Medellin Reports

[Surfer500]

Be very sure that the bank that issued your ATM card knows that you are traveling to Colombia, One time I landed with not much money and no cell phone and when I stuck my ATM card in the machine it would not work because either the bank or Visa immediately canceled my card because it was being used in another country. That was a helpless feeling. Luckily I had just enough cash to exchange for taxi fare and I ended having to call them using Skype on my laptop -through the Wifi in my apartment. If I had not had the apartment already set up I really would have been in trouble.

I actually have and use two ATM card's besides credit cards. And by having the two ATM cards from different banks sometimes one card may get blocked either by Bancolombia or Scotia or Wells Fargo or Bank of America. And earlier this year when the exchange rate was over 4200 to the dollar, I was pulling the maximum amount daily out and stockpiling Pesos.

[RiceRocket99]

I'm glad you understand that there's more to Medelland then the usual Centro and Parque lleras scenes, but nothing wrong with both of them. I wasn't trying to knock on age, weight, and looks. If it came out that way, which I agree it did after re-reading my own post, I sincerely apologize. I'll be 55 one day if I make it that far LOL, and I'll still be partying up all over Colombia. You are absolutely right that once a girl is having a good time, feels safe and respected, they do not care what you look like and of course your wallet is doing the trick too. I always have party goodies in my apt, you name it I probably have it and girls will stay for hours partying it up. It's an added cost, but the fun is way worth it for me. Many times I have to call it a night or early morning because got to rest up for next day (wash, rinse, and repeat).

That is my strategy as well. I would never go solo. For what purpose? You are in the barrio with the locals. I much prefer my times in the barrios to those in Lleras. And I agree about making contacts through your amigas. I still use FB some, but not so much. And I've never used SA and my Mansion contacts are long gone.

My Spanish is not fluent, but it's reasonable. I'm 55. So I guess I'm old, but they do not care. I have a few extra pounds, but they don't care. As long as they have fun, feel safe, feel somewhat respected. I am good with them. Agree that you can't be overly boring and you can't dress like someone from J Crew.

[Mojo Bandit]

I'll be arriving in Medellin around 6 pm. Whats the best option for getting COP at that time, will the cambios still be open or maybe the ATM is better?

Be very sure that the bank that issued your ATM card knows that you are traveling to Colombia, One time I landed with not much money and no cell phone and when I stuck my ATM card in the machine it would not work because either the bank or Visa immediately canceled my card because it was being used in another country. That was a helpless feeling. Luckily I had just enough cash to exchange for taxi fare and I ended having to call them using Skype on my laptop -through the Wifi in my apartment. If I had not had the apartment already set up I really would have been in trouble.

[Blakman]

So today is the day one of cartegena sisters from gusto came into blakmans world. Let me tell you I saw what saw. This girl was a legit 7/8. Very little body fat. Beautiful sparkling teeth and seductive eyes and ways. Was sexual right away. Unbuttoning my pants, kisses. Half act half really her. Pour her a drink then we light up the weed. We smoke a little together. We take videos she strips and take shower. I bring her to bedroom and give her the body oil massage. Then I turn her over and give her the front body massage. I lick her pussy. It gets her excited. She licks the shaft of my dick spits on it. Then goes for the condom. I start whining like a baby. She delays the condom licks the shaft then goes for condom at this point I am confident the head will be fantastic. She sucks while looking at me. Clearly she's a super skilled woman. She sucks it very well ask me if I want to leche. Hell no I want to fuck you. She positions doggy and I am hitting it telling her the me. Everytime I say it she moves faster til it hits her. She slows down and posution in another doggy position, then she rides me front and cowgirl. I am in heaven. Another pretty chick that loves to fuck. We then go missionary. I want to nut this position but it doesn't happen. She suggest to take the condom off and suck me off. She's make all kinds of faces to get me off. Final a huge nut. I wonder how far did it travel in san peters. She loves it. Now part of how I got her to see me was talking dirty, the body oil massage, and showing her gifts I have. After the session she ask for 300 k then she ask for a gift. I said no. I gave 250 k. She ask if we could go dancing toherher. I was like ok. But she seem like she left upset cause I gave her 250 k. She walk her self out. That was my time with cartegena / Gusto girl. I want to give credit to a russian member. Is advice encouraged me to givr her 40 extra minutes time to arrive.

