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Post by gallito on Jan 11, 2016 21:46:05 GMT -5
Cost of Accommodation
Accommodations in Colombia range from cheap hostel dorm beds to 5-star luxury hotels.
In the middle, there’s a wide range of budget hotel options, and short term room and apartment rentals for those who prefer to stay base themselves in a particular location for a few weeks or months.
In the small pueblos, room rates are often higher on the weekends to take advantage of the Colombians visiting from the bigger cities.
Rates
Hostel dorm beds: 13,000 – 25,000 COP ($8 – $14)
Hostel private rooms (based on double occupancy): 20,000 – 80,000 COP ($11 – $44)
Budget hotel rooms: 20,000+ COP ($11+)
Most (if not all) hostels have broadband internet access, and Wi-Fi, which is common in Colombia. Wi-Fi quality can vary depending on the quality and quantity of routers, as well as their placement.
Overall, Colombia is well connected, and a good place from which to work if you’re a location independent professional.
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Post by gallito on Jan 11, 2016 22:01:29 GMT -5
Get a Hola Hostel Card – It’s free to sign up, and Hola Hostels in Colombia are of fantastic quality. They offer many “boutique hostels” for under $12 USD per night. Get your card online or at a participating hostel. www.holahostels.com/en/colombia/ www.hostelworld.com/ is another good hostel/Bnb search engine.
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Post by gallito on Jan 11, 2016 22:15:27 GMT -5
Looking for shared accommodations/roommates;apartments/rooms - short term,long term. www.compartoapto.com/ a networking accomdation's website specializing in shared accomodations.
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Post by gallito on Jan 11, 2016 23:02:54 GMT -5
In Colombia, you can't just find an apartment and sign a contract the same day (well, unless the apartment is for rent by owner which is almost always the better and easier option). When renting from a company "inmobiliaria" like Century 21 for example, you have to first apply to an insurance company and wait one day for them to approve you for the apartment.You may have an option for an apartment study > www.mapfre.com.co/ has a list of agents specializing in apartment rental insurance - www.mapfre.com.co/es/web/mapfre-personas/proteccion/hogarThey also have other policies ex.health/auto...
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Post by sphere on Apr 28, 2016 9:41:31 GMT -5
Bonjour I'm about to move to Colombia, and there is a BIG question i can't find accurate answers : monthly rental ! I am used to travel for long periods, so not as a tourist, and not with a big budget for accomodation. I have spend time in Thailand, and well i must say they do great for travellers : anywhere (and i mean anywhere, big or small cities), you can easilly find a room in a hotel or condo or resort, or a house, by the month, for 150-300$ all include. Within a few days, most of the time in one day. Deposit of 1 month is not even always required. No long term required, no paperwork, garantor and whatsoever, no problem in one word It looks like it's not possible in Colombia ? I've read about paying 6 months upfront or that sort of things... I'm kind of worried about that, since i can't put more than 400-500$ a month in accomodation, and since i just don't go in dormitory or room in a family, i'm travelling non stop for 5 years, i'm not 20, so... I'm really exited about going to Colombia, this was my very first trip, alone, i was amazed by the kindness of people, in the area of Santa Marta / Rodadero, where i plan to go. Well... what about the hotel, not the hostel, they look cheaper curiously... Is it option for the first weeks ? Safe ? Not too noisy ? And is it possible to rent a motorcycle ? By the month too. If yes, for how much ? I do not speak spanish, but i'm French it's very close. I'm ok in english, and have usually very good contacts with locals. So i really hope there are solution for accomodations. I plan to stay one year in Colombia, but don't want to engage myself in a long term rental, for example you never know if it's ok, quiet, etc. And i don't know yet in witch part of Colombia i will want to stay. So... is it possible to have a private room / appartment month by month ? Help would be much appreciate about this point
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Post by barrumundi on Apr 28, 2016 9:58:40 GMT -5
Welcome to the forum sphere. So you are planning to stay in Santa Marta / Rodadero? I am pretty sure we have some members who have some experience in that location. Maybe they can give you some tips for accommodation. About the moto for rent .......I would suggets you give that some serious thought.
