Bogota this weekend

ColombiaBoard says on Feb 14, 2007, 15:04:

Taxis and other info After you clear customs at the airport try to find a little booth near the exit, tell them your address in Bogota and they'll give you a paper with the price to that destination, hand it to the taxi driver. It should be around 6-7 dollars, of course you have to pay in pesos.
If you're flying from Miami try to exchange at least 50 dollars, that way you don't have to go upstairs in the Airport to find the ATM and then go back to the exit.
For international flights you should be at the airport 3 hours before departure.

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Beef27 says on Feb 14, 2007, 15:33:

i just messed it up I do know Colombia is spelled with O's, but was typing fast so it was a typo...but thanks for pointing that out :) So airports early, ATMs, and exchange money in Miami...thanks, paul

Paul WallSemper Fi

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southern151 says on Feb 14, 2007, 15:34:

Exchange your money in Miami... They only charge 2.2% there. It is very easy and I am sure that you will have time to do it. You can't miss the booth. They put the damn thing right in the middle of the isle. Your bank will likely charge you a $5 fee for using an ATM in Bogata, plus conversion fees.

Have fun!

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cdy says on Feb 14, 2007, 16:55:

Thanks Appreciate the info, I too need to slow down the typing and put on the reading glasses, Colombia, no U.

Nice thing about Panama City- no ATM fees and no bank fees, of course the currency there is the dollar.

One last question, what is the current exchange rate?

Thanks.

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Manolo58 says on Feb 14, 2007, 17:56:

Taxi to hotel I have always arranged for the Hotel I am staying at to send a taxi for me, a bit more but it's worth the extra for peace of mind and security...I paid 35.000.00 pesos which is less than twenty dollars.

Always keep an eye on your bags..

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Robert Jorge says on Feb 14, 2007, 22:31:

I actually had no problem with the money exchangers in El Dorado. Yes, the guys just to the left of the exit area after you pass through customs. They charge a little cut off of the current exchange rate, but it seemed fair to me. When I get taxis after walking out of the airport in Bogota, I walk to the right. There are lots of military guys there. They will help you get a legit taxi. Everything is recorded as to what your destination is, cost, etc. Just don't walk straight out and try and get a taxi off of the street. That can be risky (riskier).

--"I believe in making the world safe for our children. But not for our children's children, because I don't think that children should be having sex." - Jack Handy

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bickerss says on Feb 14, 2007, 22:38:

The rate to Zona rosa is 14,500 - use the taxi ticket stand as u exit the airport. The best bank to use for an ATM is city bank. It is two blocks from ur hotel in Zona T - at this bank u can withdraw 800,000 pesos and it has an armed secuirty guard in the booth.

Colombia, especially zona rosa where u r staying is safer than Panama. Ur hotel is excellent and in an awsome location.

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ACBlessing says on Feb 15, 2007, 00:30:

Don't exchange your money Save if for your flight back. Go to the taxi counter like suggested and get the paper....if you look directly to your left, you'll see a Davivienda ATM booth with lockable glass door. This is good because first, you don't have to go back into the airport to the second floor and all that. Second... Davivienda lets you take out $500,000 pesos at a time unlike the other ATMs. Since you'll be paying $5 per ATM withdrawl, get as much as you can per ATM visit.
Charlotte is a nice hotel but don't go hanging out by yourself in the Zona and get shitfaced. There'll be guys on every corner pushing you to visit 'ladies' clubs such as El Cedro as listed on the business card they'll hand you. Such drug dens are hard to get out of without paying an 'exit' fee and propinas (tips) to three different people.
Try the Zona T instead, it's one block away and perfect for first time gringos. Or look me up as I'll prolly be around there at the same time.

A l e x B l e s s i n g, Florida, USA
alex (at) acblessing (dot) com
http://www.colombia.acblessing.com
Comcel # avail via email

Just plain poor

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southern151 says on Feb 15, 2007, 06:10:

exchange rates The exchange rate is 2221.67 COP to $1 USD as of 2-13.

Here is a good site for free exchange rates to multiple countries:

http://www.bankofcanada.ca/en/rates/exchform.html

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ACBlessing says on Feb 15, 2007, 16:36:

www.xe.com is good also. I just wouldn't come down here with a bunch of cash...it's not safe on the street or in the hotel. A debit card makes the most sense because the banks handle the exchange rate automatically...it gets locked in on Friday until Monday. You get what you need (really just enough for taxis) and use the card for paying everything else. If you end up with too much Colombian cash you didn't use and have to exchange it back, then you're going to pay a second time no matter the exchange rate. I'd just take out $500,000 pesos and that lasts me more than a week, much less a single weekend that CDY is going to be here. Tell you what CDY, for 500K pesos, I'll pick you up at the airport myself and be your guide. ;-)

A l e x B l e s s i n g, Florida, USA
alex (at) acblessing (dot) com
http://www.colombia.acblessing.com
Comcel # avail via email

Just plain poor

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ACBlessing says on Feb 16, 2007, 02:07:

? Damn! I didn't know Citibank gives you $800,000 at a time! Thanks Bickerss. Is that just with a Citibank card or do you know if my BofA will work for that much?

Just plain poor

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bickerss says on Feb 16, 2007, 04:46:

I use my Australian and Panamanian account with it (Other banks ie HSBC). Only just found out about it in Jan - otherwise I would have been using it forever - I paid a lot in bank fees due to the stupid limits they have per transaction in Colombia.

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michaelz says on Feb 16, 2007, 13:19:

taxi and exchange rates When you clear customs, turn right and follow the signs to the taxi window. Give the girl a piece of paper with the name of your hotel and the address. She will give you piece of paper with the approved price that you should pay the cabbie when you arrive. The price to the zona rosa is about 17 or 18 thousand pesos, about 8 dollars. They started this because so many cabbies were ripping off grigos.

Don NOT bring money to change. There are ATMs all over that accept American debit cards, and you will be charged the bank exchange rate, with a 1 or 1.5 fee for a foreign transaction. It is much better than paying money changers.

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