[ColombiaLover]

That is my strategy as well. I would never go solo. For what purpose? You are in the barrio with the locals. I much prefer my times in the barrios to those in Lleras. And I agree about making contacts through your amigas. I still use FB some, but not so much. And I've never used SA and my Mansion contacts are long gone.

My Spanish is not fluent, but it's reasonable. I'm 55. So I guess I'm old, but they do not care. I have a few extra pounds, but they don't care. As long as they have fun, feel safe, feel somewhat respected. I am good with them. Agree that you can't be overly boring and you can't dress like someone from J Crew.

I'm not sure what you mean. I've partied hard in Manrique, Obrero (Bello), and Aranjuez. Some of the funnest and craziest party experiences ever. Of course, I don't go solo. I always go with groups of 2-3 girls who are from the areas. I would know at least one of the girls very well and they in turn invite their barrio friends for me to sample at the clubs. Almost always, I find someone 'fresh', usually their classmate, or co-woker, or family friend or just a new neighbor that moved into the barrio. You can't beat 50 mil for a full bottle of rum at a club! Medelland has something for everyone. I remember my virgin trip to MDE and I stayed at the Mansion my first couple trips and then would rent an apt in Parque Lleras to party hard for a week straight until my body couldn't take it anymore LOL. I dont use FB, SA, or Mansion connections anymore. I pretty much build my own chica network through referrals and referrals of referrals, and so on. Anyways, just my 2 cents. Being able to speak fluent Spanish, understand Colombian slang, dress with some style, not looking old, overweight and overly boring goes a long way.

[Knowledge]

Like I said, I hope for a surprise happy ending. It's good you roll with people you've met before and use referrals. My 2 cents is to avoid problems keep a clear head about whether you get girls because of what you can pay them vs. Your appearance, fashion sense and knowledge of Spanish. More specifically, to avoid dangerous problems be aware that whether or not you arrive someplace with "2 or 3 girls" from the area you are still alone. Please stay alert and be selective with your trust so I can read about a happy plot twist. I mention a surprise ending because everything else about your evolution from gringo hotel newbie to confident barrio baller is a familiar path toward regretful developments. I hope you are now more sure of what I mean because I hate hearing about guys in problem situations.

I'm not sure what you mean. I've partied hard in Manrique, Obrero (Bello), and Aranjuez. Some of the funnest and craziest party experiences ever. Of course, I don't go solo. I always go with groups of 2-3 girls who are from the areas. I would know at least one of the girls very well and they in turn invite their barrio friends for me to sample at the clubs. Almost always, I find someone 'fresh', usually their classmate, or co-woker, or family friend or just a new neighbor that moved into the barrio. You can't beat 50 mil for a full bottle of rum at a club! Medelland has something for everyone. I remember my virgin trip to MDE and I stayed at the Mansion my first couple trips and then would rent an apt in Parque Lleras to party hard for a week straight until my body couldn't take it anymore LOL. I dont use FB, SA, or Mansion connections anymore. I pretty much build my own chica network through referrals and referrals of referrals, and so on. Anyways, just my 2 cents. Being able to speak fluent Spanish, understand Colombian slang, dress with some style, not looking old, overweight and overly boring goes a long way.

[Knowledge]

You don't need cash for Uber. You need cash for taxis. Another cash option is the 12,000 peso bus to Centro or San Diego. If you stay at San Peter get the San Diego bus. You will need a taxi after the bus, or you can do Uber from there.

I am a Centro rat. Yes, you are safe to take taxis to amd from the strip clubs after dark.

I'll answer your first three questions since I have knowledge of those. I'm not a Centro rat and it's been years since I stayed at San Peter.

1) ATM's are the best option. The cambios will be open when you arrive but their exchange rates are quite a bit lower. After going through the baggage claim area, continue walking down the hallway. Bancolombia and BBVA ATM's are on your right. BBVA is a little further past Bancolombia, but BBVA doesn't have ATM fees.

2) No, Uber is not the best option. They may be a few pesos cheaper than a taxi, but the added trouble to find the Uber is not worth it. The white taxis have a set rate to Medellin - 80,000 COP. That is for anywhere in Medellin, Poblado, and Laureles.