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Post by sphere on Apr 28, 2016 11:09:14 GMT -5
Thanks Barrumundi, Yes well, i like the sea climate, medium size town / area, tourist/travellers friendly but not overcrowded... So i plan to see. And well the funny thing is that was my very first travel, some times ago But the possibility of finding accomodation, decent, private, safe (reasonably i mean), at a normal price (so not day by day with tourist prices) is the really big point for me. I'm travelling non stop for 5 years, a lot before too, and definitly to have a private space at a good price is the key N°1 for me. Since i'm not staying in shared dormitory or bad private rooms Really important so... In Colombia generally, but i guess it's more easy to find in touristic places ? For the driving, well hé-hé-hé ! Thailand is the second WORST country in the world for driving (and i can confirm, it's something really here...), i've never ever had a accident anywhere in the world, i'm good at driving. I have had big bikes, and my way is to always stay 200% focus, and not to consider having a accident a option, even with a good helmet, not your fault, a good insurance, etc. The permanent goal is to predict and avoid So yes, i'd like to rent a scooter (i'm really not a bike -with no motor- fan . And it change everything for autonomy, like for searching a place to rent, too...
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Post by sphere on Apr 28, 2016 11:22:36 GMT -5
Actually, it's either you find montly rates everywhere like in Thailand (hotel, condo, resort), or (like in TH too) by talking with people (private properties). So the question could be : is it possible via private connexion ? Colombian are friendly, so the point could be : can they trust you ? Are they used to do so (rental for mid-term period) ? Is there enough appartment or kind of cheap condo available in general ? By the way i'm looking for a basic furnished 1 bed (good) room, 25 square meter minimum, kitchen, wifi, and i guess AC. That's it. But private, quiet, and correct price, montly. It's a traveller way But travellers stay longer, and so spend some valuable money too...
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Post by barrumundi on Apr 28, 2016 11:38:52 GMT -5
I am not familiar with the area you intend to stay but speaking in general, from my experience, it is a good idea to take a hotel room for a few days or even a couple of weeks and then get out and about .......walk around the barrios ...... talk with locals and expats and other travellers (if you can find any) to see what is available.
Quite often you will find signs on houses or apartments 'Se Arriendo'. It is better (in my opinion) to deal directly with the owner whenever it is possible because it is less complicated without a middle man (agency) and you can maybe negotiate a better deal.
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Post by gallito on Apr 28, 2016 11:51:00 GMT -5
sphere,a big bienvenido,welcome aboard! I would look for shared accommodations in a house;rent a room make sure you can put a lock on it.Housekeeping room in residencia;these are hotels for a lack of better word.Students frequent them,rooms are rented on a monthly basis.The older ones usually have a couple of shared bathrooms on each floor;check the local university/college bulletin board.June tends to be student holiday time in Colombia;it may or may not work in your favor especially on the coast when holidays are busy. This could be temporary until you get your feet planted;start networking with locals and expats in your area,who knows you may want to move on to another location.
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Post by gallito on Apr 28, 2016 12:19:04 GMT -5
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Post by wildstubby on Apr 29, 2016 13:08:14 GMT -5
gallito, the 3rd listing is my girlfriend's place. She does breakfast and dinner. Mostly students that attend the university there. She has a pool there also. I don't know if 400 Mil CPD is a deal for strato 4 or not.
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Post by gallito on Apr 29, 2016 15:24:36 GMT -5
gallito , the 3rd listing is my girlfriend's place. She does breakfast and dinner. Mostly students that attend the university there. She has a pool there also. I don't know if 400 Mil CPD is a deal for strato 4 or not. 400k/month is less than $200;food is probaly extra...anyway you don't need her taking care of another gringo.
