Medellin Reports

[Fmc858]

The question is, what are you looking for in Medellin? There are plenty of people here who can point you in the right direction, but first we need to know where you want to go.

Thanks Jj.

This morning I told the guy I was going to pass. It seemed like a total waste. While guidance is appreciated and something I will need, handholding the whole time is not. Nor is pissing away money unnecessarily. What he wanted for a one bedroom was double what I found an awesome 2 bedroom AirBNB for and the place allows guests with ID and registration, which is what I want.

My goal for the trip is to see some sights, relax and reflect on wtf I am doing in life, get some sun, mix with the culture, drink strong coffee, and spend time with some beautiful women. I used to party a lot but I am sober now and really want to stay away from it, as tempting as the high quality favors supposedly are in Medellin. So I probably won't be going out combing nightclubs and bars for ass. I fear doing that might get me into trouble in more ways than one.

I have been on a couple of the escort websites and the girls look smoking hot but I can't see faces and a pretty face is way more attractive to me than huge fake tits and ass. Ideally I find one that wants to come hang out at the pool, relax, hook-up, go out to eat, etc. But I know that's going to cost me and might be better sought after on CC or Tinder.

Lastly, I would like to check out the casas and strip clubs just for the experience. Not getting robbed, drugged, or murdered is of utmost importance though so I want to know where and when I should and shouldn't go. There is a lot of commentary here on that so I will keep reading. Of course, any firm guidance is always appreciated.

Thanks!

[YippieKayay]

Departir means leaving. "a departir con unas mujeres" = "as he was leaving with some women".

Everywhere I checked online it says to "converse" or "chat. " I usually use the verb "salir" for leaving a place.

EDIT: I just looked at the article again: "sali a un sector a departir con unas mujeres" salio meaning they left.

EDIT2: OK after re-reading the entire sentence again as best I can tell he's saying after his seminar he left to a place to chat with some women. BTW, I think its funny that they have it in bold in the article.

[Knowledge]

In the interest of helping others avoid what happened, where did the attempted robbery take place? Was it in front of your hotel, behind the Veracruz church, somewhere else? Did it happen before, during, or after you picked up the below average street walker?

Don't be so hard on yourself. You dodged a bullet and I doubt you will repeat the mistake. If you had it to do over again (and you do, every night you are here) you will probably notice how people are dressed compared to how you dress. We all have our moments. I remember a few years ago walking past a sporting good store on Avenida Paulista in Sao Paulo when I noticed a the same pair of Asics trail shoes I was wearing on display in the store window. I stopped in my tracks when I worked out the reals / dollar conversion. They were on sale for more than $300. I turned on my heels and quickly walked by to my hotel to change shoes. I bought those shoes for something like $50 on sale at a mall but a potential local thug would not know that or care.

I'm relieved you were not harmed. I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip. Again, I'm very curious about where the attempted robbery happened because I know it can happen most anywhere.

Day 1.

I'm an idiot on so many levels. I arrive in Medellin, and try to setup my cell phone. Turns out I did not buy the international model, as intended. Then I took the bus to Hotel Botero. $3 right to my hotel. Just in time to grab a quick shower, and a below average street walker before the sun sets on Centro. Then it set, and I saw children and young women. What was I afraid of? It's 6:30 pm. Well, I got promptly robbed at knife point.

Then, because I'm an idiot, I didn't hand it over. I said in English, "Okay, I'll give you the money. " I started to reach for it when one of them reached in my pocket and grabbed a 4 year old iphone. On instinct I grabbed his wrist, and firmly growled, "I'll give you. The money. " There was a tense moment, then they took off empty handed. I only have a couple hundred words of Spanish, and they had even fewer English.

So dumb. I could have been killed. Afterwords a man told me my clothes were too nice for this neighborhood. I left my fancy watch and jewelry at home, but never thought about my clothes. The next day I bought a used phone with a cracked screen for $30 to use for my stay. Should be good for handing over to knife wielding maniacs too.

[Wolf662]

. Well, I got promptly robbed at knife point.

Then, because I'm an idiot, I didn't hand it over. I said in English, "Okay, I'll give you the money. " I started to reach for it when one of them reached in my pocket and grabbed a 4 year old iphone. On instinct I grabbed his wrist, and firmly growled, "I'll give you. The money. " There was a tense moment, then they took off empty handed. I only have a couple hundred words of Spanish, and they had even fewer English..

What location was this? I hit the streets 10 a to 4 p and then strip clubs or Yakuza (the Casa right across from the hotel Botero) after that in Centro. You can take yakuza girls across the street to your room no exit charge, 50 kish for 1/2 HR.

