Post: #526

(01-17-2017 10:18 PM)scotian Wrote:  I'm not so sure about using Uber in Colombia anymore, a gang of taxis in Bogota stopped an Uber car with two passengers in it, took everyone out (the passengers ran) then proceeded to burn the car. I wouldn't want to be in an Uber when something like that goes down: http://www.elpais.com.co/elpais/colombia...tas-bogota

I've been hearing stories like this for a few months. But, from the locals in Cali that I've talked to, this only is going on in Bogota. For now at least. But in Bogota it seems like the taxis are at war with Uber. And the city police are actively trying to shut down Uber. They impound Uber drivers cars. But again, from what I've heard, this is only in Bogota

Post: #527

(01-18-2017 12:46 PM)Spidey Wrote:  

(01-17-2017 10:18 PM)scotian Wrote:  I'm not so sure about using Uber in Colombia anymore, a gang of taxis in Bogota stopped an Uber car with two passengers in it, took everyone out (the passengers ran) then proceeded to burn the car. I wouldn't want to be in an Uber when something like that goes down: http://www.elpais.com.co/elpais/colombia...tas-bogota

I've been hearing stories like this for a few months. But, from the locals in Cali that I've talked to, this only is going on in Bogota. For now at least. But in Bogota it seems like the taxis are at war with Uber. And the city police are actively trying to shut down Uber. They impound Uber drivers cars. But again, from what I've heard, this is only in Bogota

I saw an UBer getting towed in Medellin recently but haven't heard of any attacks like this one in Bogota. I've taken hundreds of taxis by flagging them down all over Colombia and never had problems except the driver getting lost a couple of times but that also happened to me and a couple of RVF guys with an Uber. I just wouldn't want to be in one when it gets attacked, Colombian mob justice can be pretty brutal.

Post: #528

(01-18-2017 01:20 PM)scotian Wrote:  

(01-18-2017 12:46 PM)Spidey Wrote:  

(01-17-2017 10:18 PM)scotian Wrote:  I'm not so sure about using Uber in Colombia anymore, a gang of taxis in Bogota stopped an Uber car with two passengers in it, took everyone out (the passengers ran) then proceeded to burn the car. I wouldn't want to be in an Uber when something like that goes down: http://www.elpais.com.co/elpais/colombia...tas-bogota

I've been hearing stories like this for a few months. But, from the locals in Cali that I've talked to, this only is going on in Bogota. For now at least. But in Bogota it seems like the taxis are at war with Uber. And the city police are actively trying to shut down Uber. They impound Uber drivers cars. But again, from what I've heard, this is only in Bogota

I saw an UBer getting towed in Medellin recently but haven't heard of any attacks like this one in Bogota. I've taken hundreds of taxis by flagging them down all over Colombia and never had problems except the driver getting lost a couple of times but that also happened to me and a couple of RVF guys with an Uber. I just wouldn't want to be in one when it gets attacked, Colombian mob justice can be pretty brutal.

Just the shit I needed to read before heading to Bogota next week. Lol.

Post: #529

^You'll be fine, unless of course you get caught up in a paseó milenario like that DEA agent in Parque 93 a few years who fought back, got stabbed then ran away and died in a bush. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-...agent.html

Post: #530

What are your thoughts on Easy Taxi?

Post: #531

Some basic's on taxi's and Uber's in Bogota....

The Ubers that tend to get messed with are the standard white SUV's these are easier to mark.....often times though you will get a basic sedan or non-descript vehicle that can't be identified as an Uber by police or taxis....

I know a Peruvian guy here that makes a killing driving foreigners around as he speaks perfect english....he has told me the taxis and police started messing with him at the airport but he informs his passengers to tell the police if stopped that he is a privately hired driver.

Common knowledge for most but use the taxi line outside baggage claim at El Dorado airport..... the taxi is marked by an attendant and you will greatly reduce your chances of getting ripped off....Airport to most places in the North, Chapinero, Zona T.....max of 25-30 mil one way....

