Why We Won't Stay In Colombia... | Real Talk! 

You are exactly the kind of Expats that Colombia needs! So sad to hear that you are leaving, but best of luck in sunny Sicily!

Colombia is ok, I spent a year and a half, I was born and raced there, but, after decades living abroad I realized that the country has ways to go in terms of development socially and infrastructure wise. But the main issue for me, as you mentioned, is the difficulty getting things done such a drivers license for example, a reason for all of that is the severe corruption on almost every aspect of life, is just way to 3rd world and that creates a very unsafe system for locals and foreigners. The corruption creates to much poverty and dampens develooment in general greatly. additionally, because of it, the security situatiin has gotten out of the hands of the authorities, since criminals know that 8 out of 10 will be set free no matter what crime they commit, since the country does not have enaough jaild and money to keep criminals out of the streets, that is just giving the control of the country security to criminals. Also, some of the laws that exist in the country are just right out loony, which puts ordinary working people in huge disadvantage to criminals. There is just not a sense of community in my opinion, to protect the people in general, there is to much apathy by police, and politicians to addres such deeo social, safety and economic problems. Ask any Colombian, soecially the young and they the vast number will tell you " There just not future for them right now", that is why so many nationals leave the country, just not real opportunities for most. Sadly, with the arrival of so many venezuelans in desperate circumstances of plain hunger, many opt in for the way of the violent crime, as I exprrienced it personally, getting mugged while riding my bicycle on a public road by 4 of them. Ther is just not essy way to put it, but the country felt to unssfe for me, as a Colombian born and raced, and realized I just could not live there. I think that the rulling class lives in a fantasy world, totally separate reality, then the vast mayority of people in Colombia, and I do not see them eager to do much about it, due to that corruption I mentioned. To live in Colombia is to live on yout own completely, no social safety net whatsoever, if you need some thing done, you gonna have to acquire the mentality and habit of paying off some corrupt indivifuals due to the broad lack of the rule of law. I wish you both good luck, and keep posting vlogs.

I am sorry to hear that you are leaving Colombia, because I was looking forward to meeting you in Medellin. You are leaving Colombia and I am retiring in Medellin in November as I find it very beautiful, affordable, has great nightlife, amazing weather, gorgeous women and is only one hour away from the beaches of Cartagena and Santa Marta, while being only 2.5 hours from Miami USA. It sounds like you guys are young and generating enough income to live and get the visa in Colombia was and is a problem and also you don't qualify for the retirement visa. I am coming to Medellin and will live on the retirement visa and with my pension it should not be a problem. Maybe you can look at Costa Rica, Panama, Brazil, Thailand when it opens, Malaysia and Portugal and Spain in Europe, as they might also be good destinations for you guys. I wish you youngsters the best. Since you guys are leaving Colombia, I guess I will have to take over making the expat videos in Medellin starting in November. Best regards, Robert

As a Brit living in Colombia I can relate to a lot of what you said here but I'm not going to be leaving anytime soon. I live in a small town near to Bogota. It's a lot higher altitude than Medellin and so it's colder, but nowhere near as cold as the UK. Temperatures at night frequently go below 10C. If I feel cold a put a jumper on. Solved! My UK driving licence is not valid here because I'm not on a tourist visa, so I took the Colombian Motorcycle driving test. I only had to do the classroom stuff because I had been riding bikes for 38 years and I don't need to be taught how to ride a bike. They helped me with the test because my Spanish isn't perfect, so they ran google translate at the side of the multiple choice exam and I passed first time. My pet hates about Colombia are the driving standards. Some examples are: stopping at red traffic lights appears to be optional! People will change lanes without indicating (or even looking) which frequently causes accidents. Pedestrian crossings are completely ignored by all drivers. The horn is used more often than the indicators. One way streets are ignored if there are no police around. I renewed my visa this year and upgraded from the 3 year migrant visa to a 5 year resident visa. The process was a pain in the arse. Everytime I satisfied their document list they came back with a new list of requirements and the whole process took over two months but I got there in the end. As for the food, if I can't find what I want to eat in a restaurant then I cook it myself! Curries, for example. I'm sure you're going to find a dramatic increase in your cost of living and this is likely to get worse as countries have to pay back more and more debt to the EU to fund its recover package. However I wish you luck in your new country and I hope it works out for you.

