Show of Hands

BTW, you can ignore most of the postings below. You don't need a knife, you don't need to get nervous in immigration, you don't need to be afraid. Unless you are going to the jungle where the FARC is you won't have a problem.

Ibague, 7 weeks. I'm ignoring quite a few, but still listening to mainly airline tips to help me through all that process. I'll be fine in the culture, and wouldn't bring a knife even if I knew I'd be attacked just as a matter of personal beliefs.

And thanks!

Get to the airport at least 2 hrs before the flight, don't forget your passport, relax and enjoy the flight.

BTW, if you buy a jersey from the "Selección Colombiana de Fútbol" you would be immediately be part of the culture.
Really, try to get into the World Cup hype. It is really something...

Thanks

Thanks!

Okay thanks for the tip!

Know exactly how your trip is being paid for why and who funded it. It is almost always asked.

If you are female traveling alone this tends to look suspicious to other countries.

I'll keep that in mind, and appreciate the advice!

Got a UV purifier. Don't wanna offend my host family, but don't wanna get dick either. Thanks for reminding me about it, though!

For the plane ride, drink lots of water and wear comfortable shoes that you can slip off and on easily.
Take a photocopy of your passport with you as well, and carry them separately. Also, write the addy of the nearest consulate somewhere on the copy

I do speak fluently, so thanks for letting me know. Also, thanks for the consulate info, hadn't thought bout that!

Don't fall asleep until you're at cruising altitude, and wake up before you descend for a landing. Waiting 'til you land to adjust your ear pressure is quite painful. Best to adjust on the way up and the way down.

^this!!!!!

Okay thanks, I appreciate it! The while customs thing is fairly anxiety provoking, so this helps!

World cup starts in a few days. Colombia has a very good team. The people is very excited.

I believe their best player, falcao(?) is ruled out due to an acl tear.

Got it, will do! Thanks!

I chew gum, which forces me to swallow. Even so, my ears are always a but congested for a while, after the plane lands.

I bring this up because of an 8 hour trip to London where the lady next to me had a breakdown at the slightest turbulence.

Douchey.

@Pompous, yes indeed you are a douche, idiot, ignoramus, and mancunt. Man up....oh wait, you can't because you are a total buttfucker who feels your opinion is better than another's, and therefore must resort to petty, girly name calling

Check. Mate. Bitch boy (or mor likely girl)

WOW. That's like telling everyone not to fly out of their country. Everyone's going to want advice when traveling to a new country. Rude.

I prefer to learn from other peoples experience when I can jay. It requires a lot more humility to ask for help when I know I lack knowledge in an area than to "man up and figure it out." Maybe you'll realize that you don't have all the answers, too.

The neckband passport holder is invaluable.

Okay thank you, I appreciate it!

your luggage so you cam spot it at a distance and in a pile.

Put some kind of colorful yarn or the like on the handle. We use an old colorful sock. Can't miss our luggage!

Ahhh, okay thanks!

Learn at least a little Spanish & grab a pocket dictionary to take with you.

And gum to hew during take off & landing to keep your ears from popping.

Oh & take a pen in your carry on, for the customs forms

Know the name of the hotel where you will be staying (at least the first one) it will ask on the customs form.

Turn off data roaming on your phone, it's like $20/MB international.

AT&T has 50 texts for $10, but you have to sign up before you use it.

Check with your phone provider about international calling & texting plans

Electrical adapters!!

I travel international a lot, so I'm basically running through my mental check list. Good luck & have fun!!

Exchange money here at your home bank. DO NOT exchange money at an airport, they have the worst rates

THANKS! :D

Know the PIN number for your credit card. Some international kiosks require it for purchase (like train tickets) stores can usually bypass it with an ID.

Speaking of credit cards, call your credit card company and tell them you will be out of the country. Otherwise, their computer may flag your purchases abroad, as an "unusual pattern" and potential fraud ... and you will be rejected!

Okay thank you both very much! All of that is helpful!

Okay cool, thank you!

bcdtravel.intelliguide.com/report/generate.aspx?TO=111883&FROMDATE=6%2f2%2f2014&TODATE=6%2f12%2f2014&AIRPORT=347221&TID=808961&SID=803433
looks like a lot of info from a report on what to expect. I didn't read this, but I know he did. GL!

US Customs doesn't allow knives in or out of the country.

Even in baggage that is checked in?

I don't know about that.

Definitely the knife. Some terrorist hijacker asshat tries to take down the plane and-Hahahahaha-I got a knife bitches!

You should be able to pack a pocket knife or utility knife in your checked bag, I took one with me to Peru.

recent changes in regulations now allow pocket knives. more than a couple of ounces of shampoo, no, but a pocket knife is fine. makes sense, right?

pack the pocketknife in your luggage. I got stopped last week and had to check it.
Watch the locals closely. Get a haircut while you are there. If you can manage that, you can do almost anything.
Have fun.