Another Dumb Gringo Question

jatoler says on Dec 10, 2007, 12:54:

Yeah So i just looked at the Travel Giude and that answered about half of my questions...hehe

Oh well...so do ya'll think a money belt is really necessary?

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bufalo says on Dec 10, 2007, 13:06:

if speaking not very good spanish is an understatement, then that would mean you speak good spanish?

OK, enough of chopbusting - a good 99% of the gringos look newbie here, even the non-newbie ones, so it'll happen. I never had a money belt before - how much do you plan on putting in it? Use an ATM card.

GIB said it - shoe. Just don't try to pay for water after jogging like I did, the chicks don't like sweaty money. And don't wear socks with holes in them (did both)

"If you don't like it - lump it, take it down the road and dump it." - Archie Bunker played by Carroll O'Connor

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Bren68 says on Dec 10, 2007, 15:08:

Don't worry jatoler, customs and immigration is easy. Most people working there speak at least basic english and any questions are simple and obvious for being in an airport.
I'd recommend to get yourself a basic spanish language travel guide now and just brush up on your basics for asking and answering questions at an airport.
Once you get through customs/immigration. You'll exit the building and see lots of people waiting and be asked about if you want a taxi. Just ignore them. There is a 'meeting point' in the airport deaparture check-in hall. Or you can just wait under the covered canopy kerbside which will be directly in front of you as walk out of arrivals. You'll see all the taxis picking up and dropping off. But your wife will have to park in the carpark as only taxis and buses can access this road. But its a good place, I've found for people to meet.
To get to the Meeting point, walk to your left its about 100 metres down inside the departure area. Hope this helps.
I would not worry about a money belt so much. But if it makes you feel comfortable, by all means do so.

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scotty says on Dec 10, 2007, 18:24:

What a worry wort, just get on the plane and go man, its not that difficult. First time i went to Colombia i spoke zero spanish and had never been to south america. Just go, enjoy the adventure

Get Rhythm, when you got the blues. Johnny Cash

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bartolo_colon says on Dec 10, 2007, 18:25:

The Bogota airport is actually set up pretty well, and Bren's advice is right on, just be patient, things move a bit slower, roll with it and take it easy, keep a sense of humor, and be aware of your surroundings....As far as a money belt, this might sound kind of funny, I use one, and wrap it around my calf, you can cinch it down, it is actually quite comfortable, and surprisingly it doesnt slide around at all. If I do get patted down , or if they decide to take your shoes, all is well. You really will only use it when on the move anyhow, not like you would carry it when going out to eat or go dancing or whatever. Carry a dumby roll of small denominations so you have something to hand over.

Hey, careful, man, there's a beverage here!

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Robert Jorge says on Dec 10, 2007, 21:07:

It is a pretty safe bet your wife will be late. Trust me on that one. When you want to call her to see where she is at while you are standing outside, tell one of the "taxi brokers" that you need to buy a few cell minutes. They will find you somebody with a phone.

I was met at the airport twice by my wife. One hour late the first time, 1/2 hour late the second time. That is just the way thing work.

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

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Robert Jorge says on Dec 10, 2007, 21:10:

And someone tell me what a "money belt" is. I thought it was like a fanny pack? But maybe not? If it is a fanny pack, it is one of the things that if you are wearing is the equivalent of a flashing neon sign saying, "gringo or European dork here."

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

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john_stark says on Dec 10, 2007, 21:12:

I usually keep my money stashed in my undies near my balls. I pull out a few bills and hand it to them smelling like crotch rot.

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slguy says on Dec 10, 2007, 21:52:

a money belt is a thing worn under the clothes. it's a wide belt, typically with a zippered pocket, for stashing cash. some of them can be worn as your regular belt, too. same deal - zippered stash.

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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Robert Jorge says on Dec 11, 2007, 00:09:

Oh, Ok slyguy. I really didn't know what a money belt was. Sounds like it would be kind of uncomfortable because of heat.

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

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travelingirl says on Dec 11, 2007, 00:28:

While you might feel like an idiot jogging to immigration in the airport, I recommend at least walking very fast so that you aren't stuck in a 2 hour line. I guess it depends on when your plane lands in Bogota but there are times when three international jets land around the same time and that blows if you are impatient in a line.

Haha, I'm totally laughing at the money belt conversation. Some of my friends didn't know what one was either and I was amazed. I always wear it under my pants/skirts as well and am sure I look like a freak digging under my waistband, pulling out cash at the Exito counter.

