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BoricuaOnline
02-08-18, 22:09
The only way to confirm what I said is this.
Withdraw 600,000 pesos. Confirm the number you actually receive from the machine. Go home. Look at your bank statement online. You will see a dollar debit to your account. And you will NOT see any other ATM charges from Colombia. Divide the 600,000 by that debit amount on your bank statement. The result is your NET conversion rate which should be very close to the X-rates. If you are a Schwab customer or have one of the good TDBANK accounts you will NOT be getting a rebate at the end of the month because there was no charge in the first place. Pura Vida.Using your formula I retired 600,000 pesos and was charged $217.37 in my bank statement. 600,000 / 217.37 = 2760.27.
I withdraw 200,000 pesos at the airport and got a $75.29 bank statement charge. 200,000 / 75.29 = 2,656.39.
In both instances, if I add a 12,000 fee I get close to the conversion rate of over 2800 pesos per dollar: 612,000 / $217.37 = 2815.47; 212,000 / 75.29 = 2815.78.
I can conclude that 1) I was charged 12,000 pesos and it was shown separately on the ATM receipt but not shown separately on my bank statement 2) If using Bancolombia try to retire the most $ possible in a single transaction because you get more pesos per dollar given the fact that you are going to be charged the same amount regardless of your withdrawal amount.
Hilltopper
02-08-18, 22:14
For almost two years now, I have used Bancolombia ATM's. The exchange rate I have received is very close to the previous day's rate on xe.com. Yesterday, I received 2843.69/$1 at Davivienda, and I received 2787.84/$1 at Bancolombia. I don't remember the exchange rate on xe.com on Tuesday, but I think it was close to 2846.
I determined the rate I received by looking at the actual dollars taken out of my account. If Bancolombia shows a 12,000 fee in the tranaction with Schwab, then Schwab will refund that fee to me. That will make the Bancolombia rate almost the same as Davivienda. For now, I will walk the extra eight blocks to use Davivienda.The Bancolombia machines that I've been using for years in Cartagena and Barranquilla just started charging the 12 mil fee. I first noticed in December. How did I notice? 1) The onscreen dialogue informs me of such fee now, which it never did during the previous 11 years; 2) like you, I've always received the exchange rate = to the most recent closing rate less 1%, but now with the added 12 mil fee, when I do the math of dollars taken from my account, the same pesos cost more because of the new 12 mil fee; 3) My bank (Ally) in January reimbursed the December Bancolombia fee by adding $4+ back to my account for each Bancolombia withdrawl. My bank just did the same in February for my January transactions.
So the three things I just mentioned are all new occurrences from my December and January trips, none of which have ever transpired previously after using Bancolombia machines literally hundreds of times over the past 11 years. That Bancolombia now has a separate 12 mil fee is true at least as it pertains to the machines I regularly use in Cartagena and Barranquilla. For me, I'm glad that it is a separate ATM fee, as my bank's policy is to reimburse all such ATM fees.
PirateMorgan
02-09-18, 00:10
If you receive exactly the amount requested for withdrawal. Say 600,000. Then the bank has not taken this so called 12,000 fee (assuming the the payout is done at x-rates or close to the number). If the bank has not reduced the payout, as other banks here do, and the bank has no way to debit your USA Account, then how in the world can there have been a 12,000 peso charge. Again, what the screen says on the machine or what the printed receipt says means nothing. It is the actual number of pesos you have in hand. If you ask for 600,000 and get 600,00, no charge. If I remember correctly, Citybank actually reduces the payout by the amount of the charge and the payout is not as good as BC. If anyone has trouble. Come and use the ATM at carrera 15 calle 100 and stop by for breakfast. Pura Vida.
Hilltopper
02-09-18, 00:32
The Bancolombia machines that I use in Cartagena and Barranquilla are now charging a 12 mil peso ATM fee. I have used the same machines hundreds of times over the past 11 years. That they are charging a 12 mil fee is new beginning sometime between November / December of 2017.
Whatever illogical reasoning one can concoct to state otherwise is pure gibberish.
I withdrew 600 mil pesos, I received 600 mil pesos, duh, but 612 mil pesos was deducted from my account. The beginning of the following month, my bank reimbursed Bancolombia's 12 mill ATM fee, as it is their policy to cover the cost of other banks' ATM fees.
This ain't rocket science.
BoricuaOnline
02-09-18, 01:20
I retired 600,000 from Colcolombia bank ATM inside of Jumbo carrera 65 in front of Sudamericana train station. No fees were charged. The ATM says no fees for transactions and no fees were charged. BTW Jumbo is a nice superstore in Carrera 65 with a food court with over 15 restaurants, a lot of banks, pet hospital, Western Union, drugstore and movie theaters.
If you receive exactly the amount requested for withdrawal. Say 600,000. Then the bank has not taken this so called 12,000 fee (assuming the the payout is done at x-rates or close to the number). If the bank has not reduced the payout, as other banks here do, and the bank has no way to debit your USA Account, then how in the world can there have been a 12,000 peso charge. Again, what the screen says on the machine or what the printed receipt says means nothing. It is the actual number of pesos you have in hand. If you ask for 600,000 and get 600,00, no charge. If I remember correctly, Citybank actually reduces the payout by the amount of the charge and the payout is not as good as BC. If anyone has trouble. Come and use the ATM at carrera 15 calle 100 and stop by for breakfast. Pura Vida.WTF?
Many times in the US and Canada I've had to use ATMs which specifically state there will be an additional charge to use the ATM. Each time I've had to click to approve the charge and continue the transaction. At no time did an ATM ever deduct $3.95 from my withdrawal and dispense $296.05. With my bank it has always shown up as an additional ATM fee.
Withdrawing the same amount from 2 different bank ATMs, minutes apart, the ATM which has a service charge has always charged my account more than the ATM without a charge.
I haven't found a Colombian ATM yet which dispenses 2000 peso notes, so it's going to be difficult for the ATM to deduct 12 k from the amount it dispenses.
PirateMorgan
02-09-18, 03:12
No. Not gibberish. It seems that there are two different software systems at BC. If a bank statement from the USA Shows a rebate, then something must have been charged. In my 16 months here I still have not had such charges nor rebates. Alfred E. Neuman is at work here.
I retired 600,000 from Colcolombia bank ATM inside of Jumbo carrera 65 in front of Sudamericana train station. No fees were charged. The ATM says no fees for transactions and no fees were charged. BTW Jumbo is a nice superstore in Carrera 65 with a food court with over 15 restaurants, a lot of banks, pet hospital, Western Union, drugstore and movie theaters.Yes it is. It's much nicer than Jumbo Las Vegas. Just stopped in for dinner on my way home from El Centro, than walked to HomeCenter for some necessary items.
fuck me in the ass Colombia prison.I certainly hope you aren't speaking from a personal experience Mr Sensible.
Yesterday, being like a native of Medellin, I did some walking for exercise. I checked all the ATM's I could find on Ave Poblado between Calle 10 and near the Mansion. Three banks, Banco Caja Social, Citibank, and Bank of Bogota, have been charging fees for a long time, so I did not check them. Also, I did not check Bancolombia because I (and others) have reported their recent fees. The ones with fees, that I checked, are Banco de Occidente, Banco Popular, Servibanca, and AV Villa. The fees appear to be about 1. 9% of the transaction. They did not appear to be a fixed amount like Bancolombia, because on 600,000 it was 11,400, and on 700,000 it was 13,300. I did not check different amounts at the same ATM.
The two banks that do not charge a fee are Davivienda and BBVA, but there is something strange in their exchange rate. The closing rate on xe.com Friday was 2937/$1 (up 60 points), but both banks were giving 2862/$1 over the weekend and today. Earlier last week, the rate was tracking very close to the previous day's close.
And, for those curious, I am not spending all my time checking ATM's. I usually do money runs in the mornings and have the afternoons and evenings to enjoy Medellin's finest.
Every night the central bank sets an official exchange rate. The local banks then implement that as their ATM reference point 48 hours after so xe.com rates takes two days (more over weekends / holidays) to show up at the ATM.
FYI from my experience Banco Caja Social does not charge a fee and neither does Colpatria.
Yesterday, being like a native of Medellin, I did some walking for exercise. I checked all the ATM's I could find on Ave Poblado between Calle 10 and near the Mansion. Three banks, Banco Caja Social, Citibank, and Bank of Bogota, have been charging fees for a long time, so I did not check them. Also, I did not check Bancolombia because I (and others) have reported their recent fees. The ones with fees, that I checked, are Banco de Occidente, Banco Popular, Servibanca, and AV Villa. The fees appear to be about 1. 9% of the transaction. They did not appear to be a fixed amount like Bancolombia, because on 600,000 it was 11,400, and on 700,000 it was 13,300. I did not check different amounts at the same ATM.
The two banks that do not charge a fee are Davivienda and BBVA, but there is something strange in their exchange rate. The closing rate on xe.com Friday was 2937/$1 (up 60 points), but both banks were giving 2862/$1 over the weekend and today. Earlier last week, the rate was tracking very close to the previous day's close.
And, for those curious, I am not spending all my time checking ATM's. I usually do money runs in the mornings and have the afternoons and evenings to enjoy Medellin's finest.
...FYI from my experience Banco Caja Social does not charge a fee and neither does Colpatria.Last year Banco Caja Social charged a fee. I have not checked them this year, but I will do that tomorrow.
PirateMorgan
02-15-18, 01:48
Yesterday I went into the local Bancolombia office near my home here in Bogota. I asked them about the ATM charges when using a USA Debit card. They said that in Medellin there was a charge and in Bogota no! I demanded an explanation. This manager swore me to secrecy. Meaning I could not use his name but it was okay to quote him. He said, "The gringos in Bogota are classy guys, always use condoms and are very particular about washing there butts before asking for rimming". He said on the Medellin side. "The guys there need to be penalized for their unreasonable demands put on the daughters of the local families. Always asking for tea bagging, rimming and other disgusting things" For this reason the bank has instituted an ATM charge for withdrawals. He did say that this charge has not started yet and those dopes in Medellin don't know what they are talking about. I said I would defend the honor of the guys in Medellin and would also pay expenses for a Bogota blow job from one of Bogota's finest to anyone who could document being charged for a Bancolombia charge. He said Piratemorgan, you are a prince!
YippieKayay
02-15-18, 01:54
Wait. Don't you mean the ATM charge is in because gringos arent washing their butts and getting rimjobs?
I'm confused on the hygiene issue here.
WTF is 'tea bagging'? Or do I even want to know?
Mr Enternational
02-15-18, 11:32
WTF is 'tea bagging'? Or do I even want to know?It is when you stand over someone and dip your ball bag into their mouth, as you would do a tea bag into a cup of hot water.
Thank you. Sounds a bit risky for my tastes. Ouch.
...FYI from my experience Banco Caja Social does not charge a fee and neither does Colpatria.I tried Banco Caja Social on two occasions today with my Schwab card. I was not successful getting money either time. It acted almost identical to when Bancolombia was not accepting the Schwab card. You go through the complete procedure and it displays that the transaction cannot be completed. Up to that point, it had not displayed any charges, so maybe there is no charge.
I just got a schwab card since Stupid Chase charges ATM fees AND foreign transaction fees. Does the Schwab card work at other ATMs?
I tried Banco Caja Social on two occasions today with my Schwab card. I was not successful getting money either time. It acted almost identical to when Bancolombia was not accepting the Schwab card. You go through the complete procedure and it displays that the transaction cannot be completed. Up to that point, it had not displayed any charges, so maybe there is no charge.
PaisaPorFavor
02-16-18, 01:35
Yes, and at the end of the month they will reimburse all ATM charges incurred.
I just got a schwab card since Stupid Chase charges ATM fees AND foreign transaction fees. Does the Schwab card work at other ATMs?.
Mr Enternational
02-16-18, 04:16
I just got a schwab card since Stupid Chase charges ATM fees AND foreign transaction fees. Does the Schwab card work at other ATMs?One of the main reasons for having it is because it reimburses ATM fees of other banks.
Yes, and at the end of the month they will reimburse all ATM charges incurred..Schwab reimburses me the same day they post the charge, which is the next business day. E-Trade posts the charge and the refund instantly. Capital One credit card charges no foreign currency exchange fees AND gives me 1. 5% cash back. Bank of America credit card gives me 2% back on groceries and 3% on gas and restaurant meals (1% on everything else so I use Capital One instead), but does charge 3% forex fee, so I only use it in the Yew Ess.
So with those four accounts, I am good to go! Beware that E-Trade DOES charge a forex fee if purchases are made with their debit card. Schwab does not. But why would I use a debit card for purchases when the CCs give me cash back? Very occasionally I run across a site like RENFE, the Spanish train company, that will not take US credit cards, only debit cards.
Schwab reimburses me the same day they post the charge, which is the next business day. E-Trade posts the charge and the refund instantly. Capital One credit card charges no foreign currency exchange fees AND gives me 1. 5% cash back. Bank of America credit card gives me 2% back on groceries and 3% on gas and restaurant meals (1% on everything else so I use Capital One instead), but does charge 3% forex fee, so I only use it in the Yew Ess.
So with those four accounts, I am good to go! Beware that E-Trade DOES charge a forex fee if purchases are made with their debit card. Schwab does not. But why would I use a debit card for purchases when the CCs give me cash back? Very occasionally I run across a site like RENFE, the Spanish train company, that will not take US credit cards, only debit cards.My schwab card reimburses me at the end of the month. How do you tell in advance when using a ATM card in Bogota what the exchange rate will be? I only get the options for how much cash I want to withdraw.
I just got a schwab card since Stupid Chase charges ATM fees AND foreign transaction fees. Does the Schwab card work at other ATMs?The Schwab card works at every other bank I tried, just not Banco Caja Social. I think you will be happy with the Schwab card. One thing to note, if you transfer money from another bank to Schwab, it will be four business days until the money is available to withdraw.
Mr Enternational
02-17-18, 07:34
One thing to note, if you transfer money from another bank to Schwab, it will be four business days until the money is available to withdraw.Might be your other bank. Mine is usually there in 2 days.
I transfer money from E-Trade to Schwab or vv a couple of times a year. They always tell me it will be 'up to five business days. ' It never is, but ET is definitely quicker than CS by one or two days. We live in an impatient world and sometimes when I take cash out of CS at an ATM on a Thursday night, the transaction does not show up until Monday. So, I don't know the precise exchange rate for a couple of days. This makes absolutely no actual difference at all, but I do like using the ET card at an ATM and seeing the results in five seconds.
I don't see how either of these firms makes any money off of me. I only place two or three trades total per year and I use the snot out of my ATM cards with them. I guess they make it up with all the market timing geniuses running around trading all the time. I just looked and when I was in Central America, I withdrew cash from ATMs 21 times in 89 days, so that cost Schwab about $115. They probably get half the bid / ask spread, and that is kind of wide with Central Américan currencies.
Where I am now, I use very little cash but wear the numbers off of my Capital One card. I never carry a balance on that card, so I don't see how they make any money off of me either. Every nine months or so, I request a credit limit increase, just because I can and because it lowers the balance-to-utilization ratio, which is a factor in credit scores. I think I have about $150 k in total credit available on my various cards, and I have no independent income or job. But, I have a 40 year history of no late payments. I guess they factor all that in.
BTW I recently found out that if you have a platinum AMEX, that gets you into Delta lounges even if you are flying coach on Delta. Wish I had known that about twenty years earlier.
...We live in an impatient world and sometimes when I take cash out of CS at an ATM on a Thursday night, the transaction does not show up until Monday.
...
BTW I recently found out that if you have a platinum AMEX, that gets you into Delta lounges even if you are flying coach on Delta. Wish I had known that about twenty years earlier.When I take money out with the Schwab card, the transaction has always shown by the time I return to the apartment, within 30 minutes. I haven't had a delay since I have been using the card, more than three years now.
If you get a Chase Sapphire Reserve card, you get membership in Priority Pass club, which gives you and a guest access to almost all the airport clubs. The card costs $450 a year, but you get $350 to use for travel. There are many other perks that more than cover the remaining $100.
Schwab reimburses me the same day they post the charge, which is the next business day. E-Trade posts the charge and the refund instantly. Capital One credit card charges no foreign currency exchange fees AND gives me 1. 5% cash back. Bank of America credit card gives me 2% back on groceries and 3% on gas and restaurant meals (1% on everything else so I use Capital One instead), but does charge 3% forex fee, so I only use it in the Yew Ess.
So with those four accounts, I am good to go! Beware that E-Trade DOES charge a forex fee if purchases are made with their debit card. Schwab does not. But why would I use a debit card for purchases when the CCs give me cash back? Very occasionally I run across a site like RENFE, the Spanish train company, that will not take US credit cards, only debit cards.Curious about using the Cap1 card overseas. Every time I tried using my card outside of the US, Cap1 declined it. That happened even though I have called them in advance and told them dates where I would be in various countries. Now I haven't traveled much in the last few years, but Cap1 has had a perfect track record of being a pain in the ass for my foreign travel.
Curious about using the Cap1 card overseas. Every time I tried using my card outside of the US, Cap1 declined it. That happened even though I have called them in advance and told them dates where I would be in various countries. Now I haven't traveled much in the last few years, but Cap1 has had a perfect track record of being a pain in the ass for my foreign travel.Up until maybe a year ago, Capital One required you to go on-line and post a travel notification. That was indeed a pain in the ass, because the system only accepted a single country. So, every time you changed countries, you had to go in and delete Country A and replace with Country be. Now that the cards have chips, that has all gone away and no more notification is required. There have been maybe four or five times where they have e-mailed me and asked about a charge, usually large charges in strange countries. I go to a lot of strange countries and often reserve apartments, where the charges are as high as $2,500. But they don't immediately decline the charges. I am sure they have some time frame, but I check my e-mail almost every day, and have not had any issues. No phony charges have showed up on that card, although I am careful about where I use CCs. I have never had a F2 F charge declined, which would be embarrassing, and would lead me to whip out my Schwab card and lose the 1. 5% cash bonus from Capital One. I just looked and I have over $100 in cash bonuses just since July.
When I take money out with the Schwab card, the transaction has always shown by the time I return to the apartment, within 30 minutes. I haven't had a delay since I have been using the card, more than three years now.Huh. That's odd. That happens to me with E-Trade, but with Schwab there is always a delay of at least one full business day. I bought a boat ticket Friday night and it hasn't shown up yet, Sunday early afternoon. Last Sunday I took cash out at the airport and it showed up Tuesday morning. The transaction history even says, '2/13 as of 2/11. '.
I guess it must depend on the precise type of account? Or something. Because you are saying it hits right away, I am experiencing a one business day delay, and others are saying they don't get the ATM fees back until the end of the month. Strange.
But anyway, it's a hella good deal regardless. ATM fees suck and are illegal in the country where I am now.
I suspect a cash withdrawl is a different transaction type than a purchase and handled differently. My ATM withdrawals are always reflected very fast, whereas purchases can take a little while.
Huh. That's odd. That happens to me with E-Trade, but with Schwab there is always a delay of at least one full business day. I bought a boat ticket Friday night and it hasn't shown up yet, Sunday early afternoon. Last Sunday I took cash out at the airport and it showed up Tuesday morning. The transaction history even says, '2/13 as of 2/11. '.
I guess it must depend on the precise type of account? Or something. Because you are saying it hits right away, I am experiencing a one business day delay, and others are saying they don't get the ATM fees back until the end of the month. Strange.
But anyway, it's a hella good deal regardless. ATM fees suck and are illegal in the country where I am now.
Neither my purchases nor my cash withdrawals ever show up in Schwab until the next business day, and seem to be handled the exact same way. Although, I make few purchases with it.
Neither my purchases nor my cash withdrawals ever show up in Schwab until the next business day, and seem to be handled the exact same way. Although, I make few purchases with it.Are you using a Schwab debit card attached to a checking account that is attached to a brokerage account? I can't figure out how your account can be different in various aspects from others.
PirateMorgan
02-20-18, 18:05
What nobody ever mentions is that the Schwab account that provides for free this and free that is NOT a simple bank account with a debit card attached. It is a brokerage account and you must qualify for this account (with all the paperwork) and then you will be giving them ALL your financial information (if you want that account). I don't like it at all. Better deposit $2500 in TDBANK online. And you have a regular debit card with everything free. All this and that. With the TD account...make a purchase or withdrawal here in Colombia....go home....see it in your account immediately on line.
Are you using a Schwab debit card attached to a checking account that is attached to a brokerage account? I can't figure out how your account can be different in various aspects from others.Yes. I can't figure it out either but the boat ticket I bought on Thursday night did not show up until early this morning since Monday was a bank holiday. Not that it matters. Card works well and Schwab has provided good service the few times I have needed it.
What nobody ever mentions is that the Schwab account that provides for free this and free that is NOT a simple bank account with a debit card attached. It is a brokerage account and you must qualify for this account (with all the paperwork) and then you will be giving them ALL your financial information (if you want that account). I don't like it at all. Better deposit $2500 in TDBANK online. And you have a regular debit card with everything free. All this and that. With the TD account...make a purchase or withdrawal here in Colombia....go home....see it in your account immediately on line.I had TD for several years and then they started charging forex fees on purchases, or something they weren't doing before. I forget exactly what. Schwab gave me some amount of money to transfer my assets so I did that. Yeah, if you want a brokerage account, you have to give more info. I need a brokerage account. I have investments and I want margin borrowing capabilities. But I did not have to give any info to Schwab that TD did not already have. Periodically TD sends me offers to switch back. Maybe I will at some point. I think when I switched (back) to Schwab, they gave me $200 and TD charged me $75 to transfer my securities. I got good service from TD as well. I don't require much in the way of special service from banks, so they like me. I don't require much in the way of special service from hookers either, so they like me too. Suck, fuck, come, pay, bye. If I like them, I feed them too.