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Post by wildstubby on Apr 29, 2016 17:23:49 GMT -5
gallito said: Spot on there!!! At least not until I have visited!
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Post by sphere on May 1, 2016 8:25:12 GMT -5
Thanks guys, or mucho gracias amigos (i must start somewhere with spanish Looks interesting, although there is no mention of short/long term, garanties/deposit, or even dimensions (sq meters)... Wait... "alquiler por día, semana, mes." ok i understand that (so similar sometimes to french language)
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Post by scumbuster on May 18, 2016 11:35:51 GMT -5
I always check airbrb and if you plan 30 days many places have a monthly discount. Sometimes as much as 30% if you book the full month. There are other places but you have to be on the ground to find them. Lots of signs in windows with phone numbers.. But if your lacking in Spanish that wouldn't be much help. I am like a walking billboard for Airbrb since I started using it. Always got places at a great price and the photos seem pretty accurate to the condition of the apartments I have been in.
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Post by gallito on May 18, 2016 11:48:28 GMT -5
So far I have not used a single Airbnb;mostly I rely on contacts,locals who live in the cities I visit.I don't pay deposits and usually do some research before I visit;boots on the ground and bargaining skills are my allies.Spanish skills are a big asset.
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Post by gallito on May 23, 2016 13:35:02 GMT -5
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Post by Deleted on May 23, 2016 15:42:01 GMT -5
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Post by gallito on May 23, 2016 15:46:29 GMT -5
@steverusso ,Thanks for the correct link - edit done. Are there similar facebook short term rentals in other cities?
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Post by sphere on Jun 4, 2016 6:11:15 GMT -5
So far I have not used a single Airbnb;mostly I rely on contacts,locals who live in the cities I visit.I don't pay deposits and usually do some research before I visit;boots on the ground and bargaining skills are my allies.Spanish skills are a big asset. Thanks everybody. And for the links too. Same for me, in many travels, i usually find accomodation by talking with people. (And sometimes to be french and not speaking spanish may make them want to help you, although it would be much better to speak the language of course) I'm still wondering... It looks like it's really not in the habits in Colombia to rent a place without references, so for travellers looking for monthly rental it does not sound very good And if i did proper search (not sure here), there is hollydays between 15 june and 15 july, and Santa Marta is a hollyday place... Not to mention westerner tourists in summer, although the high season is more in winter. I planned to go around the 20 june. In Santa Marta (or let's say the carrabian coast)... Good idea to go at this date there ? Or later ? Or other place ? The accomodation, decent, quiet, furnished, definitely not in dorm or paying by day, less than 400$-500$ per month with no hassle, is really a major key for me. Well, for any long term traveller (not definitive expat with references, not short-term tourist with big money i guess. Any more advice much appreciated, about the general "deal", the area (Carrabian coast/Santa Marta), the time to go (end june or later ?)... And about the rental of a scooter, is it possible ? Monthly rate too only...
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Post by gallito on Jun 4, 2016 10:38:59 GMT -5
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Post by wildstubby on Jun 5, 2016 6:30:50 GMT -5
sphere said: When I went through airport security at Medellin, MDE, the guy says to me, "¿Eres italiano?" Maybe I'm learning the wrong language!!!!
