Medellin Reports

[AdventureSeekr]

For Schwab, the foreign ATM charges are credited to your account at the end of the month. They are lumped together without any additional info. I believe you have to call customer service to get the detailed info.

This explains it, thank you. Took out more today - 3425 cop to usd, rate has improved slightly since 2 days ago. Schwab works on every ATM that I've tried for those who have bank / card issues here.

[GreenBud]

Tried two ATM's but the fee was high and it wouldn't show me the rate it was offering

- If the ATM shows you the exchange rate option, that option is going to be a rip off rate. I always assumed it was only 3.5% (just like the credit card); it might be a lot more. In Angeles, the displayed exchange rate was approximately 17% worst.

- Don't understand people's complaint about getting a lousy exchange rate (for normal ATM withdrawals). I always got the same inter bank rate on every ATM in the world. Maybe people are forgetting to calculate their bank's or the ATM charges. I believe sometimes the ATM fee is not asked nor stated on the receipt, so people are not using the correct equation. They think the ATM is free, but it is not. I guess the reverse can be true. I'm assuming the ATM charges, and I'm the one using the incorrect equation. But I can't believe my bank would accept a lousy exchange rate. Also, maybe it's different for non-US non-Schwab ATM cards.

If I remove 14,500 (about $4) from the first withdrawal, it brings the rate up to 3989 cop

It seems you made a mistake in your equation. Current US / COP Buy exchange rate is approximately 3435. I believe the best it has ever been was approximately 3500.

For the correct equation, you need to add the 14,500 to your withdrawal. In your example, it will be 214,500 / (amount charged on Schwab) = Exchange rate.

The fee's will be returned from Schwab, and it is possible they are being calculated into these amounts but my bank is not showing the fee as a separate charge so I don't know for sure.

For Schwab, the foreign ATM charges are credited to your account at the end of the month. They are lumped together without any additional info. I believe you have to call customer service to get the detailed info.

[Above Average]

So I did a little but more exploring of the atms and currency exchanges and I've split them into 3 different tiers. This is regarding my Canadian Bank but I assume it's pretty similar for Americans. As of now the Canadian dollar is worth about 2600 COP.

A-Tier.

Banco Pinchincha BBVA Davivienda.

Pinchincha and BBVA both give about 2500 COP per CDN and Davivienda gives about 2450. I've ranked them like this because BBVA only allows smaller transactions and that makes a difference if you're paying international ATM fees with your bank.

Be-Tier.

Currency exchanges.

I've only checked out a few currency exchanges but they were all highly rated. The best rate I saw was 2370 COP to CDN.

Shit-Tier.

Banco Columbia and all other major banks.

You want me to pay 18000 COP to withdraw at a rate of 2350 COP to CDN? Fuck off.

On another note I've been careful to check how much money the vendors give me back in change to make sure I'm not getting short changed. Not once has somebody tried to short-change me but on three occasions they have accidentally given me back too much change (usually 10000 COP over).

[FortuneWaffers]

According to the news, Brasil was the first country to report the coronavirus in South America.

I am booked to fly in from JFK during the 3rd week of April, Imma be Upset if my trip gets canned. I have not booked lodging yet since this corona epidemic started.

[KetoAndKettle]

I'm wondering if in fact, Colombia did block out USA Incoming flights. That Spirit would give you a refund?

Probably not, since it's not their fault, wasn't their equipment, etc.

[JjBee62]

Been following this closely and do not believe the quoted statistics what so ever. If you have a quarter of a brain and can do decent probability and math, logic says it is already spread further than disclosed or known and will continue to do so rapidly. I went back and forth about coming as I am here now and for 19 more days. Especially in this hobby where there is such a cross over of many different people from different areas, it's high risk. I expected Carnaval in Brazil to bring at least a few people in that are infected and did not know, seemed obvious with that many people.

My feeling is that worst case if I do get it, it takes 14 days or so for symptoms to appear and I'll be home by then. I also fully expect to get it one way or another, thinking it is avoidable at this point is simply foolish and unrealistic. If I were not here now, I would definitely not be booking a trip for a few weeks from now, that's for sure.

