Colombian Peso exchange rate and related issues

[Luver Of Chicas]

E-trade doesn't charge you because they give you a shitty exchange rate, so when you look at it that way you are still being "charged" 3-4%

I reviewed my Etrade bank statement, I withdrew 100,000 pesos on December 30, 2007 from BBVA bank and my etrade statement shows $49.95, that is an exchange rate of 2,002 pesos to US$1. My info shows the exchange rate on that date was around 2000 pesos + or - 10 pesos to the US$1 so not sure where your getting the 3-4% charge.

[Bango Cheito]

The fees I've seen:

Suntrust charges US$5, Etradebank charges $0, so they are the best if withdrawing money. Most internet only banks will credit you back the charge so the withdrawal is free.

E-trade doesn't charge you because they give you a shitty exchange rate, so when you look at it that way you are still being "charged" 3-4%

[Malodr]

I took a taxi (Metered) from Poblado to Centro for $7 and went to a casa for $14 and had lunch for $2.50. I was buying snacks of the street vendors for 40-75 cents.

Things are getting expensive here, I may have to stay in NY where a taxi from Queens to Midtown is only $40.

[Tom 33]

I'm not a complete stranger to Colombia, but I hear the word "prepago" thrown around here a lot. What exactly does this mean? A prepaid part-time novia? Help me with this.

The term comes from pre-paid phone cards. You pay her, she plays. She can usually do what you want within limits. She is not a pro. She may have a boyfriend or husband. You will never see her hustling on the street or in clubs. She prefers to entertain you for an hour or two in your place. And then she leaves. Me encanta.

[Luver Of Chicas]

After living here in Cali for over 3 years I find your observations hit the mark exactly. I have said the same thing many times.

I agree as well, as I've been going to Colombia for over 10 years, but still is a lot of fun. I think the smart money guys are probably heading to Venezuela, Hugo Chavez is our friend is scaring everyone off. I need to check that Caracas out again, a few years back I thought it pricey, but noone talks much of going there now.

[Luver Of Chicas]

When I did it, they charged me a 1% fee and gave the interbank rate. No additional fees.

The fees I've seen:

Suntrust charges US$5, Etradebank charges $0, so they are the best if withdrawing money. Most internet only banks will credit you back the charge so the withdrawal is free.

[Malodr]

The true prepago is not for sale to anyone. Thus it can be hard for anyone else to hook you up. Some are open to introductions, many are not.

A friend of mine asked for a phone number for a girl whose photos I had sent to him. I gave him the number, but the girl shut him down. I spoke to her later, and she said that she was a little shy. Had I introduced them in person, it may have been a different story.

Now this is what I want, an exclusive at a very good price. wait, I think I may have a few.

[Medellin Rum]

Greetings everyone,

I have decided not to delete Medellin Rum's post because it serves as a shining example of DISINFORMATION by a Forum Member whose only real agenda is to DISCOURAGE anyone from visiting Colombia, which he considers his personal playground.

This post, along with his numerous antagonistic posts that I've deleted in the past few days, has identified Medellin Rum as the second Serial Antagonist to be exposed and banned since Full Moderation went into effect last week.

I appreciate everyone's patience as I seek to rid the Colombia Forum of these Serial Antagonists and Disinformation Propagandists.

Thanks,

Jackson

=======================================================

I’m back in Medellin after living here for 18 months. This is my second visit in less then two months. Its no surprise to me that Medellin is experiencing double digit inflation and growth. Every month I see prices creep up to almost USA levels and sometimes higher not to mention the exchange rate of about 2000 pesos for your dollar. I truly believe Medellin will continue to fall as a desirable resort destination due the rising cost of everything. It was never on the chart as a top destination to begin with. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Money Guy or No money guy because Medellin is becoming one of the most expensive destination in South America. The other issue (HUGE) is people are starting to dislike Gringos. Well, we probably brought that on ourselves or at least some gringos did. Take a look for yourself and form your own opinion. Additionally, and the last issue is the Chicas are starting to gain weight and act like American women. Gosh, so much for Medellin! Your thoughts please.

Now why would anyone not post this?

[Oschino2]

I'm not a complete stranger to Colombia, but I hear the word "prepago" thrown around here a lot. What exactly does this mean? A prepaid part-time novia? Help me with this.

[Evel Knievel]

Well put! My problem is how to get hooked up into this "prepago" network? Know any reliable sources?

I'll answer your question in the "General Info" thread because the answer doesn't belong here.

[Juanambu]

I also have noticed a deterioration in the quality of women at the upscale places (Flores Frescas, Loutron, Lucitania, etc.) compared to several years ago. Generally, the women are less attractive currently than in the past.

Also, the "marriage agencies" in Colombia cannot attract and retain beautiful women like they did in the past either. Many agencies are bankrupt or close to bankrupt. Even some of the oldest and largest - for example TLC Worldwide - are bust. Technically, TLC is a "romance tour" operator (not a marriage agency) but they are conceptually similar enterprises.

I think that the quality decline is due more to the incredible rise in popularity of the "prepago" networks, not to Colombia's limited economic progress. Of course both are a factor, but I think that the women vastly prefer the "prepago" system because they can protect their reputations much better. A woman cannot protect her reputation at Flores Frescas or plastered as featured merchandise on the web site of a marriage agency.

If I were a beautiful Colombian woman temporarily in need of extra money and/or seeking to meet an affluent man for an ongoing relationship, I certainly would prefer the "prepago" route over the alternatives.

After living here in Cali for over 3 years I find your observations hit the mark exactly. I have said the same thing many times.

[Tom 33]

Well put! My problem is how to get hooked up into this "prepago" network? Know any reliable sources?

The true prepago is not for sale to anyone. Thus it can be hard for anyone else to hook you up. Some are open to introductions, many are not.

A friend of mine asked for a phone number for a girl whose photos I had sent to him. I gave him the number, but the girl shut him down. I spoke to her later, and she said that she was a little shy. Had I introduced them in person, it may have been a different story.

[Almotu]

If I were a beautiful Colombian woman temporarily in need of extra money and/or seeking to meet an affluent man for an ongoing relationship, I certainly would prefer the "prepago" route over the alternatives.

Well put! My problem is how to get hooked up into this "prepago" network? Know any reliable sources?

[Evel Knievel]

Frescas Flores prices have shot up and the quality is way down.

I also have noticed a deterioration in the quality of women at the upscale places (Flores Frescas, Loutron, Lucitania, etc.) compared to several years ago. Generally, the women are less attractive currently than in the past.

Also, the "marriage agencies" in Colombia cannot attract and retain beautiful women like they did in the past either. Many agencies are bankrupt or close to bankrupt. Even some of the oldest and largest - for example TLC Worldwide - are bust. Technically, TLC is a "romance tour" operator (not a marriage agency) but they are conceptually similar enterprises.

I think that the quality decline is due more to the incredible rise in popularity of the "prepago" networks, not to Colombia's limited economic progress. Of course both are a factor, but I think that the women vastly prefer the "prepago" system because they can protect their reputations much better. A woman cannot protect her reputation at Flores Frescas or plastered as featured merchandise on the web site of a marriage agency.

If I were a beautiful Colombian woman temporarily in need of extra money and/or seeking to meet an affluent man for an ongoing relationship, I certainly would prefer the "prepago" route over the alternatives.

[Malodr]

Until this month Citibank did not charge for using a Citibank ATM in Colombia. Starting this month they will be charge on any location outside the US. 2%

That really sucks. I have used Paypal for 3 years now and i am very happy with the $1 fee and the higher exchange rate.