Colombian Currency Exchange?

[Killi]

I will be touching down in Colombia July 13 to visit mi mujer, and wanted to get a head start on the foreign currency situation.

Should i order some Colombian Currency before i leave?  what do you Colombian veterans recommend?  

Also any recomendations for a decently priced, safe clean hotel would be super.

Thanks in advance fellas.

[Gator1964]

... in response to Colombian Currency Exchange?, posted by Killi on Jul 1, 2004

Wow, I can remember when the exchange rate was approximately 1300 pesos.  The only thing I can recommend is to have at least $30.00 in pesos before you arrive in Barranq.  Taxis usually will not accept dollars.

[Gator]

... in response to Re: Colombian Currency Exchange?, posted by Gator1964 on Jul 1, 2004

How about the good old days of 340/1?

[Gator]

... in response to Colombian Currency Exchange?, posted by Killi on Jul 1, 2004

I use MC with Cirrus and bank called Conavi(personal choice).

Look for the yellow and black logo with the smiling bee's head. This is Conavi's logo.  Here is their web site: http://www.conavi.com/.It is also in English.  Open the site go the left hand list and click Enclish. Don't know how good the english site is because I never use it.

Do NOT get pesos before you leave, but use the ATM at the airport. Bancolombia has one at the Barranquilla airport. You will save big time on charges if you use a debit card linked to a savings or checking account at your bank in the USA plus you get the best rate of exchange.  Can't help with the hotels because I uisually stay with friends, but if it is the Barranquilla on Car.51 it is O.K.

[Killi]

... in response to Re: Colombian Currency Exchange?, posted by Gator on Jul 1, 2004

[This message has been edited by Killi]

i have a card with cirrus, but i have one that is more secure for me that uses PLUS.  Is this greatly discouraged as compared to Cirrus?

also, all teh hotels i have managed to find were asking 80-85 per night USD.  i find that is above whata i should be able to get my almost double.  i diod find one saying about $45, but not online bookable, named/located at:
Hotel Country Norte
Barrera 52   #75 - 30
Barranquilla, Colombia

[Pete E]

... in response to Colombian Currency Exchange?, posted by Killi on Jul 1, 2004

Get your currency here in Colombia.All the out of country traders I found offered an awfull rate,the airports being worst.
The official rate today is 2756 pesos/dollar.I got 2672 at an ATM yesterday,3% less.
I think I have gotten pesos about only 1% less than the official rate at Bancolombia ATMS.I will try one and check.The one I used was Servibank(sp?).
And if you use your card to buy something,you can even use it at the grocery store,you get a better rate,close to the official rate.You will need a passport or a cedula,except maybe some restaurants will not question.
Its a better rate than going in a bank and trading dollars or travelers checks,alot better.Western union will only give you 2560 pesos for a dollar.Merchants,if they take them at all,2500.

Pete

[Pappasito]

... in response to Colombian Currency Exchange?, posted by Killi on Jul 1, 2004

Where are you going in Colombia?? The best thing as far as money goes is to utilize your credit card or ATM card for the best xchange rate.. I always bring two to ensure that i will have pesos available.... I used to take traveller`s checks,but never needed them,& get a better rate with an ATM.. As far as hotels,it depends where you are going to in Colombia... I have extensive experience everywhere there except Medellin....

[pablo]

... in response to Re: Colombian Currency Exchange?, posted by Pappasito on Jul 1, 2004


Speaking of credit cards and ATM's, is there one type of card that is more useful than others in Colombia?  Which Visa or Mastercard is accepted more: Plus, Star, Cirrus, or Interlink?  Also, is American Express a good option?

Thanks.

[Onephd]

... in response to Re: Credit Cards, posted by pablo on Jul 1, 2004

American Express is used surprisingly in Bogota especially at hotels.  Visa is accepted and MC as well.  I have never seen a Discover card used there however.  

I only noticed that some hotels prefer American Express, but it is not the only card they require.

Best of luck and have a safe trip.

[Killi]

... in response to Re: Colombian Currency Exchange?, posted by Pappasito on Jul 1, 2004

thank you tons for the gelp so far.

Baranquilla is my destination sir.

I arrive July 13 and will leave the morning of the 21.  Mi novia has told me she lives more in the southern part of the city, for location reference.

thanks again, i appreciate the help

[Pappasito]

... in response to Re: Re: Colombian Currency Exchange?, posted by Killi on Jul 1, 2004

The Plaza,across from the del Prado.. Don`t stay at del Prado,unless you want to pay sky high rates for a room that sucks... very overrated... the only good thing about that hotel is the pool... The Plaza is reasonably priced,& you can take your chica in your room with you