Ya Well! I just had the most amazing experience! A Gringo's Travel Guide in Colombia! Positive stories!

Rikito says on Jul 23, 2008, 06:00:

I have never had a problem traveling as a "gringo" in Colombia. Why? I do my best not to act like a gringo and respect the culture and laws. Esy enough.

It is not life that matters, but the journey.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Bill Turley says on Jul 23, 2008, 07:37:

I am unquestionably a Gringo. I am overweight, have blue eyes and speak little Spanish. I have never had problems during the 11 years I have been here. Once I thwarted a pickpocket in downtown Bogota, that left me a bit shaken. A working girl invited me for a Coke to calm down. She had witnessed the conflict.
Here in Somondoco, everyone, and I mean everyone, knows I am a Gringo. I have always been treated with affection and respect. When I can't communicate clearly the people are very helpful. I can go to town and buy whatever I need. If I have car problems, the passersbye seem to line up to help out. They also know I Don't have much money, and I even get discounts at times.

Mr. Bill Somondoco

0 funny, 0 helpful.

quantum says on Jul 23, 2008, 07:58:

Ive had three trips to Colombia in 8 yrs, including Cali, Bogota, Cartagena, Santa Marta y alredadores and Ive really had almost no problems anywhere outside of averting an intented assault crossing the bridge to Av Sexta in central Cali. Fortunately, I was carrying pepper gas and it seemed to be enuff to discourage the wouldbe assailants. But I have to say that I encountered much more squeeze the gringo attitude in the zone from Capurnaga in Choco province to Turbo to Monteria. Once in Cartagena and Santa Marta, it was okay and for the most people the typical colombian will go out of his or her way to help and be of service. Colombia generally scores very high in this respect. I think that in the troubled Turbo\Choco region, life is just too hard and people are stressed by numerous factors. But it should start getting better as more and more travelers start using that route cuz of the high price of airfares, and the locals become more and more accustomed to dealing with them. I hope anyway.

0 funny, 0 helpful.