Luckily I stocked up on 3 months worth of supplies to return to as I fully anticipated what we are now seeing. The number of infected persons is maybe 100 x or greater than known for various reasons, one being lack of test kits or ability to test in underdeveloped nations, so I knew returning home could leave me in a situation where stores are empty. I live on an island that already has supply and inventory issues. Every place that has been hit with an outbreak has shut down everything, and supermarkets have gone bare within days. Not willing to take that chance, I recommend preparing now..

I'm not concerned. I'll get to that in a minute. You're dead on about the spread being wider than reported, or even feared. I suspect we're only seeing the tip of the iceberg.

The US just put Pence in charge of the effort to protect against the virus. A guy who believes science is a satanic hoax, who doesn't believe smoking poses any health risk and who fueled an HIV outbreak in Indiana while governor. So we're well prepared here. Trump is screaming that it's all a hoax to hurt his reelection chances. Unfortunately, I'm pretty sure Twitter isn't going to stop the disease.

But I'm not concerned. There will be some chaos, panic, economic disruption. All the fun stuff. Then we'll move on and things will return to whatever is considered normal. Getting worried about it won't change anything.

[SamPeter71]

Definitely bad news for mongering scene. I have trip coming up to Bogota in a month.

For those of you have been following the Coronavirus, it has been reported that Brazil has confirmed it's first case of the virus with it being the first one reported in South America.

Additionally, today the Colombian government has shut down the border with Venezuela over concerns regarding the virus.

And finally, and this not good news, the Salud del Valle Cauca has reported that 4 Colombians who have just arrived from Italy have the symptoms of the virus, yet this has yet to be confirmed by testing.

So it may turn out in the next few days that if these Colombians do have the Coronavirus, and no other cases are reported elsewhere in South America, that Colombia will be be at the forefront of all this for South America.

So what exactly does this mean for our hobby here, and those who spend a lot of time here. This is not good, and travel to and from the Country could possibly be shut down either by the Colombian government (Venezuela), the USA, and / or others.

I am curious as to what others think.

[Surfer500]

Been following this closely and do not believe the quoted statistics what so ever. If you have a quarter of a brain and can do decent probability and math, logic says it is already spread further than disclosed or known and will continue to do so rapidly. I went back and forth about coming as I am here now and for 19 more days. Especially in this hobby where there is such a cross over of many different people from different areas, it's high risk. I expected Carnaval in Brazil to bring at least a few people in that are infected and did not know, seemed obvious with that many people.

My feeling is that worst case if I do get it, it takes 14 days or so for symptoms to appear and I'll be home by then. I also fully expect to get it one way or another, thinking it is avoidable at this point is simply foolish and unrealistic. If I were not here now, I would definitely not be booking a trip for a few weeks from now, that's for sure.

Luckily I stocked up on 3 months worth of supplies to return to as I fully anticipated what we are now seeing. The number of infected persons is maybe 100 x or greater than known for various reasons, one being lack of test kits or ability to test in underdeveloped nations, so I knew returning home could leave me in a situation where stores are empty. I live on an island that already has supply and inventory issues. Every place that has been hit with an outbreak has shut down everything, and supermarkets have gone bare within days. Not willing to take that chance, I recommend preparing now.

As I said, if I didn't already have this trip booked, I wouldn't be booking one and looking to come. Rome has seen 90% cancellations. Airlines are cancelling flights because too many people have cancelled. Tourism here is going to get hit hard just like anywhere else with an outbreak.

It's all kind of scary, with the worst part being that in my opinion the USA is hardly prepared.

If there is an outbreak here in Colombia, which seems likely, I would be concerned about being able to leave. I'm not sure if I would want to be stuck here and getting sick as a foreigner versus being in the USA, but who knows what it might be like in the USA as well.

[Shamester]

For those of you have been following the Coronavirus, it has been reported that Brazil has confirmed it's first case of the virus with it being the first one reported in South America.

Additionally, today the Colombian government has shut down the border with Venezuela over concerns regarding the virus.

And finally, and this not good news, the Salud del Valle Cauca has reported that 4 Colombians who have just arrived from Italy have the symptoms of the virus, yet this has yet to be confirmed by testing.

So it may turn out in the next few days that if these Colombians do have the Coronavirus, and no other cases are reported elsewhere in South America, that Colombia will be be at the forefront of all this for South America.

So what exactly does this mean for our hobby here, and those who spend a lot of time here. This is not good, and travel to and from the Country could possibly be shut down either by the Colombian government (Venezuela), the USA, and / or others.

