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It seems the latest tax-reform (reforma tributaria 2022) brought in a tax exemption of foreing pensions up to 8600 USD a month. Chicas here I come!
Can any forum member recommend a visa agent in Colombia? I'm not especially interested in an agent who speaks English as I speak the local lingo and an agent who does business in Spanish is less likely to charge gringo fees.
Hello everyone! I've finally booked a flight to Colombia for the first time after years of saying I would go, I manned up and did it and I'm going to stay in Colombia for about 3 weeks mainly staying in Medellin. Now I don't really need help with much I just want to ask a few questions about airbnb and other things. First how is the experience with self check in places? What are things I should look out for on these listings? I'm not really going out to monger mainly because over the past 5 years I've invested time (and some money) on some ex cam girls and current cam girls that werent / arent really that big popularity wise. So naturally I'm going to meet up with these girls (3 in medellin and 2 in Bogota also a couple other girls in other cities) and have no actual need for SWs or to look for girls in clubs or whatever. But I want to be prepared if any of the girls I talk to flakes on me so this is why I'm asking about AirBnb in case I do end up going for the other options. I'm planning on staying in between Envigado (which seems most airbnbs in the neighborhood don't really like you bringing SWs) and Laureles. As for Bogota I haven't done much research on the safe neighborhoods but ill look them up eventually.
Another question I have mainly for my fellow gringos if any have experience with TD Bank and which ATMs to use? I was planning on taking like 200 in cash just in case but IDK if that's a smart idea?
Last question are Uber and Cabify safe choices to use for transport? I've done my research and seems like those are fine but just wanted to ask anyways.
[QUOTE=YoungPapi;2806857]Hello everyone! I've finally booked a flight to Colombia for the first time after years of saying I would go, I manned up and did it and I'm going to stay in Colombia for about 3 weeks mainly staying in Medellin. Now I don't really need help with much I just want to ask a few questions about airbnb and other things. First how is the experience with self check in places? What are things I should look out for on these listings? I'm not really going out to monger mainly because over the past 5 years I've invested time (and some money) on some ex cam girls and current cam girls that werent / arent really that big popularity wise. So naturally I'm going to meet up with these girls (3 in medellin and 2 in Bogota also a couple other girls in other cities) and have no actual need for SWs or to look for girls in clubs or whatever. But I want to be prepared if any of the girls I talk to flakes on me so this is why I'm asking about AirBnb in case I do end up going for the other options. I'm planning on staying in between Envigado (which seems most airbnbs in the neighborhood don't really like you bringing SWs) and Laureles. As for Bogota I haven't done much research on the safe neighborhoods but ill look them up eventually..[/QUOTE]Way too many things here that can go wrong.
When I went to Medellin it took forever to find an Airbnb that would allow guests without a fee per guest. I wish you all the best with that.
You were spending money on girls you never met over 5 years and believe all will go well? I wish you all the best with that.
If those girls don't flake on you or played te long game to set you up, they will want money so make sure you got enough cash.
You're only taking $200 in cash? Well if you plan on using a credit card with no foreign transaction fees and only go to places that accept cards that can work but I suggest $500 minimum.
For TD Bank if you are referring to a debit card then it can work as they charge a flat fee but if its a credit card I would strongly advise against using that to get money from the ATM unless you want multiple fees per transaction which can add up real fast.
You can use Uber, just remember its not exactly legal so as long as there isn't no cop trying to make extra money and pull the car over you will be ok. The other is Didi and inDriver.
Bookmarking this one, I know this one will be an adventure I definitely want to see the outcome on. My popcorn is ready!
Not long ago, The xchange rate was near 4900 now 4400 and change. 500 cop less shakes out to about 50,000 cop less for every $100 usd exchanged. That in and of itself, is not a deal breaker but no one knows where the bottom is anymore with the very ignorant financial steps and spending the current administration is taking. I'm curious what our currency experts see for the dollar going forth.
