Based on what I've read here and a few PMs and I went ahead and made flight plans. I'll fly out of Bogota on 5 October (though I have a week to change the departure date, and place depending on what is available). This will be my first trip to Colombia.
I understand that the LP Colombia Book is subpar. So, I'd like to ask a lot of questions as they arise before my trip. While I've travelled extensively in Latin America, I spent 8 months in Brasil, so this is my point of reference when I ask questions.
Food & Drink - In Brasil, I drank bottled water & ate pretty much anything that wasn't moving & never had any problems. How is this different in Colombia, or does it depend on where you are? If it's the latter, please be specific. Most of my trip will through the cities and ruins in the Andean Valleys. Ie., Popoyan, San Agustin, Tierradentro, Cali, Medellin, Manizales, Salento, Bogota and Villavicencio.
Meeting Colombianos - In Brasil, often, people I'd meet & talk with for, say, ten minutes, would invite me to events. People invited me to their homes, birthday parties, rodas de capoeira and comped me with show tickets, for example. I've heard that in general Colombianos are very friendly. My Spanish is very good for a foreigner, so communication shouldn't be a problem. Could I expect something similar in Colombia as I experience in Brasil? I ask because in some non-Latin American countries I've visited, these invites can be scams and be dangerous.
Money - I typically take some US bills for emergency situations. I've read that I might have a problem cashing US $100 bills, because there are many fake notes of this denomination. I've also read that I should avoid 1000 peso coins in Colombia. Could someone get me up to speed here?
Will get back with other questions as they arise. Please be patient with me; I want to enjoy my trip and this is one of the few places where I can get current, helpful information.
Muito obrigado a tudos!
1) I have never had any problems eating in colombia - dont think I have been sick there from food yet and I often eat from the small vendors in the street for empanadas etc. 2) Colombians are on par with those of brazil for friendliness, however less scamming in Colombia as, as yet, there are few tourists. In Cartagena it can be a pain sometimes. 4) Have not had any problems with money in Colombia ie fake bills (1000 peso bills).
We vacationed in Colombia (Medellin, Cartagena, Bogota) in June and July. I ate food from street vendors in Bogota and did not have any problems. We found Colombians to be very warm, friendly and hospitable.
Although colombia is very different from brazil, it has the same racial mixture, and same friendliness of people - very similar for what you describe for brazil. You can eat whatever you want, but I have to say I don't think colombian cuisine is one of the better of the continent. I don't think cashing 100 USD bills in a bank will give you any problems at all.
Food and Drink: in the cities is usually fine, specially in the area around Manizales, the water is pure and good. If you are in the countryside try drinking bottled water instead
Meeting Colombianos: You will find that Colombians are nice, friendly and absolutely love foreigners. There's the ocassional odd one out that will try to take advantage of you, but nothing that common sense cannot solve
Money: USD 100 notes are indeed rather difficult to cash outside banks. there's no 1000 pesos coin anymore, it has been replaced by a note
If you have more questions, feel free to email me, I was born in Medellin, grew up in Manizales and now live in Bogota, so I know the area pretty well and can help you
Enjoy your trip! I am sure you will love Colombia
Food and Drink: I did not face any problem with the food in Colombia, but I avoided some of the food sold on the streets - the ones that looked kind of risky.
Meeting Colombianos: As I did not travel by myself, I did not meet so many people as I usually do when travelling alone, but the Colombianos seemed very friendly. I woul say the invitations you got used to in Brasil will not happen as often, but the people will be very open for conversation, specially if you can speak good spanish.
Money - I also took some dollars bills for emergencies but used mainly ATM machines during my trip. I would say you may have some difficulties with 100 dollar bills on "casas de cambios", but I think banks will change them. I do not recommend you bringing travellers checks, as I had great difficulties with them (I only brought U$100 left over from other trip, and I hardly find a place to change them).
Well, any other questions, just ask and I will try to help!
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