Right now is NOT a good time to visit Colombia. Protests, shut downs, stay at home orders, curfews, pico y cedula AND it’s the rainy season. I’d say try visiting in September.
@@volooooo cool thanks for the update I just hope the country will be fully reopened when I return I haven't been since 2019 which was pre- pandemic times
Exactly the same in Bogota, especially the airport taxis. I'm an American and I purchased Google Fi before leaving the states. My phone works everywhere. Great option for Americans (you need an US address to set it up) traveling abroad.
I had a guy try to hustle me my first time to carry my luggage for me and I said no, he followed me all the way to the taxis, he got a A for effort, and when I answered him in Spanish the look on his face was priceless, since he was also on his phone talking smack about the foreigner.
I've done plenty of traveling around the World& when ur in a Hot,Sunny,Humid climate u want to be dressed as comfortable as possible! Now there's all kinds of Shorts and Sandals( u have Sport designs and u can also have designer labels) So i'm not sure what the big deal or issue is with this attire? ( especially for a tourist,who may come from a cooler climate& wont be there long enough to acclimatize& then change certain dress habits) And i cant see how someone would want to wear tightJeans&clothes in such warm weather( from a Medical Health perspective it's ill advised) but each to their own!(And that's really the point) ..And lets give a 'Heads up' on why certain people wear socks with sandals! Well the obvious point is the sweat doesn't mix well with either the Leather or Plastic( it smells) and Tourists are often doing plenty of walking which can cause some unpleasant blisters& Sore feet! So its really a choice of fashion vs Practicality!
True. The reason for that it's because the car doors don't have the rubber on the edge of the doors that cars in Norteamerica or Europe has. Because it's usually hot here there's no need for that rubber , therefore cars are easier to close and u don't need that much force.
Can't stand when people ask if they should learn a language or not. If you're going to someone else's home, you should know how to communicate with them. Stop being lazy and expecting people to cater to you. If that's how you are then stay home where you know your language is pollen widely.
Thank you for the tips! Many I follow everywhere. As I am fond of saying "I leave my English, my valuables, and my American clothing at home." I do speak, read,, & write in Spanish well enough I am often mistaken for Mexican. Even better way to blend.. Tennis shoes, tshirt or polo, and slightly worn jeans. I pack a couple nice shirts, 2 pair of semi dress pants in case I need to eat somewhere its "required". Can usually pack one medium sized bag.
As a non American, you are a little confused on our tipping culture. You gave an example of $25 tour and to tip $1 or $2. We do not tip on excursions. The excursion price is the excursion price. We do, however, have a culture of tipping in restaurants and bars. 15-20% in restaurant (sit down with wait staff, not McDonald's) is standard. 20-50% in a bar (drinks only) depending upon how many drinks are comped by staff. Generally, we also tip taxi drivers, door men, or bell hop; essentially anyone carrying our luggage. What is the policy on tipping them in Colombia?
Thanks for the comment. On my travels I have seen people from the US giving tips to tour guides pretty much every time. That's where the comment is coming from. More about tipping in Colombia here: ua-cam.com/video/sg2fObwZjiI/v-deo.html
It's fascinating that people in Medellín equate "hot climate" wear (shorts to avoid overheating, cap to avoid getting the sun into your eyes) with children's wear. Maybe it's because it doesn't often get that hot there. I imagine Colombians in hotter parts of the country are more understanding.
They are generally understanding, but it's just not common. On warmer places locals also dress a little lighter, but still in climates similar to Miami most wear long pants.
I’ve always gotten by everywhere in Columbia without Spanish just using Google translate you don’t need to know Spanish to go to Columbia they have so many gringos I go there and stay there a lot of people even people in the rule areas know English
It's different to come here as a tourist or if you're actually planning to live here. You can get by with English however in order to understand the culture, make local friends and eventually become one of them it it is crucial.
@@HowToExpatUr advice on tipping is a very valid & importante point..And I think I read something similar last yr on how excessive tipping (even though well intended) crea inflado Mercado de la localid! Muchas Gracias for the Informcion !
No. Sam's English is getting better all the time. I watched his videos when he first started several years ago and he wasn't as fluent as he is now. English isn't his first language ya know.
Haha, with my new job I speak Spanish, English and German (from Germany) which all are not my native languages. I get more confused because of that I think. Jajaja
@@TheSlashSlingingSlasher the protests are widespread over all of the major cities. Portal Americas was shut down by 6am this morning. I'm stuck in my hospital bed in Bogotá listening to the sirens. Watching news. It's bad
Sometimes it’s hot. I’m not going to sweat excessively just to “fit in”. I wear ball caps if I want, tank tops and shorts when I want. I don’t care what anybody thinks.
It’s not about “what someone thinks.” It’s about whether or not you are willing to stick out in a country where sticking it can be a really dangerous thing.
@@Daveyhavok832 you stick out when you’re flashy (jewelry). Shorts, hats, tank tops don’t make you stick out. I was out jogging today and over half the men were rocking those.
