Hey everyone, I'll be traveling to Columbia this summer for my thesis on Garcia-Marquez. If anyone has any safety tips, or any tips in general, I'd really appreciate it.

More specifically, I'll need to keep in touch with many people in America, and international cell phone rates are way too high. What are my best options for a calling card?

Thanks,
Sheila

It's been awhile since I was there, but I do remember buying phone cards from the local telephone company and using those to make international calls from any phone. It seemed pretty reasonable.

I do have to point this out: I'm sure your major professor will want you to spell the name of the country correctly in your thesis.

I've always just used regular old company calling cards while in Latin America. After a lot of trial and error, I've settled on OneSuite cards because they're cheap and the fact that they're pre-paid makes them pretty reliable.

About Jeff's last comment: aren't there two ways of spelling the country's name? Columbia, Colombia?

Good luck on the thesis.

Colombia (no U).

Where will you be working, Sheila?

Hey guys,

I'm so embarrassed about the spelling problems. I'm a student at ColUmbia; I'm traveling to ColOmbia.

Where in Colombia? Aracataca, G.G.-M.'s birthplace, and as much of the northern region as possible. Of course I'll see Bogota as well.

And thanks, Jackson, for the advice about OneSuite. I think those cards will do fine.

all the best,

Sheila

I rode thru Colombia last year on my way south from Mexico to Tierra del Fuego. You might find something useful on my Blog at www.simongandolfi.com
I found everyone charming and hospitable. Lovely small colonial cities such as Giron and Popoyan
Eat shrimp ceviche at the kiosks on the Plaza Centenario opposit the main entrance to Historic Cartagena. Then walk thru the entrance and find Marquez' home.
Good luck and have fun...

And use Skype to telephone. Internet cafes everywhere...