have a menu posted by the door. Imported whisky and scotch prices will cause a heart attack.

Gator comments on I want Colombian citzenship. How do I get it? At what cost?

1. The visa you currently have does NOT count toward time for residency 2. Just like the USA you don't "get around" anything 3. Invest a $100.000 USD and become eligible for a immediate resident investor vista It's A Bitch... The link below is the official web site. The translation was done in a hurry and is not by any means perfect in any way. Now that's the reason I stuck with residency http://www.minrelext.gov.co/Servicios/extranjeroNOhispano.asp REQUISITES TO OBTAIN citizenship non HISPANIC FOREIGNERS NON HISPANIC foreigners who request citizenship will be able to present the request before the government or before the Department of Foreign Affairs (MRE Bogotá). IMPORTANT NOTE: The Law 43 of 1993, indicates as requisite to obtain citizenship, to be domiciled in Colombia for a term of 5 years continuously immediately previous to the date of presentation of the request (if he/she is not married with Colombian national), or for three ('3) years (if the foreigner is married with Colombian national). Understand that a foreigner is domiciled when he/she has a RESIDENT'S VISA, by what the period is counted from the date in which visa was granted. To fulfill the requisites established in the Law 43 of 1993 and the Decree 1869 of 1994, the following documents will have to be contributed to this office.: 1. Brief gone to minister Ministro de Relaciones Exteriores, in which they request Colombian citizenship for adoption, will have to contain: a) Name, document of identity, fatherland and current nationality of the petitioner. b) City of domicile and direction of his residence. c) Reasons on which his request is based. d) Declaration of his last domicile before having established itself in the country. e) Authorization to request certificate of the Administrative Department of Security(DAS) to give to the Department of Foreign Affairs, of criminal records or of good conduct or to enclose the same certificate sent recently by the D.A.S. f) If the petitioner will have children under his custody, he/she can ask it to extend the nationality to them, for which it is necessary to present the tests regarding the marital status of the younger sons to whom one must extend the nationality. The request will have to do jointly for the parents and in case the custody is exercised for one of them one will have Authenticated photocopy of the Certificate of current status of foreigners. 3. Suitable document sent by competent authority of his fatherland, in which the date is verified and place of birth or authenticated photocopy of the current passport. to credit the above mentioned circumstance. Also furnish birth certificate or civil record of birth in accordance with the article 259 of the Code of Civil Procedure, that is to say, authenticated by the Consul of Colombia 4. Certificate of good conduct observed for interested his fatherland or the last country different from Colombia where it has resided for five (5) years. 5. To credit definition of his military situation in the fatherland, by means of certification sent in such a sense by the competent authority (unless it has deposited Colombia being under-age or that, in the moment to present the request it has more than 50 years. In the opposite case, the petitioner will have to define his military situation in Colombia on having obtained the nationality it requests 6. Authenticated photocopies of the last two income statements or certificate of retention in the source if he is a dependent worker or his accreditation of income on the part of public book-keeper.CPA) 7. To credit profession or office (in case of being an associate or owner of industrial or commercial establishment to collect certificate of the Chamber of commerce in which there consists the social object of the above mentioned entity or certificate of the company where it works), or in his shortcoming written Declaration of the person or spouse where economic dependency consists. 8. To possess a basic knowledge of Castilian, of the Political Constitution of Colombia and general knowledge of Native History and Geography of Colombia, examinations that it will have to present in the respective Government, according to the arranged for the 9th, numeral articles 4th and 9th encore of the Law 43 of 1993. There are exceptions to this requisite those who verify to have obtained graduate's title or to have studied university education in Colombia. 9. Civil record of marriage if married (a) with Colombian (a) 10. Record of birth of the Colombian children. 11. Six (6) photos 4x5 It is important to remember that all the photocopies must be authenticated by notary. The documents sent in the exterior must be authenticated by Colombian Consul and his signature of debit be legalized as it distinguishes itself in the 3rd point. In his shortcoming the document must include the stamp of Apostille, in accordance with the “ Convention on abolition of the requisite of legalization for public foreign documents ”. Finally, any document that one finds in a language different from Spanish will have to be translated officially. It is necessary to point out that, in accordance with the established in the article 11 of the Law 43 of 1993, if passed six (6) months of requested some requisite, not contributed, will presume that the foreigner does not have interest to acquire the Colombian nationality and therefore, will arrange himself the file of the records.

