Medellin Reports

[Blue Touch]

I totally agree. It's just matter of time, and someone new, first-timer, maybe with poor Spanish skills, or simply naive and optimistic, who reads here and gets the impression it's everything easy, safe, quiet, etc. will get into troubles. I am not sure he will post his bad luck here, though. It happened already, I guess.

It's not safe, and it's not safe especially for those who have no clue of what is South America.

That is wrong instead. Even if the concept of "hidden gem" is personal and must be personal (I have seen here photos of sleazy hookers posted and presented as "gems") there are indeed gems. But it's not easy, it's not for everyone, YMMV, and of course shit can always happen.

OK. Given that hidden gem is a subjective, rather than objective, term, walking streets for hours to find gems and not wanting to admit that you wasted times make the girls look hidden gems.

[Blue Touch]

Police knows and condones about them. Police officers are quiet about them because they are on on the gangs' payrolls.

There are a few guys hanging around near one of the casas in Centro robbing gringos. This just happened last week to a friend and I've heard other instances with the same MO.

They pretend to be police, and start asking questions. At some point they will ask to see your money to check for counterfeit bills. They may also ask to see phone or credit cards. By the time you realize you've been scammed your money and whatever else you had is long gone.

There are things you can do to avoid being a victim. The easiest is taxi in, taxi out. Of course if you're hitting 5 casas to find the right chica, this isn't convenient. Traveling in groups will also reduce your risk.

If you are going solo, look first. Before you step into the street and start walking, look both ways. Anyone loitering nearby? If so, step back inside and call a taxi..

[HBoy54]

There are a few guys hanging around near one of the casas in Centro robbing gringos. This just happened last week to a friend and I've heard other instances with the same MO.

They pretend to be police, and start asking questions. At some point they will ask to see your money to check for counterfeit bills. They may also ask to see phone or credit cards. By the time you realize you've

Best advice, keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings.

Thanks for the common sense big city anywhere advice. However more specific info would be much more helpful: How many guys? Which casa? Time of day? Uniformed?

Thanks, Hboy.

[JjBee62]

Go to Venezuela? Caracas. I ask this question here, because like Caracas, Medellin still has this aire of being "too dangerous" to visit. While this aire is more imagined than the actual dangers in Caracas, I venture to think it MAY not be AS dangerous as many of us believe. I guess it comes down to your level of being risk averse. Many who monger often in Medellin warn of the dangers of El Centro. I grew up in very nasty places in New Orleans and El Centro doesn't scare me because I have always been on guard when walking the street there or anywhere else at night. Perhaps part of why I haven't experienced this danger is because I don't look like a "typical" gringo and know how to "mean mug" and walk with a purpose. Before I leave a place in Centro, I generally go into the bathroom stall, look at my map or whatever to figure out where I'm going and leave with those directions in my head.

Anyway, back to the point. Pussy is $7 an hour in Caracas and 3/4 star hotels go for $11 per night, sooo, yeah, I'm fucking thinking about it. Anyone else want to jump in on making plans for a trip March / April of next year? PM me.

Part of what you say I recently heard from a Venezuelan girl, beautiful women everywhere selling themselves cheap. However, her report was that the danger is real. Right now there's a bad mix of anger and desperation.

Once the situation changes, it's probably going to be paradise.

[JjBee62]

A couple of the Centro casas post signs on their exit doors warning about this from time to time. New Life had one up (maybe it still does) that describes the scenario very much similar to what's described here, right down to the bit about impersonating law enforcement. One of the two casas on Carrera 45 D also had a sign up. I've noticed sketchy looking guys hanging around at the corner of Carrera 45 D and calle 57 where they can watch foot traffic between Aiffe, New Life and the two places on 45 D. 45 D is tree lined and has very little foot traffic or vehicular traffic. There are usually uniformed police watching that street and I wouldn't be surprised if this hustle is the reason. So yeah, be aware of your surroundings. I grew up in a big city and I trust my instincts. I don't find it hard to notice people who are up to no good around the neighborhood. Most people are moving with a sense of purpose, but the stick up boys are not. This has been going on for several years by the way.

So Mr. L JjBee, why don't you tell us which casas and which locations so we know where to be extra careful. I think I already did that but I'm not the original poster.

I would be thrilled to tell you, not only which casas, but also the street address and everything that was said, except it didn't happen to me. I just ended up having a beer with someone it happened to the evening after it happened. Mostly he was embarrassed about being caught off guard and not knowing how to handle the situation.

If I ask him and report the exact location, it will do more harm than good. Because there will be someone who sees the name of a casa and decides all he needs to do to be safe, is go to a different casa. When he's confronted by the same guys 2 blocks away, if he doesn't know what to do the result is the same.

