Cartagena Reports

[Vitrea]

Hilltopper,

Thanks for the thorough reply. Do you know what the max buy-in is (in COP is fine if that is the only currency that they take), also what denom. chips are used?

I assume I want to use an ATM to make my withdrawals, do they have steep surchage fees and what is the maximum they allow you to take out per transaction, also any place in particular you would recommend for the ATM, is the casino good enough? I'll be staying across the street.

Finally 1 last question, my buddy might have the answer for me, but if I want my iPhone to work while I am there (including internet/data access) what steps do I need to take to get it to work, anything I can do prior to leaving New York, or do I just visit a local cell store down there and have them hook me up?

I can address the last question. On your iphone download a free VONAGE or line2 or (even a skype app I believe) and use the wi-fi to make free phone calls to US and very cheap (around 5 cents a min) calls within Colombia. For intenet/data/email access use Wi-Fi.

[Tom Power]

I was in Cartagena end of March I was able to withdraw 700,000 pesos at a time from the ATM at the Blockbuster Video on Avenida San Martin. It's a CitiBank and it never runs out of cash. When Blockbuster's open you gotta enter from the store side open 24/7 it's on the east side or right side of San Martin at calle 10 as you drive south west on San Martin (its one way). Skip Servibanca they do charge an extra 5500 ontop of the $5 bucks your bank'll charge.

You'll need to make big withdrawls like this cuz Cartagena ain't gettin any cheaper.

What happened? Used to be 150,000 pesos went a really long way, if you know what i mean.
Taxi minimum is 5,000
a beer at Dolce Vita is 7,000
a redbull's like 15,000

I highly recommend that you bring your A game to the tables and fleece some of these clowns down there who are throwing the money around and wrecking the pricing.

Tom.

[Hilltopper]

Hilltopper,

Thanks for the thorough reply. Do you know what the max buy-in is (in COP is fine if that is the only currency that they take), also what denom. chips are used?

I assume I want to use an ATM to make my withdrawals, do they have steep surchage fees and what is the maximum they allow you to take out per transaction, also any place in particular you would recommend for the ATM, is the casino good enough? I'll be staying across the street.

Finally 1 last question, my buddy might have the answer for me, but if I want my iPhone to work while I am there (including internet/data access) what steps do I need to take to get it to work, anything I can do prior to leaving New York, or do I just visit a local cell store down there and have them hook me up?

John, the times I've played they only advised me of the minimum buy-in and that hasn't always been the same. For example, the first time I played I was told that the minimum buy-in was 500 mil pesos. I looked around the table to see how much the players had in front of them (game had already started) and decided to buy-in for 1 million pesos because I didn't want to start out as one of the two or three short stacks (many of the players had over 1 million pesos and the game appeared quite loose). Other times I've played I was told different buy-in amounts ranging from 200 mil to 500 mil pesos. So it's just one of those things that I put into the "I'm in Colombia" categories and go with the flow based on whatever is the flavor for the night.

The red chips are 5 mil pesos, the green 25 mil pesos and the black 100 mil pesos. Easy to remember since the USA casinos are $5 red, $25 green and $100 black.

Yes, you will want to use the ATM's. The vig charged by the money change houses on exchanging dollars will be steeper than what your bank charges you for a foreign transaction on your ATM card. Some bank ATM machines in Colombia do add a surcharge of 2 to 5 mil pesos. For example, the Servibanco machine in La Perla Casino now charges a transaction fee (started charging sometime last Summer/Fall). I know that the Santander Banco machines don't charge, so I mostly use them now, but it's not the one in La Perla Casino and sometimes you just go ahead and incur the transaction charge out of convenience/necessity.

I always get the max I can that first day of arrival at the airport. There are 4 or 5 different ATM machines at the airport back near the Avianca check-in counter for departures. One of them is a Santander Banco machine. Just keep doing pulls from the machine until you reach your daily max as set by your home bank. For example, the ATM will let you do up to 400 mil pesos at a time, but you have a $500 USD daily max on your card, so just do two pulls for 400 mil pesos and the last one for around 140 mil and you should be a little under your $500 USD max based on a current currency translation rate of a little over 1, 900 pesos per $1 USD.

Some of the machines will only spit out 300 mil pesos even though you requested 400 mil. Every time that has occurred, my account was only debited for the USD equivalent of 300 mil pesos and the receipt that printed out at the machine indicated that 300 mil pesos was withdrawn. Was a little unnerving the first time it happened to me, as I was concerned that my account would be debited for the equivalent of 400 mil pesos when it only gave me 300 mil.

