tlop has written 39 posts

Need to rent parking space in Bogota

I need to rent a parking space long term in Bogota ASAP. Really, it doesn't matter what part of the city the space is in. What is important is the space is covered, safe and reasonably priced. It is for a large antique car that I rarely take out. If you know of one available, please send an email to daniel at rock82.com with details. Thanks, Dan ...

Daiquiri Mix?

Anyone know where I can buy some Strawberry Daiquiri Mix in Bogota? Thanks, Dan

Big Poker Tournament in Bogota. Only $100.000 Entry. $25.000.000 Guaranteed.

We have our largest tournament yet starting Septermber 2nd. Would love to have some of you ladies and gentlemen come down. For more information, please look here http://i38.tinypic.com/w9iuc2.jpg How do I actually post an image? Thanks, Dan (Rockefeller82.com) ...

Best Ideas for Travel Outside Bogota

My brother and a friend are visiting me in Bogota the first week of August. He would like to travel outside of Bogota, but wants an activity filled trip, not just sitting on the beach. Of the top of my head, I think the Amazon, San Gil, and maybe Tayrona would all work nicely. Anyone else have any good ideas? Thanks, Dan ...

Poker in Bogota. Special Discount for members of PBH.

Wanted to let everyone know that every Tuesday and Friday night at 8 PM, The Rockefeller has a No Limit Holdem Tournament, $100.000 Buyin, $5.000.000 Guaranteed. Almost every Saturday we host a Pot Limit Omaha High Tournament, $100.000 Buyin, $3.000.000 Guaranteed. If this is your first tournament at the Rockefeller, mention PBH and we'll give you a 20% discount on your tournament entry fee (for a limited time). Every night we have cash games. The standard is NL Holdem, Blinds $2.000 ...

Poker Tournament Today in Bogota at The Rockefeller

I know there must be more of you out there who play poker. Come on down! It's a lot of fun. (Although it is more fun when you win.) Dan

Semana Santa Ideas?

Need some last minute ideas for Semana Santa. We were booked on a trip for Cabo de la Vela, but was unfortunately recently cancelled because of security concerns. Ideally, the trip would take me to an ocean, but not a hotspot (ie Cartagena, Santa Marta, San Andres). It would also cost less than $1.800.000. Bus is fine. Anyways, since it is only a week away, I'm in a tough spot. Any ideas? I am in Bogota. Thanks, Tlop ...

Business SMS (Text Message) Service?

Is there any online service that allows me to enter our clients' Colombian cellphone numbers (regardless of operator) and send a text message to all with just a click? I don't mind paying a reasonable price for this service. Thanks, Dan ...

Super Bowl Party

For those in Bogota looking for a place to watch the game, we have a party at The Rockefeller Poker Room and Casino. Doors open at 4:30 PM and game starts at 6:20 PM. For players, there is free food, drink, and we are giving away $1.000.000 in Superbowl promotions. If you don't play, please still join us if you want a fun place to watch the game. We have plenty of seating. Should be a fair number of foreigners mixed with Colombians for a good time. We are in the Zona Rosa, right in ...

Poker Tournament Tomorrow in Bogota at The Rockefeller

Not sure if any of you play...but we have an excellent tournament tomorrow. It's a NL Hold'em Tournament, $300.000 entry, $8.000.000 guaranteed. Last week we didn't have enough entries to meet the guarantee, so it was free money for the players! The tournament itself is well structured, giving plenty of time for the entrants to play. We also offer satellites tomorrow at 4 and 6 pm for $60.000. We are located at Calle 82 No. 14-23 (more details at rock82.com). If you have any ques ...

Grand Opening Rockefeller Casino in Bogota

I (and a couple other guys) are opening a new Poker Room and Casino here in Bogota. I would love to invite anyone who is interested to attend the Grand Opening this Thursday, June 21st, starting at 5 PM. We are located at Calle 82 No.14-23 2nd and 3rd floors (basically in front of La Mona).

We have four poker, two blackjack, and a roulette table. On Thursday, we have a bunch of promotions giving a way a lot of money to players. If you like to play Holdem, BJ or Roulette, ...

Spanish Classes/Tutor in Bogota

I have a friend with me who wants to improve his extremely elementary Espanol. We have called a couple of schools, but the prices seemed pretty high ($20 thousand/hour and up). Does anyone have any better suggestions? He is looking for 3-6 hours a day of instruction for 3 weeks.

