getting cash in CO

[Juan de Fuca]

On my recent trip to Barranquilla, I went to the BanColombia, across the street from BuenaVista Mall,to convert $U.S. Cash and $U.S. Travellers Checks. The rate was 1720 pesos/dollar for cash, but 1755 pesos/dollar for travellers cheques.

[TomF3823]

10-40 percent. I think you are way off on this figure. I dont think it is legal for a us bank to charge you over 24 percent, it is called usary. At those rates it is like being a loan shark. Cal your bank and find out the proper rates they are charging you, otehrwise, if they did charge this, ask them for an adjustment.

[KPunch2]

Screw that. The best way to get money abroad is to find a pre-paid credit card with no worldwide ATM transaction fees. That is how the big boys do it that launder money...you know damn well what I'm talking about. This is helpful for those that want to send money to their gf's/fiancés/wifes. The pre-paid credit cards are set at a certain spending limit such as a couple of hundred bucks, just keep it under 10K and you are golden. VISA is the most accepted and can be used to pay for almost anything overseas. It also gives you the best exchange rate. These cards can be recharged at any currency exchange without having to divulge your personal information.

A little FYI.

[LastLion]

Originally Posted by KPunch2

Screw that. The best way to get money abroad is to find a pre-paid credit card with no worldwide ATM transaction fees. That is how the big boys do it that launder money...you know damn well what I'm talking about. This is helpful for those that want to send money to their gf's/fiancés/wifes. The pre-paid credit cards are set at a certain spending limit such as a couple of hundred bucks, just keep it under 10K and you are golden. VISA is the most accepted and can be used to pay for almost anything overseas. It also gives you the best exchange rate. These cards can be recharged at any currency exchange without having to divulge your personal information.

A little FYI.

This is different than a regular card right?? I am not that hip Kpunch! give me the low down.

Got a link to one of those?

[Tinto]

Originally Posted by Juan de Fuca

On my recent trip to Barranquilla, I went to the BanColombia, across the street from BuenaVista Mall,to convert $U.S. Cash and $U.S. Travellers Checks. The rate was 1720 pesos/dollar for cash, but 1755 pesos/dollar for travellers cheques.

While checking my online bank account for a recent transaction in Colombia I took out 300.000 COP and received an exchange rate of 1793 pesos to the dollar and was charged the 1% fee ($167.35 and fee of $1.67). I still think this is the best method to obtain money to pay monthly bills while in Colombia. The only disadvantage of course is the limit per transaction and the daily amount allowed to be withdrawn.

[Charlie640]

Under 10K ??
Ever hear of a structured transaction?
If you do enough $ transfers to the same person in a short period of time that adds up to $10K you might trigger a report.