Cali Reports

[Ferolga777]

Lima Busy

That was a superb explanation. It should be on the FAQ.


ferolga

[Nyc Expat]

ferolga and Lima Busy

Thanks very much for your honest feedback. Especially Lima Busy with your informative post. It’s highly appreciated. All points taken to consideration.

I would like to clarify a few points. After being with her (non-pro) and never asking for anything, I suggested she came to the US on a brief holiday so we could be together since I had extra time in S. Florida before returning to Europe. The time could be used so we could get to know each other better. Of course I didn’t know the new requirements for visas.

I browsed the embassy’s website in Bogota regarding visas. I realize it isn’t as easy as I thought. I wrote her yesterday explaining the visa situation. She seems ok with it. I suggested we go together to Bogota when I return to CTG in July. No problem. She hasn’t asked for money. Sure, I will probably have to send $25 for the fee but I myself can pay the $100 embassy application expense personally when I’m there. Transport of course is also my expense. She'll need a return ticket to enter the US and it’s only a holiday trip at this time. I can afford supporting her on holiday in Florida for a week. So far so good.

If she starts asking for money then I know her true intentions and I can stop it before it costs a fortune. Guys, you are probably right but it is also possible her intentions are really honorable. They all can’t be gold diggers can they?. As for the age difference, I am not young in age, only in appearance and mind. I prefer a woman her age rather than a woman late 20’s, early 30’s for obvious reasons.

BTW, while in CTG, I met an American, 50, working in Bogota whom introduced me to his 26 yr. old GF. They have been together for 7 months and seem happy. He told she never asks for anything. He gives her taxi money for transport and an occasional gift. He said she is satisfied. I offered to give my new friend a gift. After some thought, she would like a pair of jeans. Cost about 120000 pesos, roughly $45. Reasonable I think.

Time will tell.

[Happy C]

Leo,

Thanks for your advise on the ATM card. I generally pay $1.50 transaction fee with Bank of America. Where can you get the best rate for American Dollars in Cali or other cities. I generally go to Caruaa in San Fernando ner the dog park there is a grocery store with a Bank.

Also thank you on the information on the taxi surcharge at night. How does one commuincate this in spanish to the taxi driver in spanish if hes trying to rip you.

HappyC

[Ferolga777]

NYC Expat

It's nice to have a pretty woman tell you she that she loves you. Enjoy the affair. Love her.

However, I see no reason to bring her to the USA. Your concerns are valid. I have seen the problem of the woman that comes to the USA and gets what she wants and then dumps the guy so many times that it stopped being funny and now is just boring.

So, good luck. My best wishes.

Ferolga

[Lima Busy]

NYC EXPAT,

This is strictly for information purposes and not intended as a judgement of your situation. That being said there are plenty of Colombian or Latina looking 45 year olds right here in N.Y.C.

As far as the Visitors Visa or "Cita" as it is called in spanish.

There are two types "Tourist" and "Fiance".

Tourist- Will allow the women to come here on vacation.This visa can only be applied for at the U.S embassy in the womens home country. Besides the application it requires a face to face interview.

The cost is a $25 application fee that the women must pay at a bank before contacting the embassy for appointment. In addition there is a $100 non refundable processing fee that must be paid.

The $125.00 is probably what she was asking for. Which makes sense for 3 pops. As my Soprano friends like to say "You can pay me now or you can pay me later" sorry less I digress.

Once she pays the $25 to the bank and has a reciept she can call the U.S embassy for a appointment. At that time they will send her a application (which must be completed in English).

They will also give her a appointment for interview (about 5 min in duration and conducted in Spanish)

After the interview they will keep the $125.00, deny her application and send her on her way. We have to finance world domination some way!

There are however exceptions to every rule. It is possible to get a tourist if you can demonstrate the following.

1. You own a house.
2. You have a bank account with "Mucho Dinero"
3. You have a good job.

From my experience only the first two apply.

Which brings us to the Fiance Visa.

You can do this yourself or hire a agency (I have never done either but I am told the agency route is about $650.00)

This visa must be applied for by you.

Fiance Visa.

This allows your girlfriend to enter the country for 6 months.

If you marry her within six months she can stay in the country and apply for permanent status.

If you do not marry her she will:

A. Have to go home, never to be allowed entrance into our country again.

B. Simply dissapear to Corona N.Y. or where ever her husband, boyfriend or family lives. While you get to explain to the I.N.S.

There are many other conditions you must comply with:

A. Demonstrate you have a relationship with this women through letters,photos and travel documents.

B. Provide tax returns to prove you can support her.

C. Health certificates(no vd) and police reports for her.

If the idea of going thru this for a 45 y/o piece of ass is starting to bore you, imagine how I feel typing all this with one finger.

More info is available online at the U.S. State Dept. and probably has been written before by others on this site.

I hope this has been helpful.

Lima Busy

P.S. Recurdo mi Amigo! A chica is just as likely to say "te amo" to get a visa as you are to say it to get in her pants.

[El Culion]

Leo,

The charge levied on Visa depends on the issuer of the card. With my card you only pay 1% (with a maximum of Euro 1.36) if your account shows a positive balance.

Withdrawing money with my ATM card is much more expensive!

[Leo]

Just to clear up some slightly misleading items of the last few weeks:

1. The name is Hostal San Fernando, not Hotel San Fernando. Still, it is a hotel (not a hostal) in the neighborhood of San Fernando. There is a Hotel San Fernando which I have never seen any reference to in WSG in the last 12-24 months, and taxi drivers have told me this place is a dump.

