resources

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" height=50 BGCOLOR="#336699" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Gringos Guide to Colombia"><U>Colombia</U></A></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" height=430 BGCOLOR="#C0DCC0" TEXT="#080000"> <div> resources</div> <bR> <div> <TABLE BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="10" CELLSPACING="0" WIDTH="604" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#006633" BORDERCOLORDARK="#C0DCC0" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 251 ><NOBR><div> <B>español</B></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#6666CC" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.freetranslation.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.freetranslation.com"><U>Free Translation</U></A> </FONT>- no automatic translator is perfect but this one's pretty good </div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.refdesk.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.refdesk.com"><U>Reference Desk</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >- information index with excellent foreign language dictionaries</FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#6666CC" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://groups.google.com/groups?q=alt.language.spanish&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://groups.google.com/groups?q=alt.la"><U>Google Groups</U></A><A HREF="http://groups.google.com/groups?q=alt.language.spanish&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://groups.google.com/groups?q=alt.la"><U> </U></A></FONT>- <I>alt.</I><I>language.spanish</I> (can also access via your e-mail client)</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.lingolex.com/spanish.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.lingolex.com/spanish.htm"><U>Lingolex</U></A>, <A HREF="http://www.studyspanish.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.studyspanish.com"><U>Study Spanish</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >and </FONT><A HREF="http://www.donquijote.org" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.donquijote.org"><U>Don Quijote</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >- start here for free language resources</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="phrases.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="typical phrases"><U>100 Colombian phrases</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >- humorous expressions</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.jergasdehablahispana.org/index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.jergasdehablahispana.org/inde"><U>Spanish jargon and slang</U></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#336699" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >- a list for each Latin American country, plus Spanglish</FONT></div> <div> One of several ways to create accents on an English-language Windows keyboard:</div> <div> <TABLE BORDER="1" CELLPADDING="1" CELLSPACING="1" WIDTH="435" BORDERCOLORLIGHT="#000000" BORDERCOLORDARK="#000000" FRAME="BOX" RULES="ALL" ALIGN="BOTTOM" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0" > <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 16 ><NOBR><div> ALT + 160 = á</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> ALT + 162 = ó</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> ALT + 164 = ñ</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> ALT + 167 = º</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=TOP HEIGHT= 16 ><NOBR><div> ALT + 130 = é</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> ALT + 163 = ú</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> ALT + 165 =Ñ</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=TOP><NOBR><div> ALT + 168 = ¿</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 16 ><NOBR><div> ALT + 161 = í</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> ALT + 144 = É</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> ALT + 166 = ª</div> </NOBR></tD> <tD VALIGN=CENTER><NOBR><div> ALT + 173 = ¡</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 60 ><NOBR><div> <B>telecommunications</B> (I've used both)</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.xpectations.com/agent/1015335.asp?agid=209170" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.xpectations.com/agent/1015335"><U>Acceris</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >- dial around, 12 cents per minute to Colombia plus taxes and fees, 10 minute minimum</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.phonecards-prepaid.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.phonecards-prepaid.com"><U>Phonecards (prepaid)</U></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#336699" FACE="Arial" > </FONT><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >- as low as 4-5 CPM if connect on first try and use a card all at once</FONT></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 135 ><NOBR><div> <B>money transfer </B>(I've used all except iKobo) </div> <div> <A HREF="http://afex.com/money-express/index.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://afex.com/money-express/index.html"><U>AFEX (Associated Foreign Exchange)</U></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > - local agent, pay by cash, good rate, costs 4% per $100</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.ikobo.com/ " TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.ikobo.com/ "><U>iKobo</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >- first time users can send up to $500 free, recipient must wait for a debit-type card to arrive</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.moneygram.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.moneygram.com"><U>MoneyGram</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >- phone, online or agent; use debit/credit card, cash or e-check; 2nd most expensive</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.viamericas.com/login.asp" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.viamericas.com/login.asp"><U>Via Americas</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >- phone or online; use debit/credit card or e-check; costs 4% per $100.