You can also take the SITP airport bus for 1800 mil.......but would only advise this with a small carry on....I tend to take this bus on the way to the airport when I have to retrieve first timers.....easy and cheap....runs up and down septima....and Cra 11

Another tip: If you act like a lost puppy or scared gringo the drivers can sense it....bullshit with them, clue them in that you live here or know the city/country.... again spanish IMO greatly reduces your risk of being fucked with....as said a million times before if possible use EasyTaxi or Tappsi app.....most secure option.....

Lastly since we love to hype up the danger: I am hoping more of these stories make the world news outlets to keep scaring the newbies away...

An explosion just went off on Septima and 35.....heard it at my work a good 40 blocks away.....best to stay away from Bogota, If you don't get Scoped, then you mostly surely will be blown to pieces!!!

http://www.noticiasrcn.com/nacional-bogo...ima-bogota

Post: #532

Bombs in Bogota, scopolamine in Medellin, taxi robberies in Cali (Bootyhuntah I believe), its a wonder how RVF members make it out of Colombia alive!

Post: #533

(01-18-2017 05:01 PM)scotian Wrote:  Bombs in Bogota, scopolamine in Medellin, taxi robberies in Cali (Bootyhuntah I believe), its a wonder how RVF members make it out of Colombia alive!

Bomb in Bogota, Scopolamin' in Medellin, Crazy taxi in Cali, Cuckoo FARC in Cucuta, EarthQuake at El Calvario... el riesgo es que te quieras quedar!

Post: #534

Following up with what scotian said, here's an article about cops in Medellin getting caught robbing people: http://www.bluradio.com/medellin/captura...lin-128043

So yeah be aware of going to Colombia especially if you're a tinder spammer or a fag daygamer

Post: #535

(01-18-2017 06:56 PM)BallsDeep Wrote:  Following up with what scotian said, here's an article about cops in Medellin getting caught robbing people: http://www.bluradio.com/medellin/captura...lin-128043

So yeah be aware of going to Colombia especially if you're a tinder spammer or a fag daygamer

I've yet to hear of anyone getting in trouble through Tinder dates or day game but it is definitely possible, everyone goes out on dates here (or at least aspires to haha) and a girl could set any of us up to be scolpol'd or violenty robbed. Shit goes down here all the time that isn't reported in the news or by people on here but nearly anyone who has spent a significant time in Colombia has had something bad happen, even guys on short trips. Here's a few about RVF members off the top of my head:

-Iphone jacked during the day in La Candelaria on an empty street while RVF member was taking a photo of a graffiti mural.

-I was drugged by scopolamina by two whores in a taxi one block from my hotel in Lleras and relieved of 300.000P cash.

-Phone jacked at a feria de Cali during seuper concierto and at the stadium metro in Medellin following a big concert there.

-Phone jacked by tranny hooker near Lleras, tranny grabbed RVF member by the nut sack and got the phone in his back pocket.

-Phone jacked out of the hand after thief rushed the RVF member by behind and put him in a choked hold near Museo de Antioquia.

-RVF member being confronted by police in Cali after leaving an after hours club at 6am, after some hassle they took him to an ATM and made him give them 700.000 cash and dropping him of in a sketchy area.

-RVF member walking up calle 10 in El Poblado, Medellin and a motor bike pulled up and asked him directions, next thing he knows, he has a pistol in his face, he ran away through a hotel lobby and out the back door.

-RVF member's friend running some shitty after bars night game had a gun stuck to his spine and told to fuck off and stop hitting on girls.

-RVF member scopol'd in Medellin recently, lost wallet and phone then taxi ripped him off and charged him $80 USD when he showed up drugged the next day, his room mate took care of him and paid it. He also has a busted up face and was obviously beaten up.

-Two guys had a picnic (WTF?) at the far end of parque nacional in Chapinero and a few guys rolled up with knives and robbed them. They were non-RVF Germans (who else!) who I went to school there with.

-Non RVF guy showed me three stab wounds on his back where he got poked with a knife, one of the stabs punctured his lung and he was in the hospital in Bogota for a few days, this was at rock el parque concert.

Add countless stories of girls I know having their phones jacked or other robberies and rip offs and on of that all of the shit that Brewdog's been in over the years (I can't believe you bottled that guy!), you really do have to be half crazy to come down here!

