Medellin Reports

[Balboa]

Strip clubs are not only a ripoff, but dangerous as well. Best place in Medellin to have something slipped in your drink. The real value in Medellin mongering is the casas and classifieds like Locanto. If you want to go to a strip club, enjoy yourself but be careful, especially with what you drink. Have a good time, but get a girl elsewhere.

Gustos is not a Strip Club.

And your statement about strips clubs is generally not true either.

Your comment about the real value in Medellin mongering depends on each particular guy and what he considers of value in the game.

Have you been to Medellin?

[Villainy]

I had the same good experience with Davivienda. I declined the conversion, got a good rate and was not charged a transaction fee. LIke I posted before, I was able to take out $450 US worth of pesos in one transaction, the most of all the ATMs I visited in Medellin. Seems like a good deal to me.

I remember looking at the exchange rate I got at the ATM and looking at the money exchange rates on the same day and the ATM rate was much higher. So I recommend the ATM option if you want more bang for your buck.

OK, this has been discussed ad nauseum many times. You don't understand how the ATMs work. You are getting the Visa Exchange Rate. So, if you go to Davienda and draw out 100 mil (for example) and then go to Colpatria and take out 100 mil and then you go to Banco Pichincha and take out 100 mil all on the same day and of course, if you are offered a bank rate or guaranteed rate or anything of that ilk, you just decline it. You will get 100 mil without a bank charge and it will be the exact same cost in US dollars at each bank.

If you do the same thing at Servibanca, Bancolombia or BBVA you will get the same exchange rate as above except these banks charge a fee. If you adjust the fee out it will the same cost in US dollars.

What you didn't understand is that you took out money at Davienda on one day and money from a different bank the next day etc. The exchange rate varies each day. Except for Saturday, Sunday and Monday where the exchange rate will be the same because the Visa Exchange rate set for Saturday doesn't get updated until Tuesday. There is a one day lag between what you see on XE as the mid-market rate and what you will receive at the ATM.

Here is the good and the bad about Davienda. The good is that at most Davienda cajeros (ATMs) you will be able to take out 2 million pesos in a single transaction. Colpatria only 900 mil pesos at one time. (Although you can make multiple draws). The bad thing is that sometimes Davienda will give you 100 mil notes instead of 50 mil notes. 100 mil notes are hard to use. Many smaller restaurants won't be able to change them, taxis won't be able to change them, some stores depending on their business won't either. They are a pain to use.

Sorry, I don't mean to criticize you but people here who don't bother to read the forum, should know how the ATMs work relative to the exchange rates. Your explanation simply isn't correct.

[Nil Admirari]

You can hang around the bar and chat up the girls at Zandaly and Aventura. Both have stripper poles as well.

I'm a fan of the casas as well, and of Zandalay in particular. But I was just posting to question MiamiSammy's offhand dismissal of strip clubs as "dangerous" and "rip offs", not to assert their superiority over other mongering venues. And, as you write, a few casas have bars where one can hang out and strip poles in some rooms. But, that said, if, before opting to take a (based on looks) promising chica to a room, you want to test the vibe during a half hour or so of flirtatious chit chat/lap dancing over drinks or, in effect, have her audition for you by twerking and stripping on stage for 15 minutes or by sensuously entwining herself on an overhead strip pole, there's no real comparison between a casa and a strip club. Casa / strip clubs: they each have their distinct charms as locales in which to scout and frolic with willing Paisas.

[Combo]

I have been to every Spanish speaking country in South Amrica, including Per three times. Per is my least favorite, followed closely by Chile. Per I always get the raging shits no matter what I do, and it can be very sketchy. Whereas, Chile (I am there now on visit #6) just bores the snot out of me. And Lima has some good hookers at times but I still can't stand it. If Per is your choice, check out Trujillo.

Main reason to go to Peru is Machu Picchu and Cuzco which is about as close to a must-see as you can get. Lima has an ok mongering scene, but you don't generally go to Peru to hang out in Lima only.

[Knowledge]

I'm glad that worked out for you. I think the ATM vs casa de cambio question was settled at long last a good 5 years ago. That's the last time I remember a back-and-forth thread with guys rationalizing the always worse deal the cambios give. There is a reason after all that you have to pass the airport cambio windows before you get to ATMs. They are sort of a litmus test for who is a first time visitor.

I have another public service announcement. Rappi has begun hedging the peso devaluation. Twice this week when I submitted a foreign issued credit card for payment Rappi returned a foreign currency amount with a note saying "we notify you the foreign currency amount of your transaction is XX. XX. " When I checked the conversion rate it was about 4500. You have to decline that rate by paying cash or using a Colombian issued card. It pisses me off because Rappi already assess a delivery fee and a service fee with every transaction.

