Using a credit card in Colombia

Many places in Colombia accept credit cards for purchases, meals, groceries and many other things.  Several places will only accept Visa or Master Card and many times, they will add on 3-4% for using the card (even though it is against Visa and MC rules)

 

Many places will only accept a Ban Colombia Visa or Debit card.

 

One thing that is consistent with credit cards.  They will always ask you, “cuantas cuotas”.  They are asking you how many payments you want to make.  Most visitors do not understand this phenomenon so merely respond, “una”. then pay your credit card company as you normally do each month

You can probably leave your AMEX at home unless you want to pay your hotel bill or purchase airline tickets.  Many places will not accept AMEX.

Travel safe and only carry one credit card and one debit card.  Use ATM’s for what cash you will need on a daily basis (much cheaper than changing money at cambios).

 

Never let your credit card out of your site.  They will bring a machine to your table for purchasing your meals.

 

MTG

Medellin Los Alumbrados in Preparation

This year the mayors office started very early preparing for this years Los Alumbrados.  Not many were sure why the preparations were starting in early August but it was apparent something big was hapening.

It started with the installations of huge green water drums all along the river.  The workers were hacking their way through the rocks and dirt that line the river placing these 2-5 hundred gallon water containers and submersing them below ground.  Next came the installation of all new metal support structures across the river.  This is not an unusual sight but the structures themselves were.  Mush more durable, stronger and they looked to have a plan of permanence about them.  They were being built to support something very, very heavy.  Next came the installation of tan tarp like material below the support structures.

 

My curosity was piqued so I began asking around if anybody knew what was going on with this years Los Alumbrados?  The Mayors office finally announced that this years theme was going to be a water theme and all the tanks and support structures were being erected to pump water.  He also promised that this years Los Alumbrados would be the most spectacular in history.

Having attended 4 Los Alumbrados, I find that difficult to believe but if the installations are any indication of what is to come, it will surely be a spectacle to behold.

 

Make your plans early as accommodations fill up fast and expect to pay a minimum of a 20% surcharge from the first of December until January 15th.  Oh, and bring your cameras!

Colombia Moda and Feria de Las Flores 2009

The City of Medellin is abuzz in anticipation of this years Colombia Moda and Feria de Las Flores.  Hotels and apartments are filling or full, many new faces are appearing in local restaurants and nightclubs.  Most stores are stocking up on beverages and snacks.  The street vendors have packed in extra provisions and products in anticipation of record crowds for this years events.

The local people are filled with excitement over this annual event and many are scheduling out the parties they will attend on a daily basis.  Tickets to Colombiamoda events are as hard as hens teeth to come by and many are fetching premium prices for the most desireable shows.  I know one gentleman who paid $250 USD for a ticket to the Leonisa fashion show.

Decide early where you want to meet with your friends and send someone early to hold your spot for Cabalgata on Saturday August 1st.  The parade usually starts around 2:00PM and can last well past midnight.  Stock up early on your refreshments and snacks.  Last year, Carrefour on the Auto Pista sold out of many libations by early evening.

 

If this is your first Cabalgata, you will return home with stories about an event that your friends, relatives and neighbors will just not understand.  Take photos and/or videos and let them do your talking because you will not be able to describe it adequately. Bring a folding chair or be prepared to sit on the ground, curb or stand for long periods of time.  Be prepared for loud music all along the 28KM parade route.  As the parade unfolds into the early afternoon, the Paisas become very festive (and most will be well into a bottle or two of rum or Aguardiente), dancing will break out as well as raucous partying.

We will be taking videos and photos and will post them on the MTG website and YouTube for your viewing pleasure.  If you can’t make this years Festival of Flowers, start making plans now for next years event so you can be a part of one of the most incredible 10 days of partyingin all of South America.  Medellins Colombiamoda and Feria de Las Flores!

Colombian Money

The official Colombian money is the Colombian Peso.

Notes come in Denominations of 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000 20,000 and 50,000;

Coins come in 20, 50,100, 200 and 500 peso denominations;

If you would like to view the obverse and reverse of the current Colombian Peso notes and coins and learn about the people whose faces grace the currency go to:

 www.medellintravelguide.com/medellin_money.html

 

There is also a link to a currency converter with current exchange rates.

 

Using Medellin ATM’s

Planning to use your ATM card when you visit Medellin? You will get better exchange rates than changing cash or travelers checks at a cambio!