Being safe in the streets isn't about avoiding 1 or 2 corners. It's not even about avoiding a certain area with known risks. On Sunday I spent most of the day on a semi-guided tour through a lot of barrios, including 1 where no monger should ever go. At no time did I feel the least bit uncomfortable and at no time was I in more danger than in Poblado. Because I know correct behavior.

It begins with dressing right. From a distance I'm just another Colombian, even though I'm an obvious gringo. Next, I know where I'm going. It doesn't matter if I've never been there before, I'm still moving towards a destination. There's no head scratching, no looking at maps, no gawking.

Don't draw attention to yourself. With few exceptions, thieves aren't looking for gringos, they're looking for someone they can confuse and dominate. If you are paying attention and moving with confidence, you're not a good victim.

[Black Page]

Good post. Some irresponsible people recommend El Centro and the streets to gringos.

I totally agree. It's just matter of time, and someone new, first-timer, maybe with poor Spanish skills, or simply naive and optimistic, who reads here and gets the impression it's everything easy, safe, quiet, etc. will get into troubles. I am not sure he will post his bad luck here, though. It happened already, I guess.

It's not safe, and it's not safe especially for those who have no clue of what is South America.

Basically there is no "hidden gem" in Centro.

That is wrong instead. Even if the concept of "hidden gem" is personal and must be personal (I have seen here photos of sleazy hookers posted and presented as "gems") there are indeed gems. But it's not easy, it's not for everyone, YMMV, and of course shit can always happen.

[Montani]

There are a few guys hanging around near one of the casas in Centro robbing gringos. This just happened last week to a friend and I've heard other instances with the same MO.

They pretend to be police, and start asking questions. At some point they will ask to see your money to check for counterfeit bills. They may also ask to see phone or credit cards. By the time you realize you've been scammed your money and whatever else you had is long gone.

There are things you can do to avoid being a victim. The easiest is taxi in, taxi out. Of course if you're hitting 5 casas to find the right chica, this isn't convenient. Traveling in groups will also reduce your risk.

If you are going solo, look first. Before you step into the street and start walking, look both ways. Anyone loitering nearby? If so, step back inside and call a taxi. When you do step outside, walk with a purpose. If you make a note of open businesses on your way in, head for the closest. If someone tries to stop you, say "no gracias" and keep moving towards the next business..

Which Casa or Casas and was this during the day or night time?

[Blue Touch]

Good post. Some irresponsible people recommend El Centro and the streets to gringos. Gringos should take taxi and avoid street in Centro. Basically there is no "hidden gem" in Centro.

There are a few guys hanging around near one of the casas in Centro robbing gringos. This just happened last week to a friend and I've heard other instances with the same MO.

They pretend to be police, and start asking questions. At some point they will ask to see your money to check for counterfeit bills. They may also ask to see phone or credit cards. By the time you realize you've been scammed your money and whatever else you had is long gone.

There are things you can do to avoid being a victim. The easiest is taxi in, taxi out. Of course if you're hitting 5 casas to find the right chica, this isn't convenient. Traveling in groups will also reduce your risk.

If you are going solo, look first. Before you step into the street and start walking, look both ways. Anyone loitering nearby? If so, step back inside and call a taxi. When you do step outside, walk with a purpose. If you make a note of open businesses on your way in, head for the closest. If someone tries to stop you, say "no gracias" and keep moving towards the next business..

[Chicafan]

Excellent post and information jbee62. Thanks for the heads up.

[Knowledge]

Good luck with that, let us know how you make out.

Go to Venezuela? Caracas. I ask this question here, because like Caracas, Medellin still has this aire of being "too dangerous" to visit. While this aire is more imagined than the actual dangers in Caracas, I venture to think it MAY not be AS dangerous as many of us believe. I guess it comes down to your level of being risk averse. Many who monger often in Medellin warn of the dangers of El Centro. I grew up in very nasty places in New Orleans and El Centro doesn't scare me because I have always been on guard when walking the street there or anywhere else at night. Perhaps part of why I haven't experienced this danger is because I don't look like a "typical" gringo and know how to "mean mug" and walk with a purpose. Before I leave a place in Centro, I generally go into the bathroom stall, look at my map or whatever to figure out where I'm going and leave with those directions in my head.

Anyway, back to the point. Pussy is $7 an hour in Caracas and 3/4 star hotels go for $11 per night, sooo, yeah, I'm fucking thinking about it. Anyone else want to jump in on making plans for a trip March / April of next year? PM me.

[Knowledge]

A couple of the Centro casas post signs on their exit doors warning about this from time to time. New Life had one up (maybe it still does) that describes the scenario very much similar to what's described here, right down to the bit about impersonating law enforcement. One of the two casas on Carrera 45 D also had a sign up. I've noticed sketchy looking guys hanging around at the corner of Carrera 45 D and calle 57 where they can watch foot traffic between Aiffe, New Life and the two places on 45 D. 45 D is tree lined and has very little foot traffic or vehicular traffic. There are usually uniformed police watching that street and I wouldn't be surprised if this hustle is the reason. So yeah, be aware of your surroundings. I grew up in a big city and I trust my instincts. I don't find it hard to notice people who are up to no good around the neighborhood. Most people are moving with a sense of purpose, but the stick up boys are not. This has been going on for several years by the way.

