Medellin Reports

[QUOTE=PolloNegro;3074554]After running into a few minor bumps, one thing I can tell you about people is that you can find out everything you need to know about someone if you're able to read between the lines.

It was an error on my part to bring electronic devices into the country. I had no idea that they were tracking my movements through TSA and immigration, even though I legally documented every device I ever brought in. According to federal documents, I had accumulated a large number of devices over a three-to-five-year period. I had no idea this would lead to a federal criminal complaint, which would also lead to a federal criminal charge of illegal international importation.

Luckily, I had the financial means to afford a very good attorney. He worked through the situation, and everything ultimately worked out in my favor. My passport and my finances were returned. While I had to deal with a three-year delay in my ability to travel, it was a lesson learned. IYKTYK! PN![/QUOTE]It could be argued that tracking your movement is the whole point of TSA and immigration, but I'm still a bit unclear as to what your electronic devices have to do with all this. Are you saying they tracked your electronic devices? How would they know what devices are yours or not? What is a large number of devices? Did they check your bags and find a large stash of devices? Are we talking 3 or 30? Theres a lot left unsaid.

[QUOTE=Kazeu;3074678]It could be argued that tracking your movement is the whole point of TSA and immigration, but I'm still a bit unclear as to what your electronic devices have to do with all this. Are you saying they tracked your electronic devices? How would they know what devices are yours or not? What is a large number of devices? Did they check your bags and find a large stash of devices? Are we talking 3 or 30? Theres a lot left unsaid.[/QUOTE]The first couple of times this happened, I didn't pay it any mind. However, things changed in 2022 when roles shifted and I was summoned to federal court. On four or five different occasions, my suitcases were opened, and a card was left inside stating that TSA frequently inspects luggage. My devices remained in the suitcase, along with the declaration page—which included all of my receipts for the cell phones and tablet.

​They allowed me to enter the country without any issues, a pattern that likely started in 2018. Back then, I never brought in more than $1,000 worth of phones. Looking back, they searched my suitcases three or four different times when I was carrying a significant number of cell phones. While it wasn't quite 30, it was definitely more than three. Once again, I will just say: lesson learned. PN!

Just like Mr. Enternational said, I should've checked the count limit on how many phones could be brought in. That was an error on my part, and it's the exact factor that put me between a rock and a hard place. Lesson learned. PN!

[QUOTE=GringoLoko;3074344]I know of 2. One is energy spa in medellin. I only have been there once or twice and I don't like massages so I didn't opt for one, but they will do them. Now I don't know if the quality is good or not.

Other spot. Private message me as I haven't been there yet and there are 1 or 2 more I can find out for you but just PM me and let me know you want them and I will give them.[/QUOTE]I've had massages at Energy. I found the quality a little better than what hookers in other casas would give you but not as good as in an authentic massage parlor.

When I'm going to be out of the US more than a long weekend in Canada I always pack an old, spare cellphone. Personal electronics seem to be one thing that isn't cheaper in LATAM. This practice saved me a lot of hassle on a month trip to Mexico and Columbia when I dropped my phone and trashed the screen.

Usually I'm traveling with two phones, my work laptop and a little convertible chromebook for movies, etc. And no immigration officer has ever given me a second look.

[QUOTE=Kazeu;3074678]It could be argued that tracking your movement is the whole point of TSA and immigration, but I'm still a bit unclear as to what your electronic devices have to do with all this. Are you saying they tracked your electronic devices? How would they know what devices are yours or not? What is a large number of devices? Did they check your bags and find a large stash of devices? Are we talking 3 or 30? Theres a lot left unsaid.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=JohnnyWishBone;3074552]I've not ventured out much to Parque Lleras to pick up girls, but I quite like exploring and picking up a young lady. Nicer than Santa Fe in Bogot, obviously! So I'll be exploring Parque Lleras a few times I think.[/QUOTE]Based on that, you want to check out Mandalay Spa down in Manila. It's an easy walk down and an easy walk back up.

[QUOTE=LitmusSmut;3074675]Like some others, I've been away from Medellin for more than 1 1/2 years, slowing down right as its popularity was crescendoing. At that last visit to Medellin, I had went to the park and the entry points had gate erected (like that for a good 6+months), but the security staff checked women only. And seemed to only look at the ID, not scan it.

Starting to read up on the city and places of interest and heard the police are scanning IDs for Parque Lleras and entering them into a national data base? Is this anyone's experience? From Degenerate's post, I interpret the scan as haphazard. And the post before makes it sound like it happens only when the police perceive there's business negotiations going on.

Is there a website or youtube page that discusses this "security" measure?[/QUOTE]It's been discussed here many times previously. The occasional checks they perform are just to look for underage or undocumented girls to prevent them from entering the park area. When they check a tourist's ID, which they are free to do at any time, they are simply looking to see if the person has overstayed their visa or has any outstanding warrants. This information pops up on their portable system instantly. If they do not carry a portable system, they just check it for any obvious issues. Otherwise, they don't care. By entering the country, your passport is already in their database, so they aren't adding any new information.

Their instructions are simply to keep people moving to cut down on negotiations in the middle of the park, which they view as both a source of trouble and an image problem. If you are interested in talking with someone, just invite her for a drink at one of the nearby open bars so you can talk over a beer.

[QUOTE=PolloNegro;3074680]The first couple of times this happened, I didn't pay it any mind. However, things changed in 2022 when roles shifted and I was summoned to federal court. On four or five different occasions, my suitcases were opened, and a card was left inside stating that TSA frequently inspects luggage. My devices remained in the suitcase, along with the declaration pagewhich included all of my receipts for the cell phones and tablet.

