Medellin Reports

[Turgid]

The scene in Tijuana has gone dramatically downhill. I spent a lot of time there around 2000, and Adelitas was hotter than hell. Even the SWs weren't that bad. I was in Tijuana the weekend before things went to shit- March 12-15,2020- and it was a sad reminder of good times gone past. I can only hope that. Mexico can pull off the same miracle Colombia did- it's what gives me hope. ❤65039; Mexico, but it's Colombia from here on out when it comes to mongering.

Colombia is now the Thailand of the Americas. Chicas can now expect a windfall.

[Gbaby32]

Well everyone I am thinking of taking the plunge and taking a trip for maybe 1.5 weeks to Colombia. Would any recommend a "tinder" type app where I can start talking to these ladies and set things up.

[Mojo Bandit]

Some additional tips that I use with taxis. Like Villainy said, pick a landmark that gets you close. For Laureles, La Setenta con Avenida San Juan puts you about in the middle of the strip, by the Exito. One phrase to remember is "cerca de" or close to. "Es cerca de Plaza Botero", it's close to Plaza Botero.

Always check the meter when you get in the taxi. I believe the current starting point is 3300. I've gotten in taxis and seen the meter at as high as 14,000. Just say "Senor, el metro" and point to it. He should reset it. If you don't notice it, you'll end up being overcharged.

I thought I was going to get in a fist fight with a taxi driver in Rome Italy one time. I had done my research knew that all taxis had to run a meter by law. I took a taxi out from my hotel which was near the main train station for good distance to Vatican city and then did my sight seeing while also basically making my way back toward my hotel on foot, about the time I got done at the colosseum I was exhausted and decided to take a taxi the last 3/4 of a mile or so back to my hotel. Keep in mind after I got out of the taxi at the Vatican I had covered a good 2 miles of the distance back, anyway I was tired and I got into a taxi that was lined up in que outside the colosseum, I got sloppy and did not look up front at the meter, when we arrived at the hotel he blurted out "20 euro", it had only cost me like 7 euro to get to Vatican City! So then I started looking for the meter, I could not see a meter, there was a ball cap on his dash though and what do you want to bet that there was a meter underneath it?, I am pissed because I know this shithead is about to try to take me.

This was before Google Translate was an app so I am trying at asking in Italian that was close to "where is your meter" which I had memorized sounds similar to like "doobay two metro?" and he comes back with shit it Italian that I do not understand, at one point he actually seems like he is trying to be physically intimidating, but I am 6'2 and 280 so I think that's he is stupid so I start saying it very loudly and forcefully "doobay two metro! I know that even if I am not saying it right, he knows what the fuck I am asking. Then I take out my phone and flip it open and start aiming it at his posted photo and license and then at his face and he is now screaming at me in all kinds of Italian and I can make out nothing of course so I give him the "talk to the hand" gesture and then I start pushing buttons on the phone like I am calling someone and I say "polizia" (I did not know the number) and he turns as red as a tomato and starts pounding his fist on his steering wheel and in complete English sentence structure says "get the fuck out of my taxi now" over and over -it wasn't funny until I thought about it the next day but you can bet I checked that meter in every taxi after that.

What I researched later made me learn that he would have lost his license for good had the police actually showed up. So he got scared shitless when I mentioned the police.

[Knowledge]

Pro tip: use uber or coopebombas to benchmark how much to bid on an indriver fare.

You haven't been back in a while JjBee. It's been 3600 since December anyhow. Very good advice though especially if grabbing a taxi near Parque Lleras or on Calle 10 near Lleras. Probably one out of three or four will try to start with an already run up meter. If you don't speak Spanish and it doesn't say 3600 immediately after you start rolling just point at it and he'll reset it. The last fare will often show until you start rolling. Or maybe the drivers see me staring at it and then reset it lol.

I prefer to use Uber for anything longer than the minimum taxi fare which is now 5600 mil. Nicer cars, much nicer drivers, and no circular trips. Plus no need to deal with money and change. InDriver is the cheapest and what all the chicas use to get home. But you have be familiar and know what to bid for your ride. So I've only used them to the airport and had a 50 mil bid accepted from San Peter Apts to MDE. Last week I went to MDE with a taxi guy that charges 65 mil (PM me if you want his name / number) and we saw several cars pulled over with obvious gringos just before the tunnel. He told me they were Ubers and that police have cars pulled over every day in that area. So beware using ride sharing to the airport. I'll probably use this 65 mil guy with a yellow car in the future.

