Quote: (09-21-2015 11:40 AM)bootyhuntah Wrote:  

Quote: (09-21-2015 11:35 AM)Sherman Wrote:  

Taking a taxi at the airport from the official line should be safe. Are you sure this guy didn't pull a trick and pick you up even though he wasn't official? There are a lot of unofficial taxis hanging around the airport trying to get your business. Also, if you have a license plate, report him to the airport.

To your point, it is certainly possible he was unofficial, even though he was in the official line with an official taxi attendant. I went back to the bus station and we watched the surveillance video. We identified his license plate from said video and the police and security staff at the station has the information now.

Is the licence plate registered to an official taxi?

Man, this is bad.

Unfortunately your advise is not so easy to implement:
- Most drivers talk on their phones while driving. What should we do about?
- I had many drivers with bad attitude, especially at night. Weighting between telling the driver to stop and just go on, you often just keep on going. In many areas you just don't want to get out of the taxi.
- Easytaxi sometimes does not work at night. In the situation you get out of a club, line of taxi in front: I tried Easytaxi and was waiting for more than 15 minutes without one arriving. So you need to take one standing there, even if the driver had a fucked attitude.
- Worst thing that happend to me in taxis at night was being overcharged up to double normal fare. One taxi had a obviously manipulated meter, running at double the speed. I normally don't bother to argure, better just pay.

About pickpocketing I have two stories:
- I was in Medellin at a concert. Very crowdy. Two guys start a fight (made up to distract). One falls onto me and pulls my moneyclip (about 50k pesos and a copy of my passport) out of my pocket. I could have hit or kicked the guy as I felt it, but decided not to do it. Better lose some money than ending up with a knife in your back. I was with a girl that night of which they stole a larger sum of money (for Colombian dimensions). Why do you carry so much money around silly girl?
- En el centro de Bogota at maybe 7 pm, I was walking with a girl. I repeatedly told her to be careful. Apparently she wasn't, as someone took her IPhone out of the pocket. She did not feel anything.
Conclusion: Colombian girls are stupid (carrying to much valuables) and unaware (just be careful stupid!)

Almost any girl I asked, told me that she had been robbed violently before. At gunpoint, knifepoint, getting the window smashed while stopping in a car (this is why people run red lights at night).

Colombia is a fucked up place. Better only carry cash (split in two different pockets) and a cheap phone.

Quote: (09-21-2015 11:44 AM)Cheetah Wrote:  

Quote: (09-21-2015 11:40 AM)bootyhuntah Wrote:  

Quote: (09-21-2015 11:35 AM)Sherman Wrote:  

Taking a taxi at the airport from the official line should be safe. Are you sure this guy didn't pull a trick and pick you up even though he wasn't official? There are a lot of unofficial taxis hanging around the airport trying to get your business. Also, if you have a license plate, report him to the airport.

To your point, it is certainly possible he was unofficial, even though he was in the official line with an official taxi attendant. I went back to the bus station and we watched the surveillance video. We identified his license plate from said video and the police and security staff at the station has the information now.

Is the licence plate registered to an official taxi?

I really doubt that would help. If anyone ever found the taxi driver and asked him, anything I'm pretty sure he would say he didn't rob O.P., that he has absolutely no idea what O.P. is talking about and I'm pretty sure the questioning wouldn't go any further.

You are lucky,two days ago a dutch woman was killed while on a yacht, in the middle of the sea .40 minutes from Cartagena.
her husband was taking a shower .

they took 60 euros .


http://www.dutchnews.nl/news/archives/20...tch-woman/

Glad you're alright, I've had one sketchy experience in Bogotá where the driver was taking me the opposite direction of my apartment, could've been running up the meter on me or had other plans but I bailed out at a red light. I use Uber when I'm in Bogotá now.

Quote: (09-21-2015 11:40 AM)bootyhuntah Wrote:  

Quote: (09-21-2015 11:35 AM)Sherman Wrote:  

Taking a taxi at the airport from the official line should be safe. Are you sure this guy didn't pull a trick and pick you up even though he wasn't official? There are a lot of unofficial taxis hanging around the airport trying to get your business. Also, if you have a license plate, report him to the airport.

To your point, it is certainly possible he was unofficial, even though he was in the official line with an official taxi attendant. I went back to the bus station and we watched the surveillance video. We identified his license plate from said video and the police and security staff at the station has the information now.

Damn that's really unfortunate that happened to you. That is the one situation in Colombia where I would also take a cab off the street, at an official taxi queue with attendant, though it is impossible for any of us to speculate about the red flags.

