General Info

**El Minetero** · 02-05-09 08:31

I wouldn't change your checks, having them mailed to Colombia. Just leave the set up as is, use the ATM's. At least in the U. S. You have FDIC, and don't have to worry about them being lost or stolen in the mail.

Delays and paperwork on recovering lost checks.

I just got an email from the Colombian Consulate in Atlanta, with the documents required for a Pensionado Visa. Not much, about the same as for a Tourist Visa. Said the fee is US$175, but waived for Americans and a few other countries.

Check the web, see if there's a Consulate near you.

KT

**BeersTerry** · 02-05-09 03:23

Peirera is like alot of smaller towns. Everybody knows your business, there is not a whole lot to do. Especially during the day and the pro scene is hit and miss as the girls are in Cali, Bogota or Medellin earning money. That said, if your Spanish is good there is fun to be had in the smaller towns.

Personally, I like Cali as healthy competition seems to ramp up the enjoyment factor.

**John Gault** · 02-05-09 02:51

Getting ready to pull the plug on the USA. Thinking of moving to Colombia.

I need some info on getting my pension and social security checks in Colombia, Right now I have direct deposit on both and when I travel I use ATMs with no problems. Also I hear you are only allowed 6 months a year in country. Is that true?

Either a PM, a post or web sites would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance, Vic

**Captbb** · 02-03-09 22:06

Originally Posted by Black Page

That's a pretty expensive way to get some virtual sex LOL! Are you sure?

Yes that is true, but virtual sex with some of the girls down there(Colombia) is better than real sex with alot of these gringa chicks. Jajaja as they say.

**Tom 33** · 02-03-09 14:38

Originally Posted by Captbb

Can any of guys tell me best way to send laptop, to friend in Cartigina. Anything I do no know about customs, taxes time in transit, ect would be helpful. Sending from Fl. Gotta get webcam up and running.

Thanks

The best way is to find someone going who will take it along. By the time you pay taxes and shipping, you would be better off sending money.

The friend can buy a laptop in CTG.

**Black Page** · 02-03-09 09:50

Originally Posted by Captbb

Can any of guys tell me best way to send laptop, to friend in Cartigina. Anything I do no know about customs, taxes time in transit, ect would be helpful. Sending from Fl. Gotta get webcam up and running.

Thanks

That's a pretty expensive way to get some virtual sex LOL! Are you sure?

**Liathain** · 02-03-09 02:47

Colombia's peso dips to lowest level since July 2006

Mon Feb 2, 2009 7:37pm GMT

BOGOTA, Feb 2 (Reuters) - Colombia's peso <COP=RR> currency closed on Monday at its weakest level against the dollar in two-and-a-half years, dragged down by global risk aversion and expectations for deeper interest rate cuts, traders said.

The central bank, in an effort to stem the peso's slide, staged its second $180-million auction of "call" options in as many days.

The peso ended down 0.44 percent at 2,446.5 per dollar, a level not seen since July 2006. Monday's loss extended its slide since the start of the year to 7.87 percent. In the last 12 months, the peso has weakened by 24.77 percent.

Orlando Gonzalez, an analyst at the Banco Popular bank, said risk aversion due to the global slowdown and expectations for further interest rate cuts were pressuring the peso.

"(Those factors) are contributing to the dollar's tendency to firm," he said.

Colombia's central bank cut its benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points for a second consecutive month on Friday, and policy-makers hinted that more reductions were likely.

**Captbb** · 02-02-09 22:58

Can any of guys tell me best way to send laptop, to friend in Cartigina. Anything I do no know about customs, taxes time in transit, ect would be helpful. Sending from Fl. Gotta get webcam up and running.

Thanks

**Cabroncito** · 02-02-09 20:34

Originally Posted by Khun Talung

Thanks for your reply, Cabroncito.

I don't drive, don't go to bars or out late at night. I try to avoid confrontations. I've been in Thailand for 13 years, want a change of pace. I was looking at Medellin, but a poster on another board recently moved from Medellin to Pereira, and found it smaller with less traffic and pollution, but with good infrastructure. I'll be down that way in May.

