Medellin Reports

[QUOTE=Artisttyp]I wouldn't mind knowing this myself. Can I walk into any pharmacy and buy xanax or ambien without a script ?[/QUOTE]Xanax is very restricted and very expensive in Colombia. My friend Larry just paid 240k for 90pills. I think about 1U.S. a piece. You can buy Ambien.

[QUOTE=Artisttyp]I wouldn't mind knowing this myself. Can I walk into any pharmacy and buy xanax or ambien without a script ?[/QUOTE]The answer is yes for ambien, but you must ask for it by it's clinical name, zolpidem. I stocked up at the pharmacy in the supermarket at the Olveida mall. I like getting the cylindrical pills, which can easily crack in half to get easy half doses.

You can try alprazolam if they don't know what xanax is.

[QUOTE=Zig Monger]Hey guys, Just getting ready to book 6th trip in september. Have always stayed at the mansion, and will this time also, as I love room 11. Due to the declining dollar, however, am thinking about spending a couple of nights probably in el centro, to save some dinero. Does anyone have any suggestions on a lower priced option, which is chica friendly?

Thanks,

Ziggy[/QUOTE]Much safer in laurelas and you can get rooms at $35.

[QUOTE=Artisto Art]Maracaibo is good Kdogg but you really have to be careful in Centro.bGo with someone because it can get dicey there. If you want to see 'where the locals go' go to centro at night. There are few bars near Maracaibo but I would not go strolling around too far form that area.[/QUOTE]I usually go there 2-3 times but we have a driver and there are 2-4 of us going.

[QUOTE=Malodr]Much safer in laurelas and you can get rooms at $35.[/QUOTE]Thanks Malo.

Any suggestions?

[QUOTE=Bonhead]Can anyone recommend a decently inexpensive doctor I can see as a walk-in? I'd like to get the basic tests, HIV, STD's, etc. Someone that speaks some English would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance[/QUOTE]Bump - someone here has got to know this.

There is a new hostel by Parque Lleras [url]www.tigerpawhostel.com[/url] where you can get a private room for $35

[QUOTE=Bonhead]Bump - someone here has got to know this.[/QUOTE]Hey guys, I need your pearls of wisdom.

I will be traveling to Medellin as my 1st monger vist. Will be staying at MM, I am struggling on how much cash to take vs. Using my CC or Debit Card. I have read don't use cash that much because of the exchange rate. Better to use atm's to get a better rate. However, I have also read that using my cc or debit card I run the risk of it being clonned or fraudulent charges. Can you guys shade some light and comments.

Thanks

[QUOTE=Mw1030]Hey guys, I need your pearls of wisdom.

I will be traveling to Medellin as my 1st monger vist. Will be staying at MM, I am struggling on how much cash to take vs. Using my CC or Debit Card. I have read don't use cash that much because of the exchange rate. Better to use atm's to get a better rate. However, I have also read that using my cc or debit card I run the risk of it being clonned or fraudulent charges. Can you guys shade some light and comments.

Thanks[/QUOTE]Depends on how long you plan on staying down there for. Usually I take along $400 cash (that I barely use), two debit cards (one has the visa logo, the other has the mastercard logo) and my Amex credit card. I bank with Citi and just hit their ATM's every other day and take out the max (800k COP).

[QUOTE=Mw1030]Hey guys, I need your pearls of wisdom.

I will be traveling to Medellin as my 1st monger vist. Will be staying at MM, I am struggling on how much cash to take vs. Using my CC or Debit Card. I have read don't use cash that much because of the exchange rate. Better to use atm's to get a better rate. However, I have also read that using my cc or debit card I run the risk of it being clonned or fraudulent charges. Can you guys shade some light and comments.

Thanks[/QUOTE]I used my CC at restaurants over 5 trips and so far, no problems.

[QUOTE=Zig Monger]Thanks Malo.

Any suggestions?[/QUOTE]Just go to 70th in Laurelas, start at the Metro and you will pass about 12 hotels. I think the first on the left is about $35.

[QUOTE=Mw1030]Hey guys, I need your pearls of wisdom.

I will be traveling to Medellin as my 1st monger vist. Will be staying at MM, I am struggling on how much cash to take vs. Using my CC or Debit Card. I have read don't use cash that much because of the exchange rate. Better to use atm's to get a better rate. However, I have also read that using my cc or debit card I run the risk of it being clonned or fraudulent charges. Can you guys shade some light and comments.

Thanks[/QUOTE]Bring $200.00 in $20.00 notes, and use your ATM at any Mall, you will be ok

Kukulkan

[QUOTE=Beersterry]There is a new hostel by Parque Lleras [url]www.tigerpawhostel.com[/url] where you can get a private room for $35[/QUOTE]
I'm gonna take one for the team and try a night or two here next weekend. Got the private room for 65,000 COP. Will post report Sunday.

Will move from there to Laureles - and would welcome suggestions for hotel in that neighborhood in similar price range.

Mac

Its only $10 to buy a Comcel/movistar sim in Colombia.

$40 for a basic nokia, if you dont have a GSM phone.

[QUOTE=Davidb3069]I too have AT&T/Cingular service and although I've used it in several countries while roaming, it's EXPENSIVE. It's $2 in most places per minute, as you know. Makes for a good emergency phone though. If I spend enough time in a country, I usually buy a local cellphone.

David[/QUOTE]

Anyone know anything about Equador. Quito in paticular. Looks like I am heading that way soon.