I have recently responded about agencies in Cartagena indicating there was only one that I was aware of. I guess I will have to define what I meant.
In my opinion an agency has an office operating full time in the city where they are providing service . They should have housing for their guests or discounted hotel rates for their customers. ( some provide hotel space but make a commission on the room) There should be bilingual staff availabe to their customers every day including evening hours or at least a contact phone for emergencies after hours. The staff should have some knowledge of the ladies they represent to be marriage material. If they are indicating they are acting as a go between it requires some interaction between the agency and the lady. If an agency invited you to their city to utilize their service they are your hosts and should have the infrastructure available to assist in your search. That does not mean the owners girlfriend operating from her home.
There are address sellers that are often called agencies. It is very necessary for a visitor to understand the difference between an agency and purchasing addresses from a seller. Buying addresses requires no other assistance or responsability for the seller. Going to a strange city without language skills and local knowledge is usually not a productive trip. Visiting a lady who you have been writing to often obligates one to spend all your time with her even without chemistry.
Tours should have a planned itinarary with events and interaction. Looking at books in a restaurant and what would you like to do today? is not a tour. You have spent time and money to travel and should expect the maxim use of that time and money. There are too many gringoes that start so called agencies by simply building an internet site, placing ads in the classifieds, and having some latina front for their so called agencies. I believe that a true agency requires time, money and supervision by the owner. Anything else is a discount ego trip. So ask what services are available. Where are the offices located and how many persons are on staff. Ask also for an itinerary if it is called a tour. jimc
