travel in colombia

FrankLeal says on Oct 4, 2004, 10:40:

I think there aren't I am from Bucaramanga and as far as I am concerned now all flights between Medellín and Bucaramanga go first to Bogotá. I even checked Aerorepublica web site (www.aerorepublica.com.co) and Avianca's (www.avianca.com.co) and couldn't find a direct flight. But anyway you should call a travel agency to be sure. When coming to Santander don't forget to eat a good "tamal santandereano" and have breakfast with "caldo y arepa santandereana". Arepa paisa has no flavor!!
Anything I may help you in Bucara write me to franklealt at yahoo.com.ar , I work at Colombo Americano as English teacher and I also organize Spanish lessons here in Bucaramanga.

Francisco

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juanalejo says on Oct 4, 2004, 17:25:

Direct Flights Yes there is a direct flight, I am not sure if it is Satena or Aires but one of the two has the flight for sure. I have been at the Bucaramanga airport when it has been called. I think it comes from Cucuta and continues on to Medellin and viceversa.

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mranderson says on Oct 4, 2004, 19:36:

thanks for the help. Once again one person says there are and another says there arent. oh well. I really dont want to go through bogota because I am nervous about airports in colombia. I dont know any spanish and I dont like to change planes if i dont have to.

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juanalejo says on Oct 4, 2004, 20:21:

Direct Aires flies direct from Medellin to Bucaramanga. www.aires.com

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mranderson says on Oct 4, 2004, 21:13:

I checked that website and it is a relocation website. It says nothing about an airline. Did I mispell something? Is aires a major airline in colombia?

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Gator says on Oct 5, 2004, 06:16:

Aires would be best http://www.aires.com.co

Has a direct flight daily about 8:30 in the morning from Medellin to Bucca. About $100 USD round trip. If your Spanish is up to it you can call them in Medellin at (4) 361 1331. Not a bad little airline much like the regional airlins operated by American Eagle and Delta Dash

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

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kat says on Oct 5, 2004, 06:51:

JFK Airport Can anyone tell me if jus JFK airport or the others USA airports too that have the most arrogant and unfriendly people.I went there coming from Britain and we were treated like if we came from guantamo bay.I think being polite doesnt take the seriousness of the job if u know whatI mean. .this people need an urgent human relations course.

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toneloc24 says on Oct 5, 2004, 07:51:

Mr Anderson Sorry to say this, but you really sound like the ignorant American that we all know exists. That American who goes to France and gets angry/upset because no one speaks English. The airline sites are in Spanish because, guess what, they are Latin American airlines. Not really international.

You're going to a SPANISH-speaking country, but appear not in the least bit interested in learning any part of the language. You're asking about two Colombian cities (Medellin & Bucaramanga) in which Spanish is probably the only language that is spoken. You'd be lucky to hear any English at all.

If you did any kind of research on the Bogota airport, you'd have a bit of a clue that it's no more dangerous than Miami's airport, and the airline workers there will try help you as best as possible. Probably more so than any airport in the US, save Miami. Even with your English-only attitude.

One piece of advice: you have time. Go to a bookstore and buy some Spanish language material. Pimsleur CDs, a translation dictionary, a digital translator, anything. Learn something. Write down some basic potential questions and answers, and bring them with you. Stop trying to force circumstances to conform to you. Compromise a little, and you'll have a wonderful time. If not, call a travel agency and let them do the work.

Sorry for being so blunt, but it needs to be said.

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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Roberto99 says on Oct 5, 2004, 12:05:

I've been through the airport in Bogota twice
with limited Spanish and it was a walk in the park.
My only problem was in my own head.
My experience with airports is DFW, very large indeed.
Although the Bogota airport is small, it was also very pleasant.
It has a few souvenir shops, small restaurants where you
can buy filled empanadas, cokes, aguila etc and also a couple
of shops for dulces before you find your taxi or continue your journey.

Coming back from Bucaramanga I totally forgot I could obtain
a waiver for half the exit tax. Actually I was waiting in line
when the greeter (not sure what to call her) for Avianca tried to
inform me I needed to pay the exit tax. (In spanish of course)
While I was struggling to understand and answer her questions she
realized I did not speak Spanish well. (The accent is a little hard for me)
She then proceeded to help me by speaking in English and directing me
to the counter to obtain the waiver. She also guarded my luggage
and space in the waiting line until I came back.
There is no reason to avoid the Bogota airport in my opinion.
I think there will always be someone behind the counter who will
be able to help you in English.

Don’t let the media image of Colombia play with your mind,
you will rob yourself of a wonderful experience.

Also, I can absolutely, unequivocally, irrevocably, full-heartedly recommend Frank (Francisco) Leal in Bucaramanga as a guide and Spanish teacher.
If you want to visit Colombia for the first time but you are concerned about safety visit Bucaramanga and stay with Francisco.

Francisco, his mother and their maid Yolanda totally pampered me as if I was a member of their family. I wanted to lose weight but after 1 ½ weeks I found I needed to reduce my intake. I couldn’t get in to one pair of slacks that previously fit very comfortably.
Francisco also has very gracious and wonderful friends who showed me
around the city and taught me English. Mariclara was a gem and also knows English fairly well.
The people in Bucaramanga are friendly and there is no fear whatsoever.
Every night (especially on the weekend) I observed teenagers hanging out and walking around the city doing what teenagers do around the globe.
READ MY LIPS!!! NO FEAR in Bucaramanga!!!

I convey the above message with ambivalence. On one hand I feel
very selfish and want to keep this secret all to myself to keep
Colombia pristine and to prevent it from becoming a playground for
Americans/Europeans. On the other hand I definitely feel that Colombians like Francisco and his friends deserve to prosper by hosting tourists to his wonderful country.