I'm glad you and your girl made it out safe. Sounds like there is a chance someone could actually get charged.

Great story and cautionary tale. +1 from me.

But I gotta ask, did you get the bang?

Quote: (09-21-2015 11:54 AM)Merenguero Wrote:  

Quote: (09-21-2015 11:44 AM)Cheetah Wrote:  

Quote: (09-21-2015 11:40 AM)bootyhuntah Wrote:  

Quote: (09-21-2015 11:35 AM)Sherman Wrote:  

Taking a taxi at the airport from the official line should be safe. Are you sure this guy didn't pull a trick and pick you up even though he wasn't official? There are a lot of unofficial taxis hanging around the airport trying to get your business. Also, if you have a license plate, report him to the airport.

To your point, it is certainly possible he was unofficial, even though he was in the official line with an official taxi attendant. I went back to the bus station and we watched the surveillance video. We identified his license plate from said video and the police and security staff at the station has the information now.

Is the licence plate registered to an official taxi?

I really doubt that would help. If anyone ever found the taxi driver and asked him, anything I'm pretty sure he would say he didn't rob O.P., that he has absolutely no idea what O.P. is talking about and I'm pretty sure the questioning wouldn't go any further.

I was more thinking in terms of that it would be good for OP and for the rest of us to know if shit like that happened with an official or unofficial taxi.

The police could always try to find out more about any possible phone communication from him (phone records, CCTV, record from all phones used in the area of the gas station and where the robbery took place if this is allowed for a crime like robbery) but of course the driver would most likely not admit to anything. However if any of the stolen phones could be traced back to the driver's house or something he gets some explaining to do.

But as indicated the Colombian police don't seem to have an abundance of resources.

Quote: (09-21-2015 11:59 AM)Gmac Wrote:  

Great story and cautionary tale. +1 from me.

But I gotta ask, did you get the bang?

Haha, to be honest, I wasn't going to push for it as she was a wreck that night. Surprisingly, when we eventually went to bed probably after 3 and the lights went out, she got really frisky and initiated. What sort of gentleman would I be to leave a woman hanging like that...

Quote: (09-21-2015 12:07 PM)Cheetah Wrote:  

Quote: (09-21-2015 11:54 AM)Merenguero Wrote:  

Quote: (09-21-2015 11:44 AM)Cheetah Wrote:  

Quote: (09-21-2015 11:40 AM)bootyhuntah Wrote:  

Quote: (09-21-2015 11:35 AM)Sherman Wrote:  

Taking a taxi at the airport from the official line should be safe. Are you sure this guy didn't pull a trick and pick you up even though he wasn't official? There are a lot of unofficial taxis hanging around the airport trying to get your business. Also, if you have a license plate, report him to the airport.

To your point, it is certainly possible he was unofficial, even though he was in the official line with an official taxi attendant. I went back to the bus station and we watched the surveillance video. We identified his license plate from said video and the police and security staff at the station has the information now.

Is the licence plate registered to an official taxi?

I really doubt that would help. If anyone ever found the taxi driver and asked him, anything I'm pretty sure he would say he didn't rob O.P., that he has absolutely no idea what O.P. is talking about and I'm pretty sure the questioning wouldn't go any further.

I was more thinking in terms of that it would be good for OP and for the rest of us to know if shit like that happened with an official or unofficial taxi.

The police could always try to find out more about any possible phone communication from him (phone records, CCTV, record from all phones used in the area of the gas station and where the robbery took place if this is allowed for a crime like robbery) but of course the driver would most likely not admit to anything. However if any of the stolen phones could be traced back to the driver's house or something he gets some explaining to do.

But as indicated the Colombian police don't seem to have an abundance of resources.

Yeah, stuff like this is fairly common in El Salvador, but you can reduce the risk by sticking with taxis that have a specific code on their license plates, so that you at least know that they are official taxis.

Luckily going on my 4th year in Colombia I have never been robbed or had any bad situations (knock on wood)....Tappsi is a solid go to....but not always easy to use if your out in some obscure places late at night....

one thing I do more so late at night if I have to get a taxi off the street is take a pic with my phone (that will be sent to my cloud even if my phone gets robbed) of the Taxi's placard with the drivers pic, Name, and plate numbers....

I often make it a bit of a production letting the taxi driver know I am not a stupid gringo and he knows that I know how taxi robberies occur in Colombia....

just another back up to being safe.....but in the end nothing is 100% preventive. Just be observant and if things start to seem sketchy listen to that inner voice and bail on the taxi and get out asap.

