General Info

[Bango Cheito]

I would add to this almond oil, best lubrication on the planet!

Vic,

You forgot to mention the monger "doosh bag" . Never leave your hotel without it.

Contents:

Alcohol Wipes
Listerine strips (enough for two)
Condoms
Hand lotion
Mouth Wash
Gum
* Pen and Paper (can't stress this enough)
A city map
Roll on fragrance oil
Smokes/ Lighter

[Artisttyp]

I just had a Chica have fun with my mini bar.

Maybe in the back of my mind I made this list up so other guys would add to it and I would pick up good intel.

Vic,

You forgot to mention the monger "doosh bag" . Never leave your hotel without it.

Contents:

Alcohol Wipes
Listerine strips (enough for two)
Condoms
Hand lotion
Mouth Wash
Gum
* Pen and Paper (can't stress this enough)
A city map
Roll on fragrance oil
Smokes/ Lighter

[Gagoo]

Cartagena is at least twice as expensive as Medellin for accomodations, food, entertainment, and girls. It is far and away the most expensive city in Colombia. You can plan on spending a minimum of $250.00 dollars a day not counting the cost of your accomodations if you want to party on the beach and in the bars each day/night.

I suggest you go to Medellin and stay at the Casa Blanca (Mansion or El Castillo), or stay at Franks Place, or possibly Parceros Penthouse where you will be able to communicate with many others in similar situations as you, and be around others who know the lay of the land.

Thanks for the info, I'll look into staying at those places. And do some more research.

[Gagoo]

I'm making plans to go to Columbia for the first time, I'm American and my Canadian friend will me meet there. We don't know more than a few dozen Spanish words.

Of course part of the trip is find girls and otherwise have fun and we want to be and feel safe. We are looking at about an 8 or 9 day trip. Would we be better off going to Cartagena or Medellin? And why? Are they about the same prices for food, drinks and ladies?

Is a bus trip or plane trip to each other reasonable?

Thanks for any info.

[John Gault]

I would add:

# Have the hotel empty the mini bar on arrival, especially if you are planning to invite anyone back. Visit the local supermarket to stock up at a reasonable price.

I just had a Chica have fun with my mini bar.

Maybe in the back of my mind I made this list up so other guys would add to it and I would pick up good intel.

[Manizales911]

A lot has been said lately about safety in Colombia. Mostly newbes a little to lazy to read the board. I want to bring up a point on this issue that I think is being overlooked a bit. To me the number one saftey issue in So. America is getting run over on the street by the most agressive drivers I have ever seen. I walk a lot so maybe it is more apparent to me than maybe you other guys. Just the other day I looked both ways and the coast was clear to cross a street in BAQ. No sooner did I step in the street came a car around the corner. Still plenty of time for me to cross, but this Bastard steped on the gas and aimed right for me. I had to really hustle to just make it to the other side of the street. This has happened to me many time over here.

Yes sure there are bad guys to worry about, but IMHO the most pressing danger here is walking across the street. No kidding, I really mean this.

Good point. I never ever walk across the street,I run across even if there are no cars in sight. When they see an obvious gringo like me it turns into a sport for them.

[AddictedToWomen]

Newbe check list

I would add:

# Have the hotel empty the mini bar on arrival, especially if you are planning to invite anyone back. Visit the local supermarket to stock up at a reasonable price.

[John Gault]

A lot has been said lately about safety in Colombia. Mostly newbes a little to lazy to read the board. I want to bring up a point on this issue that I think is being overlooked a bit. To me the number one saftey issue in So. America is getting run over on the street by the most agressive drivers I have ever seen. I walk a lot so maybe it is more apparent to me than maybe you other guys. Just the other day I looked both ways and the coast was clear to cross a street in BAQ. No sooner did I step in the street came a car around the corner. Still plenty of time for me to cross, but this Bastard steped on the gas and aimed right for me. I had to really hustle to just make it to the other side of the street. This has happened to me many time over here.

Yes sure there are bad guys to worry about, but IMHO the most pressing danger here is walking across the street. No kidding, I really mean this.

[Ricker]

How could you bring other girls into your room once you are involved with a staff member. It doesn't matter if they are off that day.There is nothing that goes on in a hotel that is not passed on to interested partys.