So Mr. L JjBee, why don't you tell us which casas and which locations so we know where to be extra careful. I think I already did that but I'm not the original poster.

There are a few guys hanging around near one of the casas in Centro robbing gringos. This just happened last week to a friend and I've heard other instances with the same MO.

They pretend to be police, and start asking questions. At some point they will ask to see your money to check for counterfeit bills. They may also ask to see phone or credit cards. By the time you realize you've been scammed your money and whatever else you had is long gone.

There are things you can do to avoid being a victim. The easiest is taxi in, taxi out. Of course if you're hitting 5 casas to find the right chica, this isn't convenient. Traveling in groups will also reduce your risk.

If you are going solo, look first. Before you step into the street and start walking, look both ways. Anyone loitering nearby? If so, step back inside and call a taxi..

[JjBee62]

There are a few guys hanging around near one of the casas in Centro robbing gringos. This just happened last week to a friend and I've heard other instances with the same MO.

They pretend to be police, and start asking questions. At some point they will ask to see your money to check for counterfeit bills. They may also ask to see phone or credit cards. By the time you realize you've been scammed your money and whatever else you had is long gone.

There are things you can do to avoid being a victim. The easiest is taxi in, taxi out. Of course if you're hitting 5 casas to find the right chica, this isn't convenient. Traveling in groups will also reduce your risk.

If you are going solo, look first. Before you step into the street and start walking, look both ways. Anyone loitering nearby? If so, step back inside and call a taxi. When you do step outside, walk with a purpose. If you make a note of open businesses on your way in, head for the closest. If someone tries to stop you, say "no gracias" and keep moving towards the next business.

The only way this scam works is if they can keep you off balance. When you don't respond the way they expect, it puts them off balance. Every step you take away from their chosen spot, moves you farther away from danger. If weapons come out, give them what you have and get out of there. Otherwise just keep moving towards that next open business.

Best advice, keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings.

[Just Incognito]

Tonight, we both jerked off together. LOL.

So, you picked up a chick with a dick and you whacked off in front of each other?

To each their own I guess. HA!

[Sho423]

Great report of all the ways things can go wrong.

I'm sure the AirBnB host was fine with $400 for the door, it probably cost him $75 or less to replace. For $400 he could remodel the bathroom.

The crowds in Medellin are fickle. The club that was packed on Thursday might be dead on Saturday. Depending on the day, there are usually 6 to 15 girls working in and around Parque Lleras, not counting the ones in the clubs. You will find very few before 11 pm.

Many of the girls in Lleras will quote prices in dollars, because they assume gringos won't know any better. Too often they are correct. The correct response is to offer a price in pesos "en general pago ciento cincuenta mil ms taxi. " When she answers with "200 dollars", tell her when she comes to the US you'll pay in dollars. Very few will stick to the $200 or $100 US price, if you talk with them.

I'm guessing your taxi driver either couldn't understand you, or figured you were too drunk to know better. Club Fahrenheit is in Itagui. It is right on autopista sur, just south of the Ayura metro station. Very few taxistas in Lleras would have problems finding it.

You and your buddies should consider paying a guide when you travel. Just a rough guess, your group overspent enough for 1 or 2 more round trip tickets to Medellin and half your time wasn't productive.

There's no good reason to pay an exit fee for a girl at Fase 2 or anywhere else. Fuck her on-site. If she's worth another go, get her number and offer to meet when she's not working for 190 k or double if you want her all night. If you sweeten the deal with drinks and dancing, most will consider it. With a 190 k exit fee you're paying more than most guys pay just to put her in a taxi.

Seriously, if you guys come back, pay someone to guide you.

The airbnb host showed us the receipt of the glass, he was a nice guy, that temper glass in the you. S costs about $1000 to replace.

And I fucked my girl on-site at Fase, my friends wanted to take there girls back home, guess to feel more comfortable.

[Sho423]

SMH! Why would you pay in US dollars when you are in Col? This the is the problem guys. Let's get educated before we go out and monger guys. Before you know it Medellin will be way to expensive if not already in poblado. No thanks to guys like this that ruin it for all of us. Good luck next time.

Not me, that's my buddies. They are rich so they don't care.

Sounds like you would have had a better trip if you left your buddies back at home! Drop their asses off in Vegas on the way to Medallo next time, lmao!

I understand some guys are naturally lonely and always need to be in the company of others. But on all my trips since moving from the Mansion to apartments, I don't talk to one gringo the entire time and always have a blast!

Haha yeah, I told them I was coming back and they wanted to come along butI told them I'm going by myself.