I think it is a good decision to leave Columbia. I think they were disrespectful in handling your VISA. Regarding family, there are so many good ways today of connecting from afar. When I was your age in the 70's, I ended up in Israel where I lived for three years. There were only a few hours to call back to US, but we did. Sicily is one of the best places I have been. Go to Taormina--you won't leave.

I lived in Sicily for three years and loved it. Great job on your Colombian information over the years. Good luck.

Oh my God!!! I feel the sadness. you guys have been such a blessing to Colombia. Thank you for showcasing the beauty of my country, and thank you for being amazing ambassadors to the beauty of Colombia. you have served our country well. THANK YOU. I wish you so much prosperity and amazing things in your new destination. you guys are such an inspiration to reinvention, and re-discovery, adventure!! you guys are appreciated.

You guys are awesome, thanks for the honesty !🙏

Hi Sam and Tacha. You do what you must do. But personally, I would hate to see you go. I have really enjoyed watching your podcasts regarding Colombia. All the best to you. 🙏😃

Colombia may not be the forever home but it changes you in profound ways and it’s so hard to abandon completely. A pied-a-terre in Colombia is always a good idea especially as it’s slap bang in the middle of the Americas and it’s so affordable so a great place to save money for periods in your life. The way the people treat each other teaches you a lot about humanity and the power of human connection.

You guys are one of the reasons I loved to Colombia. Thank u guys so much for the content and I wish you guys the best of luck in the future

Hey guys, about the driving license, thats a normal procedure. Im a Colombian living in Switzerland and I also had to go through a very long, painful and expensive process to get my license here even though I already had one in Colombia.

I found your channel early this year and I love your reviews! Looking forward for your future videos!

WOW. So sorry to hear this. I have really enjoyed your videos and the great information. My wife is Colombian and I’m a US citizen. We have been living overseas for the last 10 years in the Middle East. We will be retiring next year in Villa De Leyva. We specifically chose this small city for a lot of the reasons you mentioned. We were at a cross roads between Colombia and Portugal. If you get the opportunity to go to Portugal check it out. It is an amazing country and fantastic people. Best wishes to both of you.

Thank you for all the help. Great videos. Good luck on your next steps in Italy! I hope to see more of your videos from there.

You guys are an inspiration. I will always appreciate your openness and honesty, showing the good and the bad of Medellin. Wish you continued success, as long as you’re both together everything else will fall into place.

Your Dog is so well behaved and so laid back.. i hope he or she goes with you top Italy... Good luck!!

Yes, I'm sorry you are leaving, I look forward to seeing your videos and keep them going when you move to Italy and tell us about your life there. My girlfriend is Colombian and I have enjoyed my vacations there

Thanks for all of your help and I wish the best for the two of you.

thank you for introducing us to Medellín and Colombia living ! Wishing you all the best at your new destination !

Tacha and Sam, I am sure you are making the right decision, which will suit your particular preferences and circumstances. You have enjoyed your life in Colombia and you went there for all the right reasons at the time. But gradually, wherever we live, there comes a time when we sit down and say to ourselves....is this really suiting our current life and do we want to stay here for the foreseeable future. Very often the answer is 'no', especially when we are still young, and therefore I am sure you have weighed everything up and come to the conclusion that things could get better for you personally and environmentally if you move on. And what better country than Italy! What a great choice! I am sure all your fans wish you both (and doggie!) the very best of luck, and we look forward to more useful and illuminating videos in the future. I hope we are not losing what I regard as a charming couple who have become two very good friends to us over the years.

Excited for your new adventure! I know Colombia is complicated and so wonderful at the same time. I’ve been back and forth to Colombia a lot in the last 6 months due to my Colombian suegra being sick and my husband staying there with her. I will continue to subscribe to your Patreon account because I’m excited now to see Sicily thru your eyes. 😁

SISTER I APPLAUD 👏YOU & your husband for stepping out and exploring the world 🌎 you both learned and grew as a married couple congrats 🎊 on the next chapter on your journey.

I understand the reasons of not planning to stay in Colombia. I have decided to live in multiple countries over the year and avoid the hassle with the visa.

