español
Free Translation - no automatic translator is perfect but this one's pretty good
Reference Desk - information index with excellent foreign language dictionaries
Google Groups - alt.language.spanish (can also access via your e-mail client)
100 Colombian phrases - humorous expressions
Spanish jargon and slang - a list for each Latin American country, plus Spanglish
One of several ways to create accents on an English-language Windows keyboard:
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telecommunications (I've used both)
Acceris - dial around, 12 cents per minute to Colombia plus taxes and fees, 10 minute minimum
Phonecards (prepaid) - as low as 4-5 CPM if connect on first try and use a card all at once
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money transfer (I've used all except iKobo)
AFEX (Associated Foreign Exchange) - local agent, pay by cash, good rate, costs 4% per $100
iKobo - first time users can send up to $500 free, recipient must wait for a debit-type card to arrive
MoneyGram - phone, online or agent; use debit/credit card, cash or e-check; 2nd most expensive
Via Americas - phone or online; use debit/credit card or e-check; costs 4% per $100.
Western Union - phone, online or agent; use debit/credit card or cash, most expensive service
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packages and documents (I've used Avianca)
ABE Cargo Express - supposed to be a little cheaper than Gamma/Avianca
Colombian Cargo - $2.60 to $3.40 pound from Florida or Texas, ~9 days transit
Gamma Carriers/Avianca Express - $10 first pound, $3 additional, many U.S. offices, ~2 days transit
U.S. Postal Service - not recommended because item must transit the Colombian postal system
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flower delivery (I've used the first and third businesses)
Cali & nearby towns - local shop, good prices and service, recommended, send email attn: Chris C.
Flora 2000 - looks like an international network, might be expensive, I haven't used them
La Tienda de las Rosas - based in Bogotá, ship nationwide, online order and payment
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food products
Amigo Foods - limited selection, ships from Miami, good prices
Exito - large retailer in Colombia, go to the virtual Exito section, I think they ship to the U.S.
Hato Grande - large selection, ships from Miami, so-so prices but shipping is economical
Productos Latinos en USA - limited selection, most of the items sold in bulk
Sancocho USA - list of Colombian restaurants, some of them with food markets
Tu Pais en Casa - direct from Colombia, good selection but very expensive
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immigration and visas
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notes on the above international trade flows (haha)
 telecommunications, money, packages, flowers: destination is Colombiafood, immigration: destination is the United Statesbest option for frequent money transfers: open a small account and send the person an ATM card |