You should reimburse her

Quote: (09-21-2015 12:28 PM)zoom Wrote:  

You should reimburse her

I would and I was thinking the same thing, but we have guys who are too Alpha to buy drinks for girls, so I kept that to myself.

Quote: (09-21-2015 12:51 PM)Merenguero Wrote:  

Quote: (09-21-2015 12:28 PM)zoom Wrote:  

You should reimburse her

I would and I was thinking the same thing, but we have guys who are too Alpha to buy drinks for girls, so I kept that to myself.

I would offer to share the cost of her loss. 50-50. You are not completely responsible either.

Quote: (09-21-2015 12:51 PM)Merenguero Wrote:  

Quote: (09-21-2015 12:28 PM)zoom Wrote:  

You should reimburse her

I would and I was thinking the same thing, but we have guys who are too Alpha to buy drinks for girls, so I kept that to myself.

I did give her everything I could given my means at the moment. It wasn't sufficient to cover her entire losses, but it will help.

Still waiting on a response from the police/security at the bus station regarding whether the taxi was official or not or if there have been any further advancements with the case. But not holding my breath.

Quote: (09-21-2015 12:51 PM)Merenguero Wrote:  

Quote: (09-21-2015 12:28 PM)zoom Wrote:  

You should reimburse her

I would and I was thinking the same thing, but we have guys who are too Alpha to buy drinks for girls, so I kept that to myself.

Very nice to see people like you here. I would of reimbursed as much as I could too. This has nothing to with being Alpha or Beta, its being a good person. Being Alpha doesn't mean you can't be a good person and help people who are in need.

Thanks for sharing your misfortunate experience.

Although a lot was not stolen, but something was stolen in a dangerous situation. What I would do is grease some liutenant cop etc and get that guy to come into the station. Get him charged if you can and even report it to the local paper (not sure if Cali has a q'hubo pues) paper,,,, el tiempo for sure. Tip the reporter too.

I would ruin his taxi career.... I don't care if it leaves me $1000 short. From my perspective he would be out of a job and cannot do this to anybody else using a government taxi and others would think twice about robbing anyone.

In pereira about a year ago a man along with 2 females were charged with robbing men who these girls seduced. They ended up getting caught and their picture was posted on the net and paper. I hope you pursue charges.... But, I see you are moving on......

In the spring (well North American spring time) in Medellin by VIZCAYA in poblado, some guys on motorcycles robbed some Toyota SUV,,, the violent robberies don't only happen to tourists.

Whenever I hail a cab off the street, I always try to remember the license plate,,,usually last 3 numbers. Once in I usually will touch something so my fingerprints will be found,,, just in case. Then, I like to see if they have any religious pictures, for my own piece of mind. I remember Roosh had some tips regarding hailing a taxi cab.

I was in parque berrio,,, by the metro station in Medellin getting my running shoes cleaned by one of those dudes with a shoe shine box. I see that he's poor, so I said heck, let's give him some business. It was 2 mil per shoe or both,,, can't remember..... Then I see a few of his buddies gathering around and he tells me 20 mil per shoe... I wasn't that upset but I wasn't happy either. One part of me thought, he's poor let him have a bit of my pocket change,,,. The other part of me thought to hell with him. However, I avoid buying stuff in Centro (like services) and sharing this story, he will lose more future business for being a thief.

Thanks for sharing your story. It will definitely help someone.

Quote: (09-21-2015 01:16 PM)Turkish Republican Wrote:  

Quote: (09-21-2015 12:51 PM)Merenguero Wrote:  

Quote: (09-21-2015 12:28 PM)zoom Wrote:  

You should reimburse her

I would and I was thinking the same thing, but we have guys who are too Alpha to buy drinks for girls, so I kept that to myself.

Very nice to see people like you here. I would of reimbursed as much as I could too. This has nothing to with being Alpha or Beta, its being a good person. Being Alpha doesn't mean you can't be a good person and help people who are in need.

This is a bit off-topic, but some day, I would like to thank whatever blithering idiot or idiots goe around Southern California telling guys not to buy drinks for girls. All that does is make them appreciate it more when I buy them drinks and it helps me in the long run.