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Robert Jorge says on Dec 11, 2007, 00:42:

I think I'll take my chances with my pesos securely in the front pocket of my jeans. I don't mean to diss the money belt ... it just doesn't sound like it would be a good choice for me. I just don't take more cash than needed out of the house. And if I was wearing a cash belt, and I got robbed, what do I do? Pretend like I don't have any money, or drop trou and whip out the money belt?

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

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travelingirl says on Dec 11, 2007, 01:03:

Nopes, if you are a real travel nerd like me... you keep a fake wallet on your person at all times with a smaller amount of pesos and an expired credit card while the real stuff is in the moneybelt. I know, I'm crazy and overly cautious.

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Robert Jorge says on Dec 11, 2007, 02:22:

I have done the same thing Travelingirl, as far as the fake wallet with bogus cards in it. But a belt just seems too much for me personally.

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

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jatoler says on Dec 11, 2007, 04:19:

THanks for the info guys...

I honestly have never seen a money belt...I figured I could find one in the mall if things got too bad...There's no way in heck I would be caught wearing a fanny pack...so if that what a money belt looks like...then its a dummy wallet and cash in the sock or crotch.

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john_stark says on Dec 11, 2007, 05:49:

"Haha, I'm totally laughing at the money belt conversation. Some of my friends didn't know what one was either and I was amazed. I always wear it under my pants/skirts as well and am sure I look like a freak digging under my waistband, pulling out cash at the Exito counter."

I could help you look for your money. I'm sure I'd find a treasure.

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christobeldawg says on Dec 11, 2007, 08:54:

John's always willing to help fellow PBH travelers.

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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Mononoke28 says on Dec 11, 2007, 08:55:

Just follow the crowd when you get off the plane. Have all your documents in hand and go to the DAS small windows. There they'll ask you about your trip, where will you stay, for how long, etc. (they're very rude by the way but what else is new). Then you keep following the other people and that'll take you to baggage claim. Baggage claim in Colombia is not the same as here in the States. It's very small, very crowded, and very, very, very slow. Push and shove to get your bags and get the hell out of there as fast as you can.

After that, your stay should be a breeze.

Diana

Diana

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slguy says on Dec 11, 2007, 09:25:

for example.....

Before you throw me out, make sure I pay my bar tab

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jatoler says on Dec 11, 2007, 11:03:

SLGUY,

I had been looking at the "Bloodthirsty American.." post and thought that was a shotgun at first glance...

Ahh ok so baggage claim is small and cramped eh...ok good to know.

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Robert Jorge says on Dec 11, 2007, 19:37:

It never took me a long time to get my bags at El Dorado in baggage claim. You push the old broads out of the way when you see your suitcase and grab it. Then, you may get stopped by a "sort of" undercover cop checking to make sure you indeed own the suitcase. Then, there is one more stop where they scan your bags, and then you are walking out. I have never waited more than 15 minutes to get my baggage and never more than 10 minutes before I was outside on the sidewalk, waiting for my ride. Arrival at El Dorado is a breeze in my experience. It's the departure that is a pain in the ass.

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

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christobeldawg says on Dec 11, 2007, 20:29:

I was pretty cool with Eldorado until a gunshot went off the last time I was there. wtf?

admittedly, arriving can feel great too

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goin_south says on Dec 11, 2007, 23:18:

Did ya set a new 'high jump' record? jejjej

“ I would rather be a conservative nut job rather than a liberal with no nuts and no job.”

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travelingirl says on Dec 11, 2007, 23:26:

A gun shot? Inside?
Ugh, leaving El Dorado sucks balls. I didn't think the 3 hour rule was serious, but it is.

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goin_south says on Dec 11, 2007, 23:28:

gunshot?

jejejj... could have been either RJ or Tg!

I had ... many... favors... while waiting to leave El Dorado! jejajja... can't wait to go back! Could cost me divorce, before even.... being... ... ... .... again! jajajja It's not exactly a jungle,... but, if I gotta be detained...

“ I would rather be a conservative nut job rather than a liberal with no nuts and no job.”

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Robert Jorge says on Dec 12, 2007, 00:30:

Yep GS, if one misses a flight at El Dorado ... they can only hope to be as lucky as you. You lucky duck SOB.

He who farts in church, sits in his own pew.

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