@@volooooo believe what you want, man. But when your beliefs conflict with virtually everyone else, it’s more likely you need to reconsider your stance. Flashy jewelry makes you a target. Standing out for your clothes may not, but it still makes you stand out. I’m headed down in July and my friend that I’m staying with told me to bring pants. They told me I can wear shorts at the apartment but I should wear pants in the street. This is someone that is just looking out for my safety and has lived in Colombia their entire life. So I’m putting more stock in what they say than what you say.
Right now is NOT a good time to visit Colombia. Protests, shut downs, stay at home orders, curfews, pico y cedula AND it’s the rainy season. I’d say try visiting in September.
September seems like a god idea.
U think things will be calmer and reopened by then?
@@gabe5892 I do. I can already see things slowly changing. Come down in September
@@volooooo cool thanks for the update I just hope the country will be fully reopened when I return I haven't been since 2019 which was pre- pandemic times
It’s already calmed down, the protests have dwindled
Once my country allows international travel again, will definitely be visiting.
I can’t wait to be able to travel when things are safer to do so. Would you consider doing Covid and safety updates with the protests?
We did one here: ua-cam.com/video/MNxoZ2agEiw/v-deo.html maybe we'll do antoher one soon.
Exactly the same in Bogota, especially the airport taxis. I'm an American and I purchased Google Fi before leaving the states. My phone works everywhere. Great option for Americans (you need an US address to set it up) traveling abroad.
Good one All very well explained Sam. thanks!
One thing about sim cards....you HAVE TO REGISTER YOUR PHONE IN COLOMBIA AND YOU HAVE TO HAVE PROOVE YOU PURCHASED YOUR PHONE WITH A RECIPT.
True that, more about it here: ua-cam.com/video/Fsf8IgRsKeQ/v-deo.html
I had a guy try to hustle me my first time to carry my luggage for me and I said no, he followed me all the way to the taxis, he got a A for effort, and when I answered him in Spanish the look on his face was priceless, since he was also on his phone talking smack about the foreigner.
lol!
LMAO, have the same reaction many Spanish speaking countries and neighborhoods in the states
I swear I just seen Tacha at the Cartrgenia airport yesterday
Haha I guess you saw my doppelganger!
I've done plenty of traveling around the World& when ur in a Hot,Sunny,Humid climate u want to be dressed as comfortable as possible! Now there's all kinds of Shorts and Sandals( u have Sport designs and u can also have designer labels) So i'm not sure what the big deal or issue is with this attire?
( especially for a tourist,who may come from a cooler climate& wont be there long enough to acclimatize& then change certain dress habits)
And i cant see how someone would want to wear tightJeans&clothes in such warm weather( from a Medical Health perspective it's ill advised) but each to their own!(And that's really the point)
..And lets give a 'Heads up' on why certain people wear socks with sandals! Well the obvious point is the sweat doesn't mix well with either the Leather or Plastic( it smells) and Tourists are often doing plenty of walking which can cause some unpleasant blisters& Sore feet! So its really a choice of fashion vs Practicality!
Where what makes you confortable, jeans in Colombia’s climate is not comfortable for me. It’s called vacation for a reason.
Outstanding attention to detail with all of your tips, esp with regards to the SIM cards and the Taxis!
First lesson I learned...be careful closing the door when you hop out of your taxi or Uber. Colombians frown on our habit of slamming car doors.
100!
True. The reason for that it's because the car doors don't have the rubber on the edge of the doors that cars in Norteamerica or Europe has. Because it's usually hot here there's no need for that rubber , therefore cars are easier to close and u don't need that much force.
Yes, indeed any door hehe
Can't stand when people ask if they should learn a language or not. If you're going to someone else's home, you should know how to communicate with them. Stop being lazy and expecting people to cater to you. If that's how you are then stay home where you know your language is pollen widely.
My mind is blown about the shirts thing. Isn't it hot there? Can I wear a dress?
Thank you for the tips! Many I follow everywhere. As I am fond of saying "I leave my English, my valuables, and my American clothing at home." I do speak, read,, & write in Spanish well enough I am often mistaken for Mexican. Even better way to blend.. Tennis shoes, tshirt or polo, and slightly worn jeans. I pack a couple nice shirts, 2 pair of semi dress pants in case I need to eat somewhere its "required". Can usually pack one medium sized bag.
Was that Crepes and Waffles I saw? Delicious.
Very helpful. Thanks!
How can I get in touch with you when I move to Medellin?
Thanks for sharing
Good info for first timers.
I have a question how long is the covid test? I see google says their requirements are a pcr test 96 hours prior.
Exactly, 96h is what the official websites state.
You give such great informative advice for outsiders like myself! GREAT WISDOM!
I have seen Colombian males wear almost all the things people say not to wear. Except cargo shorts or socks w/sandals. 😁
True that, there are always exceptions. I'm talking about the general "rule".
It depends... You won't see that in Bogotá for example.... Unless he is a foreigner
The bank ATM Machines in Colombia do have very reasonable rates are safe if you are aware of your surroundings.
