The expat community has expanded quickly in Medellín, Colombia, since Virginia couple David and Carole Wallis first arrived.
Over the past few years, they have made great friends, bought and remodeled a home, bought a car, and established a new life in the City of Eternal Spring.
But how did they end up in Medellín?
Dave takes up the story…
“In 2011 we were considering overseas retirement and researching options. We attended a Live And Invest Overseas Conference in San Antonio to see which countries might be viable options. I was a police sergeant in Virginia for 30 years and I wanted a place where I could afford to retire, instead of working until I dropped dead.
“When we first visited Medellín, the exchange rate was US$1 to 1,700 Colombian pesos. I watched the dollar go up against the Colombian peso, and we returned in February 2016 and bought an apartment.”
When it came to finding a home, the couple were clear on what they wanted.
“We wanted three bedrooms, a decent kitchen, a large living space for a large TV, and a pool,” says Carole.
“We made our offer long distance from the States. The place we chose needed a kitchen remodel. It took six weeks and was completed on time. We were very pleased with the results and the contractor. We had a good experience although I know others who weren’t so lucky.”
“A bit of advice for anyone buying a home here: open a brokerage account first, while you’re in Colombia, and bring your money here before making any offer,” says Dave. “Also be present for the paperwork and to decide when to exchange your funds to get the best rate.”
“We shipped most of our furnishings from the States,” says Carole. “Because you ship by weight, it was less expensive to bring appliances than to buy new in Colombia. Our total cost to ship everything, including all taxes and port fees, was US$13,000 door to door.”
“We also brought our dog Bear from Virginia,” adds Dave. “It was a straightforward process. You need a USDA certified veterinarian report and documents from the USDA office 10 days before traveling. In the Medellín airport, after you clear customs, you bring your paperwork to an office and pay the fee to bring your pet into the country. Medellín is a very pet-friendly city, we bring our dog everywhere.”
“The vet care here is excellent and reasonably priced, including end of life care, which we unfortunately experienced in 2018 when Bear passed away,” says Carole.
“We got a new puppy, Sami. When he got sick, an overnight stay in the vet ER with 24/7 care cost us 195,000 Colombian pesos (US$47). Also, our vet speaks English.
“We had very little Spanish before coming here. We worked with a tutor for a year, taking classes twice a week. We also tried classes at the local university but we only lasted a few months. It was too rigid and stressful for the lifestyle we wanted. We will never be fluent but we get by on a day-to-day basis.”
Medellín has an impressive public transport system and the couple spent a few years here before choosing to buy a car.
“We bought a used 2019 Ford Escape with 4,000 kilometers on it,” says Dave. “The price was similar to U.S. prices. We pay 110,000 Colombian pesos (about US$26) for gas every month, vehicle insurance runs 243,000 Colombian pesos (US$60) per month, and body work is cheap and fast.”
I ask the couple to share some of the things they like and dislike about life in their adopted home.
“It’s difficult to make phone calls because of the language barrier. I’ll ask a friend to help me, or I use the WhatsApp phone app so I can type and translate,” says Carole.
“I also miss certain luxury foods like prime rib. Dave misses bourbon and Amazon although it’s getting easier to ship here. Also, you will need to shop in the States for larger sized clothes and shoes, as the Colombian people are generally smaller.”
As to the positives…
“The people are great, we love the climate, especially because we don’t need heat or air conditioning, and we enjoy a good quality of life at a great cost of living,” says Dave.
“We live a similar lifestyle spending approximately US$3,000 per month as opposed to US$8,000 in the States. We could live more frugally, but we don’t want to, and we don’t have to,” says Carole.
“We have EPS, the basic insurance. Our cost is approximately US$35 per month as a couple. For quick appointments, and to ensure an English-speaking doctor, we just pay out of pocket. The system is not difficult, it’s just time consuming.”
I ask the couple to share some advice for those considering a move here…
“Remember the expenses you still have in the States, like insurance policies, when considering your overseas budget,” says Carole. “Also, beware of Facebook groups and forums because people like to complain and some don’t even live here. Also, El Poblado is much more than just Parque Lleras (the club and nightlife area).”
“Decide what standard of living and creature comforts you want,” adds Dave. “Do you want part-time living, your dream home, or an adventure without strings? Then you can decide about shipping things when you move. There’s nothing that you need that you can’t get here…”
For this couple, the benefits far outweigh any downsides.
“I love our big group of new friends and entertaining them,” says Carole. “Medellín is our home now.”
Sincerely,
Wendy Howarter
Contributor, Overseas Living Letter