[JjBee62]

You haven't been back in a while JjBee. It's been 3600 since December anyhow. Very good advice though especially if grabbing a taxi near Parque Lleras or on Calle 10 near Lleras. Probably one out of three or four will try to start with an already run up meter. If you don't speak Spanish and it doesn't say 3600 immediately after you start rolling just point at it and he'll reset it. The last fare will often show until you start rolling. Or maybe the drivers see me staring at it and then reset it lol.

I prefer to use Uber for anything longer than the minimum taxi fare which is now 5600 mil. Nicer cars, much nicer drivers, and no circular trips. Plus no need to deal with money and change. InDriver is the cheapest and what all the chicas use to get home. But you have be familiar and know what to bid for your ride. So I've only used them to the airport and had a 50 mil bid accepted from San Peter Apts to MDE. Last week I went to MDE with a taxi guy that charges 65 mil (PM me if you want his name / number) and we saw several cars pulled over with obvious gringos just before the tunnel. He told me they were Ubers and that police have cars pulled over every day in that area. So beware using ride sharing to the airport. I'll probably use this 65 mil guy with a yellow car in the future.

I used InDriver to MDE when I was just flying to Santa Marta. I didn't want to screw around with it to save a few pesos when it was time for my flight back to the states.

And yes take it easy on those taxi doors!

You're right, 3600. I remember now, from Noviembre. My brain was pulling up numbers from 2019.

Depends on when and where, but I'll use any form of transportation, buses, metro, taxi or Uber. However, the best way is finding a hot chica with a car.

[Osteoknot]

Had to take DiDi early this AM to "I don't know where but you cannot stay here" when Sexy Dexy's landlord suddenly decided to enforce the 'No Guest Policy" about which I was not aware. Anywho, two great nights with Dexy, and 4 out of the last six nights at the chica's place starting in Cali. Here's my point. My DiDi driver would only take CASH this morning, no credit cards, which they are supposed to be able to do. One thing I do love about Uber is the automatic on line payment without ever having to touch cash. My average ride is around 5 mil COP so it's not like it's hard to pay cash, but thought I should put it out there and let you guys know.

[Lucky Nuts]

Always check the meter when you get in the taxi. I believe the current starting point is 3300.

You haven't been back in a while JjBee. It's been 3600 since December anyhow. Very good advice though especially if grabbing a taxi near Parque Lleras or on Calle 10 near Lleras. Probably one out of three or four will try to start with an already run up meter. If you don't speak Spanish and it doesn't say 3600 immediately after you start rolling just point at it and he'll reset it. The last fare will often show until you start rolling. Or maybe the drivers see me staring at it and then reset it lol.

I prefer to use Uber for anything longer than the minimum taxi fare which is now 5600 mil. Nicer cars, much nicer drivers, and no circular trips. Plus no need to deal with money and change. InDriver is the cheapest and what all the chicas use to get home. But you have be familiar and know what to bid for your ride. So I've only used them to the airport and had a 50 mil bid accepted from San Peter Apts to MDE. Last week I went to MDE with a taxi guy that charges 65 mil (PM me if you want his name / number) and we saw several cars pulled over with obvious gringos just before the tunnel. He told me they were Ubers and that police have cars pulled over every day in that area. So beware using ride sharing to the airport. I'll probably use this 65 mil guy with a yellow car in the future.

I used InDriver to MDE when I was just flying to Santa Marta. I didn't want to screw around with it to save a few pesos when it was time for my flight back to the states.

And yes take it easy on those taxi doors!

[DogLife]

Came across this interesting article!!

https://www.flightradar24.com/blog/u...in-a-pandemic/

[Queens35]

A couple of questions about San Peter apartments. First time staying there this upcoming trip in mid April.

In the Superior Apt, do they have a washer / dryer, or washer only, or neither?

Do they service the room daily? (extra charge?) Do they bring fresh towels daily (are they OK with asking for extra towels?

Thanks.