I had the same good experience with Davivienda. I declined the conversion, got a good rate and was not charged a transaction fee. LIke I posted before, I was able to take out $450 US worth of pesos in one transaction, the most of all the ATMs I visited in Medellin. Seems like a good deal to me.

I remember looking at the exchange rate I got at the ATM and looking at the money exchange rates on the same day and the ATM rate was much higher. So I recommend the ATM option if you want more bang for your buck.

[Knowledge]

You can hang around the bar and chat up the girls at Zandaly and Aventura. Both have stripper poles as well.

To piggyback on Mtndew704's reply to your post, what personal experience or other evidence do you have that strip clubs are dangerous? Sure, when alone with a chica, watch one's drink--and, if you have to go for a leak, take your glass with you--the same as you would with a FB girl in your apartment, at least for the first visit or two.

And, before you scare off the new BMs in town from a decent mongering option, what's your definition of a "ripoff"? I'm asking as someone who (although he doesn't particularly enjoy hanging out at strip clubs), has had excellent luck from time to time over a number of years in finding a gem of a chica in such clubs ranging from (towards the lower end) Barre Ejecutiva and Conejitos in El Centro to (towards the upper end) Luna Lunera and Fase II: Among them, a number who have joined my stable of regulars (leisurely visits to my apartment with enthusiastic GFE style service-BBBJ, DFK, at times BBFS) for the 150 k to 250 k fee that seems pretty standard these days.

Moreover, in contrast to the casas, in the El Centro clubs one can leisurely check out the talent and hang out with a chica over a cheap beer (and with no cover charge) before deciding to head with her to a room or just to collect a WhatsApp number. And turning to the upper-end strip clubs, some guys no doubt find paying the entry fees (10 k to 50 k at the high-end, La Isla--just $5 to $10 or so US for god's sake) a reasonable enough price to pay for the classier ambiance, better quality strip-shows, and larger selection of chicas, all dolled up (a turn-on for some guys; irrelevant to others), and with the increased possibility (when compared with casas, SWs, and El Centro clubs) of finding a genuine beauty or two on most visits. And I've had some of my best sex with the most sensually acrobatic stars of the strip pole after having seen them audition on the stage.

[Jay0940]

Just got back from my 6th trip to Medellin and, as usual, I can't wait to get back. As is my usual, I did not venture to El Centro. But I managed to see my usual FB girls and found a couple new ones that I will definitely add to my rotation. As my Spanish is ever improving, it's easier and easier to enjoy a few hours with each chica and the performance seemed to improve as well. Also did a day trip with an overnight in Guatupe which I would recommend if you're looking to get away for a day and really relax. Guatupe itself is tiny, but numerous hotels and fincas are around it. Also met up with another board member for a trip to La Isla which was fun.

Lodging: I primarily stay at Airbnbs in Medellin. Stayed at a cheaper one for the first 2 nights prior to Guatupe, then stayed at Energy Living for the last 3 nights. I'll just say the chicas loved the view from Energy. I was on the 16th floor. The pool had some sights as well, although the weather didn't cooperate much. I don't know if Energy is worth the price they're charging, but I enjoyed staying there.

Food: Stuck mostly to Poblado. Would recommend Puro Peru for a nice sit down place. The restaurant at Energy was good, but pricey. Plenty of places to choose from if you want to have dinner / drinks with company outside of Lleras. I also liked d'Andre for breakfast. Although the service there continues to be terrible.

Chicas: I've got a decent FB list. Did my regulars the first few night. I had brought some little presents (panties, dresses, tops) and all were appreciated. This was usually followed by a long and satisfying night together. Went to a couple bars / clubs. Then a day trip with another regular (non P4P) to Guatupe. Once I hit Energy, just posted some pictures of where I was and got about 30 messages over the next hour. Whittled It down to 4-6 I wanted to meet and then started scheduling. Just know that every chica will be anywhere from 30-60 minutes late and schedule accordingly. FB chicas we're all 200 k, mas taxi. Most didn't even bring up cost prior to coming over.

Once they're over, have some Smirnoff Ice (Green Apple) or Coronas, turn on some music, and within an 20-30 minutes you are good to go. No problems with BBBJ and all but 1 was down for BBFS. I'the say each was a 6-8, but looks are subjective for everyone. After Round 2.it was either off to dinner or lunch with a chica. Or she was ready to go meet up with her friends. Only advice I have is to not get too hung up on timeliness with chicas or being possessive. They're not going to show up on time, just accept it. But, if she's having fun, she will stay longer and leave when she feels like it. And they all have "friends" or some Colombian boyfriend. I try to stay away from the ones with pictures of bfs on FB.