E-Trade, make a withdrawal or a purchase, go home, see it in your account, but they charge 1% forex for debit card purchases. Not for ATM withdrawals.
Manizales911
02-25-18, 19:59
What nobody ever mentions is that the Schwab account that provides for free this and free that is NOT a simple bank account with a debit card attached. It is a brokerage account and you must qualify for this account (with all the paperwork) and then you will be giving them ALL your financial information (if you want that account). I don't like it at all. Better deposit $2500 in TDBANK online. And you have a regular debit card with everything free. All this and that. With the TD account...make a purchase or withdrawal here in Colombia....go home....see it in your account immediately on line.Totally false. I have two Schwab accounts and yes, you do have to open a brokerage account but you don't ever have to use it. And the only info that they ask you for is no different than that of a conventional bank, nothing more.
Just Incognito
03-01-18, 22:08
Last time I was in Medellin I had a blast with a super hottie I 1st picked up at New Life.
We met 2 days later and spent most of the day together:6 hours or so, then another night a couple later.
In the ensuing few months we have chatted a bit on facebook and whatsapp. An now, she wants to come visit me for 10 days or so.
I can keep her apart from my 'life' so I am still Incognito. She is pretty hot, and seemed normal. Def. Wants to get out of the 'business'-like they all say.
I don't live in the US--and am not far from Medellin, getting her to me will cost 7-8 hundy. Though, she has offered to pay some / most of it. She says she genuinely like or vibe, likes my pics of where I live and wants to visit somewhere different.
Big head says. Hmmmm.
Little head says. Hell yeah.
Thoughts?
The Tall Man
03-01-18, 23:43
Last time I was in Medellin I had a blast with a super hottie I 1st picked up at New Life.
We met 2 days later and spent most of the day together:6 hours or so, then another night a couple later.
In the ensuing few months we have chatted a bit on facebook and whatsapp. An now, she wants to come visit me for 10 days or so.
I can keep her apart from my 'life' so I am still Incognito. She is pretty hot, and seemed normal. Def. Wants to get out of the 'business'-like they all say.
I don't live in the US--and am not far from Medellin, getting her to me will cost 7-8 hundy. Though, she has offered to pay some / most of it. She says she genuinely like or vibe, likes my pics of where I live and wants to visit somewhere different.
Big head says. Hmmmm.
Little head says. Hell yeah.
Thoughts?From what you described and probably more import is how you described the situation I would take a chance and invite, perhaps help with half the travel cost. Go for it and let us know. I too have met some, very very few, at the casas and had a blast outside the casa.
TTM.
Big head says. Hmmmm.
Little head says. Hell yeah.
Thoughts?My take: Nobody here knows you or the girl, only you have enough information to make the decision. But don't listen to either head. Listen so somewhere inbetween, like your heart, or even your stomach. What does your intuition tell you about the girl's intentions?
It's a risk. If you don't take it you have maybe lost a great experience. If you take it, and it goes bad, what have you lost, and can you afford that?
Big head says. Hmmmm.
Little head says. Hell yeah.
Thoughts?There is a saying that goes something like "I don't have regrets for anything I have done; I only regret not doing the things I could have done". What is the worst that could happen if she visits you? It doesn't sound like you will be risking a lot.
Mr Enternational
03-02-18, 08:25
Last time I was in Medellin I had a blast with a super hottie I 1st picked up at New Life. An now, she wants to come visit me for 10 days or so. She is pretty hot, and seemed normal.First rule of mongering is always pay after. Second rule of mongering is leave the rides at the amusement park.
To me your post reads, "I met a beautiful normal hooker that wants to come stay at my house for a couple of weeks. " Say that to any mf that is not horny or hard up and they will look at you like you are a damn fool. What is it with guys afraid to find normal chicks to date? There is nothing about a hooker that is normal.
I have a buddy that lives in Canada and a few months ago he decided to import a hooker from the Dominican Republic for a couple of weeks. We all told him what a bad idea it was. Well experience is the best teacher, but the thing about that is that it gives the test before it teaches the lesson. Needless to say, he will not be doing that again.
Also moving people across borders for immoral purposes is very big right now. I don't know where you live, but if this chick has never been anywhere and then all of a sudden she travels alone to wherever you live, immigration finds out you met her in a cat house, then you just found yourself in prison dude. And I guarantee you that one of the first questions they are going to ask is how you met. From there, they are going to dig deeper to catch her in a lie.
Two weeks ago an American buddy had a couple of days off so he wanted his girlfriend from Medellin to meet him in Mexico City. He arrived and was waiting for her, but no word from her. He asked the people at the airline and went to immigration, but they would not give him any information. He called her family but they had heard nothing. He hounded immigration some more and they finally told him that she was there but they were not letting her enter the country. He wasted his money, his time, and on top of that, when he got back to the hotel that earthquake happened. Funny thing is that the same day I was just talking to my real girlfriend in Bogota about a trip to Cancun Easter weekend. I can learn from other people's experience though. If you are traveling with the person it would be okay, but if they are coming in alone or you are on separate flights then fuck that.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=z9lXMrjEUlk
Naked Gunz
03-02-18, 13:39
Big head says. Hmmmm.Little head says. Hell yeah.Thoughts?I look at it this way: Any woman can sell her pussy. She will do and say anything to keep a client. A chic that is smart enough, and has the morals to get by without lying on her back for money is the woman that deserves to be rewarded. I ain't paying plane fare for a hoe that has swallowed the cum of just any swinging cock. I would also take heed into what the others have mentioned about the ht alarms this puts on you and La Migra. Be very careful.
Also moving people across borders for immoral purposes is very big right now. I don't know where you live, but if this chick has never been anywhere and then all of a sudden she travels alone to wherever you live, immigration finds out you met her in a cat house, then you just found yourself in prison dude. Having someone visit you is not immoral, except maybe in some Islamic countries. If he was planning to be her pimp and make her a sex slave, then that would be immoral. There is no hint that is what he is thinking about. Please tell us what country will arrest a person and put them in prison for having a visitor from another country without the two planning something illegal. I have a lady friend in Medellin who travels to the US quite often to meet guys she has previously met in Medellin. She nor the guys have gotten into any trouble for that. I realize the OP of this topic probably doesn't live in the US.
Two weeks ago an American buddy had a couple of days off so he wanted his girlfriend from Medellin to meet him in Mexico City. He arrived and was waiting for her, but no word from her. He asked the people at the airline and went to immigration, but they would not give him any information. He called her family but they had heard nothing. He hounded immigration some more and they finally told him that she was there but they were not letting her enter the country.That is a common occurrence for single women traveling to Mexico. No one gets into trouble for that. The authorities in Mexico just won't let her enter and she returns home or goes to another country.
Mr Enternational
03-02-18, 16:08
Having someone visit you is not immoral, except maybe in some Islamic countries. If he was planning to be her pimp and make her a sex slave, then that would be immoral. There is no hint that is what he is thinking about. Please tell us what country will arrest a person and put them in prison for having a visitor from another country without the two planning something illegal.You are right. So when she goes to visit him she should have no problem writing prostitute where it asks occupation on the immigration card. Afterall, where she is from it is no crime to be a hooker.
I had to write out the immoral purposes part because it is not allowed to write trafficking in people on this website. Maybe you do not consider importing a hooker as that, but immigration most certainly will. Or would she expect them to believe that she is a hooker and she met the guy she is going to see when he showed up to the house of ill repute where she works, but she is just going to visit him in his country as a close friend that has known him forever?
Geez, E, I would love to import some of my girls from DR or PI if they only had a visa. I'd even pay for the airfare for some of them.
You are right. So when she goes to visit him she should have no problem writing prostitute where it asks occupation on the immigration card. Afterall, where she is from it is no crime to be a hooker.
I had to write out the immoral purposes part because it is not allowed to write trafficking in people on this website. Maybe you do not consider importing a hooker as that, but immigration most certainly will. Or would she expect them to believe that she is a hooker and she met the guy she is going to see when he showed up to the house of ill repute where she works, but she is just going to visit him in his country as a close friend that has known him forever?
Just read that Colombia is having the election at the end of May. I've been planning to visit Bogota and Cartagena at the beginning of May, and wondering how my exploration (including some regular tourist shit) could be affected by politics. I remember being in Lima DURING the election once, and if it weren't for the prohibition all over the place, I wouldn't even have noticed.
How about Colombia? What should I expect?
YippieKayay
03-06-18, 00:25
Just read that Colombia is having the election at the end of May. I've been planning to visit Bogota and Cartagena at the beginning of May, and wondering how my exploration (including some regular tourist shit) could be affected by politics. I remember being in Lima DURING the election once, and if it weren't for the prohibition all over the place, I wouldn't even have noticed.
How about Colombia? What should I expect?I've been warned by both friends (non-mongering) and hookers not to visit Colombia more this year:
https://colombiareports.com/colombia-police-opens-internal-investigation-attack-presidential-candidate/
https://colombiareports.com/government-warns-violent-polarization-colombias-election-race/
Also google around for the bombings by the ELN in Barranquilla and in the interior earlier in February. The short answer is you probably want to go somewhere else.
I've been warned by both friends (non-mongering) and hookers not to visit Colombia more this year:
https://colombiareports.com/colombia-police-opens-internal-investigation-attack-presidential-candidate/
https://colombiareports.com/government-warns-violent-polarization-colombias-election-race/
Also google around for the bombings by the ELN in Barranquilla and in the interior earlier in February. The short answer is you probably want to go somewhere else.Maybe all the gringos wil leave or not visit Colombia the rest of this year, and it'll return to pre gringo- invasion times again! LOL.
Not going to happen!
Of course there will be some protests, hopefully not, but maybe some isolated bombings.
It still won't compare to the late 90's, early 2000's violence or danger.
Or maybe we should all hide under our beds.
Not like there's any danger in the West.
Mass shootings or other crazy stuff like that.
I've been warned by both friends (non-mongering) and hookers not to visit Colombia more this year:
https://colombiareports.com/colombia-police-opens-internal-investigation-attack-presidential-candidate/
https://colombiareports.com/government-warns-violent-polarization-colombias-election-race/
Also google around for the bombings by the ELN in Barranquilla and in the interior earlier in February. The short answer is you probably want to go somewhere else.FARC signed a peace agreement in 2016, but the ELN unfortunately is still active, as well as paramilitary groups. There's still an awful lot of class hatred in Colombia. We may see an upsurge in violence, though I doubt we get any where near 80's or 90's levels. The country has come too far to return to the bad old days.
Incredible how Venezuela and Colombia have traded places the last 20-25 years. Civilization can be fragile.
John Clayton
03-07-18, 00:33
Is there an FAQ somewhere about best car rental practice in Colombia? I'm going to La Guajira for a week or so of kiting in April. It's definitely a two hour ride in the back of a 4 x 4 from Riohacha (a little rental car just isn't going to make it).
1) What I'd really like to do is a one way rental from Barranquilla to Riohacha. But that looks impossible. Just parking the rental in Riohacha for a week while I'm kiting seems a little iffy.
2) The daily rate on a little rental car is about $30. Is that the real rate, or do you suppose there is a mandatory liability that is not included?
Does anyone know if there is a Davivienda ATM on the arrival level of the Rio Negro / Medellin airport? I know where the Bancolombia ATM's are, but I prefer not to use them.
ErnestCulpX
03-13-18, 13:06
I'd like to know whether taxis that take you to brothels are reliable or it's advisable to ask for an outcall to your hotel. I'm concerned that the taxi driver takes me to a different place to get a commission, but I don't know how restrictive is the policy of the hotel regarding visits.
I'd like to know whether taxis that take you to brothels are reliable or it's advisable to ask for an outcall to your hotel. I'm concerned that the taxi driver takes me to a different place to get a commission, but I don't know how restrictive is the policy of the hotel regarding visits.Almost all taxi drivers I have encountered in Medellin are honest. They run their meters, so you can see the fare. In more than seven years, I only had one who didn't run his meter. I knew what the fare should be, so he received the correct amount. You should look at a map and have an idea of where you want to go. When you get there, make sure the address matches what you are looking for.
I have heard of taxi drivers getting a commission from some of the expensive strip clubs and casas, but I don't know if it is true. There are so few of the expensive clubs, and in different parts of the city, that you should know if you're at the correct one.
YippieKayay
03-13-18, 17:00
I'd like to know whether taxis that take you to brothels are reliable or it's advisable to ask for an outcall to your hotel. I'm concerned that the taxi driver takes me to a different place to get a commission, but I don't know how restrictive is the policy of the hotel regarding visits.The locals either call or use an app. They are sent a taxi and receive a license plate number before hand.
I have had zero issues with cabs in Medellin except once where he offered to sell me cocaine. When we got to our destination I realized I only had 50 k and when I gave it to him he claimed he I gave him 5 k. I let that shit pass as I was getting a really bad feeling about the situation.
The locals either call or use an app. They are sent a taxi and receive a license plate number before hand.
I have had zero issues with cabs in Medellin except once where he offered to sell me cocaine. When we got to our destination I realized I only had 50 k and when I gave it to him he claimed he I gave him 5 k. I let that shit pass as I was getting a really bad feeling about the situation.We must know different locals. Generally speaking the locals will use Uber or flag down a taxi. Some will use an app or call if they live off the beaten path. If they're in an area with plenty of taxis, they'll flag one down. If they're out in Parque Lleras, they'll flag one down.
The only time a taxi driver suggested another place, a buddy and I were heading to Aiffe and he suggested New Life. He didn't know the name, just the blue door. We ended up at New Life anyway as the lineup at Aiffe wasn't anything special that day.
I doubt if any of the casas give a commission. Usually, if you tell the driver you're looking for chicas he'll suggest the place he takes the most people to.
I have seen a girl riding around in the back of a taxi trying to get guys to get in with her. That looked a bit risky to me. Otherwise, I haven't had or seen any issues with taxis.
I have seen a girl riding around in the back of a taxi trying to get guys to get in with her. That looked a bit risky to me. Otherwise, I haven't had or seen any issues with taxis.That same girl in the back of taxi trying to pick up gringos is a set up for a mark. Maybe they've changed taxi's but that trick has been around since I first stepped foot in MDE in 2014. I highly recommend those reading to avoid such approaches by this. I've heard from local girls back then that this girl sets up guys for marks and get them robbed. Don't be that guy. If your little head is stupid enough to get you excited about this. I recommend go home and choke the thing yourself. At least you avoid the dangers of getting robbed or worse get killed.
I doubt if any of the casas give a commission. Usually, if you tell the driver you're looking for chicas he'll suggest the place he takes the most people to.I think that the former is a pretty naďve assumption, but I would be curious as to how you could possibly know whether or not a driver is suggesting the place he takes the most people to. Do you know what place he takes the most people to? No, you do not.
We must know different locals. Generally speaking the locals will use Uber or flag down a taxi. Some will use an app or call if they live off the beaten path. If they're in an area with plenty of taxis, they'll flag one down. If they're out in Parque Lleras, they'll flag one down.
The only time a taxi driver suggested another place, a buddy and I were heading to Aiffe and he suggested New Life. He didn't know the name, just the blue door. We ended up at New Life anyway as the lineup at Aiffe wasn't anything special that day.
I doubt if any of the casas give a commission. Usually, if you tell the driver you're looking for chicas he'll suggest the place he takes the most people to.
I have seen a girl riding around in the back of a taxi trying to get guys to get in with her. That looked a bit risky to me. Otherwise, I haven't had or seen any issues with taxis.It happened to me in Caracas in 1998.
I was driving home alone around midnight after a dinner in town with some friends when suddenly another car was driving very close to mine with a guy in the driver's seat and one girl sitting on the car's front door with her naked ass protruding and asking me to pull over.
Another one on the back seat with her legs open fingering her pussy and sucking her finger afterwards. It was too obvious but before accelerating I had time to take a good look. The girl on the back seat was really hot.
At that time Caracas was already one of the most dangerous cities in the world. If I had stopped - and I felt tempted to - I wouldn't probably be here now to tell the story.
Mr Enternational
03-13-18, 23:36
I think that the former is a pretty nave assumption, but I would be curious as to how you could possibly know whether or not a driver is suggesting the place he takes the most people to. Do you know what place he takes the most people to? No, you do not.In my experience taxis around the world will take you to a ripoff spot where they will get the most for bringing you. In a lot of places they will have the pamphlet of the place they want to talk you into going. In Lima all the taxi drivers had that Emmanuelle pamplet. One night we hailed a taxi in Bangkok and we wanted to go somewhere but the taxi guy wanted to take us to the spot where he got the commission. We protested so much that he pulled down a desserted access road and put us out of his car.
Whenever I bring new people to a spot I tell the manager that I am only here to bring these guys. Where is my tip? Here in Thailand the guy said I am supposed to tell the guys that I am bringing that it costs more than it does then they will give me back the overage. In the Dominican Republic the guy said if the guys that I brought each got a session then I could get a free one.
I think that the former is a pretty nave assumption, but I would be curious as to how you could possibly know whether or not a driver is suggesting the place he takes the most people to. Do you know what place he takes the most people to? No, you do not.When the taxi stops, the guys inside pay, get out and the taxi drives away, I'm fairly certain the taxi driver isn't getting a commission. Especially when so many guys hit another casa before making a decision.
You're right, I don't know. I've only been to a casa in a taxi one time. Now I take the the metro and walk. But if the driver doesn't get out of the taxi and has no contact with the casa, it doesn't seem likely they're getting a commission.
We must know different locals. Generally speaking the locals will use Uber or flag down a taxi. Some will use an app or call if they live off the beaten path. If they're in an area with plenty of taxis, they'll flag one down. If they're out in Parque Lleras, they'll flag one down.
The only time a taxi driver suggested another place, a buddy and I were heading to Aiffe and he suggested New Life. He didn't know the name, just the blue door. We ended up at New Life anyway as the lineup at Aiffe wasn't anything special that day.
I doubt if any of the casas give a commission. Usually, if you tell the driver you're looking for chicas he'll suggest the place he takes the most people to.
I have seen a girl riding around in the back of a taxi trying to get guys to get in with her. That looked a bit risky to me. Otherwise, I haven't had or seen any issues with taxis.I agree JjB, these taxis aren't getting commissions for taking guys to certain casas in el Centro.
And like you said, a taxi guy will most likely take you to the place he has dropped guys before, if you ask him to take you to one, and dont specify.
I think that the former is a pretty nave assumption, but I would be curious as to how you could possibly know whether or not a driver is suggesting the place he takes the most people to. Do you know what place he takes the most people to? No, you do not.
Why does it really friggin matter? As long he takes you to a place.
Hell either take you to a place he knows of, or one that hes heard of, which is most likely where he takes most people.
If you book uber somewhere near clubs entry or next to many other taxi drivers or somewhere on street where have police try to make pick up point not so close to them because driver will see this things when he will be arriving and will cancel the trip. It happens for me at medellin next to fase doss 2 drivers cancel the trips when they was near me already and last night at santa fe next to the paisas club driver was almost near paisas and suddenly cancel the trip because it was many taxi drivers around and police.
In the past, there have been discussions here about the time frame of when money transferred to Schwab is available to withdrawn. I talked to an agent yesterday and got a good explanation. When you are on the Schwab web site and pull money from another bank, it will be four days until the money is ready to withdraw. The reason is they allow one day to complete the transaction, and the other bank has three days after the transfer to void the transfer and reclaim the money. If you are on another bank's web site and you push the money to Schwab, the money is available for withdrawal as soon as it is received. I think that explains the different amount of days experienced by previous posters. Now that I know that, I will push from my bank to Schwab. For the first transfer, they have to do a test transfer which may take a couple of days.
Does anyone else have a problem with the Uber app shutting off their Android phone? It happens with me quite often. I will be doing something on Uber, and the phone will turn off. Yesterday, I was tracking the driver's arrival when it shut off. When I turned it on, it displayed a message to connect the charger because the battery was low. When I connected the charger, the battery was at 63%. Usually, it will continue to turn off until I connect the charger. The Uber app is the only app that does that, and it happens probably more than 50% of the time.
PuntingGeorge
04-09-18, 16:44
Does anyone else have a problem with the Uber app shutting off their Android phone? It happens with me quite often. I will be doing something on Uber, and the phone will turn off. Yesterday, I was tracking the driver's arrival when it shut off. When I turned it on, it displayed a message to connect the charger because the battery was low. When I connected the charger, the battery was at 63%. Usually, it will continue to turn off until I connect the charger. The Uber app is the only app that does that, and it happens probably more than 50% of the time.Just landed back from a few days in Bogota. I used Uber on two different phones and never had a problem.
Canada Free Press reports on Michael Fumento's predicament in Colombia: Iconoclastic journalist and Canada Free Press columnist Michael Fumento is currently being held in atrocious conditions in a Colombian jail on absurdly trumped-up charges. Michael Fumento is the author of numerous books including The Myth of Heterosexual AIDS and The Fat of the Land. More recently he saw combat as an embedded reporter with United States troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. Some of his combat video recordings have been aired on the History Channel.
Michael Fumento's recent troubles began Easter Sunday 1 April when he was attacked on the streets of Bogota by a man armed with a knife. The police arrived and arrested Michael. He was brought before a judge and accused of throwing a Molotov cocktail at a house owned by the father of the knife-wielding assailant. The bomb-thrower was described by witnesses only as "a man wearing blue jeans. " Michael was charged with arson and attempted murder. Since that time, he has been held without bail, and denied access to his prescribed medications including clonazepam, a benzodiazepine. Abrupt discontinuation of benzodiazepines has been linked to psychosis, suicidal ideation, status epilepticus seizures, and death. The United States Embassy in Bogota still has not visited him, even though they are required by law to visit any American citizen held in police custody within 48 hours.