Your own home bank will probably charge you the highest transaction fee, depending upon what bank you use in the States. For example, my main bank charges a 3% foreign transaction fee on all ATM withdraws and for transactions at restuarants, etc. Because I travel to Colombia frequently, I opened up accounts at a different bank online that charges 1% (I did have accounts with a bank that had a 0% fee, but alas they were closed down by the FDIC).

For getting your buy-in at La Perla Casino, you can also have the casino manager take your debit Mastercard or debit Visa and have him do a cash advance at the cage since those cards also act just like a credit card. I did it that time I bought-in for 1 million pesos. He'll bring you the money in chips, so you'll only want to use that option when you are going to sit down and play. Since your card is a debit card acting as a credit card, the only limit will be based on the max the bank allows you to for debit card purchases (typically your bank balance, but I know some cards set a daily debit card purchase limit as well). The only fee will be the same % fee your home bank charges you for foreign transactions.

You may already be planning to do the following things, so don't take offense if I'm pointing out the obvious, LOL. It's always best to contact your bank before you leave to let them know that you will be using the card in Colombia (for the days you are there) so that you don't run into any problem with their fraud department freezing account due to suspicious activity, LOL. And it's a good idea to have your banks 24/7 fraud hotline # written down and kept in the safe at your Colombian apartment, along with a different card as back-up just in case you ever run into a problem. I've never been pick-pocketed, robbed or had my card cloned while in Colombia, but I've heard stories of people who have, so I always travel with a back-up plan just in case.

As to particular ATM's, just get your first daily max at one of the ATM's upon your arrival at the airport (after you get past the last security point and exit through the glass doors to outside, take a left turn and start walking up the sidewalk for about 40 yards or so and then enter back into the airport building and walk toward the Avianca check-in counter. You'll see the 4 or so machines there on your left against the wall and to the left of the Avianca check-in counter). After the first day, you can use the Servibanco machine in La Perla Casino, even in the afternoon when they're closed because if you ring the buzzer at the entrance a security guy will unlock the door to let you in to use the ATM. Another good place would be the Servibanco machine inside the Olympica (supermarket) in Bocagrande, as they are open 24/7.

I generally stick with inside machines (not out of paranoia, but under the better safe than sorry when travelling category). In addition to being located in a secure place, those machines most always have the protective cover guard over the keypad to prevent a device placed on the machine by a would-be thief from capturing a copy of your PIN.

As to your iPhone, I'm a low-tech guy when it comes to phones and I only carry a cheap Colombian phone with a Comcel sim card with me when in Colombia. I use my laptop back at the apartment for checking my voicemails and emails back in the States and to make calls back to the States. The best thing is to visit your carrier's (AT&T?) website for their information on international roaming charges and then call your carrier to make sure that the international roaming feature on your account is turned on (important). I think AT&T's rate for roaming calls in Colombia is around $2. 20 a minute. I've heard of other people who have done things to their iPhone (unlocked/downloaded something off the net, etc.) so that they can use it in Colombia with a local sim card and avoid the roaming charge, but I would think that going to al that trouble would be for people who stay in Colombia for an extended period of time or are ex-pats.

Hopefully someone else on the forum who actually uses their USA cellphone while in Colombia will provide some feedback to your question. I'm still in the 90's when it come to cellphones. I use it as a phone and don't even text, LOL.

I better get to work so that my bank account is flush enough to sit down at the same table as you next week. Later.

EDITOR'S NOTE: I would suggest that the author or another Forum Member consider posting a link to this report in the Reports of Distinction thread. Please Click Here for more information.

[John York]

Have fun, enjoy your trip. And I may see you at the NL table.

Hilltopper,

Thanks for the thorough reply. Do you know what the max buy-in is (in COP is fine if that is the only currency that they take), also what denom. chips are used?

I assume I want to use an ATM to make my withdrawals, do they have steep surchage fees and what is the maximum they allow you to take out per transaction, also any place in particular you would recommend for the ATM, is the casino good enough? I'll be staying across the street.

Finally 1 last question, my buddy might have the answer for me, but if I want my iPhone to work while I am there (including internet/data access) what steps do I need to take to get it to work, anything I can do prior to leaving New York, or do I just visit a local cell store down there and have them hook me up?

[John York]

If you pay Jackson his small fee and join--you can message me and I can recommend just what you're looking for in Cartagena---been there many times. Actually going to be there same time as you! If you want you can hook up with us!