Gator comments on I need insurance for my mother in law - in Cali

SISBEN (El Sistema de Seleccion de Beneficiarios para Programas Sociales) I would check with either Coomeva or Suramerica's. Costs really increase past age 50. We have Coomeva "Gold"

Gator comments on Can anyone recommend any decent bars in Boca Grande in Cartagena?

For something different (kinda touristy but fun) try a “Chiva” is an interesting way to travel in the night around Cartagena. These are colorful buses where you get a small bottle of rum and are accompanied with a three-piece Caribbean band Cafe Del Mar - Baluarte Santo Domingo (on top of the historic city wall close to Place Santo Domingo) - great sunset watching Music from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Not at cheap place but worth a drinks . Pool bar at the Hilton From Av San Martín (the main drag in Bocagrande) head to the area called Laguito, Just grab one the buses that say "Liguito" when the makes makes the turn look to the right anf you will see a flight of stairs leading to a casino called La Perla Del Caribe Casino, Get off and start walking to the left-load of small bars and sidewalk type cafes. To tell the truth 80% of the action in in the old walled city. You will find the tourist areas of Cartagena expensive.

Gator comments on Do Bars open up again later tonight or not until tomorrow?

Officially 6:00 a.m. today

Gator comments on Panamá to Colombia

At your peril-Colombia does have an informer reward system

Gator comments on importing pets to Colombia

Customs Rules Import regulations Colombia: (Note: a lengthy list of prohibited items such as firearms, ammunition,new automobiles, etc., etc. was deleted so just the part dealing with dogs/felines (cats for those from Arkansas) was posted.) Pets:: An original and copy of a veterinarian issued Health Certificate (must contain full details of the animal), issued within 8 days of arrival, together with a copy of the vaccination certificate are required. Import fee: - Monday to Friday (07:00 to 18:00): COP 31,000.-; - Saturdays, Sundays, holidays or out of office hours: COP 46,500.-. Airports of origin must telex station manager of transporting airline at disembarkation point a notice of arrival, so that a veterinarian will be available. Birds: birds imported to Colombia must obtain a zoo sanitary permit issued by the ICA - Colombian Institute of Agriculture and Livestock- (Instituto Colombiano Agropecuario). This permit must be obtained prior to arrival. All animals, whether accompanied or not, are subject to import duties. NOTE THE FOLLOWING: Prohibited: - the import of ALL FELINE animals, i.e. cats or catlike (and any other animal that may catch Bovine Espongiform Brain Disease) from: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Rep., Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland (Rep. of), Israel, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, Slovak Rep., Slovenia, Switzerland and United Kingdom. - the following canine breeds and any cross breeds of: American Pitbull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Argentine Dogo, Bullmastiff, Canary Dog, Doberman, Dogue de Bordeaux (French Mastiff), Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff), Japanese Tosa, Neapolitan Mastiff, Pitbull Terrier, Rottweiler and Staffordshire Terrier. BTW, I was informed if you take your cat FROM Colombia for less than three months you can bring it back when you return PROVIDED you have a letter from a licensed vet less than 90 days old certifying the cat is free of disease.

Gator comments on Cedula extranjeria - where to pay?

Jesus, why even ASK! If you believe that then solve your problem by picking a branch at random.

Gator comments on US lawyers in Colombia

You must be a permanent resident, take mandated courses Pass Colombian Certification. Many of the larger firms have US trained attorneys on staff or have agreements with US firms. You just don't waltz in and start practicing.

