visiting Cali in late July

Michael_B says on May 6, 2007, 07:16:

No travlers checks Use your ATM card. That way you will have a better exchange rate as wel;l as not going through the hassle of trying to cash them.

Have fun.

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expatriate says on May 6, 2007, 15:11:

Not all ATM cards work at all banks, but almost all work at Servibanca, a black and fluorescent green ATM.

About the local girl, get to know her and her family for a very long time before considering marriage. If supporting the rest of her family is part of the package, I'd suggest looking around for another woman.

If you take her clothing shopping, and you are asked to sign for $600 worth of clothing, don't sign, just give her taxi fare home and start meeting other women in the shopping center.

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arthur brode says on May 6, 2007, 16:00:

i live in Cali.if you need anything my email is arthurbrode at aol.com

http://www.calirentals.net/

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Robert Jorge says on May 6, 2007, 18:51:

Expatriate gives good advice, even though he may have been somebody that broke my balls in the past about the chick thing. Don't waste your time with traveler's checks. It will just cause you nothing but frustration and hassle. About the girl: NEVER discuss anything about your money. If she never brings it up either ... good start. If she does, RED FLAG. Most Colombians will assume you are a rich gringo, even if you are in reality not in the US. If she is a gold-digger, you will find out soon enough by things she asks you. Take her to cafes in her barrio. DON'T take her shopping. Take her a small gift, but nothing expensive - a couple of bottles of skin cream is great. Another red flag is if the family invites themselves, or is invited by her, to something you figured only you and her were going to do. If the family goes - guess who pays? It doesn't matter if you can afford the tab, it is the principle and a forshadowing of what is potentially in your future. If she has enjoyed just being with you doing simple but fun things that do not involve money, you are on the right track. The best times I had in Colombia did not cost much. I am talking $5.00 or less for incidentals - like water, snacks, a cigarette, taxi, etc. Also, be very low key about life in the US. Just mentioning something innocent, like: "when I drove to the store to buy a new air conditioner", will give people the impression you are rich or even bragging. Do not show pictures of your house or apartment on your first trip to see her. And, like expat also said, give it some time. Just trust your gut, not heart. And remember, there are thousands of other girls if things don't feel right when you get there. But, maybe it will work out too.

BEWARE of gold diggers.

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jonny45 says on May 7, 2007, 02:44:

thanks for ther advice Thanks alot for the advice folks. In fact I am from the UK but same advice applies. Just another thing reguarding ATM,S, dont they charge through the roof to withraw money ? After what was said I wont bother with travellers cheques I guess take some cash with me. I have travelled alot so know the risks of any big cities. Places in the UK are just as bad for muggings and theft and scams. I know how local people view us from richer countries. However I was in Brazil where I am also seen to be very rich but I found people very friendly and warm there. Nobody ever asked or begged once and I went to some very poor areas which were pretty shocking to be honest.
great site this and thanks again for the advice

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jonny45 says on May 7, 2007, 02:46:

hello Arther thats very nice of you maybe we can meet for a beer when I go.Getting the ticket this week hope to go about 23rd of July. How long have you lived in Cali ?
Jonathan

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jonny45 says on May 7, 2007, 02:48:

sorry excuse sleepy tying and spelling Arthur.

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englishsettler says on May 7, 2007, 03:53:

any charge for the meetings Art ? LOL

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ingles says on May 7, 2007, 04:21:

Bank Charges I'd recommend opening a Nationwide Flexaccount current account. You needn't use it as your main current account, just transfer your holiday spend in there before you go, and you do not get any charges for using ATMs.

Post office credit card is a credit card that has no foreign charges, so worthwhile thinking of these if you travel quite a bit.

Just out of interest - which companies are you looking for flights with. I went in July last year and the cost was very high compared to other times of the year. I booked through expedia.

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jonny45 says on May 7, 2007, 05:51:

bank charges excellent advice about Nationwide thanks. In fact I have booked my flight from Cali as its worked out about £200 cheaper. Air France I believe about £600

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jonny45 says on May 7, 2007, 05:52:

charge for meeting Art... I will get the first 2 rounds in.............

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jonny45 says on May 7, 2007, 05:53:

charge for meeting Art..... or coffee's if Art does not drink !

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ingles says on May 7, 2007, 06:03:

Booking from Cali Interesting that you booked your flight from Cali - is there a tour operator that you used that you could recommend or a website you could point me to.

Latest deals i have seen are cheapest through USA rather than the usual route through paris.

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jonny45 says on May 7, 2007, 06:13:

FLIGHT I will find out. My friend booked it for me she works at a hotel and its an agency the hotel has links with. Only problem is how to pay maybe not a problem for you but my credit card has a very low limit as I try and keep control of my finances these days. Must be cheaper to fly from the USA than from the UK

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arthur brode says on May 7, 2007, 06:16:

hi jonathan i have lived here in Cali for 18 months englishsettler,i charge 30k for each introduction to "Las Chicas".

http://www.calirentals.net/

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jonny45 says on May 7, 2007, 06:51:

wow lol

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Buongone says on May 7, 2007, 09:58:

Good Cabbie Here's the name and # of a driver I used to use. Mauricio Casanova. Ph# 3103818328. He works out of the Hotel Intercontinental. Good rates, and will cover your back. Show you around, know's the town, will wait for you, whatever ! We use my Novia"s Aunt car nowadays. It's cheaper than a rent a car. The cabbie can get good deals on cell phones too. They are a must. If you want to stay in touch!! If you know what I mean.

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jonny45 says on May 8, 2007, 10:15:

good cabbie advice like that is like gold dust. Thanks big time !!!!

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rca_rodrigo says on May 13, 2007, 16:39:

place to stay do you have any place to stay ?

if dont then contactme at rca_rodrigo () hotmail.com

i have a friend that works as a real state agent in there and we knows all the places there nad will give you a good advice

rodrigo

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