GoodDayJohn wrote:
Here's an update on the old bills and some other observations. I went to the bank in the departures area (BAC) and the lady exchanged the old bills for new ones without any problems. I also exchanged $200 USD. Exchange rate was 516/1. Before going across the street, I went to the Claro desk in the baggage claim area to buy a sim. They accept USD there. The costs are very good. I could have bought a sim with 7 days service and 2 gb of data for $6, but the sim wouldn't work in my phone. It's a Kalley phone I bought in Medellin and a Claro sim works in Colombia. The specs of the phone say it works on the 1800 band, which is used in Costa Rica, but obviously not. I got an Uber from the airport to the La Amistad hotel for 6,700 COP. I gave the guy 7,500 and he seemed to be very happy. I went to the Sportsmens Lodge last night. There were a lot of ladies there, but I only saw a couple of guys take anyone to their rooms. For long time visitors to the Sportsmens who haven't been there in a while, Adriana, Yoleny (sp?), and another long time bartender are working there now. The one who I don't remember her name has gained a lot of weight. Adriana and Yoleny look the same as they did 6 years ago.
The banks here appear to give their exchange rate at the ATM instead of allowing the Visa rate. I went to a Banco National ATM this morning and the rate I received was 516/1, which incidentally is the same I received at a different bank when I exchanged USD. The Visa rate today is 523/1.
I have a dental appointment this afternoon, which is the primary reason I am here. I'll provide some more updates in the trip reports section as I continue my venture. I'm here until Friday. I've been spoiled by Medellin. So far, prices of food here are about double what they are in Medellin. I went to a little cafe near the hospital this morning and a glass of orange juice and a cup of coffee were 1,200 COP each. The coffee wasn't good, but the juice was very good. At the Sportsmen, chicken fingers and fries are 5,900 and a chicken hamburger is 6,900.
Good informative story, good to know...
Ummm...I think you mentioned Yorleny. I believe you are mistaken. She looks as good as she did FOURTEEN years ago...
https://youtu.be/r0ye25QVw90