... in response to Re: Some info about arriving in or leavi..., posted by cancunhound on May 7, 2003On my first trip I did not know about the Tax Exemption form. When I got to the ticket counter (I was flying COPA to Panama City) they sent me to the office just opposite their counter. That is the Tax office. They looked at my passport and gave me a form with no problem.
As for not having to pay the departure tax, that must be new because on 5 trips from 1999 to 2002 I always paid it regardless of length of stay (5-10 days).
Good point on getting pesos in Miami (although I never have) and using porters.
A note on changing money in Cali. The banks don't offer a very good rate. The Cambios (money exchange) places are a little better. In either you must have your passport. I usually just use ATM machines. The rate is good and you can get money fast as there are numerous machines all over town and the malls. It's only $2 to $4 depending on your bank.
You can usually get around 300,000 pesos (about $130) at a time. In fact, my in-laws have an ATM card from my wife's account here in the US to draw money when needed. She never has more than $1000 in her account and they never take any without asking. Sure saves time and money when they need something and they've never had a problem getting the cash.
Credit cards are taken at most places but I wouldn't use them just anywhere except hotels and the better restaurants.
Be sure and have a couple debit/credit cards since they may be on different systems (Plus, Honor, Cirrus, Star, etc). Also BE SURE YOU KNOW YOUR PIN NUMBERS. Also make sure you have a 4-digit PIN number. I've heard of Canadians having problems with this.
It's also good to take some pesos home with you for your return trip. They may de-value a little but it's always good to have some for tips and a taxi when you return.
Which reminds me. If you are returning and your new love is going to meet you at the airport have her keep the taxi she got there in for your return. This is often preferable especially if she is from one of the small towns around Cali like Yumbo, Buga etc. Some taxis from Cali won't want to take you to these villages plus they will feel more secure in knowing the guy is from her town.
Have her meet you away from the exit doors as there will be hundreds of people there in a very small area. There are some pay phones just to the right of the exit. That might be easier. Or have her hold a large sign with your name to help you locate her.
Don't let anyone grab your bags from you unless she or you know who they are and where they are going with them.
Here's something I just thought about if you want to show your girlfriend a good time. Dress up and take her to one of the casinos. The Intercontinental Hotel has one and there is one called the Grand Casino (I think that's the name) not far from 6th Ave in Cali. There are a couple more but I'm not sure where.
The girls can play slot machines very cheaply (like 100 pesos), get some drinks and really live the high-life. They also have blackjack and roulette. The places are upscale and you will go through a metal detector and probably be patted down upon entering.
