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Selling Laptop in Cartagena. . .

So I'll be in Cartagena in mid-September.

Was thinking of bringing a laptop and a luxury watch to sell, and use that money to help pay for my stay.

However, I'll only be in CTG for 6 days, then it's back to work for me. Anybody out there in PBH land with any tips or knows of someone who would be interested in a new Dell laptop? I concede it may not be worth my time to try this since I'm only there barely a week.

Another thought:

when I was in Rio earlier this year, I found a business where I could exchange dollars at the current rate and not have to pay any annoying surcharges like at the ATMs, banks, and cambios. This was at a small jewelry store, so maybe that's why this guy is always looking to buy dollars (I'm guessing he needs dollars to buy jewelry from abroad).

It occurs to me there may be similar people in Colombia. People who need dollars. Maybe the emerald dealers?

Or does the fear of buying counterfeit US dollars stop small businesspeople from getting into this?

Any ideas or tips would be much appreciated. Would love to try to save on ATM fees. . .

At least the exchange rate is looking better than a few months ago. . . :)

By droble77 on Aug 27, 2008, 18:57 in Buy, Sell & Rent.

briarblue says on Aug 27, 2008, 19:10:

A friend made inquiry of purchasing a laptop from me when I was in Carta last week. I'll be there again mid-Sept. Does it have to be a Dell laptop? My experience is that the Dells still run higher, but aren't worth the extra money these days.

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droble77 says on Aug 27, 2008, 19:52:

It has to be a Dell cause that's all I got. :) I can sell it for less as I got a special corporate discount on it. I'll very likely bring it for email and Skype anyway; if I can sell it, cool. . . if not, it goes back to the states with me, no major disappointment. . .

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briarblue says on Aug 27, 2008, 20:15:

Entiendo. I'll send a heads-up to my friend in Carta so that they can confirm that their interest is serious and that they have their money lined-up. I'll post a follow-up here in a day or two.

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droble77 says on Aug 27, 2008, 21:22:

Awesome, thanks for the help. If it pans out, I owe you something. A litro of aguardiente perhaps? ;-))

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briarblue says on Aug 28, 2008, 17:32:

Just a quick note to let you know that I did send an email to my friend in Cartagena last night. Haven't heard anything back yet, but expect to in the next day or so. I'll post something here when I do.

Thanks!

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viajero123 (☼Travelguide writer) says on Aug 28, 2008, 17:37:

For the dollar thing, your best bet is to open a Capital One account (or a couple of accounts) to get an ATM card (or several cards) that will charge no fees and give the best exchange rates. Then you could in Colombia withdraw money everyday and then buy cash dollars in a casa de cambio for a cheaper rate and take them back to the States making a small profit. The hassle is to carry around cash on your person.

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poco says on Aug 28, 2008, 18:00:

I wonder the selling price of a Dell Laptop in Colombia ?

I bought one at Best Buy Last week for $449.00 plus tax. Two Gig ram, vista home premiun and all the bells and whistles,, except of course a web cam and microphone.

They threw in a really nice HP wireless printer for less than $50 bucks,, and,, this is the best part,, the sales,, person? Had gigantic,, well,, they weren't cellphone holders.

Ahh,, yes,, telephoto and 6 mp. Always a good combination if you just aren't sure.

Is that a cell phone ?

Yes,, it is:

"When you men get home and face an anti-war protester, look him in the eyes and shake his hand. Then, wink at his girlfriend, because she knows she's dating a pussy." Quote - General Tommy Franks

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gringoloid (Trustee board) says on Aug 28, 2008, 18:48:

good catch on that cell phone holder.

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droble77 says on Aug 29, 2008, 12:06:

thanks again briarblue; lol at the pic, good use of those six megapixels! :o)

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briarblue says on Aug 31, 2008, 21:47:

droble, my friend did email me back. I should have just asked the obvious in the first place---they want to know specs and asking price. Can you either list here or email to me if you prefer.

The person has a serious interest, but I'm not 100% certain they will have their money in place within 2-3 weeks. I say this because they are currently attending the university to be a lawyer and only work part-time for an attorney en el centro when not in class/studying.

Let me know the specs/price and I'll find out if they have the full sum in hand and want to meet in the next 2-3 weeks when you are in "Carta. As I think I mentioned, I'll be there myself in 2 1/2 weeks.

The person asked me about bringing a laptop from the States last month when we were visiting (I always have mine with me there). The thought is that the cost will be less than what they would pay locally.

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briarblue says on Aug 31, 2008, 22:03:

droble, one other thing of note. Based on info read here at PBH, I opened an online checking account with National Interbank out of Indianapolis just to get an ATM card without the standard 3% fee my everyday bank charges me on all international transactions. I used the ATM card for the first time this past trip and worked like a charm---no fees on my ATM withdraws or when used for purchases in Cartagena. I was able to get the account opened (online), funded and ATM card in hand in about 10-12 days total, which means you would want to initiate on Monday/Tuesday to have everything in hand for a mid-Sept. trip.

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