In a telephone conversation, shouting to be heard over the din of his fellow prisoners, Michael told me "What I've been through since then would just blow your mind. You've never seen anything like it. Think about the worst prison movie you've ever seen and that's about it. The conditions here are God-awful. "
Last year Congress voted to authorize $391 million in foreign aid to Colombia. For many years now Michael Fumento has been the source of some of the most hard-hitting investigative reporting around, speaking truth to power in an age in which bovine gullibility seems to have become a cardinal virtue, Please take a few minutes to call the US Embassy in Bogota at 011-57-1-275-2000 and ask them to do all they can to help free Michael. Also please call your elected officials and ask them to do the same.
https://canadafreepress.com/article/canada-free-press-columnist-michael-fumento-held-in-colombian-jail-on-trump#. WsuDZcoy2 jg. Facebook.
Readers who, instead of calling the US Embassy in Bogota, might be able to contact people in either the State Department or the Trump Administration directly to see if they can inspire action.
Bango Cheito
04-10-18, 11:08
If you book uber somewhere near clubs entry or next to many other taxi drivers or somewhere on street where have police try to make pick up point not so close to them because driver will see this things when he will be arriving and will cancel the trip. It happens for me at medellin next to fase doss 2 drivers cancel the trips when they was near me already and last night at santa fe next to the paisas club driver was almost near paisas and suddenly cancel the trip because it was many taxi drivers around and police.This happened to me several times too. Kudos for mentioning this.
Hey guys,
I'm making my first trip to Colombia soon and had a question about cell phone service. AT&T has an international plan for $10 a day or $60 a month. Just wondering if I should sign up for 1 of those plans or just buy a local SIM card upon arrival. My phone is unlocked but haven't seen much information on this topic. Appreciate any help.
MedellinGringo
04-23-18, 06:24
Hey guys,
I'm making my first trip to Colombia soon and had a question about cell phone service. AT&T has an international plan for $10 a day or $60 a month. Just wondering if I should sign up for 1 of those plans or just buy a local SIM card upon arrival. My phone is unlocked but haven't seen much information on this topic. Appreciate any help.No reason to get a SIM card upon arrival. Especially if AT&T offers 3 G for the $10 bucks a day or $60 a month international service.
I have T mobile and I get free 2 G international roaming. It is OK for chatting on Whatsapp and Messenger but I have to connect to WIFI if I want to make a call using Whatsapp.
Bottom line is everybody uses Whatsapp in Colombia. No reason to get a SIM if you have international data.
MedellinGringo
04-23-18, 06:31
If you book uber somewhere near clubs entry or next to many other taxi drivers or somewhere on street where have police try to make pick up point not so close to them because driver will see this things when he will be arriving and will cancel the trip. It happens for me at medellin next to fase doss 2 drivers cancel the trips when they was near me already and last night at santa fe next to the paisas club driver was almost near paisas and suddenly cancel the trip because it was many taxi drivers around and police.This is true. Uber drivers are leery of taxis and the cops.
I usually have a line up of taxis very close to my apartment and when I want to use Uber I text or call the driver to let him know and tell him not to worry. I always offer to get in the front passenger seat so it looks like we are just friends instead of getting into the back seat which is a dead give away that he is an Uber driver.
Hey guys,
I'm making my first trip to Colombia soon and had a question about cell phone service. AT&T has an international plan for $10 a day or $60 a month. Just wondering if I should sign up for 1 of those plans or just buy a local SIM card upon arrival. My phone is unlocked but haven't seen much information on this topic. Appreciate any help.Be sure to install Whatsapp on your phone before going. You must be able to receive a text message to the number you register with Whatsapp in order to activate it.
A sim card in Colombia is very cheap, I think about $5. Sometimes it is handy to have a local phone. Not "everybody" uses Whatsapp.
Deplorable
04-23-18, 17:19
Being new to this forum, I apologize ahead of time if this is not the right place to post this question. I a veteran monger in Panama taking my rookie trip to Medellin in a week and a half. Personally, I prefer to go and find Prepagos, semi-pros, etc. Out at the bars so that I can sit and drink, laugh with my buddies and get to know the girls a bit before we head back to the hotel. Don't get me wrong, the massage parlors are definitely good for daytime entertainment and the strip bars have value as well. However, I was wondering if any of you seasoned guys can recommend, by name, some of the bars or clubs within the Poblado area that these semi-pros might be most likely to hang out. Other than Gusto's, I can't seem to find any other bars by name reference either on this or any other boards. For those of you that are familiar with Panama, I'm wondering if a place like Habanos exists in Medellin. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Hopefully I will have a great trip report to post upon my return.
... However, I was wondering if any of you seasoned guys can recommend, by name, some of the bars or clubs within the Poblado area that these semi-pros might be most likely to hang out. Other than Gusto's, I can't seem to find any other bars by name reference either on this or any other boards.I haven't been to either, but there are reports that Jensen's (Cra 37 #10-29) and Hacienda (Cra 38 #8 A-08) have some working ladies. They are very close to Parque Lleras.
I am very limited in my Spanish language skills. Can I get by with English? Is there any city / location better than another for English speakers?
Gertsch700
05-07-18, 16:27
Am in the process of planning my trip to Colombia for January 2019. Bogota, Medellin and Cartagena.
You can get to Medellin from Miami as cheap as $180 sometimes, I flew down last year for $220:
https://vivaair.com/en-co
BigAzzLuvr
05-30-18, 15:40
Hey guys,
I'm making my first trip to Colombia soon and had a question about cell phone service. AT&T has an international plan for $10 a day or $60 a month. Just wondering if I should sign up for 1 of those plans or just buy a local SIM card upon arrival. My phone is unlocked but haven't seen much information on this topic. Appreciate any help.As FunLuvr stated getting a local sim is the way to go. You have wifi at the airport do you can use Uber from airport to hotel / location. Once you are in Centro just stop by one of those cell Kiosks.
For 15 K pesos I just received a Tigo Sim Card for 7 days of service and 1 GB of data. Tigo provides more data than Claro.
I am planning to visit Colombia for about 20 days on January. Do you thing ciudad perdida worths a visit or you can see more interesting places? As the trek lasts for about 4 days.
I am planning to visit Colombia for about 20 days on January. Do you thing ciudad perdida worths a visit or you can see more interesting places? As the trek lasts for about 4 days.Look at you tube videos of the hike and destination. I looked into a trip 3-4 years ago. The buildings were not made of stone and the lost city looks like a bunch of golf greens. I believe there are choices ranging from shorter to longer than 4 days. I love history and nature, but I decided to pass.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ciudad+perdida+Colombia+.
Hello guys,
I want to thank everyone for their contribution. This site has been extremely helpful in planning my upcoming trip to Medellin. I have a few question, thanks in advance for you assistance.
1. Where to change currency? Once we land, should we do it at the airport or is there a better option?
2. Rides from the airport? Anyone know a reliable driver or better yet chica that does pickups?
3. Cell service? Whats the most reliable service (voice & Data) to go with and can it be purchased at the airport?
4. I land around 2 pm where the best place to check out once I settle in?
Thanks guys!
Has anyone else been having trouble with Citibank ATMs in Medellin. All of their ATM's have been giving my an error "Sorry, I can't do that right now" when I try to withdraw cash. I've always had good experience in the past with Citibank because they usually let me withdraw 2. 000.000. The weird thing is, Citibank ATM's in Bogota were working just fine when I was there 2 weeks ago, but here in Medellin. No luck. Any advice on high withdrawal limit banks?
Has anyone else been having trouble with Citibank ATMs in Medellin. All of their ATM's have been giving my an error "Sorry, I can't do that right now" when I try to withdraw cash. I've always had good experience in the past with Citibank because they usually let me withdraw 2. 000.000. The weird thing is, Citibank ATM's in Bogota were working just fine when I was there 2 weeks ago, but here in Medellin. No luck. Any advice on high withdrawal limit banks?The Davivienda ATM at CC Santa Fe had a 2 million limit last time I used it, with no fees. Banco Pichincha had a 1 million limit, but you can make multiple withdrawals on the same transaction. Also no fees. However, I think there are only 2 locations in Medellin and they don't work with all cards. One is located on Avenida Poblado south of CC Santa Fe, across the street from the DHL building.
I'll making a trip to Medellin soon so I want to get this currency thing straight. I am getting session quotes in Mils. Is 150 K the same as 150 mil?
Yes. Mil is the same as thousands.
I'll making a trip to Medellin soon so I want to get this currency thing straight. I am getting session quotes in Mils. Is 150 K the same as 150 mil?
SoberHans69
06-16-18, 08:14
Hi,
Hope everyone's having a good weekend.
Never used Uber before and my bank account charges a fortune for any foreign currency transactions. What's the best way around this?
Also not sure if anyone travels from the UK here? Am I better off taking cash over (sterling, dollars or Euros) or just using card abroad and paying the fees?
Finally going to get a condo in El Poblado, apart from Airbnb are there any other good rental sites? Most of the Airbnb ones are none guest friendly.
Hi,
Hope everyone's having a good weekend.
Never used Uber before and my bank account charges a fortune for any foreign currency transactions. What's the best way around this?
Also not sure if anyone travels from the UK here? Am I better off taking cash over (sterling, dollars or Euros) or just using card abroad and paying the fees?
Finally going to get a condo in El Poblado, apart from Airbnb are there any other good rental sites? Most of the Airbnb ones are none guest friendly.Hi Sober,
Another newbie to Colombia here. Don't know about your first two questions but I have seen a few people recommend https://www.pobladorentals.com/Home/index was actually just looking at the site. I believe they have a good guest policy.
Never used Uber before and my bank account charges a fortune for any foreign currency transactions. What's the best way around this?
Also not sure if anyone travels from the UK here? Am I better off taking cash over (sterling, dollars or Euros) or just using card abroad and paying the fees?
Finally going to get a condo in El Poblado, apart from Airbnb are there any other good rental sites? Most of the Airbnb ones are none guest friendly.Uber is easy to use after you get used to it. I set it up on a cash basis, instead of using a credit card.
The best way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to find a bank that doesn't charge fees. I don't know what is available in the UK. Otherwise, you should take cash (preferably US dollars) and exchange at any of the many exchange stores. Shop around for exchanges, because they all have different rates. They are called cambios. You get a better rate at ATM's, but transaction fees take away that advantage. When I used the exchange stores, I found that Inter Dolar near Parque Lleras in Poblado usually had the best rates.
I have found many airbnb apartments that allow guests, but many don't. https://www.apartmentinternational.com/en/destinations/medellin has many short-term rental apartments, and almost all are guest friendly. They are professional apartment managers.
Thanks I'll take a look now.I have rented from Poblado rentals. Barry is a good guy to deal with.
SoberHans69
06-17-18, 22:05
Uber is easy to use after you get used to it. I set it up on a cash basis, instead of using a credit card.
The best way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to find a bank that doesn't charge fees. I don't know what is available in the UK. Otherwise, you should take cash (preferably US dollars) and exchange at any of the many exchange stores. Shop around for exchanges, because they all have different rates. They are called cambios. You get a better rate at ATM's, but transaction fees take away that advantage. When I used the exchange stores, I found that Inter Dolar near Parque Lleras in Poblado usually had the best rates.
I have found many airbnb apartments that allow guests, but many don't. https://www.apartmentinternational.com/en/destinations/medellin has many short-term rental apartments, and almost all are guest friendly. They are professional apartment managers.Thanks for the advice.
Not bothered about paying a small fee withdrawing money every few days just don't want to pay a fee everytime I use a taxi.
Never knew you could use cash with Uber, I'll have to read up on it.
The best way to avoid foreign transaction fees is to find a bank that doesn't charge fees. I don't know what is available in the UK. Otherwise, you should take cash (preferably US dollars) and exchange at any of the many exchange stores. Shop around for exchanges, because they all have different rates. They are called cambios. You get a better rate at ATM's, but transaction fees take away that advantage. When I used the exchange stores, I found that Inter Dolar near Parque Lleras in Poblado usually had the best rates.
You might try "World Remit". I believe this is a British company and you can send currency to yourself in Colombia. The rates seem quite decent compared to other services. I use my Charles Schwab card to make withdrawals when I am in Colombia and this company refunds any service charge fees along with ensuring a fair (I. E. Current exchange rate). But they may not have British branches.
PirateMorgan
06-17-18, 23:22
I disagree with Luvr. I would never use a money exchange house. Use your debit card in Colombia. Mine is free. No ATM charge. Even with a 3 or 4 percent ATM charge it is the best way to get cash. And safe and easy.
I was checking out how much an Uber would cost from the airport to where I'm staying and I noticed the option for Uber pool. Has anyone used that? Is it fun riding with others to your destination in Colombia? I doubt I'd use it but I'm curious if anyone has.
Mr Enternational
06-20-18, 00:02
I was checking out how much an Uber would cost from the airport to where I'm staying and I noticed the option for Uber pool. Has anyone used that? Is it fun riding with others to your destination in Colombia? I doubt I'd use it but I'm curious if anyone has.Anywhere you go when you click Uber Pool, most of the time the driver does not even pick up another person. Fun? It is a ride. Is riding in a bus or taxi fun?
Bango Cheito
06-25-18, 03:48
I disagree with Luvr. I would never use a money exchange house. Use your debit card in Colombia. Mine is free. No ATM charge. Even with a 3 or 4 percent ATM charge it is the best way to get cash. And safe and easy.I Agree.
Using the casas de cambio is a smart idea if you wind up holding a large a mount of COP near the end of your trip and you need to change it back. Cambios Vancouver in Salitre Plaza is usually the best bet in Bogota in these cases.
To get COP, using an ATM is by far the best. If you are US based, get a Schwab checking account and a Capital One visa. You'll never pay another fee.
Bango Cheito
06-25-18, 03:51
I was checking out how much an Uber would cost from the airport to where I'm staying and I noticed the option for Uber pool. Has anyone used that? Is it fun riding with others to your destination in Colombia? I doubt I'd use it but I'm curious if anyone has.Uber Pool saves relatively little money compared to just taking Uber X, and you can potentially wind up with a trip taking 3-4 x longer, especially if there's any problems picking up the other passengers.
The only potential advantage is if you're looking to pull some girl who's a potential other passenger, although if you push the wrong button, she could report you to Uber and get your account deactivated.
You can also download Tappsi and use it to hail the yellow taxis in most Colombian cities.
Personally I prefer to have everything electronic and not have any cash changing hands, because of the convenience but also because it avoids any potential scams with taxi drivers.
Bango Cheito
06-25-18, 04:26
Look at you tube videos of the hike and destination. I looked into a trip 3-4 years ago. The buildings were not made of stone and the lost city looks like a bunch of golf greens. I believe there are choices ranging from shorter to longer than 4 days. I love history and nature, but I decided to pass.
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=ciudad+perdida+Colombia+.You have to be in excellent physical shape to even consider this. It amounts to a good solid week of 10 hours per day hiking up and down some very steep hills in sometimes high heat and humility.
Bango Cheito
06-25-18, 04:28
No reason to get a SIM card upon arrival. Especially if AT&T offers 3 G for the $10 bucks a day or $60 a month international service.
I have T mobile and I get free 2 G international roaming. It is OK for chatting on Whatsapp and Messenger but I have to connect to WIFI if I want to make a call using Whatsapp.
Bottom line is everybody uses Whatsapp in Colombia. No reason to get a SIM if you have international data.Couldn't disagree more.
You can get a Colombian SIM and for $10 USD or so have data for the whole month, possibly even less if you use enough wifi.
Just remember to call in and register your phone the first time you do this.
I Agree.
Using the casas de cambio is a smart idea if you wind up holding a large a mount of COP near the end of your trip and you need to change it back. Cambios Vancouver in Salitre Plaza is usually the best bet in Bogota in these cases.
To get COP, using an ATM is by far the best. If you are US based, get a Schwab checking account and a Capital One visa. You'll never pay another fee.Myself if I have pesos left over I keep them for the next trip. Saves you from hitting the ATM after you get off the plane. Also at almost 3,000 pesos per $ I. 00 am very happy to keep them at that rate.
First trip to Colombia this coming September. I am having a difficult time with web searches and scanning ISG posts for chica hotels to stay at in Bogota and Cartagena. I am looking for good location, roomy, under $75/ night. Thanks,
Kurgan1234
07-12-18, 04:31
I am headed to Colombia with some friends we are interested in renting a home for a week and throwing crazy parties every night would love 10 to 15 hot looking Colombian girls. Do you guys have a recommendation as to what city would be best we were considering Cartagena. And where do I go to get 1015 girls at once man that's an undertaking any help would be truly appreciated trying to create the ultimate animal house party for a week madness all week long!
I am headed to Colombia with some friends we are interested in renting a home for a week and throwing crazy parties every night would love 10 to 15 hot looking Colombian girls. Do you guys have a recommendation as to what city would be best we were considering Cartagena. And where do I go to get 1015 girls at once man that's an undertaking any help would be truly appreciated trying to create the ultimate animal house party for a week madness all week long!Let me be the first to express my condolences for the trouble you are about to have. It's going to be really a shame. I mean, who would have thought anything could possibly go wrong? I'm going to be truly sorry to hear about how things turned out, when I read the news about it.
Kurgan1234
07-13-18, 05:35
Let me be the first to express my condolences for the trouble you are about to have. It's going to be really a shame. I mean, who would have thought anything could possibly go wrong? I'm going to be truly sorry to hear about how things turned out, when I read the news about it.Say what? Why do you have to [CodeWord134] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord134) in my cereal? Did I post in the wrong section? Please elaborate on you're comment.
I been to about 23 country's and this is the first place that I could not buy a sim card unless I am resident, I know there will be a lot of members that say different but I am staying right across the street from the government building and have spent 2 hours talking to officials. The only way to get a sim card is to have a Colombian buy it for you.
Say what? Why do you have to [CodeWord134] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord134) in my cereal? Did I post in the wrong section? Please elaborate on you're comment.I think what JjBee62 is eluding to is that frat parties are not happening in Colombia. There may be a group that large that parties for a day or two at most, and only with strict supervision. In almost all situations, if police are called, the renters are evicted, immediately. You may find a finca (farmhouse) that will accommodate your group, but it will be some distance from the city. Getting 10 to 15 ladies to travel to a finca is a major undertaking, probably impossible for a first time visitor.
Manizales911
07-13-18, 22:16
I am headed to Colombia with some friends we are interested in renting a home for a week and throwing crazy parties every night would love 10 to 15 hot looking Colombian girls. Do you guys have a recommendation as to what city would be best we were considering Cartagena. And where do I go to get 1015 girls at once man that's an undertaking any help would be truly appreciated trying to create the ultimate animal house party for a week madness all week long!Getting 10-15 girls to party with you is the easy part, it's how to keep them from fucking you and not in a good way that is the problem. Throwing wild and crazy parties of that size anywhere within the city limits will most likely get you in a heap of trouble, if you have the right local to help you and I mean someone that you know very well then you could rent out a finca and throw a big party, I've been to a few and there were no problems but these were put on by locals, gringos won't have as much lee way so you best pick the right place where the noise won't bother anyone. The potential of someone getting ripped off by a girl in this situation is very high so like I said you better have the right guy to keep things under control otherwise that person or the girls are going to rob you blind and / or cause a lot of trouble one way or another. This really has the potential to go sideways real fast. 10-15 girls is a handful to control.
Say what? Why do you have to [CodeWord140] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord140) in my cereal? Did I post in the wrong section? Please elaborate on you're comment.I didn't [CodeWord111] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord111) in your breakfast cereal. I'm merely suggesting that if you leave your bowl of corn flakes next to the urinal when a bunch of drunks are around, you'll likely have some salty cereal.
Since it's been several months since someone posted that they want to do the exact same thing in Colombia, I'll elaborate.
Partying your ass off in another country is not a good idea. Partying your ass off for several days straight, with a bunch of people you don't know, borders on suicidal. Doing it in Colombia is on the wrong side of the border.
I consider myself safe in Colombia, mainly because I know how to minimize my risks. Anyone else can be safe in Colombia, but they need to understand Medellin isn't rural Oregon in 1964.
Prostitutes are by nature opportunists. They aren't necessarily dishonest, they are just open to the possibility of making an extra profit. With a bunch of hard partying people, there are lots of possibilities. Here are just a few:
Some of the girls slip scopolamine in the drinks and they clean everyone out while you're all taking your 18 hour naps.
Someone brings in an under the legal age girl, then the police show up.
While everyone is partying some girl lets in several armed guys.
Items from the rental get stolen or damaged.
The police get called and find a reason to hold you while they build a case against you. They don't actually need a reason.
A couple of your partying friends get in a fight over something stupid. Someone is seriously injured.
One of the girls ODs or dies of alcohol poisoning. Someone drowns. Someone falls off a balcony. The possibilities are endless.
If you do it one night, and you're smart about it, no problem. Rent the Mansion at Motel Ibiza. It can hold up to 40 people. Contact one of the people who have a lot of girls they can call. Arrange a flat rate for the number of girls you want and make sure you stress the conditions you want. Party all night. In the morning, pay the bills and go back to your hotel. Repeat as necessary.
But to just bring 10-15 girls to your apartment for a week long party, better to go to Vegas and hit a brothel.
Eszpresszo
07-14-18, 00:46
I think what JjBee62 is eluding to is that frat parties are not happening in Colombia. There may be a group that large that parties for a day or two at most, and only with strict supervision. In almost all situations, if police are called, the renters are evicted, immediately. You may find a finca (farmhouse) that will accommodate your group, but it will be some distance from the city. Getting 10 to 15 ladies to travel to a finca is a major undertaking, probably impossible for a first time visitor.What I have begun to notice lately, is a lot of board members with little posting experience, (if not just new board members, who are posting questions like these), back to back on multiple forums, in preparation for travel on different continents. Its like these folks just won the lottery and discovered the internet (or at least internet forums) at the same time. I don't know of many people who have the financial means and free time to go from continent to continent on back to back mongering trips, who wouldn't have already figured out how to do it. Know what I mean?