[Fmc858]

Day 1.

I'm an idiot on so many levels. I arrive in Medellin, and try to setup my cell phone. Turns out I did not buy the international model, as intended. Then I took the bus to Hotel Botero. $3 right to my hotel. Just in time to grab a quick shower, and a below average street walker before the sun sets on Centro. Then it set, and I saw children and young women. What was I afraid of? It's 6:30 pm. Well, I got promptly robbed at knife point.

Then, because I'm an idiot, I didn't hand it over. I said in English, "Okay, I'll give you the money. " I started to reach for it when one of them reached in my pocket and grabbed a 4 year old iphone. On instinct I grabbed his wrist, and firmly growled, "I'll give you. The money. " There was a tense moment, then they took off empty handed. I only have a couple hundred words of Spanish, and they had even fewer English.

So dumb. I could have been killed. Afterwords a man told me my clothes were too nice for this neighborhood. I left my fancy watch and jewelry at home, but never thought about my clothes. The next day I bought a used phone with a cracked screen for $30 to use for my stay. Should be good for handing over to knife wielding maniacs too.

Wow man. That's crazy. I am new here but it seems quite clear (especially now) that el centro after dark is no place for a solo gringo to be strolling around. Thanks for sharing this and I'm glad you're OK.

[Midwest]

The english articles on-line just say he was at a "salsa club" but the article from eltiempo says he went to a "sector" to talk to women. He uses the verb "departir" which I'm not too familiar with when used in Colombia.

Departir means leaving. "a departir con unas mujeres" = "as he was leaving with some women".

[Knowledge]

I enjoyed the article about chicha, the ancient indigenous alcoholic drink that is becoming popular with hipster millennial.

So yes, to your point, Medellin is no different than other major metropolitan areas around the world of similar size. There are killing and a minority of the victims are foreigners. Research it, you will find confirmation. Your point is well taken. Medellin is not Shangri-la. You can get yourself in trouble there. It is less likely to happen if we take reasonable precautions and avoid dickhead behavior. That is easier for some than others.

The english articles on-line just say he was at a "salsa club" but the article from eltiempo says he went to a "sector" to talk to women. He uses the verb "departir" which I'm not too familiar with when used in Colombia.

[JjBee62]

Online reviews sound good but maybe postured. Any of you guys have knowledge of these guys? Again, I searched the forum and nothing came up even using quotes "Medellin VIP". Not sure what's up with the search function.

Thanks.

If nothing came up it's because nobody here uses them. The people who use their service tend to be the sort of people who don't spend a lot of time on research. They just find someone who will take their money and get what they want.

If you have that kind of money to spend to get laid, $300-$1000 per nut, (plus airfare) in a place where expensive sex is $70-$100, then that's probably a good place to call.

The question is, what are you looking for in Medellin? There are plenty of people here who can point you in the right direction, but first we need to know where you want to go.

[NYCassman]

Thanks to you all I really appreciate the detailed responses.

I like to have more than enough money but 2 withdrawals at 600000 peso should be good for the day.

I've actually pulled up atms on google maps and there is one on my block where I'm staying and several close by.

[MstrNinja]

Day 1.

I'm an idiot on so many levels. I arrive in Medellin, and try to setup my cell phone. Turns out I did not buy the international model, as intended. Then I took the bus to Hotel Botero. $3 right to my hotel. Just in time to grab a quick shower, and a below average street walker before the sun sets on Centro. Then it set, and I saw children and young women. What was I afraid of? It's 6:30 pm. Well, I got promptly robbed at knife point.

Then, because I'm an idiot, I didn't hand it over. I said in English, "Okay, I'll give you the money. " I started to reach for it when one of them reached in my pocket and grabbed a 4 year old iphone. On instinct I grabbed his wrist, and firmly growled, "I'll give you. The money. " There was a tense moment, then they took off empty handed. I only have a couple hundred words of Spanish, and they had even fewer English.

So dumb. I could have been killed. Afterwords a man told me my clothes were too nice for this neighborhood. I left my fancy watch and jewelry at home, but never thought about my clothes. The next day I bought a used phone with a cracked screen for $30 to use for my stay. Should be good for handing over to knife wielding maniacs too.

[YippieKayay]

Just a security reminder. Schwab and ATM fees may not be so important after all other potential fees. Anyone who posts here that the city is safe is a cuckoo.

https://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/me...edellin-309238

The english articles on-line just say he was at a "salsa club" but the article from eltiempo says he went to a "sector" to talk to women. He uses the verb "departir" which I'm not too familiar with when used in Colombia.