Gator comments on Amigos, Dont Forget No Booze in Bogotá-Ley Seca Declared

Este fin de semana habrá ley seca, restricción de porte de armas y de vehículos de mudanzas. Se prohíbe, además, la circulación de motociclistas con parrillero. Movement of motorcyclists with passengers It also restricts the movement of motorcyclists with passenger, take the 6:00 Sunday 14 March until 6:00 a.m. Monday 15th March 2010. Circulación de motociclistas con parrilleros También se restringe la circulación de motociclistas con parrillero (pasajero), dese las 6:00 a.m. del domingo 14 de marzo hasta las 6:00 a.m. del lunes 15 de marzo de 2010. También se restringe la circulación de vehículos que trasporten trasteos o mudanzas, escombros y/o cilindros de gas desde las 6:00 a.m. del domingo 14 de marzo hasta las 6:00 a.m. del lunes 15 de marzo de 2010. Se exceptúa de esta medida los operadores de aseo con vehículos identificados permanentemente, vehículos de obra pública debidamente identificados, vehículos que trasporten cilindros con fines clínicos y terapéuticos y aquellos vehículos que estén trasportando elementos relacionados con el proceso electoral. DECRETA: ARTÍCULO PRIMERO.-Prohibir el expendio y consumo de bebidas embriagantes en sitios públicos o abiertos al público, desde las seis (6) de la tarde del día 10 de marzo del 2006, hasta las seis (6) de la mañana del día lunes 13 de marzo de 2006. ARTÍCULO SEGUNDO.-Restringir en todo el territorio del Distrito Capital de Bogotá la circulación de motocicletas con parrillero (pasajero) y de vehículos que transporten trasteos o mudanzas, escombros y/o cilindros de gas, desde las seis (6) de la tarde del día 10 de marzo del año 2006 hasta las seis (6) de la mañana del día lunes 13 de marzo del año 2006. PARÁGRAFO.- Se exceptúan de esta medida los operadores de aseo con vehículos identificados permanentemente, también vehículos de obra pública debidamente identificados, y también aquellos que estén adelantando tareas relacionadas con el proceso electoral. ARTÍCULO TERCERO.-Con motivo del proceso electoral, el domingo 12 de marzo de 2006 no se autorizará ciclo vía en ningún sitio de la ciudad. ARTÍCULO CUARTO.-La Policía Metropolitana y de Tránsito se encargarán del control y vigilancia de lo dispuesto en el presente Decreto. ARTÍCULO QUINTO.-El incumplimiento de las presentes restricciones acarreará las sanciones previstas en la ley. ARTÍCULO SEXTO.-El presente Decreto rige a partir de la fecha de su publicación. Dado en Bogotá, D.C., a los PUBLÍQUESE Y CÚMPLASE LUIS EDUARDO GARZÓN Alcalde Mayor ANDRÉS RESTREPO RESTREPO Secretario de Gobierno (E) JUSTO GERMÁN BERMÚDEZ GROSS Secretario de Tránsito y Transporte Full story: http://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/bogota/ley-seca-desde-el-viernes_7388429-1 (http://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/bogota/ley-seca-desde-el -viernes_7388429-1) Since yiou do NOT live in Bogotá why not just contact the local police ot Battalion?

Gator comments on Thinking about moving to Cartagena in September - Advices?

my question also

Gator comments on Thinking about moving to Cartagena in September - Advices?

Agree, if that's what you want I would look east towords Santa Marta/El Rodadero.

Gator comments on US Passport Renewal in Colombia Help Please

When the time has come both Mrs. Gator and I have gone through American Citizen Services office at the embassy. You use form DS-82 that is available on-line. You can submit your present passport as proof of citizenship. You need the DS-82 and two recent photographs, passport type. It is best to do it in person ad they do NOT accept currier or mail service to renew. A friend or relative can do this for you but I don't know that process. The cost is I believe $75 USD. Renewal can also be done at the consulate in Barranquilla.

Gator comments on Amigos, Dont Forget No Booze in Bogotá-Ley Seca Declared

"dreadful calvinist nonsense." Religion "bule" laws have nothing to do with this.

Gator comments on Amigos, Dont Forget No Booze in Bogotá-Ley Seca Declared

CB, I am aware of the country-wide ban but since local government can implement additional local restrictions I just covered Bogotá. Please feel free to post any additional info you have..

Gator comments on Santa Marta drive to Venezuela

The plate color come from the departmento flag which is upper half green and lower portion white. A place too few visit when in Colombia, IMHO

Gator comments on Does it take 'guts' to live in Colombia?

Flyboy-why the hell have you only made two posts-you made more sense than some others have made in hundreds. SPOT ON!!!!

Gator comments on Does it take 'guts' to live in Colombia?

I go with Bill Turley

Gator comments on Thinking about moving to Cartagena in September - Advices?

Very hot, humid and touristy-beaches nothing to rave about.

Gator comments on I am now a married man!

I just thought of something-if you have over 6 months in Colombia on a permanent basis you may be eligible for Direct Consular Filing (DCF) did you check?

Gator comments on I am now a married man!

David, what is the item number on the I-130 are you referring to? There are about five different blocks requesting address??

Gator comments on Miami Herald in Bogotá???

Try one of the hotels who cater to gringo businessmen or ask one of the "tourist"cab drivers.

Gator comments on I am now a married man!