Getting 10-15 girls to party with you is the easy part, it's how to keep them from fucking you and not in a good way that is the problem. Throwing wild and crazy parties of that size anywhere within the city limits will most likely get you in a heap of trouble, if you have the right local to help you and I mean someone that you know very well then you could rent out a finca and throw a big party, I've been to a few and there were no problems but these were put on by locals, gringos won't have as much lee way so you best pick the right place where the noise won't bother anyone. The potential of someone getting ripped off by a girl in this situation is very high so like I said you better have the right guy to keep things under control otherwise that person or the girls are going to rob you blind and / or cause a lot of trouble one way or another. This really has the potential to go sideways real fast. 10-15 girls is a handful to control.Expanding on this topic, I agree that if you don't have any contacts that you can trust, if you don't know any girls to call in advance I don't think you can pull it off, based on this I think you should talk to a professional, this is a service that I've always wanted to try but never had because I've never traveled to MDE with a large group:
https://www.facebook.com/MedellinVip/
They specialize in Vegas style pool parties and organizing bachelor parties. I've seen their Facebook page and they have a mansion in the city or fincas in the country where they can have the party, I'm pretty sure they can contact the 10 or 15 girls you need also.
Let us know how it goes!
Kurgan1234
07-14-18, 08:29
What I have begun to notice lately, is a lot of board members with little posting experience, (if not just new board members, who are posting questions like these), back to back on multiple forums, in preparation for travel on different continents. Its like these folks just won the lottery and discovered the internet (or at least internet forums) at the same time. I don't know of many people who have the financial means and free time to go from continent to continent on back to back mongering trips, who wouldn't have already figured out how to do it. Know what I mean?Let me see if I understand you correctly. You presume because I only post when I need information, and not as a social outlet that somehow means I'm less allowed to ask these questions? I purchased my membership like you did and I will use it the way I see fit, Thank you. You're presumptive response that you don't know how people can take mongering trips across the globe is really sad. I have the means and the time, and again I choose to do what I want with my time and money.
I may be over analyzing a bit here, but how about you just don't presume all that shit and just be happy 😆 that I'm getting my groove on, and wish me a good time instead of [CodeWord112] (http://isgprohibitedwords.info?CodeWord=CodeWord112) in my cereal bowl 🍲.
Kurgan1234
07-14-18, 08:32
Expanding on this topic, I agree that if you don't have any contacts that you can trust, if you don't know any girls to call in advance I don't think you can pull it off, based on this I think you should talk to a professional, this is a service that I've always wanted to try but never had because I've never traveled to MDE with a large group:
https://www.facebook.com/MedellinVip/
They specialize in Vegas style pool parties and organizing bachelor parties. I've seen their Facebook page and they have a mansion in the city or fincas in the country where they can have the party, I'm pretty sure they can contact the 10 or 15 girls you need also.
Let us know how it goes!Thank you so much! Do you think Cartagena is the right place for this? I will most certainly return with some good stories! Thank you again!
I am headed to Colombia with some friends we are interested in renting a home for a week and throwing crazy parties every night would love 10 to 15 hot looking Colombian girls. Do you guys have a recommendation as to what city would be best we were considering Cartagena. And where do I go to get 1015 girls at once man that's an undertaking any help would be truly appreciated trying to create the ultimate animal house party for a week madness all week long!Yes, make life easy.
Book you and your buddies at the Mansion in Medellin.
Hit the bar there (the Cave) every night, there will be 10-15 or more girls there.
Have fun, no headaches.
Enjoy.
Quagmire1974
07-14-18, 17:26
Let us know how it goes!Don't hold your breath. Every single one of his posts is nothing but a question and asking for help. Not a single trip report written.
Eszpresszo
07-15-18, 03:28
Don't hold your breath. Every single one of his posts is nothing but a question and asking for help. Not a single trip report written.That was my point in my earlier post. But, this kind of BM seems to be more common. Lots of questions on different forums, with very hypothetical questions that often don't jibe with the standard MO for the destination (example: requests for info on upscale in-call escorts in Bali). Often their questions assume money is no object. But, if money was no object you wouldn't be asking for help here.
Don't hold your breath. Every single one of his posts is nothing but a question and asking for help. Not a single trip report written.The guys who come in with that scenario never have any trip reports. They never go anywhere. Another group that never posts any trip reports are the guys who finish with "I'll be sure to write a full report. Nine months later they are on a different forum asking for the same information in a different country.
Gertsch700
07-15-18, 20:20
I been to about 23 country's and this is the first place that I could not buy a sim card unless I am resident, I know there will be a lot of members that say different but I am staying right across the street from the government building and have spent 2 hours talking to officials. The only way to get a sim card is to have a Colombian buy it for you.Really? Wow!
Mush Elvii
07-15-18, 21:23
I been to about 23 country's and this is the first place that I could not buy a sim card unless I am resident, I know there will be a lot of members that say different but I am staying right across the street from the government building and have spent 2 hours talking to officials. The only way to get a sim card is to have a Colombian buy it for you.Are you sure? There are multiple reports here where member was able to get sim w / o any issue.
I think showing passport is sufficient to get a 10 $ loaded SIM.
Really? Wow!At least I use the form for what is suppose to be GENERAL INFO not Bashing.
Tried Movistar and Claro and both the same answer Only Colombians can buy. Ministry of tourism is where I spent two hours trying to get an answer, so that's all I know. Relying on WiFi to keep in contact with chicas.
Are you sure? There are multiple reports here where member was able to get sim w / o any issue.
I think showing passport is sufficient to get a 10 $ loaded SIM.
Why do you have to bash everyone that do not conform to your standards, everyone is not perfect I guess unlike you.
The guys who come in with that scenario never have any trip reports. They never go anywhere. Another group that never posts any trip reports are the guys who finish with "I'll be sure to write a full report. Nine months later they are on a different forum asking for the same information in a different country.
I been to about 23 country's and this is the first place that I could not buy a sim card unless I am resident, I know there will be a lot of members that say different but I am staying right across the street from the government building and have spent 2 hours talking to officials. The only way to get a sim card is to have a Colombian buy it for you.I walked into Jumbo with my phone and my passport and walked out with a sim card 15 minutes later.
Why do you have to bash everyone that do not conform to your standards, everyone is not perfect I guess unlike you.It's "everyone that does not conform."
I didn't bash anyone, just stated an easily confirmed fact. Read the forums. Look for the posts where someone wants to throw the wildest party ever. You'll find them about every 6 to 8 months. Now check the forum posts of the poster. I have seen no exception, they never post trip reports. In fact, they never post useful information. All of their posts are questions, usually questions which have already been answered many times.
The same is true for almost everyone who states they'll be sure to write a full report, when they ask the previously answered questions.
In defense, I've never stated that everyone should conform to my standards. If you would read the forums, you would see that I've written more than once, everyone should find what suits them and not worry about what other people are doing.
Where is Jumbo, sitting in Medellin right now.
I walked into Jumbo with my phone and my passport and walked out with a sim card 15 minutes later.
Where is Jumbo, sitting in Medellin right now.There is one in the Santa Fe Mall, one in the Premium Plaza Mall, and one near Laureles-Estadio, Cra. 65 #45-85. It is between the Estadio and Suramericana Metro satations, very close to the Metro line. Jumbo is a large supermarket.
Thank you, no luck in Bogota.
There is one in the Santa Fe Mall, one in the Premium Plaza Mall, and one near Laureles-Estadio, Cra. 65 #45-85. It is between the Estadio and Suramericana Metro satations, very close to the Metro line. Jumbo is a large supermarket.
Are there increasing numbers of refugees from Venezuela in Cartagena, Medellin, Bogota, Cali. ? Friends now in Medellin are telling me that they see more and more Venezuelans, some obviously desperate, in places like El Centro.
Mr Enternational
08-08-18, 19:36
Are there increasing numbers of refugees from Venezuela in Cartagena, Medellin, Bogota, Cali. ? Friends now in Medellin are telling me that they see more and more Venezuelans, some obviously desperate, in places like El Centro.Yes. They are in Dominican Republic as well.
The Tall Man
08-08-18, 22:09
Are there increasing numbers of refugees from Venezuela in Cartagena, Medellin, Bogota, Cali. ? Friends now in Medellin are telling me that they see more and more Venezuelans, some obviously desperate, in places like El Centro.Yes is true, I run into Venezuelans girls daily when in and around Medellin.
TTM.
ColombiaLover
08-09-18, 00:50
And the chicas I know in medellin have been complaining. Working girls have more competition from chicas who look good and will do more for less. And girls looking for a regular job are having a harder time because the Venezuelans are willing to work for even less than the Colombian minimum.
I'ts not unlike the problem the ticos / ticas have in Costa Rica with the Nicos / Nicas, but perhaps on a larger scale.
Yes is true, I run into Venezuelans girls daily when in and around Medellin.
TTM.
Are there increasing numbers of refugees from Venezuela in Cartagena, Medellin, Bogota, Cali. ? Friends now in Medellin are telling me that they see more and more Venezuelans, some obviously desperate, in places like El Centro.Yes, I've met some in MDE. And supposedly, Bogota and CTG have a lot more. I'm guessing Curacao is loaded (though I don't know 1st hand since I haven't been in years).
PaisaPorFavor
08-09-18, 06:31
That's not true. I've bought several sim cards and was never even asked for an ID. Many places sell them and not just the cell phone stores.
I been to about 23 country's and this is the first place that I could not buy a sim card unless I am resident, I know there will be a lot of members that say different but I am staying right across the street from the government building and have spent 2 hours talking to officials. The only way to get a sim card is to have a Colombian buy it for you..
Just got back from Medellin yesterday. Thanks to all the contributors, especially the ones who suggested staying in Laureles. Really fun part of town and feeling pretty safe at all hours or the day. Also from our hotel, taxi fares to the places we wanted to get to were $8000 cop or less with the exception during traffic hour. Landed around 00:15 and was out of customs about 10 minutes later. It was raining and not sure if this hour really sucks or was just an off day but went to catch a taxi and there wasn't one. I got behind a couple and waited about an half hour for a taxi to show up. If by chance anyone gets there at this time, I would suggest arranging transportation to your dwelling. I went with a friend and luck out because it was the week long Festival of Flowers celebration. I wasn't really interested in this celebration but what was really cool was on Monday they closed off part of Ca. 70 to hold a live free concert that started at 18:00 and ended at 02:00. When I said ended, I meant the free concert because people were partying all night. It was nice to participate in an event with so many locals and many good looking locals. The peso when we landed was $2,8 +, by Monday it went to $2,9 + the rest of the week. We stayed at a girl friendly hotel / apt which I will write about in the hotel section. I will also write about the places we went to in the Mde tread. Also, we took the one day Guatape with boat ride tour and that was great. The town of Guatape was really interesting. Highly recommend and believe it or not, most tours the food sucks, this tour the food was actually very good.
SoberHans69
08-15-18, 19:45
Hi everyone,
Just wondered if anyone can clarify if steroids are legal to buy in Colombia?
I'm on self prescribed trt and usually bring back some from Thailand.
It's legal to bring into my country for personal use, do not breaking any laws.
Thanks.
Could someone please tell me what "prepago"means? I understand it translates to "pre pay" however how is it applied for purchasing services? Credit card, pay up front cash etc?? If it is credit card, it is a serious risk? Also, are sex toys permitted into Colombia?
Hi everyone,
Just wondered if anyone can clarify if steroids are legal to buy in Colombia?
I'm on self prescribed trt and usually bring back some from Thailand.
It's legal to bring into my country for personal use, do not breaking any laws.
Thanks.I know at least one person who was using steroids in Colombia. I'm assuming they're legal. Don't know what he was specifically using.
Eszpresszo
08-16-18, 04:18
Could someone please tell me what "prepago"means? I understand it translates to "pre pay" however how is it applied for purchasing services? Credit card, pay up front cash etc?? If it is credit card, it is a serious risk? Also, are sex toys permitted into Colombia?Good question. I understand the concept in that "prepago" infers that the girl is a non-pro or casual prostitute (like the "hobbyhure" of Germany) or "semi-pro", though it has been pointed out here various times that there are no semi-professional hoes in Colombia. There are either hoes, or they are not hoes, in the opinion of some. And that makes perfect sense to me.
Besides Prepagos, we have women advertised as Escorts and Acompanantes. I realize that for our purposes they are all the same: they offer sex in exchange for money. How they advertise themselves is of now consequence to us, other than it might mean paying more for a pretentious noun. All these job titles suggest little more than some marketing spiel as a way to portray themselves different from ordinary putas. I suspect its a gimmick to justify paying a premium to them over the price of a puta in a casa or on the street. I would just like someone to explain to me what pretensions they are implying. Prepago, escort, acompanante. How are they supposedly different (though we know they really aren't)?
Could someone please tell me what "prepago"means? I understand it translates to "pre pay" however how is it applied for purchasing services? Credit card, pay up front cash etc?? If it is credit card, it is a serious risk? Also, are sex toys permitted into Colombia?Prepago is the general catch-all term for prostitute in Colombia. More specifically it's used for escort agencies. Except in some casas, when purchasing services from a prepago in Colombia, you pay after the deed, not before. It also is used to refer to cell phone plans where you pay as you go, instead of a monthly billing.
Use cash. Don't hand your credit card over to anyone in Colombia. Ever. For any reason. Unless they are pointing a weapon at you. Restaurants will bring you a handheld terminal, if you want to use a credit card.
There are lots of shops selling sex toys in Colombia. I've bought sex toys in Colombia and know people who have had them shipped into Colombia. I also know guys who bring sex toys to Colombia, so I'm assuming there's no problem with packing them in your checked bag. TSA might have something to say if you're trying to bring them in a carry on bag.
SoberHans69
08-16-18, 07:43
I know at least one person who was using steroids in Colombia. I'm assuming they're legal. Don't know what he was specifically using.Thanks for the quick reply.
The Tall Man
08-17-18, 00:01
Prepago is the general catch-all term for prostitute in Colombia. More specifically it's used for escort agencies. Except in some casas, when purchasing services from a prepago in Colombia, you pay after the deed, not before. It also is used to refer to cell phone plans where you pay as you go, instead of a monthly billing.
Use cash. Don't hand your credit card over to anyone in Colombia. Ever. For any reason. Unless they are pointing a weapon at you. Restaurants will bring you a handheld terminal, if you want to use a credit card.
There are lots of shops selling sex toys in Colombia. I've bought sex toys in Colombia and know people who have had them shipped into Colombia. I also know guys who bring sex toys to Colombia, so I'm assuming there's no problem with packing them in your checked bag. TSA might have something to say if you're trying to bring them in a carry on bag.I have brought a good assortment of dildos in checked luggage, primarily into Medellin, never an issue. I have also purchased many various sex toy items in small shops, the latest in a small sex shop just across from puerto del norte commercial in bello, you pay a premium for quality toys, and they are worth every peso because thee chicas appreciate the quality, jejejeje.
The dildos get good use but the anal plugs and stuff does not see much use, just needs the right paisa, jejeje.
TTM.
Hi,
I'm interested in getting some of your opinions on my situation. The members of this group are well traveled and know the situation in various countries. First some info about me. I am a 35 old male single male living in US. I'm from India and moved to US in 2005 and currently working in US. Dated few women over the years, but the best one was a Venezuelan who wanted to marry after 6 month dating in Houston. I didn't commit and she left me. It was a big mistake on my part.
Since I'm from India and have a master's degree in US and been working in US, I have applied for green card long time back. It has been approved but US cannot issue me a greecard because of the backlog. The wait time is about 150 years. If you don't believe me look at the article below. I can get the greencard faster if I marry a girl from a different country. I'm sick of waiting for my residency and want to marry someone from a different country (not interested in US feminists). I can use the spouse country of birth and get the greencard and my spouse would get it too. It is called cross chargeability and applicable if I marry women from any other country other than India.
https://www.cato.org/blog/150-year-wait-indian-immigrants-advanced-degrees
My question is to the members on how to go about on finding the girl. I cannot travel easily because I'm on a work visa. Everytime I enter back I have to visit embassy and got through an interview and visa stamping. Any suggestions are welcome.
Manizales911
08-22-18, 17:28
Hi,
I'm interested in getting some of your opinions on my situation. The members of this group are well traveled and know the situation in various countries. First some info about me. I am a 35 old male single male living in US. I'm from India and moved to US in 2005 and currently working in US. Dated few women over the years, but the best one was a Venezuelan who wanted to marry after 6 month dating in Houston. I didn't commit and she left me. It was a big mistake on my part.
Since I'm from India and have a master's degree in US and been working in US, I have applied for green card long time back. It has been approved but US cannot issue me a greecard because of the backlog. The wait time is about 150 years. If you don't believe me look at the article below. I can get the greencard faster if I marry a girl from a different country. I'm sick of waiting for my residency and want to marry someone from a different country (not interested in US feminists). I can use the spouse country of birth and get the greencard and my spouse would get it too. It is called cross chargeability and applicable if I marry women from any other country other than India.
https://www.cato.org/blog/150-year-wait-indian-immigrants-advanced-degrees
My question is to the members on how to go about on finding the girl. I cannot travel easily because I'm on a work visa. Everytime I enter back I have to visit embassy and got through an interview and visa stamping. Any suggestions are welcome.Go back to India and marry an Indian girl.
Hi,
I'm interested in getting some of your opinions on my situation. The members of this group are well traveled and know the situation in various countries. First some info about me. I am a 35 old male single male living in US. I'm from India and moved to US in 2005 and currently working in US. Dated few women over the years, but the best one was a Venezuelan who wanted to marry after 6 month dating in Houston. I didn't commit and she left me. It was a big mistake on my part.
Since I'm from India and have a master's degree in US and been working in US, I have applied for green card long time back. It has been approved but US cannot issue me a greecard because of the backlog. The wait time is about 150 years. If you don't believe me look at the article below. I can get the greencard faster if I marry a girl from a different country. I'm sick of waiting for my residency and want to marry someone from a different country (not interested in US feminists). I can use the spouse country of birth and get the greencard and my spouse would get it too. It is called cross chargeability and applicable if I marry women from any other country other than India.
https://www.cato.org/blog/150-year-wait-indian-immigrants-advanced-degrees
My question is to the members on how to go about on finding the girl. I cannot travel easily because I'm on a work visa. Everytime I enter back I have to visit embassy and got through an interview and visa stamping. Any suggestions are welcome.First, I think you need to recognize sarcasm. That article is not really saying that it will take 150 years. Besides, even if it does, based on what you wrote, you may be in a different boat since you were already "approved". When you say approved, do you mean that your I-485 was approved by USCIS or that you went to an interview and were verbally told that you are approved? If the latter, then all that is left is to send your file for GC production, so it should be a few weeks. If the former, then it has to go thru NVC, so no telling exactly how long, but probably 3-6 months to get an interview (or when visa becomes available) and then a few more weeks to produce and mail the card.
First, I think you need to recognize sarcasm. That article is not really saying that it will take 150 years. Besides, even if it does, based on what you wrote, you may be in a different boat since you were already "approved". When you say approved, do you mean that your I-485 was approved by USCIS or that you went to an interview and were verbally told that you are approved? If the latter, then all that is left is to send your file for GC production, so it should be a few weeks. If the former, then it has to go thru NVC, so no telling exactly how long, but probably 3-6 months to get an interview (or when visa becomes available) and then a few more weeks to produce and mail the card.My I-140 was approved in 2012. I cannot submit I485 until the backlog is cleared until 2012. I talked to my immigration lawyer and he said that based on the backlog I can expect to get my green card in about 40 years. 150 years is a worst case scenario for applying now.
BlueChange
08-23-18, 06:15
Go back to India and marry an Indian girl.This!
Honeslty Indians got it the worst. I think only Azizan Anzari is the only indian guy that chicks would bang. Countless stories from working girls of them turning away Indians. The hygeine, the look, the way they treat women etc. You have a bad wrap. You might want to say you are dominican and loose your accent. It is a rough road you are traveling on.
It's no Secret that Venezuelan women are beautiful but man they are killing the game in Colombia this beautiful blonde is enough reason for me to take a trip real soon to Parque Lleras Medellin.
https://youtu.be/dcRit-LJvH0?t=21m10s . Man she was nice.
SoberHans69
09-03-18, 15:54
Can someone tell me the Spanish for different sexual positions please?
Trying to find them online but struggling.
Understand that you can use en cuatro for doggy? Can't find anymore.
Cheers.
It's no Secret that Venezuelan women are beautiful but man they are killing the game in Colombia this beautiful blonde is enough reason for me to take a trip real soon to Parque Lleras Medellin.
https://youtu.be/dcRit-LJvH0?t=21m10s . Man she was nice.If that's good enough for you to make the trip, imagine how blown away you'll be when you see someone hotter than a 7 - 7.5 and younger than 25.
Just don't plan on finding her at Tropical Shots there. It gets shut down for tax violations and serving minors about every 3 months.
I think you are asking in the wrong place. This is not the place for life questions. What is stopping you from leaving US?, you must have priorities clear, there are important things in life than a job or citizenship status. You can survive any where in the world if you are talented. You will resent after 10-15 years for losing most productive years of life.
My I-140 was approved in 2012. I cannot submit I485 until the backlog is cleared until 2012. I talked to my immigration lawyer and he said that based on the backlog I can expect to get my green card in about 40 years. 150 years is a worst
case scenario for applying now.