[Fmc858]

Online reviews sound good but maybe postured. Any of you guys have knowledge of these guys? Again, I searched the forum and nothing came up even using quotes "Medellin VIP". Not sure what's up with the search function.

Thanks.

[Questner]

Just a security reminder. Schwab and ATM fees may not be so important after all other potential fees. Anyone who posts here that the city is safe is a cuckoo.

https://www.eltiempo.com/colombia/me...edellin-309238

[Queens35]

The ATM and CC advice is appreciated.

I'm curious what is the most you can get out of an ATM?

I'm also curious what is the current exchange rate in mde?

I have a exchange place close to my job they told me it's a a dollar to 10 dollar fee no Matter how much I exchange and the current rate 1 usd - 2700 pesos I forgot exact. Online quote today is 3,245.91 , the teller told me I wouldn't get that rate anywhere online always shows higher.

I'the prefer to exchange most of my spending money and not have to use an ATM day to day.

Most ATM's allow you to withdrawal up to 600,000 ($183) pesos at a time. You can usually do 2 withdrawals back to back from the same ATM. I once pulled 2.4 million pesos (4 withdrawals) back to back at the airport upon arrival. It was 2 different ATM's (difft banks) that were next to each other.

Current exchange rate is 3275. You should get something close to that when pulling out of the ATM. If you exchange at one of the exchange places, you will probably get about 2800 per dollar. Ripoff.

http://www.banrep.gov.co/en/node/29467

If you sign up for the Schwab account link below, they refund all ATM fees at the end of each month. You need to sign up for an investor account too, but you don't need to keep any money in it or make any trades. Takes 4 biz day to transfer money from your bank to Schwab account.

Link to open a Schwab account: https://www.schwab.com/public/schwab...ecking_account.

If you can do 2 600 k withdrawals which is about $360, it should last about 2-3 days.

[GeneHickman]

The ATM and CC advice is appreciated.

I'm curious what is the most you can get out of an ATM?

I'm also curious what is the current exchange rate in mde?

I have a exchange place close to my job they told me it's a a dollar to 10 dollar fee no Matter how much I exchange and the current rate 1 usd - 2700 pesos I forgot exact. Online quote today is 3,245.91 , the teller told me I wouldn't get that rate anywhere online always shows higher.

I'the prefer to exchange most of my spending money and not have to use an ATM day to day.


Thanks for all your contributions, Any advice is appreciated.

Here is my experience, and what I do now.

The worst way to change money is stateside in a bank. The next worst is in a Colombian cambio or bank. These facilities set their own rates and are not obligated to make it anything gpod or bad. The margins on buying and selling are outrageous. Maybe something lunatic like 2700 and 3700. It has been repeated time and again that the best way to get COP cash is an ATM withdrawl in pesos once there. That is the reality.

Mastercard / Visa ATM transactions occur at the daily published currency exchange rate by Mastercard or Visa and which you can look up online and is published daily. That point understood, there are essentially 3 other variables to consider.

1) ATM withdrawal fee charged by your card issuer.

2) Forex transaction fee also charged by your card issuer.

3) ATM utilization fee charged by the ATM owner / local bank.

Of the above variable, certain cards are more favorable, and certain ones are not. Also some people disregard an extra 4%, 5% or even 10% for convenience and others want the best possible conversion. So it is a matter of choice as well. For the frequent traveller or the person resident there, it makes sense to have the best deal as these fees can add up significantly over time.

I took a closer look at this after a particularly irksome experience this year. Let me demonstrate how horrible it can be, I was in the DR mid year and cambios were exchanging $USD for 43-44/1 and were acting rude and there was a line. So I left the line and went to the ATM at my hotel. Well, it had an ATM fee of $5 USD, then my bank charged $2 for foreign ATM use, and finally a 3% foreign transaction fee, and worse yet, maximum allowed withdrawal was 5000 Dominican pesos or 100 USD. The saving grace was the 49.85 conversion rate, which effectively meant I converted for about 45:1. Still better than the freaking cambio and in the comfort and security of my A / see hotel lobby.

Since we are on the topic, the the best scenario of all is when you get the trifecta right. IE Low or no or refunded ATM fees on both sides and get a no foreign transaction fees card. The schwab brokerage debit card fits all three criteria. Other brokerages like fidelity and interactive brokers come very close as well. If you have an account with any of them, just get their debit card and use away.

Finally whenever spending consider a travel credit card with no forex fees. Mine for example charges nothing for foreign transactions and gives me 2% cash back. Thats a 12% swing over my DR experience!