Wow. Well I'm glad you guys made all the great content in Colombia. :) haha. I look forward to the Italian videos. haha

Great video! Thanks

Sorry to see you go, stay blessed unstoppable and highly favored 🇿🇦🇦🇴🇧🇷

Hello ...! I found your information about Colombia valuable and practical. Too bad you have to leave. Other youtubers find themself in similar situations, I mean wanting to stay but some how the situation did not lend itself for staying. But you did put out good info. Take care and much luck in your next adventures. ONE LOVE !

I heard that Croetia is a welcoming country, especially for online workers. They even created a village for digital nomads.

I think I said this before but I do wonder at times if this is intentional on Colombia's part to stem the influx of expats. I don't know the answer to that but I know one day I'll be finding out for myself. If I find it too hard to stay in Colombia on a more permanent basis I would 100% do as you two are doing. Just go somewhere else with similar criteria that doesn't make it as hard. It is a tough message as I'm hearing it more and more the obstacles people are facing in Colombia specifically. Time will tell. Good luck to the two of you and I'm looking forward to more videos of course. I'm glad you are planning on continuing to post.

*Sam, Tasha, what a surprise 😲 although you've both made valid points on travel and food, I've found the same living here in both Calarcá and now Pereira, but as it goes I've adjusted, wishing both of you a safe move to Europe, looking forward to your videos!* 🌴🤠👍

I am suspicious that your frustrations were building up for some time. The visa situation was the last straw. Medellin has alot of positive qualities. But few people discuss the negative qualities.

AWHHH You guys are leaving, as I am arriving !! Wishing you the best of luck on your journey ! I look forward to seeing it all.

So sad to see you guys leave I was hoping to meet you two one of these days. Sicily is amazing!

You both do such an excellent job with these videos even when it’s sad news to deliver. I’m sad that the Colombian visa situation is so cumbersome. I could see over the long period of following your videos that you were both happy being there even with the few negatives. However, I totally trust your judgement and I’m certain that your decision. Is the most appropriate for your situation. Sad to see you leave but I support your judgement and wish you both the best of luck!! Hope to see more videos from Italy.

Aw, Ive always connected the two of you to Colombia - though Italy sounds like a great option! I've been thinking of relocating to Colombia somewhere down the line, though some of the issues you have mentioned are factors for me as well. Best of luck!

Thank you for your service. You're both inspirational

As someone from a neighboring country of Switzerland, I can understand these reasons very well. It's a shame, but it makes sense. A colleague used the home office to stay in a country with his family on the Mediterranean for 3 to 6 months at a time. If necessary, he can of course fly home quickly and work with colleagues for +/- 1 hour at work. For the friends from the USA it is of course closer to home and almost the same time zone.

Congratulations on your new adventure, guys!! We're actually leaving for Portugal next week!!

Wow, this is news...so happy that you've discovered a place where you will feel more at home. That's important. Thank you for all that you shared about life in Colombia and Medellin in particular. I learned a lot and you stoked my curiosity. Wishing you the best in Italy.

I will miss not having met you guys. In some ways, your struggles are making me reconsider my thoughts to retire in Colombia. I wish you guys the very best and every success.

Thanks for your videos about Colombia. Have a great time in Italy, my wife is Italian too.

I am so sorry for you guys. But I understand your situation. I Wish you good luck in Sicily, and looking forward to your future videos. Greetings from cold Sweden!!!

I'm actually excited you are going to Italy because I would also like to live there someday. I hope you can show us the process of living there! Good luck with everything.

I am sorry to hear you are leaving Medellin. The two of you have inspired me to visit, considering living there in the future (although the food factor is disappointing). This is the only channel I watched consistently about life in Columbia. Moving across the street can be an inconvenience, and moving to another country and starting over can be challenging. You've done that and adapted. Over the next few decades, you will recreate your lives several times over, voluntarily and involuntarily. Most importantly, always keep the faith and keep rising higher. Thank you for sharing your experiences in Columbia. I look forward to your adventures in Sicily (I've never been there).

I have been watching you two for years. I am sad. You two have become apart of the great country in my eyes. I will miss your insightful information. Take care.