I am curious as to what others think.

According to the news, Brasil was the first country to report the coronavirus in South America.

[Above Average]

BBVA, Davivienda, Banco Pichincha, and Scotiabank Colpatria ATM's do not have fees.

As a Canadian I can attest that BBVA and Banco Pichincha do not charge fees and give reasonable exchange rates. Ironically I can't use the Scotiabank ATMs here. I avoid Davivienda but I can't remember if its due to fees or a bad exchange rate.

Using ATMs here has been really frustrating and I now hate Bancolombia with a passion. High fees and a crappy exchange rate? Fuck that.

[ParsTiger]

I've actually been to Brazil but not for P4P. I did an exchange in Fortaleza when I was 17 (and ended up with a 23 girlfriend while I was there). I'll have to go back some time. I wish they would relax the Visa requirements for the US. Personally I had my best PSE experiences in Thailand at oilies. Those girls took it as a challenge to make my cum as many times as possible, deep throat me, and all did anal. I didn't even bother with gogo's bars or beer halls due to my size. Funnily enough one of my favorite oily girls had more trouble giving me vaginal than anal.

Actually according the the stedep site Brasil now lists the us as "visa-exempt" status as of last year. I'm guessing the current govt is pushing for more tourist friendly economy.

[Surfer500]

It's not so hard, point to one of the hotels and hold up all ten fingers three times. They will take care of the rest. If you want to get phone numbers or have an extended session you would need to be able to communicate further.

I frequently mention the advantages of having Spanish speaking skills in EL Centro, but hadn't thought communicating with some of the deaf, and deaf mute girls that work the streets as well. Sounds like perhaps you have a done a few of them being a street rat? There was a cute deaf / mute that used to work the streets a long time ago that I tried once and she was good. So I guess now with this admission, I have reached a new low as a bottom feeder!

Regardless, I have no idea how you say 30 K in sign language, and / or describe other specific services you might want, but if ten fingers three times, short of waving 30 K and pointing to the room doesn't work, than I don't know what will in El Centro.

[AdventureSeekr]

Went to Monterrey Mall to get a local simcard, finally got that squared away. 20 days, 850 mb of data and free Facebook and Whatsapp, 20 k pesos. What? Insanely cheap.

Walked over the Exito to get some more items and was floored by how nice and modern it is. Plus it is full of both tropical and mediterranean fruits and vegetables. Huge seafood and meat counters. Very impressed. Incredible abundance here. I bought fresh fruits, frozen fruit for smoothies, large water bottles, large fresh OJ, bags of chips, bacon, more more more, total was 73,000 pesos or $21. Crazy.

Head back to the Airbnb to put everything away and am feeling worn out. No sleep Monday, 4 hours Tuesday, have a date coming so decide to chill and rest. Order Kebab House, honestly not that great but decent enough. Combo platter delivered with tip for under $6. This place is blowing my mind.

Bullshit around, watch some TV, lay by the pool and kill time. Confirm date with Isabela, don't really talk any details other than how long she will stay (3-4 hrs) and how much, 200 k+ 50 k for taxi. She's coming from Bello.

She arrives, I head downstairs to meet her and she is super cute and sexy. Dressed like she's going out on a date to a nice restaurant, classy. Easy to talk to, we share a couple drinks and head to the bed. Full on make out session, goes on for awhile and ease into it remembering we have plenty of time. She slowly makes her way to BBBJ and gives attention to all the right places. I'm watching thinking this is unreal. Plus she has gorgeous seductive eyes and gives me an intense look every so often while she's just going at it. She takes her time, starts slow, and continues to build. Honestly, I was thinking she must be getting tired for how long this has been going on for but I realize as she continues to build speed and pressure slowly that she is doing this on purpose. She moves into a much more intense mode and is just staring right into my eyes while sucking me like a shopvac. Leg shaking CIM and thinking she is going to pull away to clean up, nope, it is gone and she continues to lick and lightly caress and suck gently. WOW. At that point, the whole experience was worth it if nothing else had happened. 10/10.

