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Going to the MRE in BGA and need trip advice

In the next week or so I have to make a trip to the Ministry of Exterior Relations in Bogota. I'll be coming by bus from Bucaramanga. I have only been to the MRE once before and it was with my husband so I had someone leading the way. This time I have to go alone.

1) From the bus terminal to the MRE via taxi, how much should I expect to pay? and how long do you think it will take? I know all about getting the ticket from the window before I get in a taxi so it is documented.

2) What is the best way to get back to the bus terminal from the MRE? All this talk about taxi's kind of scares me. Should I ask the MRE to call me one? I'll have plenty of time so I don't mind taking a bus, as long as there is one I can get on a few blocks away that will take me straight there. I don't want to mess with changing busses though as I am not very familiar with BGA.

3) If for any reason I have a problem with the MRE and have to stay a night in Bogota, can anyone recomend a hostal/less expensive hotel in that area or close to that area that I could stay at?

Thanks in advance.

By adrienne79 on Jan 14, 2008, 07:45 in Travel tips.

jorgegdiaz (☼Travelguide writer) says on Jan 14, 2008, 10:27:

wow, I thought someone else had to do the same thing...

Democratic party or Republican party is fine......as long as theres a party!!!!!!!

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adrienne79 says on Jan 14, 2008, 12:01:

Very funny hubby, nope it is me looking for advice but it seems everyone is so busy getting in arguments/debates on here they can't seem to help a girl out. Hopefully someone will come along.

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Gator says on Jan 14, 2008, 14:40:

take taxis both ways, plan to get there first thing in the morning to avoid a longer wait. Open between 7:30 AM and 12:00 PM Monday through Friday. Can't tell how long since you did not tell us what the purpose of your visit is. But mst process is same day so you should not have to spend the night.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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adrienne79 says on Jan 14, 2008, 18:13:

Thanks Gator! Actually I was meaning how long is the taxi ride, jejejeje, so I will know how much to expect to pay and will have plenty of cash on me. I have a good idea about how long I will be sitting at the MRE. Thanks though.

Any suggestions on places to stay in the area if needed.

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Gator says on Jan 14, 2008, 19:29:

With the way traffic is getting in Bogotá-impossible, who knows but I would say no more than 45 minutes. f you are getting a taxi, insist that the driver uses the meter. There is a standard charge of about US$1.25 before your journey starts and after that the fare is calculated by units which are transferred into pesos. There should be a chart that hangs over the back seat every taxi, required by law, showing you the list of units so you can ensure that you are not being overcharged. When you arrive at your destination you take look at the chart and match the number on the taximeter with the amount to be paid.Don't forget the surcharge if any. I am not sure but I would think no more than 15/18.000 pesos. There are some surcharges, If the taxi is called in advance; add another 500 COP,iIf the journey is to or from the airport or the bus terminal; add 3.000 COP, If it’s at night, on a Sunday or on a holiday; add 1.500 COP.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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msaucey says on Jan 14, 2008, 21:33:

I'm guessing you're grabbing the taxi at the main bus terminal in Bogota... If so, then you need to give them the destination address at the bus terminal window by the taxi stand... and someone else can correct me, but I believe there's only certain drivers allowed to pick up at the terminal, so none of those drivers want to mess up whatever deal they have going on by pulling a fast one.... They wont charge you more then what is on the ticket....

But, if you feel a bit uncomfortable, once you get into the cab... Make a call from your cell phone and just pretty much stay on for a good portion of the trip.... To whomever you call, you can go on and on about your adventure from Bucaramonga... Which is like an 8 hour trip so that is an adventure... and that you just hoped onto the cab.. Things like that...

The trouble about trying to make yourself stupider than you really are is that you very often succeed. - CS Lewis

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Gator says on Jan 15, 2008, 07:33:

Same deal with the cab as at the airport-those who pick up at the bus terminal are approved to make that pickup.

The wife and the wife and I have ridden taxis hundreds of times don't worry you will be fine.

"Credidi pretio parvo emere et magno vendere tibi in animo fuisse!" .

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adrienne79 says on Feb 1, 2008, 15:55:

Just to update this now that I made the trip for future reference to others...
The ride from the bus terminal to the the MRE each way was a tad less than 10,000. The ride in the morning was about 15 monutes and a bit longer on the way back since there was traffic. For the way back, I picked a taxi from the street and felt very comfy with him, no problems at all, thankfully.

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vicshere says on Feb 1, 2008, 18:04:

i can actually now take a bus from the north bus drop off to the MRE and back for like 1500 each way pretty fast to...i use the bus bus that runs down 7th i think...i just know the bus when i see it coming

listo

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