Is it easy to get a visa in colombia if your spouse is a colombian citizen? My husband currently lives in Medellin and my daughter and myself planned to join him from the US pre covid but have had to put things on hold. Now I'm wondering if we should consider other places to move. I want my daughter to have dual citizenship but I dnt know how to go about that.

Sam, Your videos 2 years ago inspired me to live in Medellin where I currently live I thank you for that. I am sorry your Visa situation did not work out and that you and your wife are returning to Europe. Best wishes, Jeff

Wow... Each of us are going through some kind of tough process... Sorry to hear that

My best wishes to both of you no matter where you decide to reside. I enjoyed your videos from and about Colombia and look forward to your videos from Sicily.

First of all I am very excited for you guys, I hope the best for you. I understand your reasons and it makes sense. On the other hand I am very sad to see you leave, I have been watching you guys for 3 years and I had always hoped to meet you on one of my trip to Medellin. I will be retiring there, and have watched your videos for advice and tips. In the end I wish you all the best and I am sure you will succeed no matter where you are. I wish you the best of luck😧

so weird I was wondering where you went to! Glad to here you are going to Italy I think that will be awesome too!

It makes me sad to hear that you are going to leave Colombia. But such is life. I freally enjoyed your videos. They gave me a lot of tipps and good advice about living in South America. Right now I'm in Guayaquil, Ecuador and like it very much. I'm a person who likes heat and a vibrant city Life. I am staying for 4 weeks and when things work out, I will be moving here next year. During my stay I will consult a lawyer about the immigration procedure. The brother of my gf is taking care of me. He picked me up from the airport and drives me around if it is necessary. As far as language is concerned, I've been thrown into cold water. Nobody around me speaks English. But I manage to get along. My experience in crime-infested South Africa helps me a lot. Last month, my sister in Germany died. She was 81 and suffered a lot. She was the last relative I had. Now, nothing is holding me back in Germany. My pension is so small, it's just enough for rent and utilities. Thabks God my online business is going well. I have mor Jobs than I can handle. I wish you all the best for the future. Greetings from Ralf in Guayaquil

Are u able to deal with the cold weather in Switzerland?

Sam and Tacha - I’m so excited for both of you. It was such a pleasure to meet both of you. Your kindness and support was very much appreciated and I have no doubt you will have great success and happiness in Sicily. The move makes so much sense and I wish you all the best as your adventure continues to unfold. Where in Sicily did you decide to live?

Really sorry to hear about this you guys. I hope to stay here in Colombia myself. You always have a home here if you come back.

Migration to another country is not for the faint of heart. Big adjustments are usually definitely required.

Very sorry to hear the news. Best of luck in Italy.

This is great information guys so thanks. I'm surprised at low prices you mention in Europe. I thought prices were higher for everything or is it taxes that are so high throughout Europe? I've had my eye on Portugal as a possible expat destination. Your Comment? Gracias!

I wish you the best, I was in Poblado 3 weeks ago, had a good time !

Thank you for all your help. I could not have imagined settling into Medellín without your services ❤️

Very sad day for me and many others. I had planned to use you for when I retire in 1yr. wish you the best of luck.

Darn it I just moved to Medellin with family and would’ve been cool to meet you guys !

Great video....are you guys back in Colombia 🇨🇴....thinking about retiring there in 10yrs or so.

This is a bad news. I was considering moving to colombia. I wish that you change your mind and decide to stay in colombia a little bit longer. The situation may become better for expate in the future. Good luck and I wish all the best.

I can’t wait for your cost of living in Italy videos.

I am sorry you decided to leave Medellin but I am happy you are going to experience new adventures in Italy. Unfortunately, there is no perfect place on the planet and there will be challenges to adapt to the Sicilian life style; I guess that after a year you may get tired of eating pasta and seafood. I look forward to watching your videos around Sicily and all of Italy. I also hope you update your video on cost of living in Medellin, is $1300 a month still good for a single person to live comfortably? How much more will you need to live in Sicily? Un fuerte abrazo a ustedes dos, saludos.

I am very happy on your move. Developing countries in general is not a smart place to live at in the long run. But since mom is from Medellin, Colombia, I was interested in seeing what you all thought about it but I know that I would not be brave to live in Colombia even for a month. Italy is a way better decision. I am for happy for you two on this move!! I look forward to your new videos in Italy. Maybe, I will retire there instead of Spain as I planned initially. Cheers!