You said it brother!

Same reason I stay away from chicas in my work-place.

Too close and too much chitter chatter.

[John Gault]

Excellent advise Vics, only one question,please explain #7,why no messing with the hotel help?

How could you bring other girls into your room once you are involved with a staff member. It doesn't matter if they are off that day.There is nothing that goes on in a hotel that is not passed on to interested partys.

[Bango Cheito]

Messing with the hotel help is an excellent way to get robbed.

[SlamCity7777]

Big thanks to all of the gentlemen who replied to my post about "La Docle Vida". Very kind of you.

I love this board almost as much as I love Colombia. Well no, but you get what I mean.

Enjoy fellas, I'm shooting for April return!

[Manizales911]

Newbe check list

After learning many things the hard way I thought I would share some info on helpful travel hints.

1. Before you depart call all banks and credit companys about your plans. Get the international phone numbers for any problems once you are in place. Have at least 2 different ATM cards.

Bring some cash also. Your call depending on how long your trip will B.

2. Keep a list of friends and family phone numbers you may need to call if problems arise.

3. Make a couple of copies of your passport photo page. Do not carry your passport unless you must as a copy will do most anywhere except the airport.

4. Pack so you can only use carry on bags. This will save you time at the airport and also no worry about bags. I have had my bags lost twice and it took each time 2 days to get them back with an extra trip to the airport to retrieve them.

5. At the airport keep most of your cash hidden on your person as this is a most dangerous time for you as crooks know you did not come to their country without money in your pocket.

6. For longer stays get an apartment, for short stays always get a girl friendly hotel close to the action.

7. Never fool around with girls who work at your hotel. I can not stress this enough.

8. Check ISG often on your laptop. Yes a laptop is a great tool for info and down time.

9. Try and hook up with other more experienced Mongers if possible. At the least you will save money on cabs, and no doubt learn a lot from a experienced hand. Also take cabs to bad areas that you visit.

10. At places you want to return get the card. It is way better to show a cab driver a card than use your most likely limited Spanish.

11. Try and learn at least some basic Spanish like numbers and greetings and such. Better yet take a course before you leave home

12. If you are with a person who is from the country you are at and it comes time to get a price on goods or services it would be wise to lay back so the other party does not give a Gringo price

13.. Be a good fellow to the girls you meet. Treat them like a lady and you will be rewarded with most likely good service.

14. Don't over pay or over tip the working girls. Do not spoil things for other Mongers.

15. Try as best as you can to blend in to the local scene. Don't wear shorts to night clubs

16. If you get drunk in a bar you are now a possible target for bad guys. Yes they are out there and are watching for easy prey.

17. This one should have been closer to the top. If you are in for a long stay and are tired the first night then go to bed. Yeah I know you want action, but for me I always wish I would have taken it easy the first night. For you way younger guys you can disregard this warning.

18. Very important. Have fun, this is your time. Make the best of it. If you make a mistake don't sweat it just move on.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here for more information.

Excellent advise Vics, only one question,please explain #7,why no messing with the hotel help?

[Member #3435]

Newbe check list

17. This one should have been closer to the top. If you are in for a long stay and are tired the first night then go to bed. Yeah I know you want action, but for me I always wish I would have taken it easy the first night. For you way younger guys you can disregard this warning.

I think this point (#17, above) is one of the best tips, regardless of age.

I always spend my first few hours; #1 of course, geting settled in the room and then #2, provided I haven't arrive too late in the day, going to the supermarket and stocking up on my supplies: Food, juice, coffee supplies, several litres of good Chilean wine, beer, sodas H20, etc. etc, etc.

You don' have to fuck anything and everying that moves as fast as possible.

Just me I guess.

Schwmm

[Menteng]

This doesn't sound quite right.

With the first spousal visa you should have gone to DAS and got a 2 year CE. I think this CE can then be converted into a residence visa after that time, though I don't know how that works.

After the second consecutive CE, issued after a second Visa, glued in one's passport, one can opt for residence. I'm in the second CE fase now. Only, like I posted before, my passport, with the second visa in it, will expire before I complete the 4 years. In the past, when the townhall destroys my old passport, I didnt bother. But now I will need an undamaged page where the visa is attached.