It's no Secret that Venezuelan women are beautiful but man they are killing the game in Colombia this beautiful blonde is enough reason for me to take a trip real soon to Parque Lleras Medellin.
https://youtu.be/dcRit-LJvH0?t=21m10s . Man she was nice.No need to splash it over on youtube; it has ended badly for many in the past and continues to pose problems for many in the present. Just have fun and keep it discreet.
Eszpresszo
09-05-18, 15:00
No need to splash it over on youtube; it has ended badly for many in the past and continues to pose problems for many in the present. Just have fun and keep it discreet.How exactly is he splashing it over on youtube? How can one be discreet about something that someone else has posted on the internet for the world to view? Perhaps you are bit confused on what is being delivered here?
The Tall Man
09-06-18, 22:25
Hope it stay on it's upward path, jejejeje.
The Tall Man.
Hope it stay on it's upward path, jejejeje.
The Tall Man.Wouldn't be surprised to see a repeat of the 2015-2016 USD move. Bottomed in the Spring (Apr 2015) and topped the winter (Jan / Feb 2016). Similar bottom in May, 2018. Looking for 3300+ by my visit in early December. Wish I could travel in January, but work doesn't allow. No idea why the COP:USD rate drops the second half of December, but it happened the last two years. Maybe there is a Holiday/Seasonal explanation for the temporary drop.
Hope it stay on it's upward path, jejejeje.
The Tall Man.Crazy rates. Enjoy it while it lasts.
Hope it stay on it's upward path, jejejeje.
The Tall Man.I heard it might go up too 4 mill that would amazing.
I heard it might go up too 4 mill that would amazing.Curious where you got that information? I got close on my 3500 area call for the 2015/2016 move. If this move is the start of the next financial crisis, I don't have an upside limit. Too many variables involved to calculate. But in a SHTF scenario with a worldwide economic slowdown, oil will drop. Add much lower oil prices to a Latin American currency and 4000 is believable. For those with USDs, things would be cheap, but the world economic situation would be anything but amazing. Be careful what you wish for comes to mind.
Eszpresszo
09-08-18, 00:26
Curious where you got that information? I got close on my 3500 area call for the 2015/2016 move. If this move is the start of the next financial crisis, I don't have an upside limit. Too many variables involved to calculate. But in a SHTF scenario with a worldwide economic slowdown, oil will drop. Add much lower oil prices to a Latin American currency and 4000 is believable. For those with USDs, things would be cheap, but the world economic situation would be anything but amazing. Be careful what you wish for comes to mind.Just a word to all who are expecting an exchange rate close to the interbank rate, you might be disappointed. Even as the dollar surged past the 3000 point in the past week. I got something like 2850 at at the ServiBanca ATM near my hotel, last weekend. I recall getting closer to 3000 at Banca Colombia ATMs. Remember, the banks have their vig in all of this, and they will be the ones to get the best rates, not you.
I was in Medellin in April of 2016, when the cop was really weak. Cheapest mongering trip ever because the airfare only cost $216 RT on Spirit. I doubt I'll ever see that bargain again, and I'm not too optimistic about getting over 3000 at any ATM again.
I heard it might go up too 4 mill that would amazing.Look at a chart of the Col Peso over 20 years. Anything over 3000 to the USD is an extremely favorable rate and we should be very happy. 4000 would be outrageous. I don't think it will happen, but I didn't think we'd see it over 3000 so soon again.
So I got a girl in Barranquilla who right now runs a small site to puts men like us, Either with a girl looking for love, or a prepaid. She is doing good right now, But she wants to expand and I think I am going to do it.
What would you guys be looking for from a site. We already have a lot set up in Barranquilla, from the women, drivers, and even translators. The plan is to also get a couple condo's and redo them for guys like us. Who don't want to deal with a lot of questions with the amount of chicks we bring in.
To understand I am leaving Colombia right now and spent the last 13 days here. I was in Barranquilla for 8 days. Out of those 8 days we through a couple pool parties with 8 women just for one guy. We did a couple nights at the discos and strip clubs for a couple guys. Also did a couple casa runs.
I am a young guy so no need for pills but out of my 8 days. I made sure I tested out the product, at least two or three girls a day, and went out to meet more girls looking to get into this also.
I do plan on expanding more into Bogota, Cali, and Medellin.
I want to know what you guys would be truly looking for from a site and service?
Not going to be like Colombian Jake (RIP). All girls are checked and are of age. We do a good background check, and do test the girls who are just going to be prepaid.
Please let me know what you guys would be looking for?
So I got a girl in Barranquilla who right now runs a small site to puts men like us, Either with a girl looking for love, or a prepaid. She is doing good right now, But she wants to expand and I think I am going to do it.
What would you guys be looking for from a site. We already have a lot set up in Barranquilla, from the women, drivers, and even translators. The plan is to also get a couple condo's and redo them for guys like us. Who don't want to deal with a lot of questions with the amount of chicks we bring in.
To understand I am leaving Colombia right now and spent the last 13 days here. I was in Barranquilla for 8 days. Out of those 8 days we through a couple pool parties with 8 women just for one guy. We did a couple nights at the discos and strip clubs for a couple guys. Also did a couple casa runs.
I am a young guy so no need for pills but out of my 8 days. I made sure I tested out the product, at least two or three girls a day, and went out to meet more girls looking to get into this also.
I do plan on expanding more into Bogota, Cali, and Medellin.
I want to know what you guys would be truly looking for from a site and service?
Not going to be like Colombian Jake (RIP). All girls are checked and are of age. We do a good background check, and do test the girls who are just going to be prepaid.
Please let me know what you guys would be looking for?I'd be looking for, at some point in the not too distant future, several Colombians showing up and explaining the hazards of doing business in Colombia. Chances are, they will be able to provide an insurance policy custom tailored to your business.
I wish you the best of luck.
Manizales911
09-10-18, 20:14
So I got a girl in Barranquilla who right now runs a small site to puts men like us, Either with a girl looking for love, or a prepaid. She is doing good right now, But she wants to expand and I think I am going to do it.
What would you guys be looking for from a site. We already have a lot set up in Barranquilla, from the women, drivers, and even translators. The plan is to also get a couple condo's and redo them for guys like us. Who don't want to deal with a lot of questions with the amount of chicks we bring in.
To understand I am leaving Colombia right now and spent the last 13 days here. I was in Barranquilla for 8 days. Out of those 8 days we through a couple pool parties with 8 women just for one guy. We did a couple nights at the discos and strip clubs for a couple guys. Also did a couple casa runs.
I am a young guy so no need for pills but out of my 8 days. I made sure I tested out the product, at least two or three girls a day, and went out to meet more girls looking to get into this also.
I do plan on expanding more into Bogota, Cali, and Medellin.
I want to know what you guys would be truly looking for from a site and service?
Not going to be like Colombian Jake (RIP). All girls are checked and are of age. We do a good background check, and do test the girls who are just going to be prepaid.
Please let me know what you guys would be looking for?I hope you realize that even if the girls are over 18 that what you are doing is against the law and you are going to end up in a Colombian prison, good luck with that.
Mr Enternational
09-11-18, 00:56
I hope you realize that even if the girls are over 18 that what you are doing is against the law and you are going to end up in a Colombian prison, good luck with that.Why can't guys just go somewhere and have fun? Why do they always have to come up with a money-making scheme in hooker destinations that has "never been tried before"? Wasn't just enough to be thankful to be able to buy pussy without any blowback; you had to go above and beyond what is allowed.
PepolesBuddy
09-12-18, 00:28
Anyone familiar with this?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.maxim.com/.amp/news/colombian-sex-vacation-2017-10
It's 5 k for 4 days all inclusive sex resort. I'm positive the experience isn't worth the price but thought I'the ask anyways thanks fellas.
In Colombia, drugs have been decriminalized, but it is prohibited.
I see open smoking of weed at many places. I see people snort at the strip joints.
I was told that the cop would have to be a total dick if he messes you for weed. Coke is more serious. Probably because of all the people that got killed due to the drug war.
But note that the Colombian cops are corrupt. As a foreigner, many cops will try to get a bribe for weed. My guess is that 50 K COP is the lowest bribe you can pay for weed. If you don't pay, I heard the cops might just harass you for a few hours. BUT not sure.
Now, if the cop truly does bring you in for any drug, I was told that there is a 208 K COP fee for the paperwork. And they put a mark on your passport; I'm not sure what that means.
Colombia has a burgeoning medical marijuana industry. I read companies want to export; their cost per gram I read was $0.50 USD.
But, the government doesn't allow open selling of weed at the stores. You need to know local friends, or go the street / park and deal with sketchy people. But edibles is a different story. It is a gray area, where head shops sell happy brownies, and entrepreneurs sell happy chocolate or brownies at places such as Plazoleta Chorro de Quevedo (hippie scene). I highly recommend El Gato brownies: https://hightimes.com/edibles/inside-colombias-booming-cannabis-edibles-scene/.
The Tall Man
09-13-18, 16:48
Anyone familiar with this?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.maxim.com/.amp/news/colombian-sex-vacation-2017-10
It's 5 k for 4 days all inclusive sex resort. I'm positive the experience isn't worth the price but thought I'the ask anyways thanks fellas.I recall this was shut down as there was bad news when this information surfaced last year. Lets face it they were really out there and hence got bad press.
The Tall Man.
GringoItaliano
09-17-18, 19:16
This post is the first of multiple installments of reporting on my recent two-week trip to Colombia. I spent the first week of this trip in Medellin and the second week in Bogota. I will be posting other installments in the relevant sections of this forum.
Medellin is a must-see for any mongering trip to Colombia, and I looked forward to returning in light of the quality of my previous experiences at the Mansion. By the same token, I have found that mongers often focus so heavily on Medellin and paisas that it is easy to forget that Colombia is a large and diverse country, of which paisas are just one regional culture. I had gotten enough of a taste of non-paisa putas in Cartagena on a previous trip, and in the Dutch Caribbean on separate scuba diving trips, to sense that they might be just as appealing to me as paisas, if not more so. I also wanted to gain a greater cultural appreciation for the country beyond its putas. For example, I had found the historic character of Cartagena's Old City more appealing than the modernity of Medellin. I wanted to do something different, other than Cartagena, for the second leg of this trip. Bogota, as Colombia's capital and largest city, was a logical choice for further exploration, given the combination of its large and diverse mongering scene, which remains off the beaten path for most gringos, and its non-mongering activities. I chose to do Medellin first and Bogota second primarily because I planned to do nothing but fuck my brains out in Medellin and then monger at a more gradual pace in Bogota, in conjunction with some sightseeing. I also hoped that spending a week at the moderate altitude of Medellin would reduce the risk of altitude sickness at the higher altitude of Bogota (which I did not experience).
Despite the many differences between the respective mongering scenes of both cities, there was really only one market niche that I found worthwhile in each city, even though both of those market niches are quite different. In Medellin, I had originally planned to broaden my horizons beyond the usual Facebook and Mansion girls that are the staples of so many gringo mongering trips to the city and explore its many other options, such as casas and strip clubs, more thoroughly than I had done before. I nonetheless came to the conclusion that Facebook and the Mansion are the only worthwhile games in town for me and thus ended up sticking with them almost exclusively. Similarly, I had planned to explore the wide range of options in Bogota, from the cheap Santa Fe red light district to the high-end clubs in the far north, but it did not take me long to conclude that Santa Fe was the only one worth the time, effort, and cost, which was not what I had expected. I am not the only one who came to this conclusion and identified the same two best market niches in each city. Those of you that been to the Mansion may remember Vanessa Sepulveda. I had good sessions with her there before. Well, lo and behold, I ran into her at Fiebre, one of the top clubs in Santa Fe, on my second night there. She said that she makes more money in Santa Fe than she did at the Mansion. I would have expected a Mansion girl to gravitate toward the high-end clubs of far northern Bogota, and I also thought that I would prefer the far north as well, but I did not.
Medellin's Facebook and Mansion girls are a good mid-market option with relatively reliable and consistent quality at moderate prices (150-200 k), between the low-end Centro casas and Mayorista at one extreme (let's say 50 k) and the high-end Loutron or La Isla at the other extreme (let's say 250-300 k), but closer to the higher end. The most popular strip club among gringos (Fase II) and the most highly-regarded casa (Energy) are also at a similar mid-market price point. Bogota, in contrast, seems to lack a good mid-market option of that kind, unless one goes for professional Internet prepagos (which, in my opinion, defeats the purpose of overseas mongering for North Americans). Bogota has more pronounced extremes in general, with dramatic highs and lows and less in the middle. It is either dirt cheap or outrageously overpriced. For example, the lowest prices that I encountered in Bogota were even lower than Medellin, with 30-35 k options in the low-end casas of Chapinero and a few daytime girls in Santa Fe. Contrast those prices with those of the high-end clubs of far northern Bogota, where (in my experience) girls *started* their pricing at 300 k and only went upwards from there. And that figure does not include the house's room / exit fee of 150-210 k. The high-end options in Medellin may cost six times as much as the cheapest options, but the high-end options in Bogota cost at least 15 times more than the cheapest options. You can actually have a session in one of the Chapinero casas for the price of a Gatorade in one of the high-end clubs in far northern Bogota. In fact, you could have a cita with a Medellin Facebook girl for just the cost of the house's room / exit fee in the high-end clubs of northern Bogota.
The consistently satisfactory quality of service that I had previously received from Mansion and Facebook girls was one factor that brought me back to Medellin (in contrast to, say, Sosua or Costa Rica, where I have had more ups and downs). I experienced that relatively consistent quality of service on this trip too; each and every one of the Mansion and Facebook girls in Medellin was at least OK, but only a few of them truly distinguished themselves. In contrast, the quality of service in Santa Fe varied tremendously; the best Santa Fe girls outperformed the typical or even the better Mansion or Facebook girls in Medellin by quite a bit, but the worst Santa Fe girls were so bad that I just aborted and gave up. Now, some of you might argue that I could have received more consistently quality service in the high-end clubs of far northern Bogota. Perhaps, but nothing that I found in the admittedly short time that I spent there (before I concluded that it was a waste of time and money and left) persuaded me that it would have been a better investment, except maybe for longer time increments and more comfortable facilities. The overall quality of the talent in the far north was not higher enough to justify the enormous price difference, CBJ was just as pervasive as it was in Santa Fe, and their attitudes were not any warmer or more GFE. Again, I would argue that Bogota has more extreme variation in pricing and quality, in contrast to the moderation and consistency of Medellin, and in such cases it makes more sense to go cheap, as in Santa Fe.
These markets evidently cater to different tastes in body types and sexual styles. The body types and other physical features of many of the Mansion and Facebook girls of Medellin evidently cater to the tastes of the many older white men that frequent these circles: very young, very short, and very skinny, with long black hair and little if anything in the way of tits & ass, almost like an Asian girl. That type is usually not my cup of tea, to put it mildly, but there are so many girls on Facebook that it was still easy to find ones that fit my personal tastes. My taste in women, with an emphasis on tits & ass (often of the silicone variety, if the workmanship is good), is more consistent with that of Colombian guys and other Latinos or black guys. In that regard, the general population of Santa Fe, which is definitely a "locals' joint" on a massive scale, was a better fit for my personal tastes, although there are plenty of flaquitas there too. Indeed, Bogota also trumps Medellin in the variety department as well, as it attracts girls from across the country and Venezuela, in contrast to the greater homogeneity of Medellin.
The Medellin girls definitely leaned toward a warmer, softer GFE, whereas those Santa Fe girls that performed well leaned more toward a more intense and vigorous PSE. The Medellin girls treated me better in general terms and more consistently, but those of the Santa Fe girls that performed well knew their way around the male anatomy better. There is no substitute for experience, and the higher-volume and more hardened pros of Santa Fe have probably serviced many more dicks in their day. The high volume of Santa Fe is probably how the above-mentioned Vanessa makes more money there than at the Mansion. With 60 k quickies in Santa Fe, and 150-200 k "horitas" at the Mansion, she must be fucking 3-4 times as many guys as she did at the Mansion, but for shorter time increments.
I think that pairing Medellin with another city is a good idea for Colombia trips, and I will probably do it again in the future, if and when my schedule permits. Having already been to Medellin, Cartagena, and Bogota, Cali is next on my list. The women from Cali that I have met in Bogota and in the Dutch Caribbean have impressed me more consistently than paisas and may be a better fit for my taste in body types.
Very good reporting, GI, and very much aligned with my experiences, tastes and observations. I wonder how all the cities (Jaco, Dom Rep, ABC and Colombian) scale on your pocketbook, including quality of what you get from p4 p and overall vacation time.
GringoItaliano
09-18-18, 07:20
Very good reporting, GI, and very much aligned with my experiences, tastes and observations. I wonder how all the cities (Jaco, Dom Rep, ABC and Colombian) scale on your pocketbook, including quality of what you get from p4 p and overall vacation time.Thank you for the positive feedback and your corroboration of my observations.
To answer your question, here are my two cents:
For pure mongering, I would argue that Colombia and Brazil are the best in the Western Hemisphere, in terms of the quality of the talent and the service. Brazil may be better than Colombia for many / some guys, depending on their tastes. For example, anal seems to be more widely available in Brazil and would thus be a big selling point for many guys, but not for me, as I actually dislike it. The reluctance of more than a few Colombians to suck cock as thoroughly as I would like, as I encountered on this trip, nonetheless has me thinking about Brazil again. The pervasive silicone in Colombia may bother some guys and lead them to prefer Brazil, but not me, as well-done implants do not bother me. Other downsides to Brazil, which make Colombia more appealing for me in general, include the longer and often much more expensive flights to Brazil, the higher session prices in Brazil, and the language barrier (I speak Spanish but not Portuguese). The downsides of both countries are the frequent dearth of nearby non-mongering activities that appeal to me and the greater security risks.
These assessments will vary of course depending on what cities one considers. For example, Cartagena and Bogota are more appealing to me from a non-mongering perspective, but both lack the more consistent quality of mongering at moderate prices that one can find in Medellin, which I find extremely uninteresting from a non-mongering perspective and would probably never visit if it were not for the girls. Cartagena certainly has more variety in the talent pool than Medellin, but not as much as Bogota, and is probably a more pleasant place to visit overall than Medellin or Bogota, either for the Miami Beach vibe of Bocagrande or the historic charm of the Old City. The trade-off is higher prices in Cartagena than Medellin (but not as high as far northern Bogota), the business-like or downright mercenary attitude of many chicas in Cartagena, and the sweltering heat. The non-mongering aspects of Bogota that I find interesting, such as the museums and the historic buildings downtown, may or may not appeal to other mongers, and the dense urban environment and lower temperatures of Bogota may be unpleasant for others (keep in mind that I am a native New Yorker). Bogota is, in my opinion, only suitable for mongering if you are comfortable scrounging for diamonds in the rough in the Santa Fe red light district, as I found the high-end clubs in the far north to be a waste of time and money (I will report all of this in detail on the Bogota thread in the coming days); high-rollers are better off in Brazil, or perhaps Cartagena. As much as I like the "Goldilocks zone" or "sweet spot" of Medellin for mongering, the lack of a reputable and larger "meet & greet" mongering venue there (e. G. Like the Del Rey or the Cocal) outside the Mansion, the heavy reliance on the Internet, the homogeneity of the talent pool, and the lack of non-mongering activities that appeal to me keep me from returning more frequently.
In my opinion, Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic are probably better for more balanced vacations, with both mongering and non-mongering activities that appeal to me and lesser security risks. The trade-off is that the mongering is lower quality. Either at reasonable prices, as in the Dominican Republic, or at higher prices that yield lesser value for the money, as in Costa Rica. Costa Rican service was more consistently "meh" or just OK, whereas the quality of Dominican service varies considerably, from fantastic to abysmal. Sosua, for all its shortcomings, has an edge for me personally, simply because it is easier to reach from New York and has local scuba diving (albeit of a low quality by Caribbean standards), and the best performers there may be good enough to outweigh the bad ones. Within Costa Rica, SJO is better from a purely mongering perspective due to the more moderate prices and the wider range of options, but it is otherwise less appealing from a non-mongering perspective, unless one does day trips to neighboring areas. Jaco is far more appealing than SJO as a general vacation destination, but the trade-off is that you pay higher prices for a much smaller range of options, and the average quality of the service was, in my experience, even lower than SJO.
The Dutch Caribbean and other such places that I would visit half or primarily for scuba diving are a different ball game and thus hard to compare to the above destinations. I though I had found a perfect sweet spot on Saint Maarten, with both quality scuba diving and Colombian talent and service at some of the chica bars there comparable to or just a notch below what one might find on Facebook or at the Mansion in Medellin. Then the hurricanes came along last year and devastated the island, so it will be a while before I go back, to give the island time to recover. Curacao is also a quality diving destination and is of course home to Campo Alegre, where the Colombian majority was a few notches below what one might find back in Colombia but still better than the large Dominican minority there. The quality of the service was hit or miss, but that is a reasonable trade-off, given the reasonable prices and in exchange for the opportunity to fuck Colombians in a place that is much more appealing to me than Colombia, either for the diving or for a general Caribbean vacation that includes mongering. As for Bonaire, the quality of the small talent pool and the service is comparable to what one might find in a typical Centro casa in Medellin, at 2-3 times the price (that's probably why they go there). It is good enough to have somewhere to put my dick on those nights when I am unable to arrange a night dive, and that is about it. I actually had better results in Cozumel, which is primarily a scuba diving destination but also has some chica bars with a primarily Mexican talent pool (but some Colombians too); the quality of the Mexican talent and service pleasantly surprised me. I also had fantastic results with some of the Colombian, Venezuelan, and other foreign talent in Cancun, but at US -level prices.