You don't need a car to take trips to pueblos. There is a North & South Bus terminal. There are many buses that go to just about anywhere. For very cheap prices.

I love you guys. This is all bitter sweet. I learned so much and what I learned was very objective and honest about Medellin. What I learned is that I want to visit Medellin but not necessarily live their. Your videos were invaluable in helping me reach my decision. It's hard to say once I visit, perhaps I could change my mind. But I am so happy for you guys no matter what you decide to do and where you live. Even on RU-vid you can make pleasant connections with people you watch frequently. I can already imagine you guys sharing your experience on what you will learn in Italy. I love the relaxed and fun way you share your experiences. Will you be learning Italian or are you familiar with that language?

I hope you guys have a safe trip to Italy and please do videos about the housing an apartment rentals over there I’m sure you will anyway safe journey and continue the great work you’re doing you guys are so young

Sad to see you leave Colombia but I look forward to your videos on Sicily. Curious if you have visited Lisbon and what were your thoughts? Some expats are choosing Portugal due to tax considerations.

Sorry to hear that guys, I'm planning on retiring to Medellin but most of my family is gone so that isn't an issue for me and I don't think a retirement visa is that hard to get.

this is great - i was considering to move to medellin, as my spanish is pretty good and thought medellin would be best city to live and work remote in latin america...but i decided last week to move to the veneto of italia - looking for houses right now....bravo! btw - i love sicilia and i considered it, but i have friends in the veneto....you will love living in sicily

Too bad that you guys are leaving Colombia, but Italy sounds like a great move considering your objectives and constraints. Living in CA I am definitely planning to check out Colombia, time zone is almost the same. I lived in Switzerland for almost five years so I do understand how it could be hard to go from a Latin American lifestyle back to a Swiss/Germanic lifestyle. Switzerland is a great country but the high levels of structure are not for everyone. I understand that Southern Italy is offering some great deals for expats to retire there. Did you guys also consider Portugal ? Not as close as Italy is to CH but apparently really good for expats. Thanks for the great videos.

Transportation wise, that's how I've felt living 4 years in Ecuador. Not having a car is okay but not convenient whatsoever. I'm a car guy and not having a car definitely takes a toll on me. When I tell people this they look at me like I'm crazy.

Good luck, it's hard to leave your home, most people return to where they grew up.

Change is good. I'm very interested in seeing your new life in Sicily. Always remember, "A Rolling Stone Gathers no Moss."

I'm a little late to your channel. I speak Spanish and spoke with a woman who lives in Columbia with her husband. I am looking to teach overseas and would like to live in a Spanish speaking country. I have seen that there are big cities. I'm from the Chicago area and am looking to live in a smaller city to live in. Is it possible to find smaller cities where you're not in a huge metropolis but you're not out in the middle of the country? Any suggestions I would appreciate. Thank you!

The thing about living in Europe is if you're from Europe or have visa in Europe, life is much easier. However if you have to apply for a visa and do all the paperwork that goes along with it, that is a lot more involved. I lived in Germany for 3 years and found the weather unappealing. Spain or Sicily might be a different story. I was only able to stay in Spain and Sicily for a few months but I enjoyed the climate much better.

Oh no just when we re moving to Colombia with my husband 🇨🇭 🙄, so sorry to hear the obstacles in Colombia for entrepreneurs like you

I'm surprised you chose Sicily as your next destination, instead of Spain or Portugal, two of the most popular countries in Europe for digital nomads, retirees and immigrants.

I know you guys decided to stop making videos, but as a Colombian American from Bogota with an American partner living in Europe, we found it super relatable. There's definitely ways to get over some of the obstacles you mentioned, but frankly for some folks like myself these sacrifices are not worth it anymore. For instance, in the EU, landing a job as a non-EU person in tech can be incredibly demoralizing at times because of visa issues and being so far from family (especially when you are close to them) can be rough. Time zone differences very much highlight this. I think as you said Colombia and honestly other places around the globe can be great destinations to move to. But, as you grow older, these issues start to creep in and become very difficult to ignore. In our case, this goes tenfold regarding family and that is why in a couple of years we are planning to move to Medellin. I'm looking forward to going through your videos to help us through this process. In any case, hope you guys have an amazing time in Italy. Muchos éxitos! Este país siempre será su casa cuando vengan de visita o si algún día quieren regresar.