KT

I think you will be fine there. Medellin is a dump. Cali and pereira are much more fun.

Can you share the name of the board you read this on?

**Cabroncito** · 02-02-09 20:30

I do not think Pereira or Cali should be avoided. Just do not "stand out in a crowd" by being loud, belligerent, and wearing shorts and a gold chain.

Originally Posted by Ken_Apples

Even that I do belive that the things Cabroncito is writing about, actually do happens. There is a far softer/better side of the town where you can be a tourist. With absolutley no problem at all.

How do I know this?

I know a white gringo (stands way out in the crowd) who have been living and working in Pereira for two years now. Never had a problem.

The guy is not a "street smart, know-it-all dude". Just a guy like you and me. And he loves the city, and have no plans of moving out of there.

Clearly, like in any city in any country, there are bad neighborhoods, just as there are good neighborhoods.

So bottomline, If you want to go there, don't hesitate. Just use common sense, be polite and have yourself a good time.

No reason to keep away from following your dreams and desires.

Have a good trip and a fun vaccation.

Ken Apples

**Ken_Apples** · 02-02-09 14:45

Even that I do belive that the things Cabroncito is writing about, actually do happens. There is a far softer/better side of the town where you can be a tourist. With absolutley no problem at all.

How do I know this?

I know a white gringo (stands way out in the crowd) who have been living and working in Pereira for two years now. Never had a problem.

The guy is not a "street smart, know-it-all dude". Just a guy like you and me. And he loves the city, and have no plans of moving out of there.

Clearly, like in any city in any country, there are bad neighborhoods, just as there are good neighborhoods.

So bottomline, If you want to go there, don't hesitate. Just use common sense, be polite and have yourself a good time.

No reason to keep away from following your dreams and desires.

Have a good trip and a fun vaccation.

Ken Apples

Originally Posted by Cabroncito

It is rougher on the edges, differences are settled the old fashioned way. I have only met two gringos there after many visits and it was through a mutual friend.

About your question, I was eating with a friend upstairs in Bolivar plaza and we hear a loud crash. A taxi hit a motorcycle sending the driver to the ground (it was not clear who was at fault) After he realized the bike was okay, he responded by shooting the taxi driver and female passenger in broad daylight with about 500 horrified witnesses. This is not a bad area either.

I have also seen guys beating girls outside of nightclubs on two separate nights while the doorman turns a blind eye. Also you will see quite a few signs posted on telephone poles looking for people who have disappeared.

I keep a low profile so I have never had and issue with anyone. In fact I have many close friends here and find the city quite enchanting.

Manizales is a better choice though if you have weak bladder.

**El Minetero** · 02-02-09 09:33

Thanks for your reply, Cabroncito.

I don't drive, don't go to bars or out late at night. I try to avoid confrontations. I've been in Thailand for 13 years, want a change of pace. I was looking at Medellin, but a poster on another board recently moved from Medellin to Pereira, and found it smaller with less traffic and pollution, but with good infrastructure. I'll be down that way in May.

KT

**El Minetero** · 01-30-09 16:24

Please give a little more information as to how Pereira is dangerous.

What to look out for, areas to avoid.

Thanks,

KT

**Cabroncito** · 01-30-09 05:11

Pereira is a little dangerous but lots of hotties.

Have you tried Manizales, it is fun too.

Originally Posted by Hunglow1625

Any feedback on these areas would be appreciated.Seems there are plenty of very desireable Columbianas to be had in these two city's.

**Viper60** · 01-29-09 21:41

Of course you travels are documented nowadays! What do you think, the U. S. Would just let people come in and out and not notice the person who travels to Beirut or Iran very frequently for "vacation"? Come on man wake and smell the coffee. That doesn't mean that they necessarily know what you are doing there.

Originally Posted by UrbanWildlife

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-interests-24971907