Manizales911
09-18-18, 10:13
Anyone familiar with this?
https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.maxim.com/.amp/news/colombian-sex-vacation-2017-10
It's 5 k for 4 days all inclusive sex resort. I'm positive the experience isn't worth the price but thought I'the ask anyways thanks fellas.I went on a similar excursion on my very first trip to Cartagena Colombia 12 years ago, dropped about 15 grand total for a week for myself and a buddy of mine, had the time of my life. Complete waste of money but a helluva good time, be careful and vet the operation to be sure it is legit. The outfit that I used was run by the same company that got caught up in the Elliot Spitzer scandal and was subsequently shut down. I don't know of any similar operations running in Colombia presently but I know of a couple totally legit ones operating in the Dominican Republic.
YippieKayay
09-18-18, 13:35
I went on a similar excursion on my very first trip to Cartagena Colombia 12 years ago, dropped about 15 grand total for a week for myself and a buddy of mine, had the time of my life. Complete waste of money but a helluva good time, be careful and vet the operation to be sure it is legit. The outfit that I used was run by the same company that got caught up in the Elliot Spitzer scandal and was subsequently shut down. I don't know of any similar operations running in Colombia presently but I know of a couple totally legit ones operating in the Dominican Republic.These types of operations are too in-your-face for Colombia. There's a chance you could end up in trouble with the law. And yeah, waste of money. You can get similar experience for less by just hitting up the night life. Much less than 15 grand. My budget is usually 2. 5 million pesos for 10 days. That includes food, booze, gambling, and sex.
In Cartagena 200 k will get you a good time with almost any chica worth fucking. Less if you bargain hunt.
Manizales911
09-18-18, 18:46
These types of operations are too in-your-face for Colombia. There's a chance you could end up in trouble with the law. And yeah, waste of money. You can get similar experience for less by just hitting up the night life. Much less than 15 grand. My budget is usually 2. 5 million pesos for 10 days. That includes food, booze, gambling, and sex.
In Cartagena 200 k will get you a good time with almost any chica worth fucking. Less if you bargain hunt.Twelve years ago nobody in Colombia gave a damn about the "in your face" factor, We were met at the airport by our "guide" and a dozen girls, nobody batted an eye. Today is a completely different story, I would agree that it would have to be kept on the down low, easy enough to do. One does not consider buying one of these high end excursions if money is a factor, I don't regret doing it. I have 50+ trips to Colombia and lived there for awhile so I am fully aware of what the going prices are as well as anyone and under the right circumstances I would do it again if one of my close friends wanted an off the hook bachelor party or a divorce party, sure why not.
LionBacker
09-21-18, 23:23
This may not be the right particular forum to ask this question, if so sorry in advance.
From what I've been reading on this site, most of the casas and strip clubs are in El Centro. El Centro is supposed to be a very rough part of town That's to be avoided at night.
But at night is when all the action is going on and I am traveling alone. How can I go to one of the casas / strip clubs in El Centro at night pick up a girl bring her back to my apartment in El Poblado without being at risk.
Or is my assumption that walking around el centro around 10 PM isn't that risky?
Twelve years ago nobody in Colombia gave a damn about the "in your face" factor, We were met at the airport by our "guide" and a dozen girls, nobody batted an eye. Today is a completely different story, I would agree that it would have to be kept on the down low, easy enough to do. One does not consider buying one of these high end excursions if money is a factor, I don't regret doing it. I have 50+ trips to Colombia and lived there for awhile so I am fully aware of what the going prices are as well as anyone and under the right circumstances I would do it again if one of my close friends wanted an off the hook bachelor party or a divorce party, sure why not.Well it will be kept quite. We do understand the things that could happen. Never would we show up at the airport like that. Our plan is to keep things simple.
We do it right now and keep it very simple and quite. So now we pick you up at the airport and take you to your hotel or apartment. If you need a translator we have someone there who can translate for you. Before your trip we give you a list of girls to choose from. Out of that list we let you start the communication process before your trip. If you choose to wait till you are there it is fine as well.
We setup Pool parties or club nights if that is something that you want. We will help you setup all your dates with the women you choose from.
This may not be the right particular forum to ask this question, if so sorry in advance.
From what I've been reading on this site, most of the casas and strip clubs are in El Centro. El Centro is supposed to be a very rough part of town That's to be avoided at night.
But at night is when all the action is going on and I am traveling alone. How can I go to one of the casas / strip clubs in El Centro at night pick up a girl bring her back to my apartment in El Poblado without being at risk.
Or is my assumption that walking around el centro around 10 PM isn't that risky?I imagine that a lot would depend where you live in your home country. Any big city in the USA is most likely worse that Centro in MDE.
Myself I have been to MDE over ten times in the last eight years, and some of those trips were for over a month at a time. I would go to Centro almost every night, and I would walk around not only the Strip club area but also the SW area past the museum. Many times after two am. I have never had a problem or even felt afraid in all those times. I really think Poblado is more dangerous than Centro for Gringos. If you don't believe me then check all the murders that have happened to Gringos there.
Yes of course when in Centro don't flash money or expensive trinkets. BTW all my visits to the area I was alone. If you go with one or more friends than you for sure will be quite safe.
This may not be the right particular forum to ask this question, if so sorry in advance.
From what I've been reading on this site, most of the casas and strip clubs are in El Centro. El Centro is supposed to be a very rough part of town That's to be avoided at night.
But at night is when all the action is going on and I am traveling alone. How can I go to one of the casas / strip clubs in El Centro at night pick up a girl bring her back to my apartment in El Poblado without being at risk.
Or is my assumption that walking around el centro around 10 PM isn't that risky?My advice would be to first go to Centro during daylight. Walk around and hit some casas and look at the chicas hanging on the street. After you get your bearings, go at nighttime. Take a taxi directly to one of the strip clubs. There are three main ones. Ejecutivo and Maraicaibo which are right next to each other and Conejitas. Do NOT pick one up to take back to your apartment in Poblado. Always better to sample them on-site before committing to taking them home. If you find one or more that you like, get her contact and have her come over to your apartment the next day.
One of the golden rules of this hobby IMO is don't negotiate for an all-night session until you've at least sampled the chica once. No matter how good-looking, she could be a total dead fish in bed. Or worse, she could be in the middle of her period. Or have nasty pussy odor.
My advice would be to first go to Centro during daylight. Walk around and hit some casas and look at the chicas hanging on the street. After you get your bearings, go at nighttime. Take a taxi directly to one of the strip clubs. There are three main ones. Ejecutivo and Maraicaibo which are right next to each other and Conejitas. Do NOT pick one up to take back to your apartment in Poblado. Always better to sample them on-site before committing to taking them home. If you find one or more that you like, get her contact and have her come over to your apartment the next day.
One of the golden rules of this hobby IMO is don't negotiate for an all-night session until you've at least sampled the chica once. No matter how good-looking, she could be a total dead fish in bed. Or worse, she could be in the middle of her period. Or have nasty pussy odor.That is a wealth of great advice. I might add that if the girl is working at a casa in el centro, are you sure, I mean really sure, you want to take her to your apartment? I would be very careful until you have been with her a few times and gotten a feel for her personality. There is a reason there are so many short-term hotels in el centro and most areas of the city. Yes Colombians have families and can't take the girl home but a fair amount of them are single and know better. Even if your apartment has a front desk that takes her cedula and copies it. You might prefer to spend the $15 dollars (usually between 13 and 17 dollars (or 35-50 mil pesos).
All but a couple of the Centro casas are closed by nightfall. This advice is spot on.
My advice would be to first go to Centro during daylight. Walk around and hit some casas and look at the chicas hanging on the street. After you get your bearings, go at nighttime. Take a taxi directly to one of the strip clubs. There are three main ones. Ejecutivo and Maraicaibo which are right next to each other and Conejitas. Do NOT pick one up to take back to your apartment in Poblado. Always better to sample them on-site before committing to taking them home. If you find one or more that you like, get her contact and have her come over to your apartment the next day.
One of the golden rules of this hobby IMO is don't negotiate for an all-night session until you've at least sampled the chica once. No matter how good-looking, she could be a total dead fish in bed. Or worse, she could be in the middle of her period. Or have nasty pussy odor.
This may not be the right particular forum to ask this question, if so sorry in advance.
From what I've been reading on this site, most of the casas and strip clubs are in El Centro. El Centro is supposed to be a very rough part of town That's to be avoided at night.
But at night is when all the action is going on and I am traveling alone. How can I go to one of the casas / strip clubs in El Centro at night pick up a girl bring her back to my apartment in El Poblado without being at risk.
Or is my assumption that walking around el centro around 10 PM isn't that risky?Read some more. Most of the casas close at 7 or 8 pm. The best time to visit the casas is daytime. If you know your way around, if you pay attention, you can walk around and visit several different casas in reasonable safety, daytime. Nighttime, I wouldn't recommend it, but since most of the casas are closed at night, there's no reason to be walking around.
Strip clubs tend to be better after 10 pm. Take a taxi to the door.
You don't pick up a girl from a casa or a strip club and take her to your apartment. You session with her on site. If you're really impressed, get her WhatsApp and have her come to you the next day.
LionBacker
09-25-18, 11:53
Thanks for all the advice. I actually just booked my flight and my reservations. I'll be staying at Provenza Loft and they allow guests according to the website "We welcome all visitors who have a Government Issued ID and Passport. We are visitor friendly hotel as long as visitors show physical cedula or passport at time of entrance showing age 18 and above. "
I'll hit up the casas during the day and after a sessions if I really like the girl ID get her contact info to invite her back to my spot. That way there's no need to be walking around el centro at night.
JanuaryNineth
09-25-18, 20:46
US Citizen here travelling first time out of country and to Medellin, Colombia. I have my passport ready. Do I need to get any visas or permit or anything? Or just buy the tickets and go and get paper work done at Medellin airport custom? Any helpful information will be appreciated!
US Citizen here travelling first time out of country and to Medellin, Colombia. I have my passport ready. Do I need to get any visas or permit or anything? Or just buy the tickets and go and get paper work done at Medellin airport custom? Any helpful information will be appreciated!Unless you're planning on staying more than 180 days, all you need is your passport. Bring a pen with you on the plane. While you are enroute they will hand out a Colombian Customs entry form for you. You'll need the address of where you will be staying. It's not complicated.
Upon landing, follow the line to get your entry stamp. The paper you fill out on the plane will go to the last guy before you exit the arrival area.
US Citizen here travelling first time out of country and to Medellin, Colombia. I have my passport ready. Do I need to get any visas or permit or anything? Or just buy the tickets and go and get paper work done at Medellin airport custom? Any helpful information will be appreciated!Your passport is all you need. You will be provided with a customs form on the airplane before arriving at the Medellin airport. The customs form is very simple. You have to know the address of where you are staying in Medellin. You must check a box that you are not carrying more than $10,000 USD and not bringing more than $1,500 worth of gifts. I think it is $1,500, but it may be a little different. Once you are off the airplane, just follow the crowd to immigration. You first go to an immigration officer who checks your passport and stamps it. That is your visa. The officer will probably ask you the purpose of your visit. Tell him / her you are a tourist. You will then get your checked baggage if you have any. Go to another checkpoint where they will collect the customs form you filled out. It's possible they may put your baggage through a scanner. I think there is a currency exchange booth in that area. If you don't have a debit card to use the ATM's, exchange $40 or $50 to pay the taxi and have some extra. You will then exit the customs area through some doors to an area where there will be people wanting to help you with your bags, offer transportation. If you have arranged transportation, the driver will be in that area with a sign with your name on it. ATM's are about 75 to 100 feet straight ahead. If you haven't arranged transportation, go through another door to the sidewalk. There will be a person there asking if you want a taxi. Tell him yes and he will direct you to a taxi. Taxis are safe, and they have a set rate from the airport to Medellin. Rates to most areas are 65,000 COP (I think). Depending on time of day, it will take about 45 minutes to travel to Medellin from the airport. All this information after customs is assuming you arrive during the day.
JanuaryNineth
09-26-18, 04:16
Your passport is all you need. You will be provided with a customs form on the airplane before arriving at the Medellin airport. The customs form is very simple. You have to know the address of where you are staying in Medellin. You must check a box that you are not carrying more than $10,000 USD and not bringing more than $1,500 worth of gifts. I think it is $1,500, but it may be a little different. Once you are off the airplane, just follow the crowd to immigration. You first go to an immigration officer who checks your passport and stamps it. That is your visa. The officer will probably ask you the purpose of your visit. Tell him / her you are a tourist. You will then get your checked baggage if you have any. Go to another checkpoint where they will collect the customs form you filled out. It's possible they may put your baggage through a scanner. I think there is a currency exchange booth in that area. If you don't have a debit card to use the ATM's, exchange $40 or $50 to pay the taxi and have some extra. You will then exit the customs area through some doors to an area where there will be people wanting to help you with your bags, offer transportation. If you have arranged transportation, the driver will be in that area with a sign with your name on it. ATM's are about 75 to 100 feet straight ahead. If you haven't arranged transportation, go through another door to the sidewalk. There will be a person there asking if you want a taxi. Tell him yes and he will direct you to a taxi. Taxis are safe, and they have a set rate from the airport to Medellin. Rates to most areas are 65,000 COP (I think). Depending on time of day, it will take about 45 minutes to travel to Medellin from the airport. All this information after customs is assuming you arrive during the day.Thank you so much for the detailed information. It really clears most of the things I had in my mind. Plus I will be arriving aroud 11:30 pm. So it should be good for me.
LionBacker
09-26-18, 13:56
That is a wealth of great advice. I might add that if the girl is working at a casa in el centro, are you sure, I mean really sure, you want to take her to your apartment? I would be very careful until you have been with her a few times and gotten a feel for her personality. There is a reason there are so many short-term hotels in el centro and most areas of the city. Yes Colombians have families and can't take the girl home but a fair amount of them are single and know better. Even if your apartment has a front desk that takes her cedula and copies it. You might prefer to spend the $15 dollars (usually between 13 and 17 dollars (or 35-50 mil pesos).Is it risky to take a girl back to your place even when they check ID at the front desk? I was thinking of locking my things up (wallet, phone, passport). I just like the convenience of her taking a taxi to your place instead of going to centro to meet her and have to stay in a subpar motel.
Unless you're planning on staying more than 180 days, all you need is your passport. Bring a pen with you on the plane. While you are enroute they will hand out a Colombian Customs entry form for you. You'll need the address of where you will be staying. It's not complicated.
Upon landing, follow the line to get your entry stamp. The paper you fill out on the plane will go to the last guy before you exit the arrival area.A few years ago I stayed just over 60 days, and I had to go to the embassy in Belen, and it was a real pain in the butt plus these was a charge. Yes you are allowed 180 days in country, but not more than 60 days at a time. You can stay longer, but you will not be happy with the hoops they make you jump thru.
LionBacker
09-29-18, 17:05
Does anyone have any experience using uber in Medellin?
It would make things easier for someone like me that doesn't speak much Spanish, since the pickup / dropoff and payment is done all on the app.
Just in case uber isn't available, is it easy to get a taxi at midnight outside of Ejecutivo or Maraicaibo. I don't want to be stuck or walking around looking for a taxi at that time of night.
A few years ago I stayed just over 60 days, and I had to go to the embassy in Belen, and it was a real pain in the butt plus these was a charge. Yes you are allowed 180 days in country, but not more than 60 days at a time. You can stay longer, but you will not be happy with the hoops they make you jump thru.Usually, currently, when you go through imigracion at the airport, you will receive a stamp good for 90 days. If you are staying beyond 90 days you can either leave the country for 1 day to get a new 90 day stamp, or you can go to the local imigracion office. You can set up an appointment on the imigracion website.
You will need to bring a copy of your passport, main page and current entry stamp page, along with your passport. Once it's your turn, it takes about 5 minutes. You'll get a piece of paper and be sent to be fingerprinted and photographed. Once that's done, take the piece of paper to any Banco Occidental branch and pay the fee. I believe it's less than 150 k. The bank will mark your paper as paid. Take it back to the person who processed you and he'll put a new stamp for another 90 days.
I've jumped through the hoops. They weren't a problem. It takes a lot less time and money than leaving the country for a day.
If you're in Bogota it's even easier. They have a bank cashier right there.
If you are staying beyond 180 days you'll need some type of Visa. The student visa is easiest. To qualify for a 6 month visa you need to pay for 3 months of classes at an accredited school. I recommend the Spanish language for foreigners program at EAFIT. It's one class per day, 5 days a week, for a total of 40 hours per class. Pay for 6 classes in advance and you can get a 1 year visa.
Classes are either 2 hours per day for 4 weeks, or 4 hours per day for 2 weeks. No more than 8 students per class. Cost for 3 is a bit over $1000. There are 15 classes in the program. Placement exams determine where you start. Class times will be between 8 am an 2 pm, depending on your class.
To get the visa, first pay for the classes. The office is ground floor in the building on the east side of Avenida Las Vegas. The main campus is on the west side. Clara will give you the paperwork you need for your Visa. You will also need, copies of your passport, main and most recent stamp pages, 6 months of bank statements showing an average balance, used to be about $2500. They've updated the website and doesn't give a specific multiple of the minimum wage any more. You'll also need a letter from you stating that you are responsible for your own support in Colombia and that you have the means to leave Colombia when your Visa expires in. Also 2 recent photos, in color, with a white background. All of this must be uploaded to the imigracion website before you go. Pro tip: files must be in PDF format, which makes the files bigger than the allowable size. Use a PDF optimizer to shrink the size. Check the results before uploading, because if you optimize too much, you lose quality.
You must get the student visa in Bogota. When you enter the office you'll need to pay for the the visa study, $50. There's a bank cashier right there. Once your number is called go to the appropriate desk. Someone will check everything and give you the bill for the visa. You'll then go through picture and fingerprint and go to pay for the visa, another $40. When everything is finished you'll get a visa placed in your passport and you're on your way.
On your way back to an imigracion office to get your cedula. For this you need the same stuff as needed to extend a tourist visa, plus a blood type certificate. Go to a medical clinic lab. Took me about 45 minutes, 10 minutes waiting, 1 minute to get some blood, 30 minutes to wait for results and 4 minutes to get the certificate. Cost was about $3.
You have to apply for your cedula within 15 days and it expires the same day as the visa. It will take about 10 days, and you'll need to return to imigracion to pick it up.
Not counting travel time to and from Bogota, or class time at EAFIT, for about 6 hours of dealing with bureaucracy and about $1400, you can legally spend 1 year in Colombia, without leaving. Plus you'll improve your Spanish.
Does anyone have any experience using uber in Medellin?
It would make things easier for someone like me that doesn't speak much Spanish, since the pickup / dropoff and payment is done all on the app.
Just in case uber isn't available, is it easy to get a taxi at midnight outside of Ejecutivo or Maraicaibo. I don't want to be stuck or walking around looking for a taxi at that time of night.Yes, you can use Uber. The biggest problem I had with Uber was them trying to find me. The locator always tried to send them a block away from my location. Just make sure the pick up is at the right spot.
There are usually taxis outside of the strip clubs. You can also use the Easy Taxi app. Sometimes was difficult getting one to show up, but the app works similar to Uber except for payment.
A few years ago I stayed just over 60 days, and I had to go to the embassy in Belen, and it was a real pain in the butt plus these was a charge. Yes you are allowed 180 days in country, but not more than 60 days at a time. You can stay longer, but you will not be happy with the hoops they make you jump thru.Since the beginning of 2012, they always write 90 days on the visa stamp when I enter at MDE. Prior to that time, they wrote in 60 days at MDE and one time 30 days at BOG.
Eszpresszo
09-30-18, 00:21
One thing I noticed a few weeks ago in Bogota, was the lack of good cell phones, not to mention not so many girls pecking at their phones mindlessly. I guess I should be happy for that. A few girls I encountered at the houses of pleasure and night time venues I visited had some archaic and old "dumb" phones. Though, a pair of Venezolanas I met at Chicas Milenio had nicer smart phones and were deep into them when they were not trying to fleece me. I'm not sure if they reflects poverty or more so the expense of owning a smart phone with a data plan. In Asia, smart phones are ubiquitous in poorer nations. However, they also are at the source of cheap electronics and I figure that is a factor on the other side of the Pacific.
That said, is a cheap, outmoded but unlocked Android phone an item in demand or of some value in Colombia? I have at least three of those things lying around in my drawer. We're talking nothing older than Android Lollipop, at least one loaded with Nougat but still outmoded. I could probably sell them on Ebay but wouldn't get much for them. So, I took one along on my last two trips in case of a problem with my preferred phone. I have read reports of guys on other forums who closed the deal with a girl (or upgraded the services) by giving them a cheap smart phone of little value back home. Anyone done that in Colombia?
One thing I noticed a few weeks ago in Bogota, was the lack of good cell phones, not to mention not so many girls pecking at their phones mindlessly. I guess I should be happy for that. A few girls I encountered at the houses of pleasure and night time venues I visited had some archaic and old "dumb" phones. Though, a pair of Venezolanas I met at Chicas Milenio had nicer smart phones and were deep into them when they were not trying to fleece me. I'm not sure if they reflects poverty or more so the expense of owning a smart phone with a data plan. In Asia, smart phones are ubiquitous in poorer nations. However, they also are at the source of cheap electronics and I figure that is a factor on the other side of the Pacific.
That said, is a cheap, outmoded but unlocked Android phone an item in demand or of some value in Colombia? I have at least three of those things lying around in my drawer. We're talking nothing older than Android Lollipop, at least one loaded with Nougat but still outmoded. I could probably sell them on Ebay but wouldn't get much for them. So, I took one along on my last two trips in case of a problem with my preferred phone. I have read reports of guys on other forums who closed the deal with a girl (or upgraded the services) by giving them a cheap smart phone of little value back home. Anyone done that in Colombia?Good cell phones get stolen, frequently. They also get dropped and broken. Practically any girl you meet in Colombia can tell you where to get your broken phone fixed, cheap.
