Floor Veer - Expat in Bucaramanga, Colombia

Q: Where are you originally from?
A: The Netherlands

Q: In which city are you currently residing?
A: Bucaramanga

Q: What do you do in your new city?
A: We started a project of producing fresh organic fruit for the export market.

Q: How is the quality of life in your new city in comparison to that of your home city?
A: Pretty good, we have good restaurants, great night life, enough gyms. Bucaramanga is blessed with many parks and a very good climate.

Q: How would you rate the healthcare system in which you are currently enrolled?
A: Could be better, we are currently changing insurance. We have to wait a long time to get an appointment and the doctors are eager to subscribe antibiotics way easier than in the Netherlands. We have had a local insurance but are currently changing to an international one.

Q: How does the cost of living compare to that of your home city?
A: This really depends on what you want. Housing is cheaper, driving a car is cheaper. But going out to a good club is European prices. Imported goods like for example couscous are very expensive.

Q: Did you use a relocation company to help you with your move?
A: we started our own company/project

Q: How easy or difficult was the relocation process?
A: It is always difficult to leave home and learn the little things in new culture and in a new language. But all in all we settled in quite quickly.

Q: Did you move here with any family members?
A: Just me and my partner.

Q: What is your favourite mobile app which you use to aid you in your expat life?
A: We have very simple phone and don’t use apps.

Q: What is one piece of advice you’d like to offer a new expat in your new city?
A: Just take your time to settle in and don’t rush it. It is a big change and the gym will be there in 2 months as well. Make time to decorate your house and create a home. Invest time in learning the language.