Colombia (Lonely Planet, 5th Edition) - Jens Porup [250]
The weather in Los Llanos has a more definite pattern: there is one dry season, between December and March, while the rest of the year is wet. The Amazon doesn’t have a uniform climate but, in general, is quite wet year-round.
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COURSES
Spanish-language courses are run by universities and language schools in the larger cities. It is generally cheaper and better value to arrange a private one-on-one tutor. Popular backpacker hotels are the best places to ask about independent teachers. Enrolling in a university course is useful if you want to extend your stay beyond the six months a tourist visa permits you.
Dance classes are also popular, especially salsa. Most hostels and hotels can suggest a teacher; expect to pay around COP$20,000 per hour for private instruction. In Medellín you may also be able to study the tango.
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CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
Colombian customs are looking for large sums of cash (inbound) and drugs (outbound). If they have the slightest suspicion you are carrying either you can expect an exhaustive search of your belongings and your person. Customs are much stricter at the airport than at the land and sea crossings. Expect to be questioned in Spanish or English by a well-trained police officer. The latest method is x-raying your intestines: if you look in any way out of the ordinary, or fail to give a convincing response to the officer’s questions, they will x-ray your intestines to see if you are a drug mule.
In other respects customs regulations don’t differ much from those in other South American countries. You can bring in personal belongings and presents you intend to give to Colombian residents. The quantity, kind and value of these items shouldn’t arouse suspicion that they may have been imported for commercial purposes. You can bring in items for personal use such as cameras, camping equipment, sports accessories or a laptop computer without any problems.
Be sure to hang onto your receipts for any big-ticket items. Foreigners may request a refund of the 16% IVA (sales tax) on all goods purchased during their stay in Colombia. Get to the airport with plenty of time to submit your receipts to DIAN (Dirección de Impuestos y Aduanas Nacionales; the customs bureau).
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DANGERS & ANNOYANCES
Most travelers will find Colombia safer on average than all of the country’s immediate neighbors. Street crime can be a problem, especially in Bogotá. Use common sense and avoid travel to dodgy parts of town (and the countryside).
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GOVERNMENT TRAVEL ADVICE
Government websites with useful travel advisories:
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs ( 300 139 281; www.smarttraveller.gov.au)
British Foreign Office ( 0845 850 2829; www.fco.gov.uk)
Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs ( 800 267 6788; www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca)
US State Department ( 888 407 4747; http://travel.state.gov)
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Theft & Robbery
Theft is the most common travelers’ danger. In general, the problem is more serious in the largest cities. The more rural the area, the quieter and safer it is. The most common methods of theft are snatching your day pack, camera or watch, pickpocketing, or taking advantage of a moment’s inattention to pick up your gear and run away.
Distraction can often be part of the thieves’ strategy. Thieves tend to work in pairs or groups; one or more will distract you while an accomplice does the deed. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of possible ways to distract you, and new scams are dreamt up every day. Some thieves are even more innovative and will set up an opportune situation to separate you from your belongings. They may begin by making friends with you, or pretend to be the police and demand to check your possessions.
If you can, leave your money and valuables somewhere safe before walking the streets. In practice, it’s good to carry a decoy bundle of small