Hi Tank,

Who is Jackson? Does he run this website or are you talking about a local in Cartagena? I have no problem meeting up, I think a buddy will be with me as well.

Cheers,

-jg

[Tee Bone]

Will be arriving in Cartegana this Tuesday, 4-13, coming from Medellin. If anyone is in town and interested in grabbing a beer and scoping some talent, please PM me. It is my first time in CTG.

[Domi Ole6]

Thank you guys!

You have help me!

[Tank Not Mt]

If you pay Jackson his small fee and join--you can message me and I can recommend just what you're looking for in Cartagena---been there many times. Actually going to be there same time as you! If you want you can hook up with us!

Hi Gents.

I have booked a flight for Thurs., April 22nd thru Mon., April 26th. I have read a number of posts and searched for apartments to rent. I read about a guy Juan that I might want to talk with. If anyone has advice on where or how to rent I would appreciate it. I will be flying into CTG. Also do these apartments typically have air conditioning or access to pools? From what I read the beaches are not that great and I typically like to cool off in pools anyway. Lastly how are the poker rooms for NL (1-2 or 2-5 equivalents), any casinos you could recommend?

John

[John York]

I have contacted Juan, you can disregard my last post.

[Hilltopper]

hi gents.

i have booked a flight for thurs., april 22nd thru mon., april 26th. i have read a number of posts and searched for apartments to rent. i read about a guy juan that i might want to talk with. if anyone has advice on where or how to rent i would appreciate it. i will be flying into ctg. also do these apartments typically have air conditioning or access to pools? from what i read the beaches are not that great and i typically like to cool off in pools anyway. lastly how are the poker rooms for nl (1-2 or 2-5 equivalents), any casinos you could recommend?

john

john,

here's a cut-n-paste from a post in the cartagena lists thread:

11-07-09 at 08:35 #394
murcielago
regular member
reports: 3 cartagena (part i)

so here we go: contact juan ventura to find out if he has any vacancies during your intended travel dates. a summary of his apartments can be found here: http://www.venpro.net/fotosapartamentos/index.htm

when contacting juan, be extremely courteous with him as you are a first-time-customer and you will want to leave a good impression.

after all, juan will be entrusting you with the keys to someone else's apartment for the duration of your stay.

i've rented from juan on several occassions and have not had any problems. he's a pleasant guy to deal with, has integrity, and will do what he can to make things hassle-free for you. the apartments are chica-friendly, have air conditioning (mini splits), hot water, and other modern conveniences (such as high-speed internet, fully equipped kitchens, stereo, tv's, etc.). the building will have a pool that is open to you and your guest(s). after reviewing the linked site from above, just email juan to make inquiry about what's available for your date of arrival thru date of departure.

if juan doesn't have anything available to suit your tastes, contact mery (actually, with your departure date quickly approaching, send each an inquiry email at the same time to get things rolling-you can use english in your email to either juan or mery). you can find her information in world travel's list in the cartagena lists thread. i've rented from mery on many occassions as well and can recommend contacting her without hesitation just the same as juan. the same apartment features mentioned in the preceding paragraph are applicable to the apartments managed by mery as well.

la perla casino is located in laguito right next to ldv (how convenient). they do spread a nl game pretty much every evening (the game can get started late and run into the wee hours of the morning), and sometimes there are enough players to spread two tables. on the occassions i've played the blinds were a little higher than what you mentioned, but i've also seen them in the 2-5 range when converting the cop back to usd. the times i've played the action has run the spectrum from tight to loose-as you probably know, it just depends on who's playing, how they've been doing, etc.

the beaches, while not pristine and not white sand, aren't as nasty (imo) as some people make them out to b. the touts on the beach can be a pain the first trip, but you get used to them and they get used to you (the more they see you there, the less they swarm you as an easy, gullible, new tourist). if you're not interested, just say gracias and look the other way (if seated), or keep walking. you'll probably have to be a little more firm in saying no to the massage girls on the beach, as they will try to start massaging you all the while you are saying no, lol. if you don't want a massage, don't let them start massaging you!

if you are interested in something from a tout, just remember that the real price is 1/2 or less of their initial asking price (typically offer 1/3, but sometimes the price is even more inflated than that, it just depends and the price is inflated more for a person they've never seen on the beach before, as they are very astute with sniffing out a person there for their first time).

the touts are there trying to reek out a meager living, so it's tough to blame them for starting ridiculously high-plus negotiating is an accepted standard, so stand your ground on your offer price to a tout and show a complete lack of interest if you really wouldn't mind buying that cheap bracelet, necklace, pair of sunglasses, etc.

have fun, enjoy your trip. and i may see you at the nl table.

