US dollars in Colombia

pointofview says on Jul 29, 2004, 07:20:

US Dollars ??????? You cannot get US$ dollars from a Colombian ATM but you can get Colombian pesos for the ATM. I am not sure why you would want US$ dollars in Colombia except to exchange to Colombian Pesos and the ATM machine does that for you at a favorable exchange rate. Your Visa or Mastercard (debit or creditcards) is one of the better methods of obtaining Colombian currency and exchanging US$ into Colombian currency at a currency exchange business (Cambio de Moneda) is the worst in terms of exchange rates.

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daver says on Jul 29, 2004, 08:17:

Mike,

I am not sure if you have been to Colombia before. In case you haven't, don't bring a wad of greenbacks there and start asking people if they exchange them (sorry if you know all this already... just trying to help). Most places won't take them, and you are likely to get a crappy exchange from those who do. Also, you will lable yourself as a tourist, with money, whos never been to Colombia before, and you don't want to do that randomly in public places.

ATM is the best method. You get great exchange rate, and you will keep a much lower profile pulling Colombian pesos our of your wallet. Maybe bring some US 20s just in case you loose your ATM card (also to pay the airport tax on the way home).

Like I said, you may already know this, but in case you don't...hope it helps.

Dave

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utopiacowboy says on Jul 29, 2004, 08:18:

Pointofview is right. In Mexico people happily take US dollars. In Colombia, they much prefer pesos.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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seattlejames says on Jul 29, 2004, 09:41:

please.. I really want to know why you would want USA dollars in Colombia...I keep thinking why, and just cannot come up with an answer. So, please solve my question of the day....Any chance will someone tell me a country where you can get USA dollars out of a cash machine and why.....other than USA...

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Mr. Hollywood says on Jul 29, 2004, 10:04:

ATMs Lots of countries will give you dollars out of an ATM. Panama, for example, which uses the US $. But everyone here is right when they say that there's zero reason to want dollars here in Colombia.

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seattlejames says on Jul 29, 2004, 10:14:

actually.. I should have phrased that different. Having been to Ecuador twice I realize you can get usa dollars in other countries. I keep thinking there has to be a reason why. I have been to some countries where you can actually exchange usa money in the black market where they provide a greater exchange rate then the offical rate.

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pointofview says on Jul 29, 2004, 10:35:

Favorable Exchange Rates One way of exchanging US dollars at more reasonable exchange rates (in Colombia) than a Cambio de Moneda is at any of the larger travel agencies in Colombia as they pay for many of their tickets in US dollars so they are aggressive bidders for that currency but still not as good as the ATM machines.

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Mike7 says on Jul 29, 2004, 10:46:

USD to go to Venezuela hi,

thanx for your responses. I need US cash to go to Venezuela, as the rate you get when using a credit card in Venezuela is lousy (25% lower than what you get if you change USD bills on the underground market.

In most developing countries (South-East Asia, the Caribbean, even Cuba), you can get USD with a credit card out of some particular ATMs, notably in airports, as the locals need hard currency when going abroad.

I bet this is possible in Bogota, and I wanted to know where to go.

Take it easy.
Mike

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seattlejames says on Jul 29, 2004, 10:54:

nice... I knew there must be a reason why...I rest easy now..So, if I ever get to Venezuela I will take more USA dollars than I would normally...

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JWB says on Jul 29, 2004, 16:14:

Stick To ATMs Stick to the ATMs. They're your best bet. You lose a bit when you change up your USD at the Casa de Cambios. Trust me...this is your best bet. Oh yeah...a lot of credit cards that allow you to use them as ATMs charge VERY HIGH withdrawl fees so be careful (10-15 USD a transaction!!!). I stick to my primary bank's ATM card (Washington Mutual) who only charge no more than $3 USD a transaction. I bring the Mastercard and Visa for emergencies only and would probably use them to get an advance on my money through a bank.

Just some suggestions..

Jeff

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Rico says on Aug 7, 2004, 14:41:

American Express! American Express just introduced a new Travel Funds Card. It is the equivalent of AE travellers cheques, and they can be used at ATM machines around the world. For details, check out the American Express link below...

http://www10.americanexpress.com/sif/cda/page/0,1641,18622,00.asp

Sounds good to me!

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