</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.westernunion.com/index_consumer.asp" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.westernunion.com/index_consum"><U>Western Union</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >- phone, online or agent; use debit/credit card or cash, most expensive service</FONT></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 103 ><NOBR><div> <B>packages and documents </B>(I've used Avianca)</div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.abecargo.com/index2.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.abecargo.com/index2.html"><U>ABE Cargo Express</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >- supposed to be a little cheaper than Gamma/Avianca </FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.colombiancargo.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.colombiancargo.com"><U>Colombian Cargo</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >- $2.60 to $3.40 pound from Florida or Texas, ~9 days transit</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.gammacarriers.com/default.aspx" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.gammacarriers.com/default.asp"><U>Gamma Carriers/Avianca Express</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >- $10 first pound, $3 additional, many U.S. offices, ~2 days transit</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://ircalc.usps.gov/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://ircalc.usps.gov/"><U>U.S. Postal Service</U></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > - not recommended because item must transit the Colombian postal system</FONT></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 82 ><NOBR><div> <B>flower delivery </B>(I've used the first and third businesses)</div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#6666CC" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="mailto:ewislon@yahoo.com " TARGET="_top" TITLE="mailto:ewislon@yahoo.com "><U>Cali & nearby towns</U></A> </FONT>- local shop, good prices and service, recommended, send email <I>attn: Chris C.</I></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.flora2000.com/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.flora2000.com/"><U>Flora 2000</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >- looks like an international network, might be expensive, I haven't used them</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://latiendadelasrosas.com/Default.aspx" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://latiendadelasrosas.com/Default.as"><U>La Tienda de las Rosas</U></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > - based in Bogotá, ship nationwide, online order and payment</FONT></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 147 ><NOBR><div> <B>food products</B></div> <div> <A HREF="http://amigofoods.com" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://amigofoods.com"><U>Amigo Foods</U></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > - limited selection, ships from Miami, good prices</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.exito.com.co" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.exito.com.co"><U>Exito</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >- large retailer in Colombia, go to the virtual Exito section, I think they ship to the U.S.</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.hatogrande.com/Scripts/default.asp" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.hatogrande.com/Scripts/defaul"><U>Hato Grande</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >- large selection, ships from Miami, so-so prices but shipping is economical</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.sabiasque.com/productos_latinos.asp" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.sabiasque.com/productos_latin"><U>Productos Latinos en USA</U></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > - limited selection, most of the items sold in bulk</FONT></div> <div> <A HREF="http://ocean.st.usm.edu/~nanzola/sancochousa.html" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://ocean.st.usm.edu/~nanzola/sancoch"><U>Sancocho USA</U></A><FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > - list of Colombian restaurants, some of them with food markets</FONT></div> <div> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#6666CC" FACE="Arial" ><A HREF="http://www.tupaisencasa.com/catalog/index.php?cPath=22&osCsid=1b2f924584bd4c9c95d298e3766627a2" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.tupaisencasa.com/catalog/inde"><U>Tu Pais en Casa</U></A> </FONT>- direct from Colombia, good selection but very expensive</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 82 ><NOBR><div> <B>immigration and visas</B></div> <div> <A HREF="http://uscis.gov/graphics/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://uscis.gov/graphics/"><U>U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://www.dhs.gov/dhspublic/"><U>U.S. Department of Homeland Security</U></A></div> <div> <A HREF="http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&group=alt.visa.us" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr"><U>alt.visa.us</U></A>   <A HREF="http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&group=misc.immigration.usa" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr"><U>misc.immigration.usa</U></A>   <A HREF="http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr=&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&group=alt.visa.us.marriage-based" TARGET="_top" TITLE="http://groups.google.com/groups?hl=en&lr"><U>alt.visa.us.marriage-based</U></A> <FONT SIZE="2" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >- Google/Usenet news groups</FONT></div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> <tR> <tD VALIGN=CENTER HEIGHT= 82 ><NOBR><div> <B>notes on the above international trade flows</B> (haha)</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">telecommunications, money, packages, flowers: destination is Colombia</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">food, immigration: destination is the United States</div> <div> <IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Wing0a73007700c800000000.gif" HEIGHT="13" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">best option for frequent money transfers: open a small account and send the person an ATM card</div> </NOBR></tD> </tR> </TABLE></div> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>