What one resource above all others is the the most precious in Colombia?

La Gente!!! Por cierto!!!!!

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caslug says on Oct 5, 2004, 12:26:

Changing Plane I know very little spanish when i was in colombia, only about 5 weeks worth of langauge CD time. I had to make a connection in Bogota Airport, very simply just walked up to a avianca agent asked them where's my flight(buy some sort of spanish for tourist langauge book) showed her my ticket. She point to the direction of the gate. NO HASSLE AT ALL.

Here's another example of how helpful the airport employees are. I wanted to buy El Tiempo, wouldn't you know it, couldn't find a newstand that stock it. So I went up to the polic counter and asked, they put a guy to WALK me to several newstand until I found one.

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mranderson says on Oct 5, 2004, 19:43:

ok, thanks for all the help I appreciate all the help. I have never traveled out of the country before so I still have a fear of colombia. Especially since I dont understand spanish. thanks roberto. I have a family in bucaramanga to stay with.

And to toneloc24, I know that I'm ignorant about colombia. I know nothing of south america. But who said anyone was upset or angry? I just asked a question thats all. I have bought a spanish course on my computer and I am very slowly trying to learn the language. Thats another reason why I want to visit colombia so much. I want to learn about the culture and the language so that maybe I wont be so ignorant. I think being there will motivate me much more to learn the language. I didnt realize I had an english only attitude? I'm looking forward to going to a country where english is almost nonexistant. I'm just nervous about the traveling because thats the only time I'll be alone in a foriegn country.

It helps to hear different stories of other people who have been through the airports.

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toneloc24 says on Oct 5, 2004, 20:58:

I understand where you are Mr Anderson, and assuming you're American, it doesn't shock me. We generally don't travel many places where English is not spoken. As Americans, we call ourselves inclusive, but really have little respect for people who speak differently than us, then expect them to understand English. Blame our educational system for not requiring us to learn any other language. In this fashion, Europe gets it.

Listen, believe me, I'm not bragging about any of this, just want to share experiences. Hopefully, it helps you. I went to Brasil by myself a few years ago for the 1st time, and had a difficult time communicating in Portuguese. I did make some friends who spoke broken English, and were willing to teach me Portuguese. When I returned there a few months later, after a few classes and studying on my own, I had a great time. Met several very interesting ladies who were impressed that I took the time to try to learn their language, albeit not perfect.

I learned Spanish this year, and am continuing to learn. I have yet to set foot in a class yet! Books, CDs, girlfriends, etc. I have been to 3 different Spanish speaking countries this year, including Colombia. It makes a huge difference in your experience. I've been booking flights on Avianca and other Spanish language sites, without error. Just because I wanted to learn. Plus, it adds to the experience.

I say all this to say, I encourage you to continue to try to learn Spanish. Use every resource to learn. Use Pimsleur CDs to work on your pronounciation. Watch some Spanish language news programs to try to catch the cadence. You will not be perfect, but you will be prepared. Trust me, it will make your travel experience so much more relaxed and enjoyable.

Colombia is a beautiful country with very nice, warm people. It's kind of a "secret" in that fashion. I do not dispel notions when people think so negatively about it. Let them stay away. I'd hate to see Colombia become what Rio de Janeiro has become.

However, if you're open-minded and ready for the adventure, it's a great place to visit. Medellin and Bucaramanga are nice cities. Medellin is a modern metropolis. Yes, there are dangerous areas, and you should do well to steer away from them. People will warn you. However, for the most part, you will not experience any of the crazy things that people many Americans think about Colombia, unless you go looking for them. The major airports are pretty safe and the workers there will do their best to assist, or find you someone who can.

Safe travels!!!

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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mranderson says on Oct 7, 2004, 11:36:

got the tickets Ok, I just bought my ticket to colombia. I'm going to medellin in the beginning of november.

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toneloc24 says on Oct 7, 2004, 11:58:

Okay, you have about 3-4 weeks. That's plenty of time to learn some basic Spanish. Don't play around. It's a great cheap investment in having a great time. It will pay so many dividends.

Good luck, and report back!!!

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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Peter (Moderator) says on Nov 3, 2004, 10:34:

Exit Tax Voucher? Roberto99 mentioned that there was a voucher that reduces the exit tax? I am headed to Barranquilla in December and would like to know if anyone recomends any cool places to see on a budget and how to not pay that exit tax.

Poor but snappy

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poco says on Nov 3, 2004, 18:29:

Learning the Tricks Not speaking Spanish at the airport in Bogotá is not a problem. Many security guards speak English, they have an information window, they speak English and most of the reservationists speak English, come to think of it,, things may be better than in many, if not most airports in the rest of the world,, especially the northern part of the US where I have a problem understanding what they say.

As you venture further from the airport the availability of English speaking persons diminishes.

You must then revert to sign language. Start every sign language question with Por favor, learn this word,, it is only word you will need (pronounced Poor Fa vor (Fa,, sounds like Duh,, only with an F). Point at your wrist to ask the time and at your crotch when you want to take a leak. Be careful not to scratch you a** and you’ll be alright.

"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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Peter (Moderator) says on Nov 3, 2004, 19:44:

Tax varies from airport to airport Bogotá $23 upon departure, or $44 if the stay is longer than 60 days or if you are traveling on a business visa. At Cali its $44. At Medellin, $42. Barranquilla is, I think, $38. If your travel will be for 30 days or less het a tax stamp on entry to reduce the exit tax. The booth is usually around the DAS customs area just ask.

Poor but snappy

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