Nomad Capitalist founder Andrew Henderson shared his experience as a “high profile” foreigner in Colombia. In a published video, Henderson, founder of the consulting firm that helps high-net-worth entrepreneurs and investors optimize their global standing, discussed his personal experience of more than 10 years in Bogota, the country’s capital. Overall, Henderson is satisfied with the security situation in the city and the country.
Nomad Capitalist founder’s experience in Colombia
Henderson spends several months a year in Bogota and describes his life there as pleasant. When asked by his followers about security issues and his general feelings about Colombia, Henderson is clear: “I feel safe in Colombia.”
He explains that living in a nice, comfortable, and safe neighborhood is one of the basic precautions high-net-worth foreigners can take to ensure their safety. “For those saying I live in an alternate reality, well, I live in a reality I created,” he said in response to critics who claim he might not experience the “real” Colombia. “I walk around without security,” he added.
Henderson has learned from his mistakes. Shortly after moving to Bogota, he almost had his cellphone stolen while walking and texting in the street. “I learned a lesson,” he confessed.
Despite this incident, Henderson affirms he has never had a bad security experience in Bogota or Colombia. “Associate with good people, go to nice places, and be aware of what’s happening: that’s a pretty good way to ensure you are safe,” he summarized.
A good environment for business
He acknowledges that many Colombians still feel self-conscious about their country because of its history, notably the Pablo Escobar and drug cartel eras. However, Henderson highlights that the situation has improved, referring to testimonies of Colombian emigrants who returned to Colombia and witnessed positive changes.
“Bogota is a lifestyle hub. It’s a place to go and spend time, go and enjoy. It is a perch to see what’s actually taking place in Colombia and South America,” he assessed. This positive environment led him to invest more time and effort in the country.
“We’ve made a bigger hiring push into Colombia recently… it is overall a tax-friendly country,” he says, highlighting Colombia’s relevance for investment. “I do know people who have been doing business in Colombia, and they have been doing fine,” he concludes.
Bogota, a safe city in Colombia
Regarding specific skepticism about security compared to Western standards, Nomad Capitalist founder criticizes “Western-centric” statistics and security studies that report on Colombia or other non-Western countries’ insecurity while ignoring or being partial about Western cities. He specifically refers to cities like San Francisco or Washington D.C., known for violence, homelessness or drug-related issues.
“I am living a pretty simple life. I think that’s a part of why I am at the position I am now,” he says. “I am not going out meeting hookers, I am not a tourist partying at 2 a.m.,” explaining that Colombia is as safe as any country if you don’t engage in risky activities. “I never faced issues while dating in Colombia,” he reveals.
Regarding specific issues like the potential danger of walking with a cellphone on the streets or using headphones at night, he says it’s a non-issue for him. “You have to judge the criteria that are important for you,” Henderson concludes.
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