Written on June 23, 2014 by CB Driver in Latin America, Locals 
It was barely 5 am when my plane landed in Bogotá and I was exhausted. Once I passed through Customs/Immigration, I had two things on my mind: getting a cup of coffee and buying a SIM for my phone. First I got the coffee; then I looked for a phone kiosk. I couldn’t find one, so I approached a police officer, a pleasant looking man in a ‘Policia Nacionál’ uniform, thinking he might know where I should go.
Who: ‘David,’ National Police Officer
The officer, David, accompanied me to a store that he said sold SIMs and was told that they only had credit and that later in the day they might have SIMs. I thanked him and said that I’d try to buy one on my way to my Couch-Surfing host’s apartment.
I sat, planning out some things I needed to do, and 5 minutes later, he came back.
What: An Extra SIM Card and Help With Installation
“I have an extra, unused SIM card,” he said in Spanish, reaching into his pocket and pulling out the a card sealed in plastic. He explained that he sometimes bought extras, depending on the current deals. “Maybe it will work in your phone.”
“Really? OK, sure, let’s try it out.” Was he offering it to me? I wasn’t quite sure, but I thought so.
He sat on the bench next to me and I opened the phone (iPhone 4S, by the way). He put the SIM in, but realized it needed to be cut. He went and cut it, then tried again. He was completely patient the entire time.
“So this might actually work in my phone?” I wasn’t sure.
“I think so,” he said.
It took a good 15 minutes and voilà–my phone had a SIM and a phone number. We walked over the first kiosk and I bought minutes. I then paid David for the SIM, a reasonable price, and thanked him. At least 5 times.
He then showed me where to catch a taxi and we said goodbye. I was beyond grateful. I thanked him once again, asked if I could take his photo (told him I might write a story) and he flashed that lovely smile. What a cool cop and a sweet guy!
And what a wonderful welcome to Colombia and Bogotá! David really made my day. He made my first hour so much easier and I truly appreciate what he did. I hope he reads this and if so, ‘¡Gracias, David!’
Reactions/Thoughts/Experiences?
Have you had any positive travel encounters like this one, where a stranger (official or otherwise) was really helpful? If so, where were you and what happened?
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