Medellin Reports

[Iguana Six]

I prefer ATMs myself, but there are a couple of reasons my some guys must use cash.

1. They don't want a paper trail because of the S. O. And can't justify all that money being taken out.

2. They work in a cash business and need to "get rid" of some of it.

3. They are old school and don't know what an ATM / debit card is.

4. Increased security. You don't know if the system has been compromised by hackers, or if that ATM is siphoning and copying your information.

[BrasilSoccer0]

I thought it was a known secret by now. I have a Charles Schwab visa debit card and its my best travel companion ever.

No foreign transaction fees.

No ATM fees WORLDWIDE.

Refund of ALL third parties ATM fees including foreign banks.

No excuse not to have one if you travel abroad! There is no set minimum balance required so you can open one and connect it to your current bank and fund it enough so to cover your trip.

[Member #4398]

For September, laguardia to medellin, $520,that's the best price I'm going to get right, I don't think it can drop, anyone paid cheaper.

Have try google flights. I see many flights under $450 for September on the map option:https://www.google.com/flights/.

[Havana927]

For September, laguardia to medellin, $520,that's the best price I'm going to get right, I don't think it can drop, anyone paid cheaper.

[Hioctane]

I have both, a Bank Of America and Wells Fargo Debit Card and I am not charged the 1.5% you mention but no more than about $ 5 by my banks plus a a couple dollar fee by the Colombian banks I use. I know Schwab waives their fees.

Additionally, I always use cash in Thailand, I think the rate is higher with $ 100 bills than using a debit card.

Today I had two friends who had to bring their passports and wait in line for twenty minutes to cash their dollars at 6 % less than what I got hitting the ATM machines.

I don't understand this but it's their money to throw away.

I prefer ATMs myself, but there are a couple of reasons my some guys must use cash.

1. They don't want a paper trail because of the S. O. And can't justify all that money being taken out.

2. They work in a cash business and need to "get rid" of some of it.

3. They are old school and don't know what an ATM / debit card is.

[Surfer500]

I repeated that so many times in many threads. But many people, even otherwise experienced, simply cannot accept the idea that a debit card can be the most convenient way to change currency abroad.

A standard ATM DEBIT card (Maestro or Cirrus) will apply the international bank exchange rate (the one on Yahoo or XE) + a fee <1. 5% + fixed fee depending on the bank (3 USD in my case).

Please note that if you withdraw cash using the credit function the fee will be not 1. 5% but 4%.

No way a bank or exchange office could apply a fee competitive with 4%. If you change at airport, it could be even 20% :eek:

THEREFORE, the first thing I do when I land in a foreign country, is to withdraw cash from ATM. Eesy, safe, and even convenient.

P.S.: there are exceptions, but in rare cases. For example, in Indonesia private exchange boots (even licensed) may offer rates vs. USD which are better than the official rate. I think it has to do with black market funding needs. When I go to Batam, I bring 1000 USD cash. I can get some good extra IDR (5%!!) by exploring exchange offices and asking the best rate.

I have both, a Bank Of America and Wells Fargo Debit Card and I am not charged the 1.5% you mention but no more than about $ 5 by my banks plus a a couple dollar fee by the Colombian banks I use. I know Schwab waives their fees.

Additionally, I always use cash in Thailand, I think the rate is higher with $ 100 bills than using a debit card.

Today I had two friends who had to bring their passports and wait in line for twenty minutes to cash their dollars at 6 % less than what I got hitting the ATM machines.

I don't understand this but it's their money to throw away.

[Hioctane]

Yeah hands down ATM is the best rate. Check with your bank, for example bank of America has a partnership with Scotia I think that if you use their ATM you don't get charged the fee.

It has been repeated many times in the currency thread. If you are from the US, get a Schwab card. They refund all ATM fees.

[Black Page]

Who knew Colombians were so freaking hot!

I knew that.
And I bet many other members of ISG share this secret! :D

[Black Page]

I just pulled some money out of some ATM's and got 2,548 pesos to the US dollar. I have friends that are getting 2,4000 pesos exchanging money at a bank in El Centro which is located on the lower floor of the tallest building in El Centro whose name I don't remember. I don't understand why so many people want to exchange cash here when the ATM rate is about 6% higher.

Hell the savings you get exchanging $ 400 US using an ATM versus utilizing cash can get you a street girl!

I repeated that so many times in many threads. But many people, even otherwise experienced, simply cannot accept the idea that a debit card can be the most convenient way to change currency abroad.

A standard ATM DEBIT card (Maestro or Cirrus) will apply the international bank exchange rate (the one on Yahoo or XE) + a fee <1. 5% + fixed fee depending on the bank (3 USD in my case).

Please note that if you withdraw cash using the credit function the fee will be not 1. 5% but 4%.

