Medellin Reports

[Surfer500]

Hi,

Has any one used the MDE airport ATM? There are 2. Based on forums, second floor ATM gives better rates. I was wondering what is ATM limit (maximum withdrawal)? Any information on ATM is appreciated!

There's actually four ATM machines downstairs and the peso exchange rate for all of them is pretty much the same. However, the fees will vary, and how much you can withdraw per transaction is what you need to pay attention to. Some of the ATM's have a lower limit than others, hence you want to withdraw from the ATM's with the highest limit which a couple of months ago I think was 600,000 COP. Additionally I strongly suggest you carry more than one ATM card with you.

[Queens35]

I rarely post, but I must say this gives me pause. I'm due for my second tour in a couple of weeks, speak decent Spanish and generally focus on non-pros. I try to be conscious and aware, but that being said, by the look of it, it could easily be me laying there on the sidewalk. Any of you old timers want to give your top five safety tips specific to Medellin?

I don't consider myself an MDE vet yet (only 4 trips) but I have over 60 mongering trips total (rest to Central America and Europe), and these precautions apply everywhere. I'm sure some people will not agree with some of them, but TEHO, and personally, my theory is better safe than sorry.

1. Stay away from illegal drugs, ESPECIALLY in Colombia, Watch your drinks, and don't take open drinks from anybody. Don't let anybody (especially chicas) get / make you an open drink. They may slip you something that will knock you out for 3 days and clean you out.

2. In case you are getting robbed: give up your stuff, do not resist, you can replace money or a watch (if you're wearing a inch-thick gold chain and you get robbed, I have no sympathy for you). They only want your money, they won't hurt you if you quickly comply. Don't try to be a hero. And don't freeze up (stay cool and under control, and know you won't get hurt if you give it up quickly), they will take it as non-compliance.

3. Limit the amount of walking you do around town, especially at night. I try to walk as little as possible. I know many others will disagree with this, but I taxi everywhere I can. It's cheap and safer than walking. At night, use taxis everywhere. After midnight, keep your ass indoors. I'm sure you heard the saying "Nothing good happens after midnight. " I'll go to a strip club in centro until the early morning every now and then but it's not a daily thing.

4. Safety in numbers. When you do go out, it's always safer when in a group rather than being alone. Criminals looks for easy targets with as little unpredictability as possible. I'm not saying that being in a group is 100% safe, but it's definitely going to dissaude the petty thief.

5. Keep your valueables at home. There's no need to bring jewelry, expensive watch, expensive camera, etc on a mongering trip. Having those on you makes you a nice meaty target.

6. Don't go out drunk (or less than fully aware). You need to be aware of your surroundings. You need to be able make a strategic decision if shit hits the fan. You may need to run or fight. You can't do any of the when you are drunk.

7. Don't brag about how rich you are or show chicas pictures of your house, car, boat, or plane. Nobody will be impressed. But they will be curious and that could get you set up for a robbery, or worse, kidnapping (unlikely).

8. Try to go with vetted chicas. If staying at the M, use their chicas. If using Facebook, try to go with chicas who have been with other gringos before. Try to get referrals from other guys. Guys, try to help the neewr guys out, the chicas will appreciate the business and they will know that the chica is known (but that doesn't mean you should become lax about keeping an eye out on her).

9. Keep your cash and your cell phone in your pockets in the street. You want to make a call, step into a store. You need to buy something on the street, don't pull out a wad of a million pesos.

10. Lock up your valuables in hotel safe.

11. Be careful when approached on the street by English speaking locals. They are rarely straight up. Usually, it's a scammer trying to separate you from your cash.

[Queens35]

Hi,
Has any one used the MDE airport ATM? There are 2. Based on forums, second floor ATM gives better rates. I was wondering what is ATM limit (maximum withdrawal)?
Any information on ATM is appreciated!
Thanks!

ATM exchange rates are usually determined by YOUR bank, not the bank who services the ATM. The ATM charges your bank in COP, and your bank determines how many dollars those pesos equal.

So every ATM (that dispenses COPs) is virtually the same as far as the exchange rate goes, with the exception of the fee. Some ATM charge fees, others don't. Citibank for example charged about $5 the last time I used it, whereas BancoColombia doesn't charge a fee at all.

[Knowledge]

The article makes a point of mentioning that the victim spoke to the killer for "several minutes". That suggests it may not have been a random crime. Avoid criminals and it's less likely you will be a crime victim.

I rarely post, but I must say this gives me pause. I'm due for my second tour in a couple of weeks, speak decent Spanish and generally focus on non-pros. I try to be conscious and aware, but that being said, by the look of it, it could easily be me laying there on the sidewalk. Any of you old timers want to give your top five safety tips specific to Medellin?

[Gallant555]

Hi,

Has any one used the MDE airport ATM? There are 2. Based on forums, second floor ATM gives better rates. I was wondering what is ATM limit (maximum withdrawal)?

Any information on ATM is appreciated!

Thanks!

[Combo]

Article with photos:

http://www.minuto30.com/fotos-y-vide...icario/486892/

Why people think Poblado is safe but El Centro is not is beyond me.