3) It is best to go to one of the carriers stores. Claro and Tigo are probably the most popular. Take your passport with you just in case they need to see it to sell a sim card.

[JjBee62]

Hey guys,

Tickets are booked for early Jan with KLM from Europe 693 round trip. I've been lurking around this forum for a while now, taking notes and reading as much as possible. Thanks to all so far that have provided on the ground reports.

Since my trip is definitely on, I now have some questions.

I'll be arriving in Medellin around 6 pm. Whats the best option for getting COP at that time, will the cambios still be open or maybe the ATM is better?

Is Uber the best option from the airport? I seem to remember someone saying you need to walk across a carpark or something.

Is it best to wait until the next day to get a sim at the Claro store because almost every country I've been to, they rip you off with tourist sims at the airport which are no better than regular ones downtown?

Can anybody who has stayed at the San Peter apartments in Laureles recommend a contact they have there. They have some on airbnb but the owners are saying no guests / sex tourism etc.

I know there has been a lot of discussion on not going to Botero at night and I get it but what about taking a taxi or Uber straight to a bar or strip club like Barra Ejecutiva and then a taxi back, I presume that's safe enough?.

1. ATMs are better, unless you have some overriding reason to bring cash. At least some of them should be open at Oviedo mall until 8 pm. However, the added cost and inconvenience makes using a money exchange upon arrival a bad idea. You can pull out a small amount from an ATM at the airport, then hit another ATM once you are settled in.

The best option from the airport, going to San Peter Apartments is the bus to Nutibara Plaza and then taxi to San Peter, although it's not much different than taking the bus to Santa Fe mall and taking a taxi. However, it will probably be easier and less stressful to take a white taxi from the airport. The rate should be 80 k, but always verify with the driver. If he says more than 85 k, just move on to the next one.

3. I've never seen a listing on Airbnb for San Peter Apartments that doesn't specifically state visitors, over 18 with Identification are allowed. As of 1 week ago, there was no problem at all with visitors. The front desk girls are all cool with it. The owner I rented from is named Kathy.

4. Taking a taxi directly to where you want to go in El Centro is the way to go, especially at night.

5. When in doubt, whip it out. Ask for a cedula. Some hotels in El Centro require the girl to have one. Some don't.

6. I think most of the Centro rats will tell you to use Premier Plaza or another better short time hotel. Cleaner, nicer, no interruptions and hot water is worth it.

[Surfer500]

Being able to speak fluent Spanish, understand Colombian slang, dress with some style, not looking old, overweight and overly boring goes a long way.

You actually left something out here that others may not be aware of in that you said your Asian. I have a friend from South Korea who is in Medellin that I met with a few weeks ago there, and he basically was a "babe magnet" compared to me when we would go places. It's almost like when I went to India a few years back. Your a rarity, and are going to get a lot of attention because most Colombians in the barrios let alone not ever leaving Medellin have never seen an Asian person in the flesh, and being able to speak Spanish has to be blowing them away, especially the Chicas. So your kind of like a movie star and probably have people wanting to have their picture taken with you, at least that's what happened to me in India, but unfortunately it wasn't with a bunch of Chicas!

[Fun Luvr]

Since my trip is definitely on, I now have some questions.

I'll be arriving in Medellin around 6 pm. Whats the best option for getting COP at that time, will the cambios still be open or maybe the ATM is better?

Is Uber the best option from the airport? I seem to remember someone saying you need to walk across a carpark or something.

Is it best to wait until the next day to get a sim at the Claro store because almost every country I've been to, they rip you off with tourist sims at the airport which are no better than regular ones downtown?

I'll answer your first three questions since I have knowledge of those. I'm not a Centro rat and it's been years since I stayed at San Peter.

1) ATM's are the best option. The cambios will be open when you arrive but their exchange rates are quite a bit lower. After going through the baggage claim area, continue walking down the hallway. Bancolombia and BBVA ATM's are on your right. BBVA is a little further past Bancolombia, but BBVA doesn't have ATM fees.

2) No, Uber is not the best option. They may be a few pesos cheaper than a taxi, but the added trouble to find the Uber is not worth it. The white taxis have a set rate to Medellin - 80,000 COP. That is for anywhere in Medellin, Poblado, and Laureles.

