Also Pereira Bound

Hunter says on Aug 19, 2005, 00:05:

As yet I have NEVER taken my watch off or HIDDEN any money on my person other than in my pocket, anywhere I have been in Colombia.

The only thing I recomend, is not to carry visa cards or your passport unless you plan on using them, just in case something happens.

Hunter

tomtom33 says on Aug 19, 2005, 04:24:

Jewelry I have a US$28 watch that I wear while in Colombia. I do not wear any other jewelry. I also carry larger amounts of money in a separate, zippered pocket. Smaller bills are in my right, front pocket. My cedula is in the pocket with the larger amounts of money.

I don't use credit cards in Colombia. I carry my ATM card only when going to the ATM. My passport and extra money stay in my safe.

I am probably being overly careful. But I would rather err on the side of caution.

Estefania says on Aug 19, 2005, 08:25:

Well all i can tell you is you dont have to stop wearing anything of yours...but its better that u dont wear anything that sines to much or cost too much. In other words, keep it minimal. You dont want to go wear a movado...or carry ur wallet with a whole bunch of money....take some money with you in different parts of ur body and thats all. Dont be too paranoid...just take it easy...the more scared u are the more ppl will notice and the more likely something may happen...but if ur normal and have a good time with while being aware yull have a blast and nothign will happen to you. Just enjoy ur trip!

utopiacowboy says on Aug 19, 2005, 10:38:

So are you suggesting that he hide some money in different bodily cavities? This could be interesting, what are you suggesting?

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

bickerss says on Aug 19, 2005, 11:04:

I was just in there and didnt have any problems. i am alsways careful though ie money in diff pockets, split my credit cards. I wore my watch etc. Just be sensible. In the downtown around the main park is a little bit of hassle from street kids but nothing too much. They were mainly trying to get stop cabs for me, open cab doors etc and then demanding small change.

Have fun there and try to get to the hot springs San Vincent. Was great and a really speccy bus ride.

caslug says on Aug 19, 2005, 15:01:

In the day most of Pereria is pretty safe.. especially downtown, and around the plaza, lots of police presences. Since i am a tourist i use a money belt. I usually put my wallet in my front pocket unless the back pocket has buttons. But i never carry my credit card or atm card in the wallet, just maybe 40k, the rest of my money and cards goes in the money belt.

BAQ says on Aug 19, 2005, 15:08:

I do the same as TomTom does with one small twist. I carry my large money in my billfold (Billfod in secure pocket) and SMALL MONEY for taxi's, buying a coka cola ect in my front pocket. When you are in the street paying for a taxi, buying something from a street vender, you NEVER want to be flashing lots of cash.

The more jewelry you wear, the larger a target you become. You have to remember, the "Street people" are homeless, get their food out of trash cans ect so for them, your GOLD RING or NICE WATCH would be like hitting the lottery. That being said, I have never had a problem here but that doesn;t mean tomorrow I won't get robbed.

Semper Fidelis !

mikecolombia says on Aug 26, 2005, 18:12:

I've been to Pereira 7 times in my life. I even lived there for a year, and everybody gave you good advice in my opinion but Hunter. Forgive me for saying this Hunter, but I don't think you need to go back to Colombia until you learn a little more street smarts.
I've been there as a tourist and also a resident. I've seen a few people robbed, and a few people killed. If your smart you will have the best time of your life, but if you are stupid you will have the worst. Dress down, don't wear expensive jewelry, and don't show alot of money, and you will have a great time.

cam0940 says on Aug 26, 2005, 18:20:

There is no need to carry a wallet really. If you must, carry one card in your front pocket with a few bills. Keep a few bills in your other front pocket. If somebody jacks you, give him the bills from one side only. Chances are great he's not gonna pat you down. If you carry the whole wallet, you have much more to replace if it gets stolen, plus it makes a bulge in your pocket. Unless you're Gilligan from Gilligan's island, it will be very hard to pickpocket you with your money in the front. Jewelry is made for attention, specifically what you DON'T want. No need for it, unless it's your wedding band. Incidentally, if you divide your money as I mentioned earlier, each pocket should have enough to get home in case someone catches you slipping.

Hunter says on Sep 1, 2005, 05:52:

mikecolombia In the last 4 years, I have been in Colombia for about 3.5 years, in the last 20 years, I have spent about 12 years overseas, NEVER had a problem yet in any Country other than England (about a dozen times problems there) on the street in my travels.

As I said I wear my watch EVERYWHERE, I also have my wallet if I am not going out drinking.

Each to his own.

Hunter

mikecolombia says on Sep 10, 2005, 18:49:

in response to Hunter Your too vaque in what you are saying Hunter. If you wear expensive jewelry, clothes, and throw arround alot of cash; I would say your suicidal. I would listen to the other guys.

Hunter says on Sep 11, 2005, 09:59:

mikecolombia I don't see it as vague what I am saying.

Hunter