Post: #536

(01-18-2017 08:34 PM)scotian Wrote:  -RVF member being confronted by police in Cali after leaving an after hours club at 6am, after some hassle they took him to an ATM and made him give them 700.000 cash and dropping him of in a sketchy area.

-RVF member walking up calle 10 in El Poblado, Medellin and a motor bike pulled up and asked him directions, next thing he knows, he has a pistol in his face, he ran away through a hotel lobby and out the back door.

Robbed by police WTF?

Plus points for running from an armed guy and surviving.

Sounds like I don't need to go to Africa, the place will be a lot of fun.

Does not seem like there is really any way to fight it, besides some pre-steps, like leaving you ATM card home and rolling just with cash, having a burner phone etc.

Is there any difference, like they attack more easier targets or they just don't care? I mean that if you are a fucking meathead they will still go at you with guns.

Post: #537

(01-18-2017 08:34 PM)scotian Wrote:  -I was drugged by scopolamina by two whores in a taxi one block from my hotel in Lleras and relieved of 300.000P cash.

Fuck. Scopolamine is the scariest shit ever. Can you elaborate on what happened?

Post: #538

(01-19-2017 04:24 AM)BlackUniform Wrote:  Sounds like I don't need to go to Africa, the place will be a lot of fun.

South Africa (not Africa in general) is much more unsafer than I felt in Medellin. I was staying in upper Poblado close to Rio Sur and always felt safe even when walking home from the clubs in Rio Sur during the early morning hours.

I also did a day trip to Bello using the Metro and got drunk there also never felt unsafe. I went to many football games of Atletico National. People where always friendly there and I took the metro back to Poblado in the late evening after the games without any issues.

However and I know this from living most parts of my life in Africa, that some of these places in Medellin give you a false sense of safety and if you are not careful things like Scotian mentioned can happen to you if you are unlucky or stupid.

Post: #539

(01-19-2017 08:39 AM)superschalk Wrote:  

(01-19-2017 04:24 AM)BlackUniform Wrote:  Sounds like I don't need to go to Africa, the place will be a lot of fun.

South Africa (not Africa in general) is much more unsafer than I felt in Medellin. I was staying in upper Poblado close to Rio Sur and always felt safe even when walking home from the clubs in Rio Sur during the early morning hours.

I also did a day trip to Bello using the Metro and got drunk there also never felt unsafe. I went to many football games of Atletico National. People where always friendly there and I took the metro back to Poblado in the late evening after the games without any issues.

However and I know this from living most parts of my life in Africa, that some of these places in Medellin give you a false sense of safety and if you are not careful things like Scotian mentioned can happen to you if you are unlucky or stupid.

In my opinion three types of foreigners coming into developing/3th world countries.

1. True backpackers: these are generally long term travellers, they focus on nature, trekking and immersing in the culture. They can get into trouble, because of the odd places they go to, but in general they are travel savvy, speak the local language and know how to take care of themselves in difficult situations. They don't go looking for trouble and are more likely to break a leg than get scammed/drugged. I can respect these people and they are often interesting to talk to for a while and can tell you about nice places to check out.

2. Hipsters/young travellers: the people you see in Poblado. They want to take instagram/fb pics, tell their friends they went to Colombia, but at the same time stay in their safe expat/foreigner bubble. In general I dislike these people, but safety wise they are better off then me. Sure, they will get robbed on the street for looking like faggots, but they won't go near undiscovered territory, shady afterparties, small villages and they won't look to communicate with the locals beyond what is necessary. They can get into minor trouble, panic because of it and then hide in their hostel room while telling all their friends in the west that they nearly died over social networks.

3. Hardened travellers/adventure seekers: I think a lot of RVFers fall in this category and so do I. People like this are used to travel to many places and are in many cases (me included) somewhat addicted to the adventure, adrenaline rich lifestyle. They will immerse in the culture, feel excited to go to a shithole areas to bang a local whore and truly happy when they arrive in a place where they see no backpackers whatsoever. The first time I arrived in parque Lleras, I thought to myself, I need to get the fuck out of here. I took a picture while in a club in Lleras and told my two less travel experienced friends: "look at this picture, the club is filled with gringo backpackers and ugly white girls, is this why you wanted to come to Colombia? I'm getting the fuck out of here". This are also the people that can get into some serious trouble from time to time.