[QUOTE=LatinaLover#1;2807047]Not long ago, The xchange rate was near 4900 now 4400 and change. 500 cop less shakes out to about 50,000 cop less for every $100 usd exchanged. That in and of itself, is not a deal breaker but no one knows where the bottom is anymore with the very ignorant financial steps and spending the current administration is taking. I'm curious what our currency experts see for the dollar going forth.[/QUOTE]Today, you can get 4564 at the ATM's. As LatinLover stated, the value of the dollar is dropping fast.
[QUOTE=LatinaLover#1;2807047]Not long ago, The xchange rate was near 4900 now 4400 and change. 500 cop less shakes out to about 50,000 cop less for every $100 usd exchanged. That in and of itself, is not a deal breaker but no one knows where the bottom is anymore with the very ignorant financial steps and spending the current administration is taking. I'm curious what our currency experts see for the dollar going forth.[/QUOTE]Lucky you're not in Costa Rica, the US dollar has gone down over 30% relative to the CRC. Something unique to Costa Rica probably.
There are 2 sides to every currency pair. And it has very little or nothing to do with your internal US politics. The US dollar is still a go-to place when there is a lot of volatility in the world markets, and often goes down when things settle down in other places. So if you can predict world events you may get a way of predicting the moves of the dollar. Good luck.
[QUOTE=Eszpresszo;2805896]Its cheaper to take cabs instead of Uber because you will be charged the inflated official rate on your card with Uber. However, credit cards are not widely accepted in BA and the financial crisis has made vendors more suspicious of CC transactions, as I have been told. The "Blue Rate" is actually the fair representation of what the money is worth. You can also wire yourself money from your checking account directly to Western Union, though the fees that WU will charge you is extortionate.[/QUOTE]Thought I'd quickly contribute as I just arrived in Buenos Aires two days ago after a couple weeks in Rio. You can now get the blue dollar rate using a credit card but it shows up as a refund a day later. (at least using a Visa card). That is, you're charged the official rate (about 200 pesos per dollar) but then refunded the difference of the blue dollar which is closer to 370 pesos per dollar.
Girls on seeking are asking anywhere from $100 to $300. If you are looking for European looking girls, this is the spot. To quickly compare to other destinations, I spent twelve months in Colombia over the past couple years (mostly in Medellin) and I'll say it's certainly more economical and there are girls everywhere (online, clubs, parque Lleras, etc). Been to Rio multiple times and no comparison in terms of service (kissing, blowjobs, etc) Brasileiras are more consistent. More variety in terms of looks and lots of girls available at different price points: $30 in prives, $125 boates / termas, up to $200 online.
Happy hunting boys!
[QUOTE=Zeos1;2807062]Lucky you're not in Costa Rica, the US dollar has gone down over 30% relative to the CRC. Something unique to Costa Rica probably.
There are 2 sides to every currency pair. And it has very little or nothing to do with your internal US politics. The US dollar is still a go-to place when there is a lot of volatility in the world markets, and often goes down when things settle down in other places. So if you can predict world events you may get a way of predicting the moves of the dollar. Good luck.[/QUOTE]CR was my go to place for years and years, lived in Perez Z. For 6 months off and on. The Colones was at 400 I think and took years to get to 500 at it seems it's been there forever, even today it's only 10 or 20 Colones over the 500 now. Seems like the CR Colones is a lot more stable than most 3rd world countries.
[QUOTE=Zeos1;2807062]Lucky you're not in Costa Rica, the US dollar has gone down over 30% relative to the CRC. Something unique to Costa Rica probably.
There are 2 sides to every currency pair. And it has very little or nothing to do with your internal US politics. The US dollar is still a go-to place when there is a lot of volatility in the world markets, and often goes down when things settle down in other places. So if you can predict world events you may get a way of predicting the moves of the dollar. Good luck.[/QUOTE]The thing is, very few people can actually predict what foreign currency exchange rates will do in the long run. I, however, due to vast amounts of experience and education, can predict [B]exactly[/B] what foreign currency exchanges rates will do in the long run.
They will fluctuate.
Visiting Medellin soon and I have some questions. Will return the favor with reports.
