Contact
If you are planning a bicycle adventure in Latin America, please feel free to contact me with questions.
Also, if you are currently on a bicycle adventure in Latin America and would like to chat about ideas or even meet up for a ride, I’d love to hear from you.
Publishers of books and magazines with legitimate need of my expertise may also contact me with genuine offers.
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Thank you!
Hi Gareth,
I’m heading off to Bogota next week to start my first bike tour in Latin America and I just wanted to thank you for compiling all this useful information; it’s been extremely helpful.
I’m considering going to Venezuela and then on to Brazil via the coast mas o menos. Can you tell me how likely it is for me to find US Dollars or something stable and readily accepted there? I will bring a few hundred USD with me but I don’t want to carry too much more than that as it’s pretty obvious and I’d rather not fight thieves if I can avoid it.
Should I just suck it up and bring several hundred for the Venezuelan leg of the trip?
Really enjoyed your article on the machete, was shocked anyone was dumb enough to try and rob you, you don’t look like a soft target!
Oh yeah, so do you have an option somewhere to donate money on your site? I downloaded your e-dictionary and after that and all the other useful info you’ve provided I’d like to give you something for it. 🙂
Safe travels!
Martin
Thanks, Martin!
I’m not too sure what the current situation is in Venezuela regarding US dollars. I remember having a little trouble trying to access my money at the banks and ATMs in Maracaibo (after trying about seven places I finally had success).
Yes, it’s it’s definitely uncomfortable having to tour with stashed cash. Sometimes, it’s unavoidable. I guess that’s part of the adventure; the uncertainty and the risk. Obviously, separating cash into different stashes, hidden around you bike and gear (and person, in certain situations) is a good idea. Also, avoiding obvious dodgy places, and touring late at night is a good idea. I always sort of “test the water” as I go, so to speak. I’m learning and paying attention and getting a sense of where I am.
All that said, I didn’t have any trouble in Venezuela. A guy did try to mug me in Cartagena, but I scared him away quite easily.
As for the donation offer, thanks, but no worries, amigo. Pay it forward. I’m happy to keep this site up for anyone who finds it useful. It’s my way of paying tribute to my “tribe” of touring adventure cyclists!
Best of luck on your tour!