Cost: My flight was about $650 round trip, lodging was another $500 ($115/ night at Energy) and I spent about another $800 while down there on activities. All in all. Not bad. I did go to La Isla again, which is a bit pricier. Items were a bit more expensive than last time, but with the dollar being so strong, it made up for this. I used my Schwab account so no withdrawal fees. I just remembered to decline the conversion every time. Happy Hunting all!!

[Nil Admirari]

Strip clubs are not only a ripoff, but dangerous as well. Best place in Medellin to have something slipped in your drink. The real value in Medellin mongering is the casas and classifieds like Locanto. If you want to go to a strip club, enjoy yourself but be careful, especially with what you drink. Have a good time, but get a girl elsewhere.

To piggyback on Mtndew704's reply to your post, what personal experience or other evidence do you have that strip clubs are dangerous? Sure, when alone with a chica, watch one's drink--and, if you have to go for a leak, take your glass with you--the same as you would with a FB girl in your apartment, at least for the first visit or two.

And, before you scare off the new BMs in town from a decent mongering option, what's your definition of a "ripoff"? I'm asking as someone who (although he doesn't particularly enjoy hanging out at strip clubs), has had excellent luck from time to time over a number of years in finding a gem of a chica in such clubs ranging from (towards the lower end) Barre Ejecutiva and Conejitos in El Centro to (towards the upper end) Luna Lunera and Fase II: Among them, a number who have joined my stable of regulars (leisurely visits to my apartment with enthusiastic GFE style service-BBBJ, DFK, at times BBFS) for the 150 k to 250 k fee that seems pretty standard these days.

Moreover, in contrast to the casas, in the El Centro clubs one can leisurely check out the talent and hang out with a chica over a cheap beer (and with no cover charge) before deciding to head with her to a room or just to collect a WhatsApp number. And turning to the upper-end strip clubs, some guys no doubt find paying the entry fees (10 k to 50 k at the high-end, La Isla--just $5 to $10 or so US for god's sake) a reasonable enough price to pay for the classier ambiance, better quality strip-shows, and larger selection of chicas, all dolled up (a turn-on for some guys; irrelevant to others), and with the increased possibility (when compared with casas, SWs, and El Centro clubs) of finding a genuine beauty or two on most visits. And I've had some of my best sex with the most sensually acrobatic stars of the strip pole after having seen them audition on the stage.

A final caveat: I'd agree with those who lament the prevalence in the higher-priced clubs of silicon boobs and butts, often absurdly cantilevered, and that the majority of the chicas are not anything more special in terms of looks than one finds in the casas, cheaper clubs, on the street in Parque Lleras, and some would argue (not me so far in my experience) walking around Plaza Botero and Avenida de Greiff/Raudal. The major difference (despite the gowns, cleavage, and makeup) is that at La Isla and Fase II one has some chance (not every visit) of spotting the drop-dead, gorgeous stunner that you would never (or, at best, rarely if ever) be able to spy and take to bed from another of the mongering venues.

[MoonShot]

I took one for the team today and made a couple of test withdrawals from my usual Davivienda ATM. The ATM behaved as always. It offered a conversion rate of 4500 or so that I declined. The conversion rate for my withdrawal worked out to 4821. As a further test, I tried a second withdrawal from an account with an insufficient balance. The ATM returned the expected insufficient balance notification.

I had the same good experience with Davivienda. I declined the conversion, got a good rate and was not charged a transaction fee. LIke I posted before, I was able to take out $450 US worth of pesos in one transaction, the most of all the ATMs I visited in Medellin. Seems like a good deal to me.

I remember looking at the exchange rate I got at the ATM and looking at the money exchange rates on the same day and the ATM rate was much higher. So I recommend the ATM option if you want more bang for your buck.

[Sangnyc21]

I'd be curious to see the quality you are getting for 400 k TLN + taxi from Gustos.

So am I. I've seen ugly vennies turn down 150 usd. Lmao.

But if it works for him, who cares.

And on a Saturday night normally it's wall to wall packed almost like Delirium in Cartagena.

[Mr Enternational]

If you want to go to a strip club, enjoy yourself but be careful, especially with what you drink. Have a good time, but get a girl elsewhere.

Why not get a drink elsewhere and just go to the strip clubs for the girls?

[Mtndew704]

Strip clubs are not only a ripoff, but dangerous as well. Best place in Medellin to have something slipped in your drink. The real value in Medellin mongering is the casas and classifieds like Locanto. If you want to go to a strip club, enjoy yourself but be careful, especially with what you drink. Have a good time, but get a girl elsewhere.