1. How much and when do you tip security guy? Do you guys tell security guy you will be bringing girls and then just hand him over cash? I've never done that before. Don't want to come off as rude and just show up with cash in hand.
2. Do ladies accept $US or strictly COP? Should I bring $US with me and swap to COP at the airport currency exchange, or it's better to withdraw from the ATM?
3. When it comes to tipping, do Colombians prefer COP or $US? Do they have tipping culture like in the US for the restaurants, Uber?
4. Where can one buy plan be and condoms (preferably well known brands such as Durex)? And how much plan be costs.
5. Is Cialis available without prescription? If so where can I buy it, and which brand should I ask for?
[QUOTE=LatinaLover#1;2807094]CR was my go to place for years and years, lived in Perez Z. For 6 months off and on. The Colones was at 400 I think and took years to get to 500 at it seems it's been there forever, even today it's only 10 or 20 Colones over the 500 now. Seems like the CR Colones is a lot more stable than most 3rd world countries.[/QUOTE]Last June the dollar was over 700 colones. Today it is around 500, as you say. That is an extreme increase in the value of the colon. And the economy is not thought to be all that stable with IMF offering negative opinions, among other "reviews". The most likely explanation is that with some IMF backing CR is borrowing in Europe (issuing Eurobonds or something like that) and in Euros, and when they get the proceeds they go back to CR and buy colones in order to pay their civil service and other government paid folks, hence driving up demand for colones and causing this artificial increase in value. When the reverse happens (when these loans need to be repaid, or coupons paid, etc) this pattern reverses and they will be selling colones to buy Euros to pay off these bonds.
Anyway. Whatever the reason. Anyone that invested in CR in the past year is getting hammered.
[QUOTE=IAmThatGuy;2807201]Visiting Medellin soon and I have some questions. Will return the favor with reports.
1. How much and when do you tip security guy? [/QUOTE]Zero. Never. For what?
[QUOTE=IAmThatGuy;2807201]2. Do ladies accept $US or strictly COP?[/QUOTE]Why would you be trying to pay with USD? Can you imagine having a store in the United States and a person from Japan coming in and trying to pay you with Yen? In Colombia legal tinder is the Colombian Peso.
[QUOTE=IAmThatGuy;2807201]3. When it comes to tipping, do Colombians prefer COP or $US? Do they have tipping culture like in the US for the restaurants, Uber?[/QUOTE]What are you giving away money for? Things cost what they cost. There is no need to pay more than what it costs.
[QUOTE=IAmThatGuy;2807201]4. Where can one buy plan be and condoms (preferably well known brands such as Durex)?[/QUOTE]Pharmacy same as any other country. Although there are also condoms sold at sex shops.
[QUOTE=IAmThatGuy;2807201]5. Is Cialis available without prescription? If so where can I buy it, and which brand should I ask for?[/QUOTE]A pharmacy again. Ask for the generic name: Tadalafil.
[QUOTE=Huacho;2807168]The thing is, very few people can actually predict what foreign currency exchange rates will do in the long run. I, however, due to vast amounts of experience and education, can predict [B]exactly[/B] what foreign currency exchanges rates will do in the long run.
They will fluctuate.[/QUOTE]Those "very few people" get caught and fined millions of dollars every 3 or so years for collaborating to ensure the foreign currency markets fluctuate in line with their predictions. The banks work together to move the markets, makes millions every day for years, get caught and fined about 0. 01% of their stolen money and told that if they do it again, they will get the same fine.
[QUOTE=IAmThatGuy;2807201]Visiting Medellin soon and I have some questions. Will return the favor with reports.
1. How much and when do you tip security guy? Do you guys tell security guy you will be bringing girls and then just hand him over cash? I've never done that before. Don't want to come off as rude and just show up with cash in hand.
2. Do ladies accept $US or strictly COP? Should I bring $US with me and swap to COP at the airport currency exchange, or it's better to withdraw from the ATM?
3. When it comes to tipping, do Colombians prefer COP or $US? Do they have tipping culture like in the US for the restaurants, Uber?[/QUOTE]1. Try smiling, and giving a friendly greeting. Works wonders.