It is obviously unfortunate that this happened to O.P., but I see two positive things coming out of it as far as the forum is concerned. First, it shows that there is a serious downside to Latin America and although I strongly recommend that all guys on here go to Colombia and other Latin American countries, those places are not just the positive things that people read on the forum. Remember, there are a lot of guys on her who have never even set foot in Latin America and if they only read about the positive things, they will have unrealistic expectations and they will have their guard down. Second, this will hopefully serve as a cautionary tale to guys who are in Latin America or planning to go there so that they will make sure to lock down taxi drivers in all Latin American cities and make sure that they always use those drivers.

Thanks for sharing brother. I've been robbed at knife point before, it ain't fun but I think it sharpens you up. You'll bounce back.

Hypothetical question...

Would it be unusual or particularly difficult to carry a weapon for protection whilst travelling in SA? Or it is considered smarter to just give up what you have and hope they let you walk away?

I'm just interested in what the attitude towards carrying a blade or a piece would be both from a member perspective and what is the done thing in general.

Quote: (09-21-2015 01:44 PM)Blackwell Wrote:  

Thanks for sharing brother. I've been robbed at knife point before, it ain't fun but I think it sharpens you up. You'll bounce back.

Just out of curiosity.

Would it be unusual or particularly difficult to carry a weapon for your protection whilst travelling in SA? Or it is considered smarter to just give up what you have and hope they let you walk away?

I'm just interested in what the attitude towards carrying a blade or a piece would be both from a member perspective and what is the done thing in general.

I don't think its wise to carry a weapon in Latin America, he could of been killed if he had a gun on him. You don't wanna piss off the guys holding the semi-automatic guns.

Quote: (09-21-2015 01:45 PM)Turkish Republican Wrote:  

Quote: (09-21-2015 01:44 PM)Blackwell Wrote:  

Thanks for sharing brother. I've been robbed at knife point before, it ain't fun but I think it sharpens you up. You'll bounce back.

Just out of curiosity.

Would it be unusual or particularly difficult to carry a weapon for your protection whilst travelling in SA? Or it is considered smarter to just give up what you have and hope they let you walk away?

I'm just interested in what the attitude towards carrying a blade or a piece would be both from a member perspective and what is the done thing in general.

I don't think its wise to carry a weapon in Latin America, he could of been killed if he had a gun on him. You don't wanna piss off the guys holding the semi-automatic guns.

Fair. That's what I was thinking also.

Quote: (09-21-2015 01:45 PM)Turkish Republican Wrote:  

Quote: (09-21-2015 01:44 PM)Blackwell Wrote:  

Thanks for sharing brother. I've been robbed at knife point before, it ain't fun but I think it sharpens you up. You'll bounce back.

Just out of curiosity.

Would it be unusual or particularly difficult to carry a weapon for your protection whilst travelling in SA? Or it is considered smarter to just give up what you have and hope they let you walk away?

I'm just interested in what the attitude towards carrying a blade or a piece would be both from a member perspective and what is the done thing in general.

I don't think its wise to carry a weapon, he could of been killed if he had a gun on him.

Yeah these dudes were clearly professionals. They had nice motorcycles and at least two guns. I hypothesize that if I even attempted for a millisecond any aggressive behavior towards them, there is no doubt in my mind they would have shot myself and my girl without a trace of hesitation, mercy, or guilt.

My advice, it's a bad idea to fight back. If it's one guy with a knife and you were on the 400m relay team in college....maybe run in the opposite direction. But even then still not worth it. Another moral of the story is don't take anything with you on your travels that you're not willing to lose in a millisecond.

Just few things here playboy

1.You should never carry your bank card around. Carry some cash that you will need for that day and you should be ok. You were just going to pick up this girl from the terminal, I don't think you needed 150k pesos in your pocket.

2.Always ask the taxi to leave you right outside your hotel, never 3 or 4 blocks away from it like you did. I have the habit of asking the taxi driver for his personal number, I always tell them that I need a cool taxi driver to take me around, I never call them after that of course but it gives them some sense of keeping things cool with you while they are taking you home.

I have stayed in Colombia for 3 months and never had any problems. And I went to the hood in Cali several times and nothing never happened. I am sure being a black guy helped and if I was a white guy I wouldn't take such risks but most of the time, I see that guys who get robbed are usually asking for it. (I am not saying that's you OP but I still think you could have minimised your risks).

Is it broadly speaking equally bad in Brazil (the south excluded) compared to Colombia?

Quote: (09-21-2015 02:30 PM)Cheetah Wrote:  

Is it broadly speaking equally bad in Brazil (the south excluded) compared to Colombia?

Brazil is a on a complete different planet than Colombia when it comes to crime. They could pretty much rename liveleak.com to whogotkilledinbraziltoday.com.