Of prestamos and colaboraciones......

[Cold Warrior]

I lived a few years in Venezuela and spent some time also in Colombia ( santander region) working for various oil companies. From day one I was besought by friend and foe alike asking for prestamos and colaboraciones. None of which was never paid back. I soon wised up to the situation and began to say no, unless someone was in a dire strait which I could verify. This  earned me the nickname of gringo ‘ pichere y tacano’.  I’m not sure if it’s a cultural thing where the extended family and friends are expected to ‘chip in’

[Kit]

... in response to Of prestamos and colaboraciones......, posted by Cold Warrior on Sep 2, 2003

Yap, at least in Colombia it seems to be quite customary, familiar people and strangers alike will ask you to loan them some dough which, as you figured by now, they never bother to return. I personally hate this attitude and turn my nose from any girl who explicitly asks for money or the like ever. Once I see that she needs money for a valid reason, then I step forward and offer help. But if she asks herself, it is no go.