[John York]

Hi Gents.

I have booked a flight for Thurs., April 22nd thru Mon., April 26th. I have read a number of posts and searched for apartments to rent. I read about a guy Juan that I might want to talk with. If anyone has advice on where or how to rent I would appreciate it. I will be flying into CTG. Also do these apartments typically have air conditioning or access to pools? From what I read the beaches are not that great and I typically like to cool off in pools anyway. Lastly how are the poker rooms for NL (1-2 or 2-5 equivalents), any casinos you could recommend?

John

[Soldierb11]

Hi guys!

Can you help me?

Can I bring a girl in my room in Decameron Hotel Cartagena without problems? Or its easier to bring a girl in my room in hotel 3 Banderas in Cartagena?

I was never in Cartagena.

Can you receive me a chica-friendly-hotel in Bocagrande-beach or in the historical town?

Do you no nightclubs in Cartagena? Names?

Thank you for our help!

You seriously didnt put much time researching this info if you are going to ask "do you no nightclubs in cartagena?"

just read the reports under cartagena and all your questions will be answered!

but I will be nice this once and give this simple advice:

Just go to La Dolce Vita in bocagrande with your wallet and let the sexy colombianas take it from there

[Hilltopper]

Hi guys!

Can you help me?

Can I bring a girl in my room in Decameron Hotel Cartagena without problems? Or its easier to bring a girl in my room in hotel 3 Banderas in Cartagena?

I was never in Cartagena.

Can you receive me a chica-friendly-hotel in Bocagrande-beach or in the historical town?

Do you no nightclubs in Cartagena? Names?

Thank you for our help!

Hello Ole Streit, below are some of the results I received when putting the word "Decameron" in the Search Feature herewithin this thread.

I've had friends stay at Tres Banderas and they liked the hotel, albeit, all of them were couples who came together to Cartagena as a couple and were not there picking-up pros.

May I suggest that you read back through the older posts here (go back several pages to begin your reading from about Jan 2008 forward) within this thread to see what others say about pros and cons of staying in a hotel versus an apartment? Then, after reading, tell us why it is you prefer to stay in a hotel? Reading back through the posts here from the past couple of years will also begin to answer your other general questions and help you to zero-in on more specific questions you may have.

There are legitimate reasons for many people, but the only one that would apply to me is if I were bringing a wife or serious girlfriend from the States to Cartagena for a romantic getaway and we wanted to stay in old city for all of its character and ambience.

Ok, here are the search results from "Decameron".....

Forum: Colombia 02-19-09, 18:51
Reports: 3,831 Cartagena Reports
Views: 808,227 Posted By Tiny 12
First time visit to Cartegena next week and I now...

First time visit to Cartegena next week and I now have learned that my hotel is guest unfriendly. (Decameron) One site I found stated that for 60usd a guest could come up to the room? There is a club inside the hotel would this apply to girls there as well? I would be truly grateful for any help anyone could give me and changing hotels now is not an option sad to say.

Thanks,

Pablowentworth

Decameron is all inclusive -- they're going to charge you for the food and booze that they think your guest will consume. That said, I've walked in and out and had a date walk in and out of a Decameron in Panama with impunity, without wearing the bracelet that shows you're a guest. So depending on set up you might be able to sneak a woman in.

You can take your date to a short time hotel. See World Traveler's list, then do a search on any that look of interest: http://www.internationalsexguide.inf...&postcount=362 Or for that matter, just ask your prostitute to take you to one.

Another option would be to rent a cheap apartment to keep in addition to your room at the Decameron. You can look around when you get to Cartagena. If you do this, check out the A/C before you rent. Or you could reserve something ahead of time. See another of WT's lists: http://www.internationalsexguide.inf...&postcount=362. On this list, I like Mery a lot and will only do business with her, although Juan Ventura has more properties and is thought of highly by many people on this site.

Forum: Colombia 02-19-09, 16:11
Reports: 3,831 Cartagena Reports
Views: 808,227 Posted By Nick
First time visit to Cartegena next week and I now...

First time visit to Cartegena next week and I now have learned that my hotel is guest unfriendly. (Decameron) One site I found stated that for 60usd a guest could come up to the room? There is a club inside the hotel would this apply to girls there as well? I would be truly grateful for any help anyone could give me and changing hotels now is not an option sad to say.