​They allowed me to enter the country without any issues, a pattern that likely started in 2018. Back then, I never brought in more than $1,000 worth of phones. Looking back, they searched my suitcases three or four different times when I was carrying a significant number of cell phones. While it wasn't quite 30, it was definitely more than three. Once again, I will just say: lesson learned. PN![/QUOTE]The part I was missing was that you were checking in cellphones into your checked luggage. So they were probably seeing them when they scanned them. I usually don't put anything of value in my checked luggage.

[QUOTE=LitmusSmut;3074675]Like some others, I've been away from Medellin for more than 1 1/2 years, slowing down right as its popularity was crescendoing. At that last visit to Medellin, I had went to the park and the entry points had gate erected (like that for a good 6+months), but the security staff checked women only. And seemed to only look at the ID, not scan it.

Starting to read up on the city and places of interest and heard the police are scanning IDs for Parque Lleras and entering them into a national data base? Is this anyone's experience? From Degenerate's post, I interpret the scan as haphazard. And the post before makes it sound like it happens only when the police perceive there's business negotiations going on.

Is there a website or youtube page that discusses this "security" measure?[/QUOTE]Some of you spend no time researching the country you are going to. Please find: [URL]https://www.financecolombia.com/medellin-authorities-cracking-down-on-parque-lleras-vice/[/URL]

[QUOTE=AlexDeuce;3074743]Some of you spend no time researching the country you are going to. Please find: [URL]https://www.financecolombia.com/medellin-authorities-cracking-down-on-parque-lleras-vice/[/URL][/QUOTE]Thank you for a year old news link. Anything current, smart researcher?

How many celll phones were there? And was this a common occurrence? Were they in boxes? I bring a laptop, cellphone and my amazon fire tablet without any issue.

[QUOTE=Kazeu;3074713]The part I was missing was that you were checking in cellphones into your checked luggage. So they were probably seeing them when they scanned them. I usually don't put anything of value in my checked luggage.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=IamLookin;3075034]How many celll phones were there? And was this a common occurrence? Were they in boxes? I bring a laptop, cellphone and my amazon fire tablet without any issue.[/QUOTE]It was more than three phones and yes they were in their original boxes along with the IEM numbers. All phones and tablets were documented as requested and none of the phones came to a value of more than 1,000 US dollars. PN!

[QUOTE=IamLookin;3074542]Why are you bringing in large amounts of phones in the first place?[/QUOTE]
[QUOTE=IamLookin;3075034]How many celll phones were there? And was this a common occurrence? Were they in boxes? I bring a laptop, cellphone and my amazon fire tablet without any issue.[/QUOTE]Clearly, you are misinterpreting what I wrote on the board. I told you there were more than three telephones, and that I was using them as a barter system. For some reason, you aren't grasping that I brought in more than three phones to use this way.

​Let me break it down further so you can fully understand: For example, let's say I buy four phones in America for $100 and take them to Colombia. If I can barter just one of those phones for four dates with a girl, which do you think I would rather use—cash, or a $25 phone that gets me four different dates?

​This was one of the bartering systems I utilized during my travels in Colombia because I realized just how valuable cell phones are there. Do you understand now why I was bringing the phones in and how I was using them as a barter system? Is that clear enough?

Yes, I frequently imported electronic devices, a practice I began around 2018. At the time, I traveled with the necessary paperwork and declared them in my luggage. I used these devices—specifically cell phones and tablets—for bartering. Ultimately, this resulted in the loss of my passport and a federal court appearance.

​It was a difficult lesson learned, but the matter has since been fully resolved and my travel privileges have been restored. I hope this answers your questions. Furthermore, I hope this serves as a warning to others: do not attempt to bring more than three cell phones into Colombia. If customs or security screeners discover a large quantity of devices in your luggage, it can lead to severe repercussions, including federal criminal charges back in the United States. Stay Vigilant. PN!

And this led up to being summoned to Federal Court and having to hire an expensive lawyer?

What was you defense? You wanted to save a few dollars on hookers?


[QUOTE=PolloNegro;3075061]Clearly, you are misinterpreting what I wrote on the board. I told you there were more than three telephones, and that I was using them as a barter system. For some reason, you aren't grasping that I brought in more than three phones to use this way.

​Let me break it down further so you can fully understand: For example, let's say I buy four phones in America for $100 and take them to Colombia. If I can barter just one of those phones for four dates with a girl, which do you think I would rather usecash, or a $25 phone that gets me four different dates?

​This was one of the bartering systems I utilized during my travels in Colombia because I realized just how valuable cell phones are there. Do you understand now why I was bringing the phones in and how I was using them as a barter system? Is that clear enough?

Yes, I frequently imported electronic devices, a practice I began around 2018. At the time, I traveled with the necessary paperwork and declared them in my luggage. I used these devicesspecifically cell phones and tabletsfor bartering. Ultimately, this resulted in the loss of my passport and a federal court appearance.

​It was a difficult lesson learned, but the matter has since been fully resolved and my travel privileges have been restored. I hope this answers your questions. Furthermore, I hope this serves as a warning to others: do not attempt to bring more than three cell phones into Colombia. If customs or security screeners discover a large quantity of devices in your luggage, it can lead to severe repercussions, including federal criminal charges back in the United States. Stay Vigilant. PN![/QUOTE].

[QUOTE=IamLookin;3075076]And this led up to being summoned to Federal Court and having to hire an expensive lawyer?.[/QUOTE]If that's the defense that you think I supported, I'll agree with you. Otherwise take a guess. A lawyer is only expensive if you can't afford it. PN!