After living here for over a year now, here's my tips:
- Dont walk around after dark with anything of value (laptop, cellphone), or expect not to have it for very long
- I've never had any problems dirnking water/ice cubes in bars or certian areas and I've been in soem pretty sleazy places. I don't know if it's actually a concern here....
- Keep your ego at bay. Here, if you get in a bar fight, there are good chances someone will just shoot you. They won't flash the gun in your face and try to scare you, they'll just stab/shoot you. I've been standing beside people in bars/clubs who've gotten shot full in the face or stabbed, so it's not a joke
- Don't flash your money to chicks....they will fuck you and steal your cash (happened to more than a few americans I know of)
- Speaking spanish is a major advantage
- To avoid being ripped off by taxis, agree on the place/price before you get in, or tell them to 'ponga la maria' (use the meter).
- Bring lots of condoms, they arent always easy to find
Anything else, hit me up on ICQ 38373031! If you wanna party let me know too...