Thanks,

Pablowentworth

Pablo, they have a disco in the Decameron Hotel. I believe it is for quests only. When you check into the Decameron they put on a wrist band and have security at the front door to check people as they enter the hotel.I was with my girl friend and her children so i dont know if the allow visitors.

Nick

Forum: Colombia 08-21-05, 10:31
Reports: 3,831 Cartagena Reports
Views: 808,227 Posted By Sylvester
The Choice Is Clear

Starting in December you will be able to get direct flights from Toronto to CTG. The most reasonable AI package will probably be at the Decameron in Boca Grande.

I cannot stress enough that the AI is NOT the way to go. Get an apartment !
You will be more comfortable and have a place to bring your daytime and nighttime chicas to. Why waste time and money on by the hour rooms when you can bang your chica in the comfort of your own apt. Make sure you have the fridge stocked with booze and see how a ST chica becomes TLN.

As for the nearby islands such as the Rosarios, you certainly can stay there for a night or two, I would recommend bringing some proven talent with you.

As for Margarita, I been toying with the idea of taking one of my regulars over there for a break.

Forum: Colombia 06-06-05, 08:48
Reports: 3,831 Cartagena Reports
Views: 808,227 Posted By Tom 33
The Decameron is not chica friendly and the...

The Decameron is not chica friendly and the beaches there are full of touts. The Hilton is chica friendly and their beach has fewer touts and very few local chicas.

Forum: Colombia 06-05-05, 08:54
Reports: 3,831 Cartagena Reports
Views: 808,227 Posted By AcapulcoHeat
Which are Chica Friendly?

I like what I read about Cartagena. (Chica/City wise). My question is a simple one. Of the two, which hotel is Chica friendly, the Hilton or Decameron? Plus, I hate Beach vendors bugging my ass, I hear that the Beach for the Hilton is better, no vendors. Is that true? If so, are there still plenty of local babes on the Hilton's beach, or just tourists?

Thanks to anyone who answers me.

Regards to all fellow mongers!

AcaHeat

Forum: Colombia 05-07-05, 02:18
Reports: 3,831 Cartagena Reports
Views: 808,227 Posted By Latina Passion
Back to the real purpose of the Forum!

Sorry guys this is post is real late, but still neeed to share with you all!

I hit the beach Thanksgiving day 2004. My buddy Alex picked me up from the airport, took me to my Hotel room and tucked me in, a joke OK!

First of all this guy Alex is the absolute shit, he knows everybody in Cartagena and everyone know his ass! This cat is a real honest guy and can hook you up with just about anything that is legal, and all he ask for is a descent tip!

I stayed at the Decameron All Inclusive, not recommended by Surfer, and he was right not Chica friendly at all, but if there is a will there is a way!

This trip I was cash poor and credit card rich, the reason for my pick in hotels! As far as Chicas go all you have to do is book the room for two people in advance! My buddy set me up with a Chica in advance, and she was 32 and hot! Damn I thought she was 25 or so!

Forum: Colombia 07-29-04, 21:42
Reports: 3,831 Cartagena Reports
Views: 808,227 Posted By Tom 33
Part of the problem is that it is all inclusive. ...

Part of the problem is that it is all inclusive. In Feb. of last year I had to pay an extra US$45 per day for the priviledge of bringing in one chica. And it was one hell of a hassle to get them to agree to that. They weren't going to allow any chicas at any price because they are a family hotel. Then they almost shit when I wanted a different chica each day.

It is much less hassle and cheaper to rent an apartment. You will pay US$40-60 per night during low season and can bring in four or more chicas per day or four at one time plus you have a full kitchen and fridge. And one of the pleasures of CTG is dining al fresco. It's good, cheap and great chica-watching. I have even picked up hot puss while dining. There wasn't much to choose from at the Decameron. There were a couple of Ecuadorean doctors, but I think they were dykes.

[Domi Ole6]

Hi guys!

Can you help me?

Can I bring a girl in my room in Decameron Hotel Cartagena without problems? Or its easier to bring a girl in my room in hotel 3 Banderas in Cartagena?

I was never in Cartagena.

Can you receive me a chica-friendly-hotel in Bocagrande-beach or in the historical town?

Do you no nightclubs in Cartagena? Names?

Thank you for our help!

[SavePros321]

You will see a post by me asking about daytime options in CTG. Please disregard as I have already had my questions answered via pm. I would have deleted the post but this forum is under full moderation and I cannot get to it at the moment.

Thanks!