Medellin Reports

[QUOTE=Combo;1912878] If Colombia imported all consumer goods and services from the US, consumer prices would indeed (very closely) follow the exchange rate. That's obviously not the case.[/QUOTE]As you know, the idea that all consumer goods and services would be imported from the USA is nonsensical, and even if that were so, there are many other factors besides imports that would effect the exchange rate. Your example would require the Colombian government to manage the exchange rate so that the peso depreciates versus the dollar at about the same rate as the CPI, which won't happen. But I'm preaching to the choir.

For what it's worth, the consensus (average) forecast by analysts for CPI year-on-year change in the 2nd half of 2016 is 7%, and 4% and 3.9% in 2017 and 2018 respectively. And they think the peso will stay around 3100 to 3200 for the next few years. Anyway, if they're right, and sometimes they're very wrong, Colombian poontang will continue to be a bargain for the next few years.

[QUOTE=Tiny12;1913375]As you know, the idea that all consumer goods and services would be imported from the USA is nonsensical..[/QUOTE]The guy said that "if" all consumer goods and services would be imported from the USA, followed by "that's not the case."

[QUOTE=Tiny12;1913375]even if that were so, there are many other factors besides imports that would effect the exchange rate..[/QUOTE]Combo is talking about effects on price, not effects on exchange rate.

[QUOTE=Combo;1912878]The Colombian Peso is most definitely not tied to the US Dollar. Not sure where you get that information.[/QUOTE][QUOTE=JjBee62;1913146]I'm not sure either. Something I read a few years back which I can't find now and can't recall, but one bit of wrong, or improperly understood information stuck.[/QUOTE]It wasn't Colombia, but Argentina. They did this in the 90's, I believe, and as you can imagine a very bad decision. This obviously no longer the case.

[QUOTE=DaStranger;1913645]It wasn't Colombia, but Argentina. They did this in the 90's, I believe, and as you can imagine a very bad decision. This obviously no longer the case.[/QUOTE]There are many countries that peg to the USD, including Hong Kong and Panama. Here is a chart.

[URL]http://www.investopedia.com/articles/forex/061015/top-exchange-rates-pegged-us-dollar.asp[/URL]

Panamá, as well as Ecuador and El Salvador, have flat-out adopted the US dollar, and do not have their own currencies. That's not the same thing as a peg, which requires constant intervention in the currency markets to maintain the peg. Adopting the currency usually cures hyper-inflation but it also removes monetary policy as a tool for managing the economy, leaving only fiscal policy, which works much more slowly and inefficiently. Hong Kong has its own currency. Another country that has its own currency but allows it to circulate side by side with US dollars is The Bahamas.

Hey fellas,

Quick question.

How many of you have been down over the Christmas / New years holiday season? I mean I am quite sure Christmas and perhaps Christmas eve shit will be shut down. I'm wondering if it's noticeably it slower and practically a graveyard or business as usual? RTFF around that time last year but didn't see many reports.

[QUOTE=Dickhead;1913871]Another country that has its own currency but allows it to circulate side by side with US dollars is The Bahamas.[/QUOTE]It's always a trip buying something there and getting mixed change currency in return.

[QUOTE=WorldJockey;1913885]Hey fellas,

Quick question.

How many of you have been down over the Christmas / New years holiday season? I mean I am quite sure Christmas and perhaps Christmas eve shit will be shut down. I'm wondering if it's noticeably it slower and practically a graveyard or business as usual? RTFF around that time last year but didn't see many reports.

It's always a trip buying something there and getting mixed change currency in return.[/QUOTE]I personally have never been during this time, but anecdotally I understand it to be a not so great time to be mongering. People are with there family and friends during the holidays. I would look to book your trip pre or post holiday season to get the best potential lineups.

[QUOTE=WorldJockey;1913885]Hey fellas,

Quick question.

How many of you have been down over the Christmas / New years holiday season? I mean I am quite sure Christmas and perhaps Christmas eve shit will be shut down. I'm wondering if it's noticeably it slower and practically a graveyard or business as usual? RTFF around that time last year but didn't see many reports.

It's always a trip buying something there and getting mixed change currency in return.[/QUOTE]Nearly everything is shut down on Christmas, New years holidays, semana santa, and election day.

Christmas season is to be avoided for mongering in all Catholic countries. Early to mid-December can be good because they are desperate for money.

[QUOTE=Dickhead;1913871]Panam, as well as Ecuador and El Salvador, have flat-out adopted the US dollar, and do not have their own currencies. That's not the same thing as a peg, which requires constant intervention in the currency markets to maintain the peg. Adopting the currency usually cures hyper-inflation but it also removes monetary policy as a tool for managing the economy, leaving only fiscal policy, which works much more slowly and inefficiently. Hong Kong has its own currency. Another country that has its own currency but allows it to circulate side by side with US dollars is The Bahamas.[/QUOTE]That's some good intel! Panama however has its own coins, which coincide with their US counterparts coin size & thickness so as not to be confused. When I was down there, I received 1/2 dollars, quarters, dimes, nickels & penny equivalents in their Balboa coinage!

[QUOTE=WorldJockey;1913885]Hey fellas,

Quick question.

How many of you have been down over the Christmas / New years holiday season? I mean I am quite sure Christmas and perhaps Christmas eve shit will be shut down. I'm wondering if it's noticeably it slower and practically a graveyard or business as usual? RTFF around that time last year but didn't see many reports.

It's always a trip buying something there and getting mixed change currency in return.[/QUOTE]I was there the first half of December last year and it was fun. I always stay at the mansion but I assume everywhere else is operating the same. Closer to Christmas time things might change but the first half of December was fine.

Medellin really gets into Christmas lights in the city and they close a big blvd (at night) and celebrate during December. Google Christmas in Medellin and you'll see what I mean. The chicas are all working because they need Christmas money for family and friends. Last year the city was doing some construction on the river so the Christmas lights extravaganza was not as grand as years past. I'm headed back in early December for another look.

[QUOTE=Dickhead;1913973]Christmas season is to be avoided for mongering in all Catholic countries. Early to mid-December can be good because they are desperate for money.[/QUOTE]I was in Panama the day after Christmas straight thru new years. Business as usual. A lot of girls from Venezuela and Cuba defected and do not return to their home country. I was in Medellin just after new year and it was a non-stop party with plenty of action.

[QUOTE=Dickhead;1913973]Christmas season is to be avoided for mongering in all Catholic countries. Early to mid-December can be good because they are desperate for money.[/QUOTE]There are exceptions to this general rule. La Feria de Cali runs between Christmas and New Year and IMO it's the absolute best time to be in Cali.

Also, Rio is pretty good that same week. New York's Eve in Rio is great (though expect high prices for lodging).

[QUOTE=GirlsLuvMe;1914267]I was in Panama the day after Christmas straight thru new years. Business as usual. A lot of girls from Venezuela and Cuba defected and do not return to their home country. I was in Medellin just after new year and it was a non-stop party with plenty of action.[/QUOTE]Totally agree. I was there 12/26 thru 12/30 & as usual. So many chicas, so little time. Cafe Habanos was not as packed as it usually was, from what I heard, but that meant there weren't that many guys there either. There was a nice selection every night!

Going to Medellin for 2 days alone.

Obvious gringo and speak a bit of Spanish. Friday night where should I go out to meet Colombian girls?

A few questions on safety.

Is it safe to go to the flat of an escort? Going to a strip clubs is it safe?

What about bringing the girl to my hotel? Any girl / strip club / hotels recommendations?

Gracias.