Any girl will accept a smartphone as a tip. If it's good enough, she might accept it as a partial payment. It's unlikely you'll get more out of them than you could get selling them locally. We're well past bartering beads for Long Island. The girl walking around with a flip phone probably knows within 1000 pesos the value of those phones. She's not going to give you $300 worth of sex for a $10 phone. If she likes you, you might get $10 worth.
The problem is Huawei. Their phones are comparable to Samsung and Apple at a much lower price. I think my Mate 9 cost about $300 and it is comparable to a $600-$800 Samsung. They have plenty of cheaper models as well.
In addition, there's a big used cell phone market. Plenty of girls selling iPhones and Galaxies.
The girls will appreciate the phones, but if you're thinking of turning a profit, you're going to be disappointed.
LionBacker
09-30-18, 16:22
One thing I noticed a few weeks ago in Bogota, was the lack of good cell phones, not to mention not so many girls pecking at their phones mindlessly. I guess I should be happy for that. A few girls I encountered at the houses of pleasure and night time venues I visited had some archaic and old "dumb" phones. Though, a pair of Venezolanas I met at Chicas Milenio had nicer smart phones and were deep into them when they were not trying to fleece me. I'm not sure if they reflects poverty or more so the expense of owning a smart phone with a data plan. In Asia, smart phones are ubiquitous in poorer nations. However, they also are at the source of cheap electronics and I figure that is a factor on the other side of the Pacific.
That said, is a cheap, outmoded but unlocked Android phone an item in demand or of some value in Colombia? I have at least three of those things lying around in my drawer. We're talking nothing older than Android Lollipop, at least one loaded with Nougat but still outmoded. I could probably sell them on Ebay but wouldn't get much for them. So, I took one along on my last two trips in case of a problem with my preferred phone. I have read reports of guys on other forums who closed the deal with a girl (or upgraded the services) by giving them a cheap smart phone of little value back home. Anyone done that in Colombia?I haven't given smartphones to any girls in Columbia. But I am planning a trip to Medellin and joined columbiancupid so I can make some whatapp contacts. When I ask some give me their numbers but I've had three say that they need a new phone in order to text. In those cases I just continue to talk to them on the website. I'm thinking about bringing a cheap android to use when I go out to el centro day or night and leave my iPhone in my safe at the hotel, maybe I'm being over cautious but just in case.
LionBacker.
Is it risky to take a girl back to your place even when they check ID at the front desk? I was thinking of locking my things up (wallet, phone, passport). I just like the convenience of her taking a taxi to your place instead of going to centro to meet her and have to stay in a subpar motel.I hate short term hotels. In my opinion (30 years) if you use some degree of caution, don't leave anything in plain site, and NEVER share a drink in a situation where you could be drugged. You should be fine. Similar for escorts in the US.
Eszpresszo
09-30-18, 23:38
It's unlikely you'll get more out of them than you could get selling them locally.
The girls will appreciate the phones, but if you're thinking of turning a profit, you're going to be disappointed.Thanks for your input. But, I don't recall saying anything about selling them. I'm only interested in using them as leverage in a P4P agreement.
I've never owned an expensive phone and never plan to. I only buy used phones in good condition that do what I need them to do. One reason I don't own nice phones is because they do get stolen or broken, everywhere. But, at least they are cheap enough to keep a serviceable backup around.
PolloNegro
10-01-18, 00:14
I haven't given smartphones to any girls in Columbia. But I am planning a trip to Medellin and joined columbiancupid so I can make some whatapp contacts. When I ask some give me their numbers but I've had three say that they need a new phone in order to text. In those cases I just continue to talk to them on the website. I'm thinking about bringing a cheap android to use when I go out to el centro day or night and leave my iPhone in my safe at the hotel, maybe I'm being over cautious but just in case.
LionBacker.Since March 2018. Most of my pics are with my Galaxy S8+. I haven't upgraded because I'm waiting on the Galaxy S10. I won't even comment on the phone situation, what I will say is this, a good cell phone in Colombia is worth its weight in gold. Any Galaxy starting at the Galaxy S5 will bring you top coin if you still have the box it comes in. Many on this board will steer you down a 1 way street with no exit and watch you fail. Any American item with an American logo on it will bring top coin, especially in Centro. If you're afraid of street people stay in Poblado. Parque Lleras is nothing but an over priced place for tourist, mostly Americans. Your best deals, girls, phones, purses, selfie sticks, liquor, smoke, ect. Will be found in Centro! Get out and meet people, if your Spanish is limited, give the phone, unlocked to a girl of your liking, she will appreciate it. Pollo negro is out!
Thanks for your input. But, I don't recall saying anything about selling them. I'm only interested in using them as leverage in a P4P agreement.
I've never owned an expensive phone and never plan to. I only buy used phones in good condition that do what I need them to do. One reason I don't own nice phones is because they do get stolen or broken, everywhere. But, at least they are cheap enough to keep a serviceable backup around.I don't recall replying to you. So whether you were considering selling them, or grinding them up and creating cellphone suppositories has nothing to do with my response.
However, if you plan on using a cheap smartphone for leverage for P4P, you're unlikely to get your money's worth, in the Medellin economy. If she wants 200 k plus 20 k for a taxi, she might take a cheap phone and 180 k plus 20 k for a taxi. Maybe even 150 k. Then she's going to try to get a 50 k tip out of you, or give you lousy service.
She's not going to orgasm over a 2 or 3 year old smartphone.
PirateMorgan
10-01-18, 11:57
They are cheap to buy and unlocked. There is no need to bring a phone.
FlappyGilmore
10-01-18, 23:42
Just got back from Medellin yesterday. Thanks to all the contributors, especially the ones who suggested staying in Laureles. Really fun part of town and feeling pretty safe at all hours or the day. Also from our hotel, taxi fares to the places we wanted to get to were $8000 cop or less with the exception during traffic hour. Great trip report. You really make me want to book a ticket! Was curious as to what the appeal is with Laureles for shorter term stays? It seems far from the action of El Poblado. Do you recommend it for a first time Medellin visitor?
Great trip report. You really make me want to book a ticket! Was curious as to what the appeal is with Laureles for shorter term stays? It seems far from the action of El Poblado. Do you recommend it for a first time Medellin visitor?There are 3 areas of Medellin that are frequently discussed. Each has its own merits. There are several other areas worth visiting. However, most short time visitors don't have the time or desire to explore.
El Poblado
El Poblado is the home of Parque Lleras, the zona rosa of Medellin. I frequently refer to it as "Parque de Los Gringos", which gets a laugh out of taxi drivers. Most south American cities have a zona rosa, pink zone in English. It's the entertainment center of the city, where you'll find the biggest concentration of night clubs and restaurants.
El Poblado itself is where the new money in Medellin lives. It continues to grow with a lot of ongoing construction projects. Worth visiting in the area is El Castillo Museo. You may want to bring an interpreter, as the tour is in Spanish.
Other than a couple of not well reviewed massage parlors, the chica action is limited to the girls who hang out around Parque Lleras, either walking the streets, or hanging out in the clubs. There's also La Isla, the most expensive strip club in Medellin up the hill in El Poblado, and Fase 2, in the San Diego area, near the border of El Centro. Another strip club, San Diego grill straddles the line between El Poblado and Laureles.
El Poblado is the most expensive area of the city to visit. If you prefer a more modern area and are looking for English speakers, it's your best bet.
Laureles
Laureles is where the old money in Medellin resides. El Centro is the original heart of the city. The early wealth moved across the river to escape the city, but eventually the city swallowed them up. It's less flashy than El Poblado, quieter and generally cheaper.
The most active area of Laureles is La Setenta, Carrera 70 south of the Estadio metro station. The avenue is lined with bars, clubs and restaurants. The party atmosphere in El Poblado is more frantic, than Laureles. It's also flashier. The people in Laureles don't need to advertise their wealth, so it has a friendlier vibe.
The chica action is less obvious in Laureles. Besides Luna Lunera, a strip club, there's arguably the best casa in the city, Energy. Technically it's a spa, but whatever massage is offered isn't worth writing about. There's another strip club, recently reviewed that I'm not familiar with and 2 other spas. There are also a lot of girls running services in different Laureles apartments.
Worth visiting is the stadium. It's a multi-sport complex built around the main soccer stadium. There are areas for all types of sports and admission to everything except the soccer stadium is free. I've watched soccer, basketball, gymnastics, volleyball, martial arts and cheerleading competitions there. Also worth visiting are las escaleras of Comuna 13.
El Centro
El Centro is the heart of Medellin. It's also where you'll find the most and cheapest chica action. If you want an authentic experience, this is the place to stay. It's also the place to stay if you want to have plenty of cheap sex without spending money on taxis.
Anything and everything is for sale in El Centro, at some of the lowest prices in the city. Like the heart of most cities, there are a lot of bad areas in El Centro. Walking random streets isn't advised.
There are some night clubs in El Centro, but they aren't frequented by many tourists. Perhaps worth exploring for the more adventurous? Mostly it's bars, lots of bars. There are a few blocks which are nothing but bars.
El Centro is home to most of the casas in Medellin and it's where you'll find the streetwalkers. There are also several strip clubs, although gringos tend to only visit 2 or 3. In my opinion they're missing out, but most would rather go to a club with 20-30 girls than one with 3-5 girls.
If you're on a budget, El Centro is cheap. You can get food and lodging for under $25 per day. Add in another $25 and you can get laid twice.
Worth visiting is Plaza Botero. You can take lots of pictures to convince the people back home that you did something other than visit brothels.
Hi Flappy, tried to pm you but you don't have pm. Anyways, Jj did a great write up for you and others. The only thing I can add is that if you are a seasoned traveler, any of these three areas will be fine. I have never stayed in Centro but do go to the casa's and strip clubs. If your Spanish isn't at least (get by) like me, then I would probably say it would be better for you to stay in Poblado. Just my observation, but whatever you do, yes buy your ticket, I don't think you will be disappointed.
Eszpresszo
10-03-18, 00:40
I don't recall replying to you. So whether you were considering selling them, or grinding them up and creating cellphone suppositories has nothing to do with my response.
Actually, you did reply to my post. Perhaps you should look about four or five posts down and that will jog your memory a bit. Again, thanks for your input.
Eszpresszo
10-03-18, 00:49
They are cheap to buy and unlocked. There is no need to bring a phone.If I need to catch a ride Uber or have a friend to pick me up at the airport, I will probably need to take my phone with me. Right? If I want something to kill time with, while I am waiting on my flight, it will also help to have my phone, right? So if I have this unlocked Android phone I am well familiar with, why would I (or anyone else) need to buy a new phone in a foreign country?
Registering a phone is not the same as homologating it. Homologated phone means that a specific model (technical features) is approved by the authorities. The model in this case doesn't mean the commercial model, like iPhone 8, because there are many variations of this model. You can find your iPhones model going to Settings, General, About and scrolling down to model. You can also find your phone's IMEI there. For Android, consult your owner's manual. In theory all the homologated models can be found here http://www.siust.gov.co/siic/publico/terminal-homologada but it seems to be under "maintenance".
It looks like our colleague had a phone model that is not homologated (approved) in Colombia and therefore it was blocked. A phone model that is not homologated cannot be registered. If this happened to me, I wouldn't bother to homologate my phone, but I bought myself some cheap phone over there.
All this information and more can be found at this Columbian government's page https://www.crcom.gov.co/es/pagina/como-registrar-tu-celular.
Cheers and keep studying Spanish, it helps.
PaisaPorFavor
10-03-18, 20:49
Personally I buy or bring a 2nd phone so I'm not such a target. If you have a new $1000 phone it is not the smartest move to be out and about using it. Also doubles as a something to trade or gift. I got months of use and 2 tln on my last 2 nights for my $90 phone I brought.
If I need to catch a ride Uber or have a friend to pick me up at the airport, I will probably need to take my phone with me. Right? If I want something to kill time with, while I am waiting on my flight, it will also help to have my phone, right? So if I have this unlocked Android phone I am well familiar with, why would I (or anyone else) need to buy a new phone in a foreign country?.
TheBiller22
10-04-18, 14:22
I have a few days and a limited budget to make one more trip in November. I've only been to Medellin and it was a very short trip so I can definitely don't mind going again.
For those of you that have been to both places, can you please comment on the below:
1) which is generally cheaper in taking out girls?
2) which is cheaper for food and hotel?
3) which is easier to navigate through?
4) finally and I know this can be subjective, which has pretty girls?
I have a few days and a limited budget to make one more trip in November. I've only been to Medellin and it was a very short trip so I can definitely don't mind going again.
For those of you that have been to both places, can you please comment on the below:
1) which is generally cheaper in taking out girls?
2) which is cheaper for food and hotel?
3) which is easier to navigate through?
4) finally and I know this can be subjective, which has pretty girls?In order to get a comparison between 2 cities, you need to list 2 cities.
However, if you have a limited time and a limited budget, the biggest factors are airfare and flight time. Unless you're flying out of Miami you'll probably spend at least half on airfare.
Here's the other problem. The people who think Medellin is best will tell you Medellin is best. The people who like Cartagena, or Bogota will suggest which ever they prefer.
Yet another problem. Cheapest assumes you don't care about anything else, including safety. In Bogota and Medellin I can find lodging for $10 per night and I can find food for under $3 per meal. Food I would eat and a room I would stay in. I could probably cut another 15%, but that's outside of my comfort zone.
Where's your comfort zone? How many passed out glue sniffers will you step over before running back to civilization? Are you going to need air conditioning and heat?
I have no problem getting around in Bogota or Medellin. I usually walk or use public transportation, although I also use Uber and taxis.
There are 2 ways to get some useful responses. You can give your budget for each city, after airfare, give the number of days you wish to stay, give your food preferences and lodging requirements and how many girls you want to see each day. Then ask for recommendations within your budget.
Or you can say what's most important for you on this trip and ask how you can achieve your goals and stay under budget.
I'm flying into MDE separate from a buddy. One of us is arriving on an international flight and the other is arriving on a domestic LATAM flight. Can anyone please recommend a can't miss place for one of us to sit until the other arrives near the exit for international flights?
Thanks!
I'm flying into MDE separate from a buddy. One of us is arriving on an international flight and the other is arriving on a domestic LATAM flight. Can anyone please recommend a can't miss place for one of us to sit until the other arrives near the exit for international flights?
Thanks!Just go upstairs to where the food court is.
TheBiller22
10-09-18, 12:58
In order to get a comparison between 2 cities, you need to list 2 cities.
However, if you have a limited time and a limited budget, the biggest factors are airfare and flight time. Unless you're flying out of Miami you'll probably spend at least half on airfare.
Here's the other problem. The people who think Medellin is best will tell you Medellin is best. The people who like Cartagena, or Bogota will suggest which ever they prefer..Duh, I totally forgot to mention Bogotá as the other city. My oversight. Thanks for your response.
That being said, flight time and cost are pretty much the same so that wouldn't be a factor. Total budget would be $300 for 3 days. This does not include airfare. I guess the only real factors that truly matter to me are:
Safety as you said. I don't mind homeless or druggies or run down areas, however, I would not want to be by a place where I can get mugged (daytime or night time).
Lodging: I don't care care for A/C or heat but do care about having WiFi and hot water would be nice.
Food preference: none really. As long as I'm not getting sick from the food, I'm pretty flexible with what's available around lodging.
Girls: goal is to have 2 girls a day, 3 if possible.
Also if anyone has a recommendation for a nice hotel under 60 k that is girl friendly in both cities?
Safety as you said. I don't mind homeless or druggies or run down areas, however, I would not want to be by a place where I can get mugged (daytime or night time).Come on brotha, think about where the muggings usually occur, hmmmm.
"Homeless or druggies or run down areas".
Duh, I totally forgot to mention Bogot as the other city. My oversight. Thanks for your response.
That being said, flight time and cost are pretty much the same so that wouldn't be a factor. Total budget would be $300 for 3 days. This does not include airfare. I guess the only real factors that truly matter to me are:
Safety as you said. I don't mind homeless or druggies or run down areas, however, I would not want to be by a place where I can get mugged (daytime or night time).
Lodging: I don't care care for A/C or heat but do care about having WiFi and hot water would be nice.
Food preference: none really. As long as I'm not getting sick from the food, I'm pretty flexible with what's available around lodging.
Girls: goal is to have 2 girls a day, 3 if possible.
Also if anyone has a recommendation for a nice hotel under 60 k that is girl friendly in both cities?Well your safety requirement rules out Colombia. I know someone who was mugged in the early evening, in a busy, upscale area of El Poblado. And he doesn't look like an easy target. You can get mugged anywhere.
However, your budget and goals pretty much limit you to either El Centro or Santa Fe. In either place you can eat for about $10 per day and find hotels for $25 or less. That leaves enough money for 2 or 3 girls a day in the casas or off the street.
Well your safety requirement rules out Colombia. I know someone who was mugged in the early evening, in a busy, upscale area of El Poblado. And he doesn't look like an easy target. You can get mugged anywhere.
However, your budget and goals pretty much limit you to either El Centro or Santa Fe. In either place you can eat for about $10 per day and find hotels for $25 or less. That leaves enough money for 2 or 3 girls a day in the casas or off the street.How did he get mugged there. He had to be doing something crazy. That place is. Is well not scary at all. And in broad daylight. Idk.
Getting ready to book a trip for 10-13 days flying into and out of Bogota. I will be visiting 2-3 cities including, Bogota & Medellin and I can stay thru December 23rd. I remember reading that Christmas was slow due to Colombians spending Christmas with their families. For visitors, how are those last few days before Christmas? Thanks.
TropicalDave
10-11-18, 02:33
Is Viagra or anything like that available at the pharmacy or do you need a doctors prescription? What's the good stuff?
Is Viagra or anything like that available at the pharmacy or do you need a doctors prescription? What's the good stuff?You can get Viagra, or the generic, sildenafilo, at any pharmacy. No prescription is needed. It is available in 50 and 100 MG doses. You can also get Cialis, generic tadalafilo. Prices vary widely.
Planning a week trip Colombia end of month. First question. Medellien or Cartagana (or Bogota) or both?
If only 1 place. Is a week too much? (I have minimal tourist interests).
Thanks much,
Sam.
Mr Enternational
10-11-18, 21:02
Since the subject is up, here is a cartoon that my buddy sent me the other day.
Planning a week trip Colombia end of month. First question. Medellien or Cartagana (or Bogota) or both?
If only 1 place. Is a week too much? (I have minimal tourist interests).
Thanks much,
Sam.I would answer yes, no, probably, maybe and I'm not sure.
If you have minimal tourist interests, why go to Colombia? To fuck Colombians? There are Colombians in every Colombian city, so does it really matter which city you go to?
It probably does matter which city you go to, but that's not a decision anyone can make for you. It's going to require some research on your part. Which climate would you prefer? Which city makes sense for what you plan to do? Which one best fits your budget? What type of chica scene are you looking for? How much effort are you going to put into it?
Is a week too long for 1 city? Cartagena has 1 million people. Medellin had 4 or 5 million. Bogota has over 10 million. I'm pretty sure you won't run out of women in 1 week.
I would answer yes, no, probably, maybe and I'm not sure.
If you have minimal tourist interests, why go to Colombia? To fuck Colombians? There are Colombians in every Colombian city, so does it really matter which city you go to?
It probably does matter which city you go to, but that's not a decision anyone can make for you. It's going to require some research on your part. Which climate would you prefer? Which city makes sense for what you plan to do? Which one best fits your budget? What type of chica scene are you looking for? How much effort are you going to put into it?
Is a week too long for 1 city? Cartagena has 1 million people. Medellin had 4 or 5 million. Bogota has over 10 million. I'm pretty sure you won't run out of women in 1 week.At JjBee. Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I really did not mean 'don't care for tourism' - I actually do. I of course (no longer) can do girls all day.
What I meant is. Is there enough in Med'and for a week (and I don't mean girls) for a week, or should I plan to an additional city. And would that be- easy to go from Med'and.
Any location and hotel recommendations in Med'and (3* - GF and decent / convenient.
Thanks again,
Sam.
At JjBee. Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I really did not mean 'don't care for tourism' - I actually do. I wish, but of course no longer can do girls all day.
What I meant is. Is there enough in Med'n for a week and I don't mean girls, or should I plan to an additional city. And would that be- easy to go from Med'n
Any location and hotel recommendations in Med'n 3*+ - Girl Friendly and decent / convenient - Laureles, El Poblado, City center?
Thanks again,
Sam.Just to further add I don't know a single word of Spanish.
Thanks.
Sam.
At JjBee. Thanks for the thoughtful reply. I really did not mean 'don't care for tourism' - I actually do. I of course (no longer) can do girls all day.
What I meant is. Is there enough in Med'and for a week (and I don't mean girls) for a week, or should I plan to an additional city. And would that be- easy to go from Med'and.
Any location and hotel recommendations in Med'and (3* - GF and decent / convenient.
Thanks again,
Sam.Let's start with tourism. Enough to fill a week, without going full tourist mode.
Bogota: Monserrat, The gold museum, the salt Cathedral, several museums in La Candelaria area, the flea market in Usaquen, graffiti tour, the transmilenio, ciclovia.
Medellin: Parque Arvi, Guatape, Botero Plaza, a few museums in El Centro, the castle museum, graffiti tour, Comuna 13, the Metro and Metrocable, ciclovia.
Guatape and the salt Cathedral require travel outside the city. Both will eat up most of a day.
The transmilenio is Bogota's public mass transit system. For a very small price you can get on, ride to the end of the line, ride to the other end, switch to another line, etc. You can cover a lot of the city for less than the cost of a beer. The ride is bumpy, the driver's believe that the brake and gas pedal only work if you stomp on them, and during rush hour the buses are packed beyond anything you can imagine. But if you plan it right you can spend half a day in reasonable comfort and see quite a bit.