They think that because Poblado looks and feels like a wealthy neighborhood (which it is by Colombian standards). If you read the comments to the article, apparently there is a police station two blocks away, which shows how brazen some of these delincuentes can be.

For sure violent crime can happen in either area, but I think Poblado is probably the less risky of the two. This guy with those very Gringo shorts certainly stuck out like a sore thumb. My general rule is I don't wear shorts after dark in MDE.

It's also advisable to be aware of who is around you or approaching you. If a young male that you don't know approaches you, keep your distance. This can be harder if he's on a moto, but if you're not walking around in lala land, you can minimize the possibility of this type of situation.

[Bone Roller]

That's too bad. From the third paragraph in the article I'm guessing the guy on the moto was demanding his possessions and the victim refused to hand them over. Or it could have been some kind of deal (drugs, chica) gone wrong.

If I never read the headline of the article, the photos of him in shorts would have immediately told me this was a gringo.

I rarely post, but I must say this gives me pause. I'm due for my second tour in a couple of weeks, speak decent Spanish and generally focus on non-pros. I try to be conscious and aware, but that being said, by the look of it, it could easily be me laying there on the sidewalk. Any of you old timers want to give your top five safety tips specific to Medellin?

[Mr Enternational]

Thanks. But geez, everyone is getting nose candy as party favors like picking up chips and salsa, and I can't get medication for my, umm, bad back?

But that is only a common plant with gasoline and ammonia and shit poured all over it.

[Dcfan77]

Welcome to Mde. Where nose candy is more common than chips and salsa. LOL

Thanks. But geez, everyone is getting nose candy as party favors like picking up chips and salsa, and I can't get medication for my, umm, bad back?

.

[Parkinsons]

You have to have a prescription for narcotics.

Thanks. But geez, everyone is getting nose candy as party favors like picking up chips and salsa, and I can't get medication for my, umm, bad back?

[Rodeo9112]

It is not that simple amigo. What if the presence of you and a pro makes middle class families with children at a restaurant uncomfortable and embarrased? What if your presence looks like a caricature of idiot gringo mongers who are disrespectful to Colombian public?.

Caricature? Dude, how'd you know how oversize my head is? Hahaha! It's absolutely that simple. It is my option to do so if I want. I don't hang out with girls that "dress" like putas, and I keep my conversations, attire, and demeanor appropriate to my surroundings. While I may stand out as a gringo, I endeavor to ensure my date doesn't stand out as a working girl. Now, if folks assume a girl is a pro just because she's with a gringo, then those are discriminatory, prejudicial, and xenophobic issues that Colombian society needs to work on. Not the girl who has the rare opportunity to spend an evening above her strata and certainly not my problem.

Thanks for your keen insight!

[JjBee62]

It is not that simple amigo. What if the presence of you and a pro makes middle class families with children at a restaurant uncomfortable and embarrased? What if your presence looks like a caricature of idiot gringo mongers who are disrespectful to Colombian public?

.

So we should base all of our actions on whether someone else will be offended? I understand there are limitations. If a Gringo is sitting at a restaurant, with 3 fingers up some girls pussy, he's crossed the line. If he's just sitting down having lunch, dinner or a few drinks with a woman and someone gets offended, they can go fuck themselves.

Do I have to worry about ordering a hamburger because a Vegan might see me? Should I give up pork so I don't risk offending the Jews and Muslims? Should I shave my beard for the people who don't like facial hair? How about shaving my head for the bald guys who don't appreciate a man of my age with a full head of hair?

Not too terribly long ago, I walked around Bogota, ate lunch, did some sightseeing and chatted with a woman almost young enough to be my granddaughter. Because of my limited Spanish, much of the time we were huddled together over her iPad, translating things for each other. Even though we spent our time in the better parts of the city, nobody paid us any attention. If anyone was offended, they kept it to themselves.

I'm all for limiting idiot gringo public behavior, but having dinner with a girl doesn't qualify.

[SavePros321]

Article with photos:

http://www.minuto30.com/fotos-y-vide...icario/486892/

Why people think Poblado is safe but El Centro is not is beyond me.

That's too bad. From the third paragraph in the article I'm guessing the guy on the moto was demanding his possessions and the victim refused to hand them over. Or it could have been some kind of deal (drugs, chica) gone wrong.

If I never read the headline of the article, the photos of him in shorts would have immediately told me this was a gringo.

[Member #4394]

It is not that simple amigo. What if the presence of you and a pro makes middle class families with children at a restaurant uncomfortable and embarrased? What if your presence looks like a caricature of idiot gringo mongers who are disrespectful to Colombian public?

As long as I'm happy in the moment and follow our general compensation averages, I don't really care what others might like or dislike. We are all from different background!

.

[Mr Enternational]

Has anyone purchased prescription pain medication without a prescription in any Medellin pharmacy? Also what are the Colombian names for drugs (brand name or generic) like Percocet, Oxycodone, Tramadol, etc?

Thanks.

You have to have a prescription for narcotics.