is it gonna be hard for me to get my hands on a rental car out there.(im american)

mcheasley says on Dec 6, 2007, 07:30:

definately not cheap.. rented a car in medellin in nov. try $75. U.S. a day, (economy car) and that was before the december higher rate kicked in.. take taxis!! they are cheap..

ColombianoGringo says on Dec 6, 2007, 07:36:

There was a recent thread with quite a bit of discussion about renting a car and even some pricing info. Use the google search box at the top of the site and look for "Bogota Rental Car" and choose the first topic.

It's a good idea to do a search for your topic before posting a question. You will usually find a lot of information and won't have to wait for responses.

Gator says on Dec 6, 2007, 07:47:

Nerves of steel, the skills of Juan Pablo Montoya, and a death wish will get you one-

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

ColombianoGringo says on Dec 6, 2007, 07:58:

A friend referred offered to loan us her car to use while in Colombia. I declined her offer mainly because driving and parking can be a hassle and taxis are cheap.

However, I was also concerned about potential liability in the event of an accident. Would a standard auto insurance policy in Colombia cover damages if you loan your car to someone and they wreck it?

ColombianoGringo says on Dec 6, 2007, 08:21:

My thoughts exactly. I'll borrow a car from certain close blood relatives in Colombia. However, I would never borrow a vehicle from a friend, an in-law or a distant relative.

Even so, I was curious about the insurance issue.

Enrique187 says on Dec 6, 2007, 08:43:

i wouldnt even want to attempt to drive in colombia. my ass would get lost in bogota in ten seconds. ive been there so many times and still dont know my way around.

william_andrew_channell says on Dec 6, 2007, 08:43:

Why not just use public transport? Millions of people do it everyday.

lampltr says on Dec 6, 2007, 12:30:

Great post jay, but Gringo is correct....My wife looked into us renting one out of Central Colombia area for 1 week, get this $1K (Not pesos either) jaja. Boston Christmas week for a Intermediate is only $438.

In addition, I am so frustrated with prices of airlines ($6200 R/T From Europe to Boston, then down into Colombia and back to Europe), between the fee's, major security issues possibly against the family if I visit and all. Family is close to tears as they desire me there with them but I cannot place them in harms way and is something I would not be able to live with for sure. Guess major decisions very soon. Best of luck with the price gouging...if in the city, do think about it.

jay007 says on Dec 6, 2007, 13:49:

im just used to having my own freedom to go where ever and stuff but yeah yall seem right ill just take taxis and buses or ride with people i meet out there. cause if i recked the rental then my hood instincts would kick in and i jump out and run and catch the first flight out and i dont want that to ruin my trip...: )

CristalM says on Dec 6, 2007, 13:54:

that is a good decision. In the states I was the typical "soccer mom" with the minivan and teens, drive everywhere. Been here 6 months or so without a car. It took a bit to get used to. Everyone asks everyone else for rides and they freely give them, drop you off on the way. Taxis are really cheap, buses even ridiculously cheaper. You'll be fine, just have to get used to it.
The major problem is finding a taxi on Friday night when it is pouring rain...make sure you have an umbrella with you cause you'll be waiting a long time.

Gator says on Dec 6, 2007, 13:55:

Run away? Wouldn't help because you must guarantee with a credit card. they would just do a charge back

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

jay007 says on Dec 6, 2007, 15:15:

gator: it was a joke

Mononoke28 says on Dec 7, 2007, 08:53:

The only time I miss having my own car in Colombia is whenever we want to go out into the country or go visit different cities. It's not like you can stop at any tamal/empanada or fresas con crema place you see on the road.

Diana

Diana

msaucey says on Dec 7, 2007, 12:46:

GIB are you trying to desuade people from visiting... again.....

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

El Piloto says on Dec 7, 2007, 15:58:

I lamented in another thread about the seeming nonexistence of automatic transmission rental cars in Colombia (that was when I was looking to rent in MDE). Turns out that Hertz in BOG does have automatics available, though at steep rates. The good thing about Hertz is that they seem to include unlimited mileage on all their rates while their competitors charge extra for mileage.