The Metro and Metrocable is Medellin's better answer to mass transportation. The ride is smooth and not bumpy, the crowding isn't as bad as the transmilenio and it's much more comfortable. There are 2 trains, a grounded monorail and I think 5 aerial trams (Metrocable). You'll spend a little more to take the full trip, but you still can experience much of the city, take in some great views and be safe and comfortable for less than a good lunch in the US.
Ciclovia is a national fitness initiative in Colombia. Every Sunday and most holidays streets are blocked off and opened up for all non-motorized activities. You'll see joggers, runners, bicyclists, rollerbladers, skateboarders, walkers, people with their dogs and kids. Lots of people out enjoying the weather and getting some good exercise. I refer to it as camel toe appreciation day. Just get out and walk, and enjoy the scenery. Find a cafe for some brunch, take in some coffee and be amazed at how many beautiful women are walking by.
There are plenty of other tourist options, so you shouldn't get bored in a week.
If you don't speak Spanish, in Medellin you probably should look for a hotel in El Poblado. You'll find more hotels with English speaking staff. Hotel Poblado Plaza was chica friendly, but I don't know if they still are, or if they charge extra. I think they're 4 star, but the price is not too bad, about $75 per night. Check the Medellin Hotels thread for other options.
Let's start with tourism. Enough to fill a week, without going full tourist mode.
Bogota: Monserrat, The gold museum, the salt Cathedral, several museums in La Candelaria area, the flea market in Usaquen, graffiti tour, the transmilenio, ciclovia.
Medellin: Parque Arvi, Guatape, Botero Plaza, a few museums in El Centro, the castle museum, graffiti tour, Comuna 13, the Metro and Metrocable, ciclovia.
The Metro and Metrocable is Medellin's better answer to mass transportation. The ride is smooth and not bumpy, the crowding isn't as bad as the transmilenio and it's much more comfortable. There are 2 trains, a grounded monorail and I think 5 aerial trams (Metrocable). You'll spend a little more to take the full trip, but you still can experience much of the city, take in some great views and be safe and comfortable for less than a good lunch in the US.
There are plenty of other tourist options, so you shouldn't get bored in a week.
If you don't speak Spanish, in Medellin you probably should look for a hotel in El Poblado. You'll find more hotels with English speaking staff. Hotel Poblado Plaza was chica friendly, but I don't know if they still are, or if they charge extra. I think they're 4 star, but the price is not too bad, about $75 per night. Check the Medellin Hotels thread for other options.Thanks JjBee, so El Poblado would be a good location for the hotel? The hotel thread didn't help- all the talk is about Air BnB and apartments etc.
Airport hotel commute- taxi or is there any public transport? Most hotels seem to be have airport shuttle - is that free?
What is the best site for booking hotels here?
Anyone has any specific names of girl friendly hotels?
Thanks much,
Salt mine is one of the places with different entry fees for nationals and foreigners (something that I don't like. Reverse discrimination), and foreigners fee is 50 K as I recall. I paid also 120 K for a taxi and a guide and we also visited a nearby town.
Thanks JjBee, so El Poblado would be a good location for the hotel? The hotel thread didn't help- all the talk is about Air BnB and apartments etc.
Airport hotel commute- taxi or is there any public transport? Most hotels seem to be have airport shuttle - is that free?
What is the best site for booking hotels here?
Anyone has any specific names of girl friendly hotels?
Thanks much,Is Hotel San Fernando Plaza a good and girl friendly hotel? It is described as "Family-friendly" (?)
Is Hotel San Fernando Plaza a good and girl friendly hotel? It is described as "Family-friendly" (?)Anyone can help on this. Plus is El Poblado is the right area. Hopefully able to walk (or easy cab) around to the action places? Or any other locations are better?
Thanks.
Anyone can help on this. Plus is El Poblado is the right area. Hopefully able to walk (or easy cab) around to the action places? Or any other locations are better?
Thanks.
There are 3 areas of Medellin that are frequently discussed. Each has its own merits. There are several other areas worth visiting. However, most short time visitors don't have the time or desire to explore. Follow back to the original post to read about the 3 most frequented areas in Medellin.
My 4 night stay at Hotel San Fernando in EL Poblado was great! $64 a night, great breakfast, nice pool, good location. Chica friendly, walk in during the day. At night must have ID. Had to do an alternate for one night as one of the girls didn't have ID. Went to Las Cabannas 6 min away by taxi. 50 k per person, entry gate, stripper poles and big tubs, Sex chair and mini bar with everything you need. No ID required. Las Cabannas might be cheeper pre-booked.It appears the hotel is chica friendly.
Every place where you can rent a room in Medellin is close to the action. It all depends on which action you are looking for.
If the action you want is street girls, casas and low end strip clubs, and you want to be close to it, stay in El Centro. Disclaimer: many first time visitors to Medellin cower in their El Centro hotel room for 1 night and then run to El Poblado. El Centro can be scary.
If the action you want is Facebook girls, mileroticos and photosprepagos girls, along with a more expensive casa experience (or if you know how to use taxis, Uber and / or public transportation and want all the above plus the El Centro action, and want to avoid gringos) stay in Laureles.
If you want the closest experience to staying in the US, stay in El Poblado. You'll pay a little more. You'll spend more time in taxis, but you'll find many people speaking English.
CzarNicholas
10-16-18, 02:45
I've rtff and I've seen a post stating USD isn't an advantage here?
I like to carry cash, lots of it.
If I have to stick a very fat roll of 100 dollar bills inside a condom up my ass I will.
I don't like to leave home without it, lots of it.
That said, can anyone say why this is a really bad idea?
I'm not worried about getting robbed.
Except for maybe the policia.
I don't want ATM skimmers robbing me.
Or ATMs declining my cards.
I've had these issues before in different countries.
Thanks everyone, you have a great thread.
I've rtff and I've seen a post stating USD isn't an advantage here?
I like to carry cash, lots of it.
If I have to stick a very fat roll of 100 dollar bills inside a condom up my ass I will.
I don't like to leave home without it, lots of it.
That said, can anyone say why this is a really bad idea?
I'm not worried about getting robbed.
Except for maybe the policia.
I don't want ATM skimmers robbing me.
Or ATMs declining my cards.
I've had these issues before in different countries.
Thanks everyone, you have a great thread.Funny, I couldn't be more different about my money habits.
I hate carrying more cash than I must.
Not just because you can be robbed, but also pickpocketed. I have a budget when traveling. I'd hate to go over that budget due to a stupid mistake.
But if you need a more persuasive reason against carrying rolls of USD in Colombia, it's that I didn't notice a free exchange of USD for goods or services other than a couple emerald stores in Cartagena. Peso is Colombia national currency, so why carry dollars in the first place?
I don't know if it's a bad idea, just very impractical. Carry wads of pesos if you insist.
CzarNicholas
10-16-18, 06:01
Funny, I couldn't be more different about my money habits.
I hate carrying more cash than I must.
Not just because you can be robbed, but also pickpocketed. I have a budget when traveling. I'd hate to go over that budget due to a stupid mistake.
But if you need a more persuasive reason against carrying rolls of USD in Colombia, it's that I didn't notice a free exchange of USD for goods or services other than a couple emerald stores in Cartagena. Peso is Colombia national currency, so why carry dollars in the first place?
I don't know if it's a bad idea, just very impractical. Carry wads of pesos if you insist.I would never have cash where a pickpocket could jack it, why carry USD? To exchange for kcop! $500-$1000 at a time.
Cash is the world's greatest aphrodisiac.
If I have to stick a very fat roll of 100 dollar bills inside a condom up my ass I will.
Whatever rocks your boat, man. But if that turns you on, why come to Colombia? Because a fat roll of 50.000 COP bills is much cheaper I guess.
Seriously, take two or three debit cards for ATMs. Unless you enjoy the excitement of not knowing whether your cash will still be with you in the morning.
Funny, I couldn't be more different about my money habits.
I hate carrying more cash than I must.
Not just because you can be robbed, but also pickpocketed. I have a budget when traveling. I'd hate to go over that budget due to a stupid mistake.
But if you need a more persuasive reason against carrying rolls of USD in Colombia, it's that I didn't notice a free exchange of USD for goods or services other than a couple emerald stores in Cartagena. Peso is Colombia national currency, so why carry dollars in the first place?
I don't know if it's a bad idea, just very impractical. Carry wads of pesos if you insist.It's a good idea, just like sticking a raw steak in your underwear before diving into shark infested waters is a good idea.
There are plenty of places that might take dollars, but you'll probably lose 25% off the exchange rate. Prepagos will take $100 bills, but they don't give change. Plus it seems silly to pay $100, $200, or $300 for someone you could get for $50 or less.
Of course the big drawback to carrying "a very fat roll of 100 dollar bills" is that "a very fat roll of 100 dollar bills" looks very tempting to anyone living on about $6 per day.
Mr Enternational
10-16-18, 17:40
I would never have cash where a pickpocket could jack it, why carry USD? To exchange for kcop! $500-$1000 at a time.Unless you are walking around buying land everywhere you go, Colombia is very cheap and does not require a bunch of money. I fucked 5 chicks in Santa Fe the other night and only spent $65. Each said they would do all night for $65. If you go to a nice restaurant you might spend $30 for 2 people. Me and my girlfriend went to a small town Saturday and I paid a taxi driver $40 for 4 and a half hours to take us around doing tourist stuff.
Unless you are walking around buying land everywhere you go, Colombia is very cheap and does not require a bunch of money. I fucked 5 chicks in Santa Fe the other night and only spent $65. Each said they would do all night for $65. If you go to a nice restaurant you might spend $30 for 2 people. Me and my girlfriend went to a small town Saturday and I paid a taxi driver $40 for 4 and a half hours to take us around doing tourist stuff.5 for $65 - 40 k Per. Sounds great- but not really much cheaper than the generally indicated rate for 50 K. I am yet to visit Med'and but not sure what quality you get for this- 5- 10- if you could comment?
Based on girl and location prices could vary (a lot).
Sam.
It's a good idea, just like sticking a raw steak in your underwear before diving into shark infested waters is a good idea.
There are plenty of places that might take dollars, but you'll probably lose 25% off the exchange rate. Prepagos will take $100 bills, but they don't give change. Plus it seems silly to pay $100, $200, or $300 for someone you could get for $50 or less.
Of course the big drawback to carrying "a very fat roll of 100 dollar bills" is that "a very fat roll of 100 dollar bills" looks very tempting to anyone living on about $6 per day.I prefer ATMs, you get best rate and general convenience. Do we have 'reliable / safe' ATMs without fees etc. Citi or BoA ATMs?
What is the difference in cash exch for $100 vs ATM rate?
Are there ATMs on the way out of airport.
Thanks.
Sam.
I prefer ATMs, you get best rate and general convenience. Do we have 'reliable / safe' ATMs without fees etc. Citi or BoA ATMs?
What is the difference in cash exch for $100 vs ATM rate?
Are there ATMs on the way out of airport.
Thanks.
Sam.ATM tends to be 2-3% better than exchange places. There are ATMs at the airport. There are many ATM options including Citibank, Davivienda, Banco de Bogota, and others. The amount per withdrawal varies and some charge a service fee.
I prefer to use ATMs at the banks, or inside a shopping mall.
I prefer ATMs, you get best rate and general convenience. Do we have 'reliable / safe' ATMs without fees etc. Citi or BoA ATMs?
What is the difference in cash exch for $100 vs ATM rate?
Are there ATMs on the way out of airport.
Thanks.
Sam.I use schwab debit visa to withdraw cash from ATM's as schwab refunds the fee. You need to set a travel notice with them before you leave. I have been to Bogota 4 times and never had a problem at an ATM. Some will have armed guards near them. Oil.
I prefer ATMs, you get best rate and general convenience. Do we have 'reliable / safe' ATMs without fees etc. Citi or BoA ATMs?
What is the difference in cash exch for $100 vs ATM rate?
Are there ATMs on the way out of airport.
Thanks.
Sam.In Medellin, Davivienda and BBVA do not charge ATM fees. Those are the only ones I know of.
I just checked on the internet three different exchange places and the rate is 2780/1 at two of the places, and 2785/1 at the other place. Xe.com rate is 3067/1. So you should get at least 3060/1 at the ATM's. So, for $100 at the ATM, you would get 306,000; at the exchange houses, you'd get 285,000. Just about 10% difference.
There are two Bancolombia ATM's outside the baggage claim area at the MDE airport. Bancolombia charges a fee. The other banks' ATM's are on the second floor (up the stairs from baggage claim).
In Medellin, Davivienda and BBVA do not charge ATM fees. Those are the only ones I know of.
I just checked on the internet three different exchange places and the rate is 2780/1 at two of the places, and 2785/1 at the other place. Xe.com rate is 3067/1. So you should get at least 3060/1 at the ATM's. So, for $100 at the ATM, you would get 306,000; at the exchange houses, you'd get 285,000. Just about 10% difference.
There are two Bancolombia ATM's outside the baggage claim area at the MDE airport. Bancolombia charges a fee. The other banks' ATM's are on the second floor (up the stairs from baggage claim).
I will get some via ATM at Airport and later look for fee free ATMs in the city, will carry some USD just in case. 2 or 3% ATM fee is better than 8 -10% cash haircut
SIM card- what is the best place to get SIM card, will carry a unlocked iPhone.
Taxi to city- Read some place you can get a standard cab to city at fixed price like 50 K or something? Is that the way to go? Hotels are indicating airport shuttle- one had indicated a silly price like US $75!
Follow back to the original post to read about the 3 most frequented areas in Medellin.
It appears the hotel is chica friendly.
Every place where you can rent a room in Medellin is close to the action. It all depends on which action you are looking for.
If the action you want is street girls, casas and low end strip clubs, and you want to be close to it, stay in El Centro. Disclaimer: many first time visitors to Medellin cower in their El Centro hotel room for 1 night and then run to El Poblado. El Centro can be scary.
If the action you want is Facebook girls, mileroticos and photosprepagos girls, along with a more expensive casa experience (or if you know how to use taxis, Uber and / or public transportation and want all the above plus the El Centro action, and want to avoid gringos) stay in Laureles.
If you want the closest experience to staying in the US, stay in El Poblado. You'll pay a little more. You'll spend more time in taxis, but you'll find many people speaking English.
Booked Hotel Poblado Plaza for 3 nights, will see after that.
What all action is nearby? Thanks.
Sam.
Any Safety Security Issues to worry about in Medellin. Any areas and stuff etc to avoid.
Thanks.
I will get some via ATM at Airport and later look for fee free ATMs in the city, will carry some USD just in case. 2 or 3% ATM fee is better than 8 -10% cash haircut
SIM card- what is the best place to get SIM card, will carry a unlocked iPhone.
Taxi to city- Read some place you can get a standard cab to city at fixed price like 50 K or something? Is that the way to go? Hotels are indicating airport shuttle- one had indicated a silly price like US $75!If you use a Bancolombia ATM, get the largest amount possible because they charge per transaction, not a percentage.
I haven't bought a sim card in many years. The Monterrey Mall at the bottom of the hill on Calle 10 is an electronics mall. There should be numerous places there to buy a sim card. Take your passport and your phone with you.
The white taxis from the airport charge 65 K (I think) to Poblado. The yellow taxis are 70 K, I think. As a first timer, taxis are the way to go from the airport. You can also get Uber, but my experience has been they charge more than a taxi.
If you use a Bancolombia ATM, get the largest amount possible because they charge per transaction, not a percentage.
I haven't bought a sim card in many years. The Monterrey Mall at the bottom of the hill on Calle 10 is an electronics mall. There should be numerous places there to buy a sim card. Take your passport and your phone with you.
The white taxis from the airport charge 65 K (I think) to Poblado. The yellow taxis are 70 K, I think. As a first timer, taxis are the way to go from the airport. You can also get Uber, but my experience has been they charge more than a taxi.Taxi- In the PDF there is mention of Pvt Taxis: "Yellow (private) taxi: fixed price 50000 k (some quote 52000 k), see sticker in the window. Toll is included and they drive you to anywhere in Medellin. " 50/52 k sounds fine to me- Is this not correct?
Uber- within the city is Uber the way to go or local cabs?
SIM card- so this will be little bit of effort, I will try get a Int'l plan on my phone. How much do the SIM cards cards cost? Just add some / any amount?
Bancolombia ATM- What is the charge anyway?
Thanks.
Taxi- In the PDF there is mention of Pvt Taxis: "Yellow (private) taxi: fixed price 50000 k (some quote 52000 k), see sticker in the window. Toll is included and they drive you to anywhere in Medellin. " 50/52 k sounds fine to me- Is this not correct?
Uber- within the city is Uber the way to go or local cabs?
SIM card- so this will be little bit of effort, I will try get a Int'l plan on my phone. How much do the SIM cards cards cost? Just add some / any amount?
Bancolombia ATM- What is the charge anyway?
Thanks.The information about taxis is outdated by years. The yellow taxis are now 70,000, I am pretty sure.
Uber in the city is almost always the best way to go. If I am going for a short distance, I usually just flag down a yellow taxi. It's easier than trying to connect with an Uber. Sometimes in busy areas, it is difficult to get the Uber to the proper address. There is a minimum charge for both Uber and the taxis. Taxis are between 5,000 and 6,000, I don't know the exact amount. Uber is a little less than 5,000. Sometimes, late at night when it is raining, taxis are cheaper than Uber.
There's very little effort involved in getting a sim card. They are cheap, something around 15,000 which includes some minutes. You can add minutes at many places, even from sidewalk vendors. Sim cards and minutes are much cheaper than international cell plans.
I think the ATM charge at Bancolombia is about 12,000.
SoberHans69
10-19-18, 19:33
I'd advise people to download ATM hero app for ATM fees, max withdrawal information etc.
The information about taxis is outdated by years. The yellow taxis are now 70,000, I am pretty sure..Correct https://www.medellin.gov.co/normograma/docs/r_smmed_14136_2017.htm.
Just Incognito
10-19-18, 21:49
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The information about taxis is outdated by years. The yellow taxis are now 70,000, I am pretty sure.
Uber in the city is almost always the best way to go. If I am going for a short distance, I usually just flag down a yellow taxi. It's easier than trying to connect with an Uber. Sometimes in busy areas, it is difficult to get the Uber to the proper address. There is a minimum charge for both Uber and the taxis. Taxis are between 5,000 and 6,000, I don't know the exact amount. Uber is a little less than 5,000. Sometimes, late at night when it is raining, taxis are cheaper than Uber.
There's very little effort involved in getting a sim card. They are cheap, something around 15,000 which includes some minutes. You can add minutes at many places, even from sidewalk vendors. Sim cards and minutes are much cheaper than international cell plans.
I think the ATM charge at Bancolombia is about 12,000.Thanks.
All sounds fine:
Airport cab 70 k (24 $) - assuming it is flat rate, and these take cash only. So will have to use ATM at Airport, shouldn't be an issue. There is some mention of shared taxis. Is that a practical option?
Distance to airport is indicated as 10-12 miles, so 24 $ is not exactly cheap, but whatever.
Local Cabs - 5/6 K - 2 $ - Great. Assuming it is cash. Will carry cash bills. What kind of bills do have here: 1, 5, 10,20, 50,100?
15 K /5 $ SIM would hopefully get you thru a week? Yes Int'l plans are costly- especially AT&T. I earlier had TMobile, it included Int'l data and text (but no voice) - Text and WhatsApp would work fine, but other data (incl Uber) would be crappy. So any local vendor for would be fine? Claro is indicated as good provider?
Bancolombia /12 k per tran. Sounds OK.
Here I come - 27th - 3rd. Anybody else?
Sam.
Sorry dumb question, what the heck is prepagos? Google translate says prepaid?
But it being used here as 'hooker". Does this term has any specific special meaning: SW, FL, MP, whatever?
Sam.
Mr Enternational
10-19-18, 23:26
Sorry dumb question, what the heck is prepagos? Google translate says prepaid?
But it being used here as 'hooker". Does this term has any specific special meaning: SW, FL, MP, whatever?
Sam.It means Escort. A guy in a fb group that I am cussed a chick out when she told him she was a prepago. He said there was no way he would pay in advance. We laughed at him. I guess that is where having some idea of local colloquiums come in.
Thanks.
All sounds fine:
Airport cab 70 k (24 $) - assuming it is flat rate, and these take cash only. So will have to use ATM at Airport, shouldn't be an issue. There is some mention of shared taxis. Is that a practical option?
Distance to airport is indicated as 10-12 miles, so 24 $ is not exactly cheap, but whatever.
Local Cabs - 5/6 K - 2 $ - Great. Assuming it is cash. Will carry cash bills. What kind of bills do have here: 1, 5, 10,20, 50,100?
15 K /5 $ SIM would hopefully get you thru a week? Yes Int'l plans are costly- especially AT&T. I earlier had TMobile, it included Int'l data and text (but no voice) - Text and WhatsApp would work fine, but other data (incl Uber) would be crappy. So any local vendor for would be fine? Claro is indicated as good provider?
Bancolombia /12 k per tran. Sounds OK.
Here I come - 27th - 3rd. Anybody else?
Sam.If we are talking about Medellin I always take the airport bus to town, it's like 9,500 p or $3. Then take a cab from it's last stop. One route goes to downtown Centro and ends up behind the Hotel Nutribara (the Autopista route) and the other I believe ends up at the San Diego Mall.
When you get to the airport as you step outside you will see these mini-buses, it's a hour ride to the city depending on traffic. The buses say "Combuses SA" on the side. Luggage goes in the trunk and they give you a numbered luggage tag.
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