No way a bank or exchange office could apply a fee competitive with 4%. If you change at airport, it could be even 20% :eek:

THEREFORE, the first thing I do when I land in a foreign country, is to withdraw cash from ATM. Eesy, safe, and even convenient.

P.S.: there are exceptions, but in rare cases. For example, in Indonesia private exchange boots (even licensed) may offer rates vs. USD which are better than the official rate. I think it has to do with black market funding needs. When I go to Batam, I bring 1000 USD cash. I can get some good extra IDR (5%!!) by exploring exchange offices and asking the best rate.

[Rick52]

Yeah hands down ATM is the best rate. Check with your bank, for example bank of America has a partnership with Scotia I think that if you use their ATM you don't get charged the fee.

[Surfer500]

I just pulled some money out of some ATM's and got 2,548 pesos to the US dollar. I have friends that are getting 2,4000 pesos exchanging money at a bank in El Centro which is located on the lower floor of the tallest building in El Centro whose name I don't remember. I don't understand why so many people want to exchange cash here when the ATM rate is about 6% higher.

Hell the savings you get exchanging $ 400 US using an ATM versus utilizing cash can get you a street girl!

[MaliBog420]

Jake again is talking to himself. Quite hilarious. Hopefully something can be done by admin about promoting / advertising on the Medellin thread, as these types of posts are not welcome on this thread, which is why the admin has made a thread solely for these types of posts.

Actually. No this is not Jake.

I am they guy he mentioned in his post. I don't have many posts here but do on other forums in Asia (as malibog).

If you know Spanish fairly well and are used to finding your own way you don't need mansion or Jake. There is enough information on this forum to find your way around and figure things out.

If its your first time in Colombia and you don't speak Spanish fairly well (and you value your time more than $) I think Jake and probably the Mansion are worth the bit of extra price as an easy and fun introduction to Medellin.

[Ricker]

You are missing the whole point entirely. The guy didn't have small change to tip which is a common problem and I'm sure no one carries a fist load of $1 bills with them to MDE. I am merely suggesting ways to get change.

Ok ok, LOL.

Re- read your original post amigo, you'll see what I'm referring to.

Better exchange rate, etc.

No big deal really.

I see your helpful point as well.

Take care.

With the current exchange range. It is better to tip in pesos! You can go up to the cashier and ask for change. They will usually give you 2000 bills. Rarely do they give 1000.!

[Papi Que Rico]

Ah, the feel of new love! Enjoy! Please note, however, that in terms of Medellin years, a 28 year old Paisa who is a veteran of the international circuit is more like a 35 year old in the states. Your 28 year old is like a weathered Marine sergeant who has served for 10 years and done several tours of duty overseas. When you come to Medellin, you will be able to meet the fresh faced, 18 year old recruit showing up at National Guard summer camp for the first time.

I, too, hope that you get to sample the local talent. Either she has other commitments (you may find out she has a kid after all) and leaves you to your own devices for a day or night or two. Of maybe you have such a mini-romance, extended GFE / PSE with her that she brings over a friend for a 3-way. She might do that with a good friend she (a) trusts enough not to steal her rice bowl and (b) wants to help out financially. Or, you don't tell her exactly when you are arriving / departing.

Or, since you are paying her for sex you have her when you want and go off for something strange when you want. Always remember she ain't your girl, it's just your turn.

[Iguana Six]

Hello guys,

I am new to the site but have been a longtime member of USA Sex guides in the states!

I recently met a Paisa in Jaco Costa Rica. She and I hit it off really well and let me just say she is a 10+ !! Smoking hottie! Obviously a working girl. 28 years old no kids! Holy shit a unicorn!
This girl really stuck out. I have never met a working girl this hot-- nor met a working girl that I like this much.

Who knew Colombians were so freaking hot!Hopefully will find a few to slip away and check out some of the other hotties I know this city has to offer.

Happy hunting fellas!

Caio

Ah, the feel of new love! Enjoy! Please note, however, that in terms of Medellin years, a 28 year old Paisa who is a veteran of the international circuit is more like a 35 year old in the states. Your 28 year old is like a weathered Marine sergeant who has served for 10 years and done several tours of duty overseas. When you come to Medellin, you will be able to meet the fresh faced, 18 year old recruit showing up at National Guard summer camp for the first time.

I, too, hope that you get to sample the local talent. Either she has other commitments (you may find out she has a kid after all) and leaves you to your own devices for a day or night or two. Of maybe you have such a mini-romance, extended GFE / PSE with her that she brings over a friend for a 3-way. She might do that with a good friend she (a) trusts enough not to steal her rice bowl and (b) wants to help out financially. Or, you don't tell her exactly when you are arriving / departing.