There are convenient ATM’s (called ATH’s in Medellin) all over Medellin. In Banks, Malls, Grocery Stores, Casinos, Restaurants and more. Most of them support the more popular networks like Cirrus, Plus, Maestro, MasterCard and many others. Most also have an English and Spanish language option.

Different ATMs have different per transaction limits of usually 400,000-500,000 COP. You can do multiple transactions up to the daily limit allowed by your bank.

A few hints on using ATM’s in Medellin;

Only withdraw what you will need on a daily basis;

Only carry 1 or 2 ATM/Debit/Credit Cards

Only make withdrawls from ATM’s in well lighted areas and preferably places with on site security;

Keep your paper receipt;

Count your money; Check your balance on line to make sure only one transaction occurred.

Make sure that your transaction has ended and the machine is ready for the next customer….not asking you if you want another transaction!

Feria de Las Flores 2009

RCN Noticias (the local 24 hour news station) is estimating that 4,000 foreign visitors will be in Medellin this year for Feria de Las Flores.  About 1,700 of those will have visited Colombiamoda the previous 3 days.  Now, to many of you, that is not a staggering number but to the promoters of the event, it is about an 85% increase over last years foreign attendance. They are also expecting in excess of 50,000 Colombians from other cities to be in town as well.

RCN also announced that there are very few if any hotel rooms available in the city during the 10 day event.  Surely a good sign for the Medellin economy. Expect a 20-30% premium over normal posted rates for this event.

 

The festival begins on July 31st and runs through August 9th.  This year, Cabalgata is on Saturday August 1st..  Cabalgata has been trumpeted as the worlds largest outdoor horse parade with over 7,000 riders and participants in last years parade.  It is an event not to miss if you are in Medellin.

 

There are plenty of places to view the prade along the 28 kilometer route.  Just a word of caution.  Avoid large crowds of people as there are many pickpockets working the event.  Protect your valuables, money, cameras, don’t wear flashy jewlery etc.  A fanny or back pack is recommended.

The Mayors official website has a schedule of events for the Feria; http://www.medellin.gov.co/alcaldia/jsp/modulos/V_medellin/index.jsp?idPagina=1015

For the locals and many Colombians that visit from other cities, this event is an opportunity to party for 10 days. For the visiting foreigners, they will see Medellin life at it’s best.

MTG

Tiger Paw Hostel in Medellin-A better idea?

These guys get it!

A hostel, is a hostel is a hostel until you start adding location, location, location and amenities, a full service restaurant and Medellin sports bar where you can watch your favorite College or NFL game while you are traveling in Medellin Colombia.

Brian, the owner and an avid Clemson Tiger fan, has pulled out all the stops to make this the ultimate hostel to stay at when you visit Medellin Colombia.

 

Location? Many Medellin Hostels advertise “Within walking distance or a short cab ride from Parque Lleras” At the Tiger Paw when you step foot outside the front door, you are “in Parque Lleras”

Many Medellin Hostels advertise full service amenities but few offer a full service restaurant or an on site sports bar. 

Two eggs, ham and cheese beeakfast with toast maybe, but not many will offer Fettucini Alfredo, chicken wings, black bean nachos or “my favorite” chicken salad sandwiches”!

Great lounge and sports bar area with multiple LCD TV’s playing a host of local Futball and American footlball games; Cheap, cold beer at $1.00 or less; Full service restaurant featuring American cuisine and snacks; pool table, outdoor tiki torches and music genre from the 80’s 90’s and beyond…. Sign me up!

The Tiger Paw Hostel had their “soft opening” of their restaurant and sports bar last Thursday.  There were maybe 25-40 people mingling about, watching the first football game of the season, chatting, munching on their “to die for” bruschetta made by their on site chef Richard, followed by a medley of local veggies and seasoned meats.  Tiki torches outside to signal the grand opening of the Lions Den Restaurant and Tiger Paw Sports Bar…..It just could not have been more tranquil.

Side note:  A friend called me from Parque Lleras tonight.  He said had had a group of friends that wanted to watch Sunday Night Football but did not want to go all the way out to Calle Ochenta to watch it.  I suggested the Tiger Paw. They called me with a toast for my recommendation. Unfortunately, I am working/writing and can’t enjoy the game with them.  Such is the life!