We have another drink while looking for food on Rappi. My Spanish is okay, I can understand a lot but it is difficult for me to express myself in depth. I can speak and explain basics. So we can talk, but there is some g-translate happening at the same time. Doesn't kill the vibe and of course it would be even better without it, but it can be done without diminishing the time together. Order two pizzas from Vulcana, turn on a movie, food arrives, we eat, finish the movie, half talking and cuddling. Then round two. More intense kissing, caressing, foreplay and we move through a variety of positions before I finish in missionary intensely. This girl is great, chill, friendly, sweet, head game is top notch, great sex. We're both tired and she debates if she should just stay as it was almost 2 am, I tell her either way is fine with me but I'm going to bed, I'm exhausted. She has school tomorrow so decides to head home. 5 hours together, super sexy, fun time, great chemistry. Give her 280 k and told her we will see each other soon, and for sure, we will.

[AdventureSeekr]

One ATM I used recently showed that option offering their exchange rate. If you cancel, it should give you the money at the clearing house rate, which is always better. 3314 is not a good rate from an ATM. Did you figure the ATM fee when you calculated the rate? For reference, the ATM rate will be real close to the xe.com rate from two days prior to the transaction. I think the ATM rate changes around 8 pm. Since you took the money out Tuesday, you should have received about 3404 (Friday's rate).

BBVA, Davivienda, Banco Pichincha, and Scotiabank Colpatria ATM's do not have fees.

OK, just calculated each withdrawal individually.

ATM at airport Servibanca (that I wanted to cancel and did not work 14,500 fee) 200,000 withdrawn - 3168 cop per 1 USD.

ATM at Davivienda (did have 14,500 fee. At least that is what the screen said) 400,000 withdrawn - 3398 cop per 1 USD.

ATM at Carulla (says Bcol on bank charge 18 k fee) 600,000 withdrawn - 3298 cop per 1 USD.

The fee's will be returned from Schwab, and it is possible they are being calculated into these amounts but my bank is not showing the fee as a separate charge so I don't know for sure. If I remove 14,500 (about $4) from the first withdrawal, it brings the rate up to 3989 cop to usd. If I remove 18 k ($5) from the Carulla withdrawal, the rate goes up to 3409 cop to usd. So I am going to assume it is the fee that is lowering the rate.

This was all withdrawn within about a 3 hour window on the same day.

[AdventureSeekr]

For those of you have been following the Coronavirus, it has been reported that Brazil has confirmed it's first case of the virus with it being the first one reported in South America.

Additionally, today the Colombian government has shut down the border with Venezuela over concerns regarding the virus.

And finally, and this not good news, the Salud del Valle Cauca has reported that 4 Colombians who have just arrived from Italy have the symptoms of the virus, yet this has yet to be confirmed by testing.

So it may turn out in the next few days that if these Colombians do have the Coronavirus, and no other cases are reported elsewhere in South America, that Colombia will be be at the forefront of all this for South America.

So what exactly does this mean for our hobby here, and those who spend a lot of time here. This is not good, and travel to and from the Country could possibly be shut down either by the Colombian government (Venezuela), the USA, and / or others.

I am curious as to what others think.

Been following this closely and do not believe the quoted statistics what so ever. If you have a quarter of a brain and can do decent probability and math, logic says it is already spread further than disclosed or known and will continue to do so rapidly. I went back and forth about coming as I am here now and for 19 more days. Especially in this hobby where there is such a cross over of many different people from different areas, it's high risk. I expected Carnaval in Brazil to bring at least a few people in that are infected and did not know, seemed obvious with that many people.

My feeling is that worst case if I do get it, it takes 14 days or so for symptoms to appear and I'll be home by then. I also fully expect to get it one way or another, thinking it is avoidable at this point is simply foolish and unrealistic. If I were not here now, I would definitely not be booking a trip for a few weeks from now, that's for sure.

Luckily I stocked up on 3 months worth of supplies to return to as I fully anticipated what we are now seeing. The number of infected persons is maybe 100 x or greater than known for various reasons, one being lack of test kits or ability to test in underdeveloped nations, so I knew returning home could leave me in a situation where stores are empty. I live on an island that already has supply and inventory issues. Every place that has been hit with an outbreak has shut down everything, and supermarkets have gone bare within days. Not willing to take that chance, I recommend preparing now.

As I said, if I didn't already have this trip booked, I wouldn't be booking one and looking to come. Rome has seen 90% cancellations. Airlines are cancelling flights because too many people have cancelled. Tourism here is going to get hit hard just like anywhere else with an outbreak.