I spoke with hotel management and cleared it up, the "daily housekeeping" is available but not included. It's 5,000 for a light cleaning / dust / sweep, or 50,000 for a full room service. I think it's shady to list it the way they do it. It should say "Daily Housekeeping available", like it says for breakfast.

But there's a washer / dryer, and comes with 4 towels, so they can be washed and dried.

[MiamiSammy]

These guys roll thru the alley every few minutes with their mounted 60 Cal 24/7, so 1 day my buddy asks WTF is that really necessary.

I say hell yeah or they wouldn't be doing it jajajaja.

The scene in Tijuana has gone dramatically downhill. I spent a lot of time there around 2000, and Adelitas was hotter than hell. Even the SWs weren't that bad. I was in Tijuana the weekend before things went to shit- March 12-15,2020- and it was a sad reminder of good times gone past. I can only hope that. Mexico can pull off the same miracle Colombia did- it's what gives me hope. ❤65039; Mexico, but it's Colombia from here on out when it comes to mongering.

[MiamiSammy]

Some additional tips that I use with taxis. Like Villainy said, pick a landmark that gets you close. For Laureles, La Setenta con Avenida San Juan puts you about in the middle of the strip, by the Exito. One phrase to remember is "cerca de" or close to. "Es cerca de Plaza Botero", it's close to Plaza Botero.

Always check the meter when you get in the taxi. I believe the current starting point is 3300. I've gotten in taxis and seen the meter at as high as 14,000. Just say "Senor, el metro" and point to it. He should reset it. If you don't notice it, you'll end up being overcharged.

If you know where you're going, such as back to your hotel and you've made 10 trips, don't be afraid to give directions. You'll only need to learn a few phrases.

En la proxima esquina, gira a la. At the next corner, turn to the.

Derecha. Right.

Izquierda. Left.

Continua derecho. Continue straight.

Don't try to use the taxi to get small bills, like trying to pay for a 14 k taxi with a 50 k bill. Most won't have the change, or want to give it to you. Some will use the opportunity to pawn off a counterfeit 10 k or 20 k bill.

I almost never get a taxi that's waiting in Parque Lleras. Instead I'll take the short walk down Calle 9 to Avenida Poblado and grab the first taxi waiting in front of Parque Poblado. You're getting a random taxi that way. I've also walked out to Calle 10 to flag one down. This avoids dealing with the traffic around the park which can take 15 minutes to get through.

Last bit of advice that applies to taxis, Uber and DiDi: Close the door gently. Most of us are used to bigger cars with heavier doors. The quickest way to get on the bad side of a driver is to slam his door.

I also keep my google maps going and see if he stays relatively close to the route. It helps it you get a a sense of where you're going and if he's taking the scenic route.

[MiamiSammy]

Some additional tips that I use with taxis. Like Villainy said, pick a landmark that gets you close. For Laureles, La Setenta con Avenida San Juan puts you about in the middle of the strip, by the Exito. One phrase to remember is "cerca de" or close to. "Es cerca de Plaza Botero", it's close to Plaza Botero.

Always check the meter when you get in the taxi. I believe the current starting point is 3300. I've gotten in taxis and seen the meter at as high as 14,000. Just say "Senor, el metro" and point to it. He should reset it. If you don't notice it, you'll end up being overcharged.

If you know where you're going, such as back to your hotel and you've made 10 trips, don't be afraid to give directions. You'll only need to learn a few phrases.

En la proxima esquina, gira a la. At the next corner, turn to the.

Derecha. Right.

Izquierda. Left.

Continua derecho. Continue straight.

Don't try to use the taxi to get small bills, like trying to pay for a 14 k taxi with a 50 k bill. Most won't have the change, or want to give it to you. Some will use the opportunity to pawn off a counterfeit 10 k or 20 k bill.

I almost never get a taxi that's waiting in Parque Lleras. Instead I'll take the short walk down Calle 9 to Avenida Poblado and grab the first taxi waiting in front of Parque Poblado. You're getting a random taxi that way. I've also walked out to Calle 10 to flag one down. This avoids dealing with the traffic around the park which can take 15 minutes to get through.

Last bit of advice that applies to taxis, Uber and DiDi: Close the door gently. Most of us are used to bigger cars with heavier doors. The quickest way to get on the bad side of a driver is to slam his door.