Go to see the thread 'where's the biggest shithole you've been' and the members who've been to places like Africa , Bangladesh, Venezuela, Mali, Pakistan, Honduras, etc. fall into this category probably. I've also had the luck to speak to people of the older generations who lived like this while I was living in Rwanda. These are the type of guys that went into the Congo fi in the 70s-80s and never went back to the west. They lived in over 10 or 20 countries and have visited over 50 and guess what? At 60 year old, they have families with hot local women 30 years younger, their mind is sharp as a tool, they joke and party like they are still in their twenties and their knowledge entails cultures from all over the world. Most won't have lived a clean life and have gotten multiple times in very serious situations, but don't think they have any regrets.

If you read these stories and think, I should not go to Colombia, then you are not one of these people. I am the member that Scotian talks about getting scopolamined recently and robbed/injured in Medellin, but if I would get holidays now I would love to go right back and probably stay in Bello or another local area. That's part of the lifestyle and shit happens, but you get a ton of stories for it in return and the ups are higher than the lows.

Now, when comparing Africa to South America, having lived in both, streetwise I think S.America is more dangerous. In places like Venezuela, Honduras, El Salvador, etc. you will get robbed faster than in any place in Africa. Criminal culture is stronger there than in Africa (at least than in East Africa that I know well). South Africa I'd say has similar problems as S.America, because they have so many junkies and crime is a normal option in their culture. In Capetown you see a lot of desperate crack junkies for instance that you wouldn't see in say Kampala or Addis Abbeba. But off course if you go into rebel areas or war zones in Africa, that is another level. I've been on my own to East Congo (Goma) and North-Ethiopia (Afar region). In places like that you need armed protection going into the wild, I got escorted by a team of kalashnikov holding military guys and that is needed. A life is worth absolutely nothing there! Parts of Niger, Mali, CAR, Somalia, Erithrea, Nigeria, Sudan and so on belong to this category.

Colombia has its dangerous areas as well and a lot of people are involved in crime, but nevertheless it's an amazing country which has pretty much everything. I hope people read the stories here and understand a bit of the nature of the country, but still think, let's go check it out.

Unless you are a hipster, then stay the fuck home, you will get shot at the airport upon arrival!

Post: #540

Not sure where I fall on the spectrum but I'm definitely not a hipster or cheap backpacker type. I basically just bought tickets to Bogota on a whim and decided to stay 2 weeks just to see what it's like day to day. I'll be working from there so it'll be less of a vacation and more of change of scenery. I'm genuinely nervous about this trip but I still plan to come just to inoculate myself I guess.

Post: #541

(01-13-2017 05:39 PM)joacocanal Wrote:  

(12-12-2016 12:08 AM)Murf Wrote:  Another media/political crock. In just about every large city in Colombia, the people in the working class and poorer barrios lives are at the mercy of gangs, mostly ex-paras. If they have a shop, a food cart, or anything, they pay the "vacuna" (vaccination) to these gangs.

not at all, that only happens in very specific barrios of certain cities. Bogota is pretty much free of that shit, so are many other cities.

Quote:The ex-FARC members will effectively morph into some form of the same type of BS. Now the other "groups", ELN, ANC will most likely become bigger assholes until they also cut some deal with the government.

wrong again, over the past decades several thousands of guerrilleros and members of other groups have demobilized every year, for different reasons. Most of them didn't go back to criminal activities.

Quote: Brutal thugs is what they are

they are just people like you or me. Siding up with certain ideology doesn't make you from another species. Most Farc members didn't even end up there because of ideological reasons.

Quote:This "deal" will only change the structure, nothing else.

the structure of what? you don't know what you are talking about.

Good, that is your opinion. I certainly don't know what is going on all that well in other cities. I have lived, permanently in Medellin for ten years. "you don't know what you are talking about." That may, or may not be so, but somehow you do?