You can also contact me at intimidatingdan at hotmail.com

Thanks,

Tlop ...

Anyone use a panasonic plasma in Bogota?

Thinking of buying the 42 inch Panasonic TH-42PX60U Plasma. However, concerned that a lot of plasmas have trouble working at high altitudes. Anyone have any experience with Panasonic?

Thanks,

Tlop ...

Sling Box

Anyone in Colombia using the Sling Box yet (http://www.slingmedia.com/slingbox/)? Thinking of getting it, but wondering exactly how fast a Colombian internet connection I would need to have a decent picture?

Thanks,

Tlop ...

Car Hydraulics in Bogota?

Anyone know any mechanics who sell/install hydraulic systems for cars in Bogota?

Thanks,

Tlop

Receiving Wire Tranfers from the US to a Bancolombia Account

I just opened my first Bancolombia Savings account. The Bank Manager explained some strange system where when I receive an international wire I have to call some part of the bank who will give me an exchange rate. I can chose to accept this rate or keep the money in dollars.

Anyways, it wasn´t all that clear to me. If anyone has any experience or tips, I would appreciate hearing it. What percentage does one tend to lose off the traded exchange rate? I think there is some so ...

Soundproofing an Apartment?

I rent an apartment in Bogota which is just about perfect. However, unfortunately, noise travels very easily within the building and I tend to have a noisy apartment rather late at night. This has meant some (understandably) very unhappy neighbors.

I know in the US there are people who actually specialize in soundproofing. If I can soundproof my apartment for not all that much money, I would be ecstatic. Otherwise, I'll probably have to move. Can anyone recommend a "soundpr ...

Burritos in Bogota

Only food I desperately miss since moving from the Mission in SF. I have tried all the Mexican places in the 82 am not all that impressed. Anyone have any suggestions?

Thanks,

Dan ...

Hotel in Popayan?

Anyone know a decent, reasonably priced hotel in Popayan this week? I realize it is quite a popular destination, so the answer may be none, but figured I would ask.

Thanks,

Dan ...

Cartagena Hotels

Headed to Cartagena with some friends. Usually, I stay at the Hotel Charlotte. Small, centrally located, and reasonanbly cheap, about $75 night. However, I am hoping there might be something better out there for that price (in Bocagrande). Any suggestions?

Thanks,

Tlop ...

Renting a Space for a Party in Bogota

I want to throw a party, but my Apartment, well, yeah, a little small. I want to rent some sort of space that can fit 50-75 people, just for a night. Better if it is in the North, but not a necessity. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Tlop ...

Thanksgiving in Bogota?

I was here a couple years back and I remember that hotel close to Hacienda Santa Barbara offered a Thanksgiving meal. Anyone know of anywhere else?

Thanks,

Dan

Applying for the Socio o Propietario de Estab. Comercial Visa

Ok, rather specific question, but I am hoping someone can help.

One of the application requirements listed is:

Declaracion de Renta, Ultimo Ano Gravable

I just started my business (registered with Camera de Commercio, etc.), but for obvious reasons, won't really have a Declaracion De Renta for a while. Will they understand that fact and therefore look past the fact it is missing from my application or? Any other solution?

Thanks,

Awful....rumor, right?

So I am just about positive this must have just been a rumor, but would like to confirm no one heard anything about it here.

Friday, I was walking around Bogota and asked someone (who I thought was Colombian) the time. She replied in English. Turns out she was from Honduras, but was a U.S. Citizen, who has lived in Bogota for several years. Anyways, we chatted for a couple minutes. The conversation ended with her saying "be careful." I responded that I really don't find Bogot ...

Business Transportation Question

Figure I will yet again try to utilize everyones' useful knowledge on here. I am opening a business (in Bogota) where people may regularly be working at the office past 10 PM (not as bad as it sounds, I promise). When they do work past 10, I want to provide transportation. I figure there must be a cheaper way then just paying a normal taxi fare everytime this happens. Anyone have any recommendations on companies I can contact which may be able to help?

Thanks,

...

Be Careful Who You Meet at the Meetups!

Just kidding about being careful at the meetups. I've attended twice and had great times at both.

Ok, take a look at the guy in the top picture (from the July meetup) in the sportsjacket (http://poorbuthappy.com/colombia/node/12446 ...Marty for those who were there). For those who didn't meet him, I am afraid you won't get the chance. Well, at least not for another 35 years or so. Incredible.