David, CONGRADULATIONS!!!!!!!!! You will need: A cover letter explaining what your are filing A check for the fee The I-130 application Continuation pages for information that won't fit in the spaces provided on the I-130 A G-325A (biographic information) for you A G-325A (biographic information) for your wife Continuation pages for information that won't fit in the spaces provided on the G-325A A passport-type photo of you and one of your wife A copy of my birth certificate (both sides) A copy of your marriage certificate A translation of all documents in a foreign language ) A certification that the translator is competent to translate the documents (Use the statement below to certify the translation Copies of wedding photos and other proof the marriage is legitimate like information on joint bank accounts, affidavits from relatives stating that they have knowledge of the relationship and wedding. This evidence needs to show that there is an ongoing relationship Certification by Translator I [typed name], certify that I am fluent and conversant in the English and ________ languages, and that the above/attached document is an accurate translation of the document attached entitled ______________________________. Signature_________________________________ Date Typed Name Address Do NOT STAPLE use a two hole punch and one of those Arco type clips. LAST but no least MAKE A LEAST THREE COPIES OF THE PACKAGE FOR SAFE KEEPING

Gator comments on Día Internacional de la Mujer - International day of the Woman

Pese a ello, el 89% están satisfechas con su vida, aunque esperan mejorar. (Despite this, 89% are satisfied with their life, but hope to improve.) This was in the lead in to the story and might give a little different take.

Gator comments on Bogotá to Armenia preferred Bus company?

I would stick with Expreso Palmira or Express Bolivarian

Gator comments on Travel to Costa Rica

Yes on the visa unless, as Viajero says you are a US Citizen Also a visa is not needed if you are a permanent residence card (green card), student visa (F1, J1), work visa (H1B, G4, etc.), or refugee status in the United States, and/or in any European Union country or Canada. You also need a return ticket but how stringently this is enforced I don't know.. The vaccination I am not sure but I believe it is required. The CR Consulate says you need to met the flowing requirements to obtain visa: 1. A passport valid for at least 6 months (and photocopy of the page with your information). 2. An application form. This is an official document, therefore only application forms issued at Consulates or from this website are accepted at the Consulates. 3. A request letter addressed to Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería. This letter will only be valid if faxed by the Consulate that will issue your visa. The immigration office does not process documents that are not presented by the Consulate of your jurisdiction. 4. 1 color photograph (2 x 2 inches). 5. A round trip / ongoing flight itinerary within 30 days. It is recommended NOT to buy your airline ticket until your visa has been approved, but you must show a flight reservation with your name on it. 6. Proof of solid economic status (bank account statements, salary statements, etc.).

Gator comments on How Long Until We Hear Something From the U.S. Embassy!!!!

Great, but the inexorable march of time goes on. (I remember.) A LA ORDEN. Don't forget you can't pick up the visa anymore. DOMESA courier service handles the job and they have a small office at the Embassy where you pay the fee to the service. In a few (and it is a FEW) extenuating circumstance the Consular Office handling you case may grant expedited service and you can pick up at the embassy the next day. Congratulations, Kaye, and usually you will know at the conclusion of the intervew if it is approved-unless you head the words "administrative processing.” which means something has come up that has to be checked out. If not approved you will get a letter telling why. You can immediately apply again but the process starts from square one. I am sure you will hear, "CONGRATULATIONS YOUR VISA IS APPROVED!"

Gator comments on How Long Until We Hear Something From the U.S. Embassy!!!!

four to six months

Gator comments on Bail in Colombia ?Such a thing for foreigners...

They will just toss your ass in La Modelo until they get around to taking action-like maybe two years. Better you should have died as a small child.

Gator comments on

We back Cafe Sello Rojo. Usually "bad"coffee comes in the preparation-either the brewing, the type of water used or the length of time it sits after brewing. The best coffee is not exported per se. Some of the top coffee comes from the Santa Marta/Popayán areas and much is produced in quantities too small to export

Gator comments on Stone-deaf in Barranquilla

Unfortunately the loss you described is cumulative, progressive and non-reversible. I know! I have the same problem and five years ago had to resort to hearing aids. You have had what is called an otologic emergency. Get an evaluation ASAP.

Gator comments on How much value can I bring into Colombia on an airline

Generally speaking item for personal use and you can bring ,in addition to your personal belonging, tax-fee items with a dollar value of no more than $1.500 USD and the items must be accompanied baggage. The key is what the customs agent determines is NOT a commercial quantity.

Gator comments on British Pensioners residing in Colombia - Are you milk-cows?

100 individual is NOT a sufficient a base to beat anyone over the head. Panama, perhaps?

Gator comments on Car Culture in Bogota

Yes, But is it a bitch with the traffic.

Gator comments on 180 days-do I need a departure ticket when I enter MDE?

not upset, RJ, just trying to let the youngster know what he is up against