Cartagena Reports

[QUOTE=DeepXliv;2408322]I'm not sure why everyone is freting over transportation, look I don't speak a lick of spanish and I over paid, anywhere I was going it was 8000. Thats literal pennies, I didn't ask before and was fine paying it every time. If you speak spanish you could probably get it for 6000 but who cares. Uber is not common there and I would assume its more expensive. Cartagena is plenty safe just be smart.[/QUOTE]Concerns about taxis in general are:

- Change. Driver doesn't have any (so ends up getting a 12 k tip on top of 8 k for example).

- Fake notes. Driver gives you a fake note as change, or says that you gave him one.

- Being robbed by his associates. There's no record of who he is or where he's taking you.

Uber (and similar) help to avoid these.

[QUOTE=LeyenLouvain;2409093]Concerns about taxis in general are:

- Change. Driver doesn't have any (so ends up getting a 12 k tip on top of 8 k for example).

- Fake notes. Driver gives you a fake note as change, or says that you gave him one.

- Being robbed by his associates. There's no record of who he is or where he's taking you.

Uber (and similar) help to avoid these.[/QUOTE]I've been to Cartagena many many times and go 4-5 times a year. I probably spend around 60 days in that city every year. Let me share with you my experience: they usually have change but I don't fret over 2 k (I generally have lots of 5 k and 10 k notes on me when taking taxis). I've never seen fake currency in Colombia. I've never been robbed in Cartagena but always stay in the tourist areas. The closest I've been to being robbed is some Venezuelan men approaching me outside the old city as I got out of the cab. I walked off toward the old city which has a fairly decent police presence.

The concerns you share I would say would happen in Medellin more than in the tourist areas in Cartagena. As a friend in Cartagena once told me as I was leaving a casino with 12 million pesos in winnings: "Anywhere else you would be killed for that but not in this area. ".

Taking Uber anywhere in Bocagrande, Laguito, Getsemani, or the old city is going to be a lot more trouble than its worth. Not to mention always get in the front seat because if taxis see an uber they are going to be pissed off.

Anyone eat here? I enjoy fine dining so for those guys who enjoy eating in high end restaurants please feel free to give me some advice.

[QUOTE=LeyenLouvain;2409093]Concerns about taxis in general are.[/QUOTE]YippieKayay is totally right.

I never had such problems in CTG in 10 years of visits.

At worst, I can give 10 k instead of 8 k. It's called tip.

Why call UBER when yellow cars pass in front of me one after the other?

[QUOTE=YippieKayay;2409141]I've been to Cartagena many many times and go 4-5 times a year. I probably spend around 60 days in that city every year. Let me share with you my experience: they usually have change but I don't fret over 2 k (I generally have lots of 5 k and 10 k notes on me when taking taxis). I've never seen fake currency in Colombia. I've never been robbed in Cartagena but always stay in the tourist areas. The closest I've been to being robbed is some Venezuelan men approaching me outside the old city as I got out of the cab. I walked off toward the old city which has a fairly decent police presence.

The concerns you share I would say would happen in Medellin more than in the tourist areas in Cartagena. As a friend in Cartagena once told me as I was leaving a casino with 12 million pesos in winnings: "Anywhere else you would be killed for that but not in this area. ".

Taking Uber anywhere in Bocagrande, Laguito, Getsemani, or the old city is going to be a lot more trouble than its worth. Not to mention always get in the front seat because if taxis see an uber they are going to be pissed off.[/QUOTE]I have seen a couple of cases of counterfeit bills, although it's hard to say if they were deliberately, or originated with the taxista.

I've used both Uber and taxis. I've had issues with both. The problems were just occasional things. If you deal with enough taxis, you're going to eventually run into one who will try to overcharge.

The problem with getting robbed in a set-up by taxi drivers used to be a Bogota thing. I haven't heard about it anywhere else, or recently.

Anyone have experience in this new building. Are they chica friendly?

[QUOTE=Sangnyc21;2409343]Anyone have experience in this new building. Are they chica friendly?[/QUOTE]The short answer is No. Don't even bother with that place.

Will the taxis at the airport take USD? Any advice? I'the rather not exchange currency at the airport.

[QUOTE=MobToatl88;2409461]Will the taxis at the airport take USD? Any advice? I'the rather not exchange currency at the airport.[/QUOTE]In Colombia the currency is Colombian Pesos. Paying in USD is a way to get ripped off fast.

There are ATMs in the departures area, and you can exchange a bit of cash in arrivals before you go out. Best to do that instead of offering USD to a taxi.

Hey guys, if anyone is interested in going on a yacht party or beach club or just knowledge period. Check out my site. Let me know if you want to join. And of course there will be chicas.

[URL]https://cloudlife.wearetitled.com/cartagena[/URL]

Taxis are a rip off period, they are trying to ban uber which is cheaper and keeps them accountable. There are also buses to go to your hotel.

[QUOTE=YippieKayay;2409492]In Colombia the currency is Colombian Pesos. Paying in USD is a way to get ripped off fast.

There are ATMs in the departures area, and you can exchange a bit of cash in arrivals before you go out. Best to do that instead of offering USD to a taxi.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=YippieKayay;2409492]In Colombia the currency is Colombian Pesos. Paying in USD is a way to get ripped off fast.

There are ATMs in the departures area, and you can exchange a bit of cash in arrivals before you go out. Best to do that instead of offering USD to a taxi.[/QUOTE]Uber also works, you can have one take you to an ATM before your hotel.

[QUOTE=Sangnyc21;2409343]Anyone have experience in this new building. Are they chica friendly?[/QUOTE]You can bring a chica to this building. You will have to check her in when you arrive and they will give her a wristband. This will be your only visitor. Nobody is allowed to come to your room period. Very strict security here. But a very nice place to stay if you want to wife up!

[QUOTE=YippieKayay;2409492]There are ATMs in the departures area, i.[/QUOTE]How many times has been repeated already that ATMs are the most convenient and cheapest way to get local cash? (unless one has some amount of USD CASH and therefore needs to change it).

This should be written on top of the Forum, together with "No good quality hotel is chica friendly".

[QUOTE=NoMarriage;2409528]Taxis are a rip off period, they are trying to ban uber which is cheaper and keeps them accountable. There are also buses to go to your hotel.[/QUOTE]It's 25 k from the airport to Bocagrande. That's less than 5 dollars. How is that a rip off? You go to the window and get a coupon which you give to the taxi driver.

You're going to call an uber, stand there, and wait to save on what? Two dollars?

I'm only posting this so reasonable people visiting get the measure of things.