Post: #542

There's some great stories in here regarding crime during travels. I've certainly been a victim of crime, and while it is traumatizing on some level, it does keep you a little sharper going forward.

The good thing about most crime in Latin America is that it does seem to be at least somewhat predictable. It can mostly be traced back to money: someone didn't pay the bribe to the local organized crime gang so they are shot or roughed up on some level; someone wants you to empty your checking account at the ATM; someone drugs you and steals your phone and cash, etc.. In the United States, we all know the crime here can be random and you can basically get your ass kicked or shot for no real motive aside from being in a disagreement with the wrong person or just being in the wrong neighborhood or wrong place at the wrong time.

One of my Medellin stories was during Feria de las Flores. I was with a girl I bussed in from Bucaramanga. She wanted to watch the antique car parade so we went over to the main street where it was happening to find a place to watch it. It was super busy with people all over the place but we finally found a spot where she could sort of see (colombianas are short after all). I stood right behind my girl the whole time and was never more than 1 foot away from her for the duration of the parade. We even took a selfie together with the cars and people in the background passing by.

As the parade dies down, we turn to walk away to get some street arepas (with the condensed milk all over them - so fucking good) when she realizes that she can't find her phone. Somehow, a thief had stolen her phone which was stored inside a buttoned pocket of her buttoned up purse, which she was wearing on the front of her body while I stood directly behind her with my hands around her for most of the festival.

When I found out what had happened and that she had her phone stolen when I was right there, I was shocked at the boldness of it all. Because damn that's one talented thief to be able to get into her purse without cutting into it and without me or her noticing what he was doing.

Post: #543

(01-19-2017 07:05 PM)bootyhuntah Wrote:  Because damn that's one talented thief to be able to get into her purse without cutting into it and without me or her noticing what he was doing.

Sounds like a gypsy work, beware they might have arrived.

Post: #544

Video of a robbery in a club in Poblado last Thursday:





Crazy how right after the victim had a gun in his face he calmly sips his drink and smokes his cigarette.

Post: #545

(01-24-2017 02:09 PM)BallsDeep Wrote:  Video of a robbery in a club in Poblado last Thursday:





Crazy how right after the victim had a gun in his face he calmly sips his drink and smokes his cigarette.

Man that seemed pretty orderly. Lol. Everyone was just like, "welp, I guess this is happening." then they went back to their drinks.

Post: #546

That blows my mind how calm he was after getting robbed at gun point.

Post: #547

Was in Medellin last weekend. The quality was a bit better than in Bogota but after hearing all these legends about the beauty of paisas I thought I was going to have a constant boner. Maybe the best ones were still on vacation?

Moreover, from what I noticed, rolas generally dress way better than 95% of paisas.

Post: #548

Is anyone here travelling from Medellin to Bogota in the next few days?

Post: #549

(01-26-2017 10:44 AM)Merengues Wrote:  Was in Medellin last weekend. The quality was a bit better than in Bogota but after hearing all these legends about the beauty of paisas I thought I was going to have a constant boner. Maybe the best ones were still on vacation?

Moreover, from what I noticed, rolas generally dress way better than 95% of paisas.

The best ones probably weren't on vacation. The quality there just isn't that great. If you didn't like what you saw in Medellin, definitely don't go to Cali. It's only worse there, maybe much worse.

Post: #550

(01-26-2017 01:41 PM)Merenguero Wrote:  

(01-26-2017 10:44 AM)Merengues Wrote:  Was in Medellin last weekend. The quality was a bit better than in Bogota but after hearing all these legends about the beauty of paisas I thought I was going to have a constant boner. Maybe the best ones were still on vacation?

Moreover, from what I noticed, rolas generally dress way better than 95% of paisas.

The best ones probably weren't on vacation. The quality there just isn't that great. If you didn't like what you saw in Medellin, definitely don't go to Cali. It's only worse there, maybe much worse.

It's not that I didn't like what I saw. After hearing all that hype about Medellin and its chicas I just expected more.

I was in Cali earlier and the girls were alright IMO. Plus, I liked the city itself more than Medellin.