What strip club did you get drugged at?

[MiamiSammy]

I'm in a very small minority here. Admittedly, I'm not the most price conscious monger on this board. But, I have not and will not pay 300 US dollars either. I was at Gustos this past Friday and Saturday night. I thought the talent was better than my last few visits there. Friday night I hooked up with a girl I knew from previous visits. Saturday night, I met someone new. I would put both at 8. 5. And neither were the hottest girls in there. As far as looks, I love Gustos. A couple months ago, I saw the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in person there. No joke. There are obvious down sides. Drinks are expensive. The girls definitely charge a premium price. And the place is full of sharks. There are girls that will ask for 500 USD. But it all comes down to what you are hunting. Some guys get a thrill over finding a girl that will do what they want for 40.000 pesos. That's not me. Gustos gives me the opportunity to feel the girl out over a couple drinks. I've found that spending a bit of time with them leads to a better session. And for those cost-conscious mongers, it definitely seems to affect the starting price. As I said, I've had girls that I just approach and they start negotiations between 250 and 300 USD. I've never had a girl that I've had two drinks with suggest a price that high. Typically, they start at 600.000 pesos. From there I negotiate the cost down a bit and the time together up a bit. Both girls I had this week settled on 400.000 pesos and a taxi home. And both girls stayed until about 8 AM the next morning.

I say this a lot and it's true. I'm one of the least attractive guys in the bar. And I'm not a guy that does a lot of painful negotiations. If a girl quotes me something crazy, I move on. There's no sense in trying to get her down to half her asking price. It's counter-productive. But if I can bring in these girls for significantly less than some of what I've read on this board, anyone can.

Strip clubs are not only a ripoff, but dangerous as well. Best place in Medellin to have something slipped in your drink. The real value in Medellin mongering is the casas and classifieds like Locanto. If you want to go to a strip club, enjoy yourself but be careful, especially with what you drink. Have a good time, but get a girl elsewhere.

[Mtndew704]

I'm in a very small minority here. Admittedly, I'm not the most price conscious monger on this board. But, I have not and will not pay 300 US dollars either. I was at Gustos this past Friday and Saturday night. I thought the talent was better than my last few visits there. Friday night I hooked up with a girl I knew from previous visits. Saturday night, I met someone new. I would put both at 8. 5. And neither were the hottest girls in there. As far as looks, I love Gustos. A couple months ago, I saw the most beautiful woman I have ever seen in person there. No joke. There are obvious down sides. Drinks are expensive. The girls definitely charge a premium price. And the place is full of sharks. There are girls that will ask for 500 USD. But it all comes down to what you are hunting. Some guys get a thrill over finding a girl that will do what they want for 40.000 pesos. That's not me. Gustos gives me the opportunity to feel the girl out over a couple drinks. I've found that spending a bit of time with them leads to a better session. And for those cost-conscious mongers, it definitely seems to affect the starting price. As I said, I've had girls that I just approach and they start negotiations between 250 and 300 USD. I've never had a girl that I've had two drinks with suggest a price that high. Typically, they start at 600.000 pesos. From there I negotiate the cost down a bit and the time together up a bit. Both girls I had this week settled on 400.000 pesos and a taxi home. And both girls stayed until about 8 AM the next morning.

I say this a lot and it's true. I'm one of the least attractive guys in the bar. And I'm not a guy that does a lot of painful negotiations. If a girl quotes me something crazy, I move on. There's no sense in trying to get her down to half her asking price. It's counter-productive. But if I can bring in these girls for significantly less than some of what I've read on this board, anyone can.

I'd be curious to see the quality you are getting for 400 k TLN + taxi from Gustos.

[DonCarlos1234]

. Both girls I had this week settled on 400.000 pesos and a taxi home. And both girls stayed until about 8 AM the next morning.

I say this a lot and it's true. I'm one of the least attractive guys in the bar. And I'm not a guy that does a lot of painful negotiations. If a girl quotes me something crazy, I move on. There's no sense in trying to get her down to half her asking price. It's counter-productive. But if I can bring in these girls for significantly less than some of what I've read on this board, anyone can.

You seem level headed / reasonable about your approach and your experience. I want to try Gustos (for the first time) I will need a wingman or use the translator. Yes it can be done in a loud nightclub.

I have done this a lot. So it could save me a trip to La Isla or the SA girls. Also staying 2 blocks away at the "Art House" for the 1st time. Anyone else ever stay there?

Does anyone go to Gustos Sunday or Thursday?