Good info, great report!

[Surfer500]

As I pointed out the risks and issues for my self personally, as they say everything is cool until, you're dead laid out on the sidewalk.

I can get complacent, I've been in some of the worst slums of Tijuana that I do not recommend for anyone, even at noon YMMV.

Studying Colombia shows a big difference to me at least, I have never seen gringos targeted in Tijuana not even those that look like me blonde hair blue eyes in flip flops shorts and Hawaiian shirts jajajaj.

I see the stories of muggings in Colombia with sex tourists and others being targeted.

I don't think this has ever happened in Tijuana.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lIunFoBzHM

Statistically I believe Tijuana has the most homicides in the world, but I believe it is safer than Colombia.

Because gringos are not the target..

Actually about 10 years ago it was very dangerous not only for gringos but locals in Zona Norte. There had been so many killings for a period of time by the drug cartels, that they completely pulled the police from the Zona Norte meaning Nino Hero's, Constitution, first street, and the alley. So what would happen is groups of guys would assault people on the sidewalk by giving them a chokehold with the victim passing out. They would also have look outs on first street opposite Hotel Enva alerting their partners of potential targets. I still went down on the weekends, always staying in Hotel Leyva, and would actually walk in the street versus the sidewalk. I remember once being by Hotel Enva, and across the street in front a barbershop the thugs knocked out an older Mexican guy, took his stuff in front of everyone, and slowly walked away versus running. With no police presence it was very dangerous during this time.

I was down there about four months ago and besides the corrupt police and the army in trucks, nowadays the worst that can happen to you is the cops will jack you up, but getting slashed with a knife, well I've never heard of a gringo getting slashed up. I know Colombia is much more dangerous than in Tijuana, yet I feel more comfortable in Medellin than in Tijuana. Albeit if you have a problem in Tijuana it's easy to get back across the border.

[JjBee62]

I think that is a great advantage to have that info as you said. I would think that any cabbie using it will also have GPS or be a little smarter and know the route and not go for a round the world tour.

Good info, Thanks! Got my first vaccination and second in a few weeks. Waiting for COPA to resume flights at my airport and for a decent price. They have become more like US Airlines in last couple years. Seating, baggage etc. But at least when I get back, I'll be trying out Cabify and DiDi among other things.

Some additional tips that I use with taxis. Like Villainy said, pick a landmark that gets you close. For Laureles, La Setenta con Avenida San Juan puts you about in the middle of the strip, by the Exito. One phrase to remember is "cerca de" or close to. "Es cerca de Plaza Botero", it's close to Plaza Botero.

Always check the meter when you get in the taxi. I believe the current starting point is 3300. I've gotten in taxis and seen the meter at as high as 14,000. Just say "Senor, el metro" and point to it. He should reset it. If you don't notice it, you'll end up being overcharged.

If you know where you're going, such as back to your hotel and you've made 10 trips, don't be afraid to give directions. You'll only need to learn a few phrases.

En la proxima esquina, gira a la. At the next corner, turn to the.

Derecha. Right.

Izquierda. Left.

Continua derecho. Continue straight.

Don't try to use the taxi to get small bills, like trying to pay for a 14 k taxi with a 50 k bill. Most won't have the change, or want to give it to you. Some will use the opportunity to pawn off a counterfeit 10 k or 20 k bill.

I almost never get a taxi that's waiting in Parque Lleras. Instead I'll take the short walk down Calle 9 to Avenida Poblado and grab the first taxi waiting in front of Parque Poblado. You're getting a random taxi that way. I've also walked out to Calle 10 to flag one down. This avoids dealing with the traffic around the park which can take 15 minutes to get through.

Last bit of advice that applies to taxis, Uber and DiDi: Close the door gently. Most of us are used to bigger cars with heavier doors. The quickest way to get on the bad side of a driver is to slam his door.

[Uttert2003]

Everything you do is "too dangerous" to someone.

I'd rather take my chances than end up spending the last 30 years of my life wondering what I missed.

Mongers by nature thrive in environments that are not for the weak at heart. I've spent a lot of time, effort, money and worry in dark alleys and doorways. It's part of the thrill in my opinion.

My first trip to Colombia is in three weeks and I intend to get to know El Centro very well.