Some safety issues?

[Celt]

... in response to Patrick, posted by DallasSteve2 on Oct 3, 2002

You're correct. I regret the post. You should take if off.

Celt

[Patrick]

... in response to Re: Patrick, posted by Celt on Oct 3, 2002

Try it out.  You can edit the posts as you see fit.  No Patrick needed.

[Celt]

... in response to A great use for the new edit function, posted by Patrick on Oct 3, 2002

Thanks,

I used it, and it worked fine.

Celt

[LouieB]

... in response to Some safety issues?, posted by Kit on Oct 3, 2002

I usually keep my passport in the hotel and carry a copy with me.

I usually take two cards.  I leave one in the hotel and the other I take with me.  I wear shorts or a bathing suit with pockets under my pants and carry the card and some money in there.  I also put money in my pants pockets or sock leaving just enough money in my wallet to mollify any potential robber (which has never happened and I have been all over L.A.)

[DallasSteve2]

... in response to Re: Some safety issues?, posted by LouieB on Oct 3, 2002

Many people have told me to do what you suggest, carry a copy of the passport.  The husband of my fiancee's sister tells this story:

He went up the mountain overlooking Cali to take photos.  The police or military saw him and asked for his passport.  He showed them a copy and they said the copy was not sufficient.  They were going to take him to jail, but he called the agency and someone brought the original passport to him on the mountain.  Then they let him go.  

I'm not sure what the best advice on that is anymore.

Steve

[Tai]

... in response to Re: Re: Some safety issues?, posted by DallasSteve2 on Oct 3, 2002

Steve,

Was the guy wearing a "USA is #1" t-shirt? I hear that it doesn't go over too well with the cops. -lol

Tai

[LouieB]

... in response to Re: Re: Some safety issues?, posted by DallasSteve2 on Oct 3, 2002

however, if you lose your passport it can facilitate getting a new one.  also, I am not going to carry my passport around with me.  now I remember!!  I carry that tourist card thing with me too and usually a drivers license because I have rented cars in LA before.  if that ain't good enough the cop is probably looking for something else.  again, never have had a problem.    

[Kit]

... in response to Re: Re: Some safety issues?, posted by DallasSteve2 on Oct 3, 2002

So is it common to be stopped and asked for ID by police in Colombia? Or are they simply bribe shopping?

[Tai]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Some safety issues?, posted by Kit on Oct 3, 2002

Kit,

I wouldn't say it is common, but it happens.

If the cops are in proximity, and you start looking nervous(although understandable from the traveling gringo's perspective)...then they are likely to ask you for your identification, because they'll wonder why you are nervous unless you've done something.

Just relax, and go about you business, and they aren't likely to bother you...unless of course you just stand out as a "rich" gringo, and they ARE looking to shake somebody down.

Tai

[DallasSteve2]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Re: Some safety issues?, posted by Tai on Oct 4, 2002

I'd say that's correct.  I've spent about 20-25 days in Colombia and never been asked for my passport, except in the airport and when changing money, of course.

Steve