Expert: Juan Carlos Valencia - 1/24/2010

Question
Dear Juan Carlos,
I,m thinking of moving to Colombia with my wife and two young kids.We are interested in setting up a hostel/b+b. I guess my question is twofold, where would suit a young family with some spanish looking to start a business?, and what is the best area for safety and international schools?

Regards,
Quentin.

Answer
Dear Q,

choosing a place to live has a lot to do with your tastes, lifestyle and values, and you do not mention much about these things in your question. Have you been to Colombia? Do you enjoy hot weather? Are you into life outdoors and sports? Is your family religious, disciplined or liberal ?

These details are very important and I think that you should take a time to reflect on them before making such a drastic change. Moving to a different country, continent and culture is more challenging than what people think.

My answer would then be pretty basic and only addresses your concerns for business success, safety and availability of international schools.

You mention Cartagena as a possible place. It's certainly an option. It's a big city with some beautiful areas that have good infrastructure, there's a constant influx of tourists, it's mostly safe and you could find some top schools where kids receive bilingual instruction. But there would be lots of competition for a B+B, perhaps too much. Prices are the highest in Colombia and if you leave 4 or 5 neighborhoods you will find some of the most extreme and depressing poverty in Colombia. I will not be so sure that it's a good place to raise a family. Tourists bring money but also drugs, alcohol, constant partying, prostitution, etc.

Santa Marta may not be so pretty but I would say that it's a more manageable city with still good infrastructure and perhaps less poverty. There are fewer international tourists, the surroundings are greener (great natural parks). There could be less competition, there are a few good bilingual schools and safety is good. On the other hand the area is said to be controlled by right wing groups that enforce their political values and suppress dissent. It might be too small for you.

Both Cartagena and Santa Marta are located in a region famous in Colombia for its corrupt politicians and irregularities in government procedures & bribery. Setting up a business there would not be easy and you'll have to be patient while you learn what to do.

Other areas in Colombia could have more potential for a business, offer less dangers and difficulties while still being safe, but they do not have bilingual schools, so I will not mention them.

I hope that this helps !

Good luck

JC