2. Medellin is in Colombia, which is not part of the United States. They have their own government and even their own currency, the Colombian Peso. Look at it like this:
If you have a dog and you want to give the dog a treat, do you pay it in dog treats, or do you just give it a $5 bill?
2 A. If you want to get robbed in Medellin, you will have many opportunities. There's no sense in embracing the first thieves you see and handing them your money. Airport currency exchanges almost universally will rip you off with a ridiculous rate, 20-30% less than the current rate.
2 B. If you bring a bunch of dollars, you're always in possession of plenty of juicy cash for anyone to steal. Then you need to make trips to a currency exchange in order to convert it. If you carry an ATM card, you can limit the amount of cash on hand to what you need for a few days. Davivienda ATMs have no fees and will dispense up to 2 million COP pee transaction. Always decline the currency conversion offered by the ATM.
3. Refer to #2. It's Colombia. They use Colombian pesos. This should not be confusing.
3 A. Most restaurants will add in a 10% service charge to your bill. That is the tip. The bill will come with 2 totals, with and without the service charge, along with a long explanation in Spanish that the service charge is voluntary. No other tip is required.
3 B. Restaurant service is not like the US. Go in, sit down and someone will probably bring you a menu. That's the last time you will see your waiter, unless you flag them down or get their attention. If you need another drink, if there's a problem with your food, if you want your bill, if your hair is on fire, the waiters will not bother you, unless you get their attention.
4. Bring your own condoms. If you find yourself needing a plan Be, go to a pharmacy. They will tell you the cost.
5. Cialis and Viagra, along with the generics are available at any pharmacy without a prescription. Either ask for the name brand, or the generic.
All of your questions have been answered many times in the Medellin thread. There are also many other questions, some a matter of life or death, which have been answered there. You really should have done some research.
[QUOTE=JjBee62;2807393]1. Try smiling, and giving a friendly greeting. Works wonders.
2. Medellin is in Colombia, which is not part of the United States. They have their own government and even their own currency, the Colombian Peso. Look at it like this:
If you have a dog and you want to give the dog a treat, do you pay it in dog treats, or do you just give it a $5 bill?
2 A. If you want to get robbed in Medellin, you will have many opportunities. There's no sense in embracing the first thieves you see and handing them your money. Airport currency exchanges almost universally will rip you off with a ridiculous rate, 20-30% less than the current rate.
2 B. If you bring a bunch of dollars, you're always in possession of plenty of juicy cash for anyone to steal. Then you need to make trips to a currency exchange in order to convert it. If you carry an ATM card, you can limit the amount of cash on hand to what you need for a few days. Davivienda ATMs have no fees and will dispense up to 2 million COP pee transaction. Always decline the currency conversion offered by the ATM.
3. Refer to #2. It's Colombia. They use Colombian pesos. This should not be confusing.
3 A. Most restaurants will add in a 10% service charge to your bill. That is the tip. The bill will come with 2 totals, with and without the service charge, along with a long explanation in Spanish that the service charge is voluntary. No other tip is required.
3 B. Restaurant service is not like the US. Go in, sit down and someone will probably bring you a menu. That's the last time you will see your waiter, unless you flag them down or get their attention. If you need another drink, if there's a problem with your food, if you want your bill, if your hair is on fire, the waiters will not bother you, unless you get their attention.
4. Bring your own condoms. If you find yourself needing a plan Be, go to a pharmacy. They will tell you the cost.
5. Cialis and Viagra, along with the generics are available at any pharmacy without a prescription. Either ask for the name brand, or the generic.
All of your questions have been answered many times in the Medellin thread. There are also many other questions, some a matter of life or death, which have been answered there. You really should have done some research.[/QUOTE]Just bring some fives and tens for the ride to the hotel from the airport. No need to exchange money at the airport. After check in, go find a safe ATM at a bank and take out pesos, always decline their rate and then you will get the real rate. The Uber rate to la mansion is showing 103,000 pesos. That's 24.00. Offer the taxis 25 to 30 on the high end and you will get to your hotel without being raped. If you can use Uber at the airport, use that.