2. The add-on for a taxi at night, officially called 'recargo nocturno' is 500 pesos, not 1,000. Since you don't see the rate card, and since meters show rate-numbers and not fares in pesos, most taxis will overcharge you for both the normal fare and any add-on (e.g. night add on). Don't let them, unless you like to pay more than list price on things.

3. Using a visa card in an ATM is flat out stupid (unless it's an emergency). Use an ATM card. One with a VISA logo also implies it works on the plus network (vs. cirrus). Using a VISA card will cary a 2% or US$10 fee (which ever is higher) and you'll accrue interest immediately. Money is money, paying fees for obtaining money, when it's otherwise not required, is stupid.

[Nyc Expat]

Just want to add some comments regarding the women of COL.

I was in CTG for 5 days last week. I met a HOT 45 yr. old looking much younger. I'm mid-50's but look 40'ish. Yes, she is fantastic. Slim, 55 kg. She didn't ask for money after getting together 3 times.

She says she loves me. I'm afraid she will try to use it for her economic gains. Also wants me to get her US visitors visa. Any comments. I really like her.

[World Traveler #2]

Tica Man,

I have been in the Hotel San Fernando, but even though it's not too far from the action( that is the north area) is a nice place. However if you want to be in the center of things there are other hotels you can stay at, or depending how long you will be staying you can get an apt for the money that you would be spending in hotels and wouldn't have to deal with the restrictions if you want to have a reunion or bring girls. I like hotels but I found it more amusing staying in an apt due to several advantages. I usually stay at a place called Terraces, I forgot how you say it in Spanish, my interpreter and guide translates even the names, but he could get you in touch with the one person who rents these apts. It's a very nice place if you want to check it out and it's just right there close to sixth avenue and the west side, in front there's a beer place where collage girls go hang out on the weekend, ( In Cali according to my guide-interpreter weekends start thursdays and Caleños call Jueves(thursday in English) Juernes, as trying to make it sound as Viernes, which means Friday) If you are staying at least two weeks and your budget allows it you should consider this option, but I wouldn't know if they had any vacancies at the moment. I'll email you my guide's email address through private message, he might be able to help you if he is not busy with another client at the moment.

Good luck

[Happy C]

Tica Man,

San Fernando Hotel is in an area called San Fernando If I am not mistaken. It is on the way to the south of the city. It is a nice area. I like to stay in the west close to the Hotel Intercontential. Like the Dann Hotel or there are some nice hotels in the downtown area near Ave La sexta. Don Jamie is right on the strip. However too noisy for me. Distance is not an issue in Cali because taxis are so cheap. Downtown to you hotel should not cost you more than 5000 pesos $2 US at a bad rate of 2500 per Dollar. Taxis from point to point with the city is 2300 to 3000 pesos. All taxis have a meter and a bill card. Late at night they will propbably charge an extra 1000 pesos, I don't know why but this seem to be the norm. Use the ATM with a Visa card to get the best exchange rate usually 2650-2700 pesos the American dollar has taken a pounding since the war started. I remember last year I was getting close to 3000 pesos to a dollar.

When will you be in Cali I am trying to schedule a trip soon maybe we can meet for a beer.

Happy C

[Tica Man]

Thanks Happy for the info.

Do you know how far Hotel San Fernando from the action, is it a good location to stay?

Thanks again.

[Happy C]

Tica Man,

You should not pay more than 30-35K (aprox $12-13 US @ 2500 pesos to the $) to your hotel Hotel San Fernando.

I generally pay 30K pesos to downtown Cali from the airport. You can take the bus I think for 2K pesos and then a taxi once you are downtown I would recommend this option if you speak spanish arrive during the day dont have much luggage and want a slight adventure. Depending on the time you arrive if you arrive at night take a cab.

HAPPY C

[Macgoo]

Ez Does it,

Great advice and perspective regarding marriage to any Latina.

Damn, thought I was the only person that knew about the accelerated aging of many, but certainly not all, Latinas. I have dated several over the years and have literally watched them 'deteriorate' right before my eyes. I might add that if one wants to bring a Columbian to the States, being over 30 years of age should be a prerequisite.

Ez

[Tica Man]

Hello,

I will be going to Cali soon and everyone here mentioned Hotel San Fernando is a place to stay. I was wondering if this place is a good location for action. If not, which area should I be staying, I heard Av Sexta, is this right,

By the way, hw far is Hotel San Fernando from the airport, and how much is the taxi ride.

Thanks in advance.

Tica Man

[Saint]

Glad you had fun Free Sex. I've met a few Amigos.com girls and even dated one of them. I really think if you hook up with these girls you have to be open and honest up front and tell them you aren't looking for anything serious. Many of them are. There are a few that are just looking for pen pals and will hook up when you're in town but many of them are looking for a serious relationship.

I think EasyDoesIt makes some good points. While I don't think it's impossible to work if there is not too great of an age difference, have some similar interests, etc., It's a totally different story once you get them here. Unless you have a girl totally in love with you for the right reasons the outcome could be disasterous.

I'm on amigos.com again after a 2 year hiatus and I've received so many emails from girls from Colombia, Venezuela and Cuba. The funny thing is I'm starting to get emails now from girls that are ALREADY here in the USA that got to the USA marrying some guy but are already divorced after only a short amount of time. Not all of them are gold diggers. I'm talking to one super sweet and from an affluent family but still. The odds are probably stacked against you. I'd be really curious to find out the % of gringo marriages that last more than 4 years.......

Saint