Tasha I would love a video on beauty must have products that I could get in Medellin for hair and skin ! That would be great 😊 also best places to shop for great quality clothes for a good price …I get so overwhelmed by all the stores 😛

I'm also considering moving to Europe... But I'm looking at Portugal.

Cali would have been a much better choice regarding the food variety. Medellin food is bland, not much diversity, and the paisas think that bean, rice and chicharrón is all that is out there. In Cali you find the mix of flavors from the pacific coast, a lot of influences from Peru (considered the best cuisine of the world), great Mexican and Mediterranean restaurants. Good luck in Italy.

As one ages, the pursuit of happiness is not geography but moments lived every day. Thank you for sharing such an amazing chapter living in Colombia and I am looking forward to your next chapter in Sicily, Italy 👍

Im surprised you guys didnt consider villavicencio. Its a small city but you can move out further away from the city and snd its perfect. Weather is about 80s.

I'm Deeead you really don't want to go back in Our Matrix 🇨🇭. But Europe stay Europe im desappointed that you leave sud america you could Try brasil i gonna Try it next year i was in Colombia this Sommer and now im learning spanish and i know that south america is Made for me.

I really didn't listen to what you said.. What I did notice is the love the young lady has for the dog.. Now, that's important to me!

Well I will be looking forward to your new series of living in Sicily, the pros & cons. Sam, do not become a mob boss, you are too nice of a guy :)

So basically the weather at the higher elevations of the Medellin bowl, lack of public transport, family proximity, plus the visa situation is forcing you to move. All good reasons and good luck in Sicily.

hi together, i reaally understand your reasons. i m swiss citzen, retired and live actually in switzerland till may 2022, very expensive here. before i lived in spain and germany. i will relocate again. plan is panama. of course you have right with visa story, driver license, car etc. much easier here i thought for myself that to relocate within EU is much easier. the point is only i like to have warm weather. actually 11 deg c here. to cold for me. good look on your trip. as mentioned i live in spain, torrevieja costa blanca. around 20 deg c in january. thats okay already. my decision to relocate is sure, but where to go i don't yet exactly. will see still enough time

I wish you best of luck and happiness where you go.

A bit sad to hear this news but not surprised especially after hearing about the visa issues. You were building a nice little brand in Colombia. I assume you realize your North American audience not being EU will find moving to Italy much less realistic than Colombia. Funny thing is probably my biggest possible deal breaker in Colombia is the food. Comparing to Mexico there's no contest. Also happy to hear that you're not leaving your canine behind.

I think living in Latinoamérica is not so easy, that's the reason a lot of native people leave to USA or Europe, but I think you limited yourself a little, because if you wanted you could tried to visit your friends in Ecuador that is a little easier country to live, but if you want be so specific with climate, and big modern city it could be difficult to find a place. But your are young and nice and you will be fine, and I wish the best for you God bless you.

I noticed in Colombia and south America , people eat lots of carbohydrates sugar, vegetable oils cigarettes' and alcohol without even thinking what that does to their bodies. They have very good, meat, fish and animal products, but they eat lots of filler and fried carbs......etc

I'm glad to hear you are able to pursue your desire to live in a more suitable place for your personal needs and wants. I watch a lot of videos on RU-vid in Italy and if I could leave here I think it is where I would go even though I am originally from Germany. Be careful of the food there. They eat a lot of pasta and it will make you fat! Lol I know because I got fat for a while eating to much of it and I am normally quite skinny. I can understand why Colombia makes it hard to get a driving license. Here in the US it is to easy and the accident and death rates here show it. Will you continue your channel in Sicily? I hope so because I like watching you. Before I forget. What do you think of Bogota?

Eh you guys consider Ecuador. No rain on the Coast, but almost always cloudy and 70F year round. First 3yr Visa needs about $900/mth, 2nd only $400/mth income as per your 12 month Bank Statements.

Wow italy, very smart choice!