As Colombiamoda comes to an end, La Feria de Las Flores gets ready to Launch

The planners and organizers of these two key events really put their thinking caps on this year.  Colombiamoda was originally scheduled for July 10th-13th but changed to July 29th-31st.  By doing so, it coincides with the beginning of the 51st annual La Feria de las Flores (Medellin Flower Festival) beginning on August 1st.  Why not?  You already have a city full of buyers, international press and visitors for the Colombiamoda.  Why not keep them in town for a few more days to enjoy the largest annual event in Medellin.

 

10 days of concerts, parades, events, partying and of course culminating in Cabalgata, the worlds largest ourdoor horse parade.

The Alcalde Medellins web site has a calendar of events and locales but there are a few “do not miss” events on the schedule;

- Desfile de Silliteros (Parade of Flower Carriers).  Large placards of flower arrangements can already be seen being prepared for the event. We have been told there are more flowers used for this parade than the Rose Parade but have not found any source to confirm the data.

- The Antique and Restored Auto Parade. There are some very impressive auto restorations in Medellin. It is quite the hobby and competition is very stiff for winning various categories.  Over 1.5 million people will line the 28Km route to view the parade and most will be partying.  So will the auto drivers themselves! Wait till you see the decorations inside the cars!

-Cabalgata. Posted as the worlds larget outdoor horse parade boasting over 7,000 entrants last year, this is a day long event on the last day of the Festival (usually a Sunday) and is genrally a giant street party of 2+ million people for upwards of 14-16 hours.  Lots of music, bands, food vendors, drink vendors, horses (of course) and eye candy the likes of which you have probably never seen before in your life.

If you do not already have reservations for a place to stay, you are probably out of luck for this years festival and better start making plans now for next years.  Most places charge a 15-20% premium for accommodations for this event.

Medellin Travel Guide Portal

The original design concept for Medellin Travel Guide was to make it into a portal, a gateway if you will, to finding information about visiting or traveling to Medellin Colombia.  Inclusive of our rental apartments, penthouses and realestate for sale listings we have with our clients, the portal is now well over 180 pages in length.  Too big and too cumbersome for many surfers although our unique visitors continues to grow at a 20% month over month rate.

We tracked some data points, for the past 4 months, of which topics were of the greatest interest to our site visitors and decided to publish an easier to navigate more user friendly website with short snippets of information and links back to individual pages on MTG is there was interest in more detail on a particular subject.

 

It had a natural selection of about 5 main topics;

Accommodations;

Getting Here;

Realestate;

Things to do;

and, Services

 

From those broad categories, we took the top 33 most frequently visited pages/topics and created www.medellinvisitorsguide.com  In some cases, you will be taken to a specific page on Medellin Travel Guide but will never leave the Medellin Visitors Guide Site.  We used the KISS approach in determining if less intensive information would meet your needs for Medellin Information and just created new pages or whether the information on MTG was succint enough to just link you to that specific topic.

A splash or landing page was created about a month ago and we have been periodically working to complete the site.

 

Today, we have re-launched www.medellinvisitorsguide for your perusal.  We hope it meets your needs for information about traveling to or visiting Medellin Colombia.  You can always find more detail on many more topics on Medellin Travel Guide but you may just find what you need on Medellin Visitors Guide as well.

 

Thanks for visiting and helping to make Medellin Travel Guide the #1 English web site about Medellin Colombia on the internet.

 

Regards,

 

MTG

Medellin Antioquia Colombia- City of El Penol Annual Fishing Tournament

On August 17th, the City of El Penol will hold it annual fishing tournament on Lake Penol.  Anyone may enter and it is open to the public. Prizes for various categories will be awarded.

I am told by some of the locals that a large number of peope participate each year.  I am also told there is some real gamesmanship and some underhanded things that take place but who cares?

The Sirena Finca Hotel, American owned and operated, will be a sponsor of the tournament.  They will also have their own tournament on August the 16th.  $150 entry fee of which $100 will be awarded as prizes for: 1) Largest Fish; 2) Most Fish; 3) Largest Variety of Fish; 4) Most Overall Weight. You are also invited to stick around another day for the El Penol tournament or visit the cities of El Penol and Guatape. There will be a fish fry Saturday night.  Categories include Black Bass and Tilapia.

Contact info@elpenoltours.com for more information or reservations.  Maximum of 25 entrants for the Sirena Tournament so book early.