Former sex offender from Vero Beach deported from Colombia to Florid ...

NFL in Bogota?

Any recommendations on good sports bars in Bogota? There used to be that one in Parque 93, but has since closed down; and Champions in Medellin is a bit of a commute...anyone got anything else?

Thanks,

Dan ...

Office Furniture in Bogota?

I know there are certain districts in Bogota which are filled with home furniture stores. Is there a similar district for office furniture?

Thanks,

Dan

Exchanging Colombian Pesos in Cuba?

Off to Cuba for a short trip on Sunday. As an American, I realize I will have no access to ATMs, etc. Will I have any trouble exchanging Colombian pesos at the Airport in Havana? Anyone have any experience with this?

Thanks,

Dan ...

Which ATMs allow withdrawals of 500.000 or more?

In Bogota, which banks´atms allow withdrawals of 500.000? Anyone allow more?

Thanks,

Dan

Any help on an apartment rental in Bogota?

Currently here looking for a one bedroom (rental, furnished/unfurnished, in the $600 - $800 range) in northern Bogota (but not too far north). Although it can be in a somewhat residential area, I hope to be close to some sort of life, as I like people in the streets.

Currently visiting a lot of the apartments listed in El Tiempo, but nothing has really grabbed me as of yet (maybe the wrong term to use here).

If anyone knows of anything...any help is much appre ...

Friendliest U.S. Bank for Colombian Travelers

I will be spending likely several years in Colombia. I am hoping someone can put me on to the best U.S. Bank (I'm a U.S. Citizen) for international atm withdrawals (ie. no international withdrawal fee or no currency exchange fee, etc.) I am currently with Bank of America, and got killed with fees on my last trip.

I know there have been many similar discussions. However, I tried the search function and I don't think any actual banks have previously been reccommended.

Bogota to Havana

I have looked and there doesn't seem to be any direct flights between these two cities. Any suggestions on how to get there cheaply? Anyone have a trusted Bogota travel agent I can call (I speak Spanish)?

Thanks,

Dan ...

Cost of Living Difference between Major Cities

I have previously lived in Bogota and am planning on returning soon. However, just wondering, how does cost of living compare between Bogota, Cali, and Medellin (assuming you are living in a similar Estrato in each)?

On a sidenote, have rental prices increased significantly in the last two years (specifically in the Nothern Bogota)? Looking at the prices on MetroCuadrado.com, it seems so.

Thanks,

Dan ...

Expat Healthcare Plans

I am a healthy 26-year old male moving to Bogota. I'm looking for some sort of expat healthcare plan (with say a $2500 or $5000 deductible) that will work in the U.S. if I was ever to come down with anything catastrophic. Any recommendations?

Thanks,

Dan ...

Salary for a Recent Grad

I am considering contracting a graduate from the Universidad de los Andes (major was computer science). Since graduating two years ago, he has worked one year in finance and one year programming. I would be hiring him for a finance/business position in Bogota. I would like to offer a competitive wage, but am unsure exactly how much that is. Any guesses?

Thanks,

Dan ...

Hotel Saint Simon and the Airport

Hoping someone can help me here. On previous visits to Bogota, I would stop by the tourist information desk in the airport who were able to offer a great promotional rate for the Hotel Saint Simon (always better than contacting the hotel myself).

Unfortunately, this time around I arrive at 9:30 PM and the tourist information desk will be closed. Does anyone have a phone number for the airport or even better, for the tourist desk at the airport?

Thanks,
< ...

Need Ideas!

So I am headed down to Bogota over Thanksgiving week. I will be visiting a foundation housing 50 girls at which I used to volunteer. Trying to think of something I can bring them (either one thing for the group or 50 small things). I can see myself at most spending $200--$300, and ideally less. Anything you think they would love?

Thanks,

Dan ...

Opening a Business in Colombia

About two years ago, I spent a year in Bogota studying Spanish, volunteering, and even teaching some English. Not surprisingly, I loved it.

I have a business idea which I am thinking very seriously about giving a shot. The problem is, although I would much prefer to start it in Colombia, I've been focusing more on Ecuador, because it looked almost impossible for a foreigner to start his own busines in Colombia (I'm a US citizen). However, I just reread some earlier posts on the ...

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