This a 2nd category of questions for my trip to Cali/Cartagena/Barranquilla.

1. I'm going to probably use an ATM (plus, pulse, interlink logos) for cash. Will I have any trouble finding a bank to use these? I normally use travellers checks but after hearing everyone bash them, probably not this time. I can get a cash advance on Mastercard, but theres a minimum $25 fee.

2. I really don't want to rent a cellphone, but does Colombia have phone service similar to Costa Rica, as in easy to use phone cards and readily available phones to use them?

3. Has anyone ever bought medical/evacuation travel insurance? I hurt the shit out of my knee white water rafting in Costa Rica and had a hard time doing doggy for the remaining week there and walking for about 3 months after I got home. Didn't need it, but I can see where it'd be necessary. What do you think?

4. Now, to really provoke ridicule.... Are there any relatively safe places to say in any 3 of these countries in the neighborhood of $15-20? I'm not sure if I will need air conditioning or not; didn't when in Costa Rica. Anything close to the casas?

Let me know what you think.

coyotelove

1. You should have no problem finding ATMs, I see the plus sign on most ATMs.

2. Pass

3. I always get full medical cover.

4. There should be safe places to live in your price bracket in all the Cities. I can't recommend any places except in CTg, which would be just out of your price bracket. I know the aircon is remote control, so I would guess that you could negotiate them down to $20 without aircon.

Hunter