As a non American, you are a little confused on our tipping culture. You gave an example of $25 tour and to tip $1 or $2. We do not tip on excursions. The excursion price is the excursion price. We do, however, have a culture of tipping in restaurants and bars. 15-20% in restaurant (sit down with wait staff, not McDonald's) is standard. 20-50% in a bar (drinks only) depending upon how many drinks are comped by staff. Generally, we also tip taxi drivers, door men, or bell hop; essentially anyone carrying our luggage. What is the policy on tipping them in Colombia?
Thanks for the comment. On my travels I have seen people from the US giving tips to tour guides pretty much every time. That's where the comment is coming from. More about tipping in Colombia here: ua-cam.com/video/sg2fObwZjiI/v-deo.html
🌴🤠👍
Your always one of the first :D
@@HowToExpat *Funny thing I rely on you more than RCN news!* 🌴👍
Colombia now safe nation to visit
For us citizens because our embassy has travel advisory out for that town?
Many Colombians wear shorts and thongs now, buy older not so much.
WIFI!! Very important lol
Just keep in mind that it's dangerous and you will be fine.
I been to Mexico many
Times in past
And Honduras
Many times
So I can speak tiny bit Spanish
That was my major 40 yrs ago
Almost?
In my high school here in ohio
Can not wait visit my missionary friend over therre
It's fascinating that people in Medellín equate "hot climate" wear (shorts to avoid overheating, cap to avoid getting the sun into your eyes) with children's wear. Maybe it's because it doesn't often get that hot there. I imagine Colombians in hotter parts of the country are more understanding.
They are generally understanding, but it's just not common. On warmer places locals also dress a little lighter, but still in climates similar to Miami most wear long pants.
comin to MDN in a little over a month. appreciate all the content!
I’ve always gotten by everywhere in Columbia without Spanish just using Google translate you don’t need to know Spanish to go to Columbia they have so many gringos I go there and stay there a lot of people even people in the rule areas know English
It's different to come here as a tourist or if you're actually planning to live here. You can get by with English however in order to understand the culture, make local friends and eventually become one of them it it is crucial.
Bro ..it’s ColOmbia ….ughhhhhhhhhhhh
I can never watch a full video
Thank Sam for the information. Do you think it will be safe to come in September?
I hope so!
@@HowToExpatUr advice on tipping is a very valid & importante point..And I think I read something similar last yr on how excessive tipping (even though well intended) crea inflado Mercado de la localid! Muchas Gracias for the Informcion !
Can you flush toilet paper?
It depends but generally speaking, no.
Interesting
Do you need the vac to go from us?
No you don't.
Good info!
Sam you have been in Colombia so long you are forgetting your English a bit - jajajaja
No. Sam's English is getting better all the time. I watched his videos when he first started several years ago and he wasn't as fluent as he is now. English isn't his first language ya know.
Thanks :D
Haha, with my new job I speak Spanish, English and German (from Germany) which all are not my native languages. I get more confused because of that I think. Jajaja
@@HowToExpat its a hell of a lot to learn - its is evident your a really smart guy !
Very good video
Love it
I'm glad you like it
Excellent video
Glad you liked it
You’re telling me to what shoes to wear walking down the street? Lol pointless advice, dislike
Is the quarnteen over now? My plan to arrive in medelline middle of June, thanks
You're just in time for the national protests
In Bogota they repealed the quarantine and the cedula y pica. Could be reinstated though. Please don't worry about protests.
@@FamilyKeepsakesVideo the virus is outta control here in Bogotá. As I sit here in National Clinic centario hospital on Avenida Jimenez.
@@danielyruby8696 how bad are the protests now
@@TheSlashSlingingSlasher the protests are widespread over all of the major cities. Portal Americas was shut down by 6am this morning. I'm stuck in my hospital bed in Bogotá listening to the sirens. Watching news. It's bad
Well, David is in Mexico now. I thought you were going to talk about the current political situation/unrest in Colombia.
He went because of his visa situation. Done that here: ua-cam.com/video/MNxoZ2agEiw/v-deo.html
Sometimes it’s hot. I’m not going to sweat excessively just to “fit in”. I wear ball caps if I want, tank tops and shorts when I want. I don’t care what anybody thinks.
It’s not about “what someone thinks.” It’s about whether or not you are willing to stick out in a country where sticking it can be a really dangerous thing.
@@Daveyhavok832 you stick out when you’re flashy (jewelry). Shorts, hats, tank tops don’t make you stick out. I was out jogging today and over half the men were rocking those.
@@volooooo believe what you want, man. But when your beliefs conflict with virtually everyone else, it’s more likely you need to reconsider your stance. Flashy jewelry makes you a target. Standing out for your clothes may not, but it still makes you stand out.
I’m headed down in July and my friend that I’m staying with told me to bring pants. They told me I can wear shorts at the apartment but I should wear pants in the street. This is someone that is just looking out for my safety and has lived in Colombia their entire life. So I’m putting more stock in what they say than what you say.
@@Daveyhavok832 🤣🤣🤣
You scary. Do you man you probably couldn’t rock a tank top anyway. 🤣
@@volooooo I’m just not stupid enough to bring muscles to a gun fight, scrub.