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Post by billyb on Jun 8, 2016 21:59:17 GMT -5
So far I have not used a single Airbnb;mostly I rely on contacts,locals who live in the cities I visit.I don't pay deposits and usually do some research before I visit;boots on the ground and bargaining skills are my allies.Spanish skills are a big asset. Thanks everybody. And for the links too. Same for me, in many travels, i usually find accomodation by talking with people. (And sometimes to be french and not speaking spanish may make them want to help you, although it would be much better to speak the language of course) I'm still wondering... It looks like it's really not in the habits in Colombia to rent a place without references, so for travellers looking for monthly rental it does not sound very good And if i did proper search (not sure here), there is hollydays between 15 june and 15 july, and Santa Marta is a hollyday place... Not to mention westerner tourists in summer, although the high season is more in winter. I planned to go around the 20 june. In Santa Marta (or let's say the carrabian coast)... Good idea to go at this date there ? Or later ? Or other place ? The accomodation, decent, quiet, furnished, definitely not in dorm or paying by day, less than 400$-500$ per month with no hassle, is really a major key for me. Well, for any long term traveller (not definitive expat with references, not short-term tourist with big money i guess. Any more advice much appreciated, about the general "deal", the area (Carrabian coast/Santa Marta), the time to go (end june or later ?)... And about the rental of a scooter, is it possible ? Monthly rate too only... Santa Marta traffic is big city traffic, not tourist town traffic. I wouldn't want to rent a scooter there.
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Post by wildstubby on Jun 9, 2016 8:43:00 GMT -5
I was just there last week. It seem pretty dirty too. El Rodadero seemed to be ok but inner city Santa Marta looked like crap!
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Post by sphere on Jun 16, 2016 13:39:42 GMT -5
Actually i plan to go to Bucaramanga insteed of Santa Marta. Could be cheaper, not so touristic, and... well i've find out, doing some research in all direction about Colombia, that it was a world top spot for Paragliding. Not sure i can afford a lot, but sure i've always dream of flying Climate looks nice (i usually prefer the sea but well, you never know), medium city, and flying wow i'm excited about that So i should be there in a few days now. Any recommendation or contact for monthly rate, appartment and, i must insist a scooter or motorcycle, prety much appreciate.
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Post by scumbuster on Jun 16, 2016 15:57:42 GMT -5
Keep us updated and pictures would be great. I have yet to be in Bucaramanga and would like to hear what you think of it.
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Post by Deleted on Jun 17, 2016 17:12:55 GMT -5
I wouldnt say Santa Marta is a touristic city. Its an ugly city. You find 2 places next to Santa Marta which are touristic places:
- Rodadero - Taganga
All the tourists stay there, nearly nobody stays in SantaMarta itself.
Bucaramanga its ugly. Stay in Giron, a beautifull colonial village next to Bucaramanga.
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Post by livinginmedellin on Jun 18, 2016 8:08:18 GMT -5
I wouldnt say Santa Marta is a touristic city. Its an ugly city. You find 2 places next to Santa Marta which are touristic places: - Rodadero - Taganga All the tourists stay there, nearly nobody stays in SantaMarta itself. Bucaramanga its ugly. Stay in Giron, a beautifull colonial village next to Bucaramanga. Rodadero is actually part of Santa Marta. It's comuna #7 in Santa Marta - "Gaira - Rodadero". See: investigacioneshabitatycultura.blogspot.com.co/p/comunas-de-la-ciudad-de-santa-marta.html. So if you stay in Rodadero you are in Santa Marta. Taganga is a small nearby fishing village that is popular with backpackers. Taganga also has a reputation for being an inexpensive place to get your PADI certification. But the main strip of Taganga looks downright depressing and it has a dirty beach. The area is pretty unsafe after dark and it's an area known for drug selling. Pretty much the only ones that stay there now are backpackers looking for a cheaper place or folks looking for cheap diving certification. I would describe it as a backpacker ghetto. I wouldn't recommend Taganga - Rodadero is much nicer.
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Post by wildstubby on Jun 18, 2016 20:53:15 GMT -5
I stayed in El Rodadero when I was there. The resort was well located. I stayed at Tamaca Beach Resort. A mall right across the street and plenty of tourist knick-knack shops and restaurants not far away. I liked it very much. Da Vino was a good restaurant and not far away. Irotoma was down closer to the airport but away from everything. At least where I was you could go to center city Santa Marta, where the night life was brisk! Restaurants weren't too bad but the local will sing for you and then black mail you for a few pesos.
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