3) It is best to go to one of the carriers stores. Claro and Tigo are probably the most popular. Take your passport with you just in case they need to see it to sell a sim card.

[RiceRocket99]

I'm not sure what you mean. I've partied hard in Manrique, Obrero (Bello), and Aranjuez. Some of the funnest and craziest party experiences ever. Of course, I don't go solo. I always go with groups of 2-3 girls who are from the areas. I would know at least one of the girls very well and they in turn invite their barrio friends for me to sample at the clubs. Almost always, I find someone 'fresh', usually their classmate, or co-woker, or family friend or just a new neighbor that moved into the barrio. You can't beat 50 mil for a full bottle of rum at a club! Medelland has something for everyone. I remember my virgin trip to MDE and I stayed at the Mansion my first couple trips and then would rent an apt in Parque Lleras to party hard for a week straight until my body couldn't take it anymore LOL. I don’t use FB, SA, or Mansion connections anymore. I pretty much build my own chica network through referrals and referrals of referrals, and so on. Anyways, just my 2 cents. Being able to speak fluent Spanish, understand Colombian slang, dress with some style, not looking old, overweight and overly boring goes a long way.

I've seen this movie before. I hope for a surprise ending this time.

[Nounce]

my trip is definitely on, I now have some questions.

You can exchange money at the airport using ATM. Regular taxi works better than Uber from airport. It has a standard pricing so you are not likely to be overcharged. You can google Medellin Guru to find a web site and it has detail info.

You can also find San Peter on booking.com. You can get contact info there.

Taxi to El Centro is safe. You can walk around if you know where you are going but avoid dark places with no one around. You can go check it out during daytime to get familiar with the area. Most places are dark in nighttime so that is something to get used to.

I let girl take me because I want to see new places unless it is a place I have visited that I don't like. The knock maybe a Bogota thing. It almost never happens to me in Medellin but maybe I am too quick. I remember a girl yelled out demasado rapido when I finised in Santa Fe, haha.

Pollo Negro taught me the phrase "algo mas".

Do you check out the Medellin List by World Traveler here?

[JohnnyO]

I wanted to add to my recent post but I can't due to a time limit. Anyway as I am asking a lot of info and I am unable to give back as I am not on the ground yet I will add my cliff notes here.

[JohnnyO]

Hey guys,

Tickets are booked for early Jan with KLM from Europe 693 round trip. I've been lurking around this forum for a while now, taking notes and reading as much as possible. Thanks to all so far that have provided on the ground reports.

Since my trip is definitely on, I now have some questions.

I'll be arriving in Medellin around 6 pm. Whats the best option for getting COP at that time, will the cambios still be open or maybe the ATM is better?

Is Uber the best option from the airport? I seem to remember someone saying you need to walk across a carpark or something.

Is it best to wait until the next day to get a sim at the Claro store because almost every country I've been to, they rip you off with tourist sims at the airport which are no better than regular ones downtown?

Can anybody who has stayed at the San Peter apartments in Laureles recommend a contact they have there. They have some on airbnb but the owners are saying no guests / sex tourism etc.

I know there has been a lot of discussion on not going to Botero at night and I get it but what about taking a taxi or Uber straight to a bar or strip club like Barra Ejecutiva and then a taxi back, I presume that's safe enough?

Are most of you guys who are go to Centro asking the girls if they have a Cedula or not and I presume the hotels will ask as well?

When you take a girl from Centro are you letting the girl guide you to a hotel or is better to take her yourself to somewhere like Zona Rosa or Premier Plaza? It seems like a better option to pay a bit more where you know you'll get an hour to a few hours rather than paying cheap and getting a knock after 20 min, that's what I'm gathering from reading the forum?

Thanks again.

[Knowledge]

I've seen this movie before. I hope for a surprise ending this time.

Yeah I remember going there years ago, it definitely changed its decor since then. I'm a Chino so I stand out in non gringo areas, and I like that. I'm staying a couple blocks from San Javier Metro Station, walking distance to communa 13. No gringos at all here except those doing the tour. When I walk out at night, I get looks like wtf this Chino doing here LOL. People are always friendly and interested in how I ended up here. I tell them I love living like a local. Chicas that come here ask the same thing. But my apt has nice view and large balcony. I can play loud music all day and night with no complaints.