Be careful at airports in Colombia

ARMacleod says on Oct 5, 2005, 17:34:

Where are you from? Watch in any country you go to. As...oles arewhere you go.

My stated facts, although interesting at times, are generally irrevelant.

The brain is like a parachute, it only functions correctly when it is open. Pax vobiscum.

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Mr. Hollywood says on Oct 5, 2005, 17:46:

Porters This is probably a good reason to fork out the extra 6 to 10 mil and have a porter deal with your bags. I'm sure the scumbags who prey on airport patrons steer clear of the porters, who no doubt have their own ways of paying theives back.

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CaryGrant says on Oct 5, 2005, 19:25:

That really sucks Sorry to hear.

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Neonovo says on Oct 6, 2005, 10:47:

Porters are a traveler's best friend in El Dorado I snagged me a porter who walked me to the pay phones just outside the customs exit (left) and seemed happy with the 5k I tipped him. I only had 2 bags and a hand-bag, which I can nomrally handle, but I was also lugging a crutch due to a mending broken bone.

After making a ph call to get picked up, a young gentleman in a suit indicated the door I was headed to was locked. He had a badge clearly visible in front of his tie, and offered to walk me to the curb after IDing himself as Airport Security.

It was evening (going on 9pm) and he seemed very security concious, mentioning the "professional thieves" that hit bill. His talk and deamanor seemed legit, so I was glad to have him for company...standing at the curve that late was a little creepy.

When my ride arrived, I handed him a 5K bill for "tinto" I said, and we parted company.

Somehow I felt those 10k were very well spent that Sept 16 evening, which was the coldest evening I have encountered in Bogotá during my recent trips.

Paz
Neonovo

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lpdiver says on Oct 6, 2005, 10:53:

As mentioned above... You should be careful at any airport. I always have my taxi arranged in advance and waiting for me.

Tony

"cook some rice!"

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juanalejo says on Oct 7, 2005, 04:53:

Stupid Gringo If you are a gringo yes you have to be more careful than in any place, and if you are one of that specie, nobody will really help you. So my opinion is to stay at home and do not come to Colombia, it is a very dangerous place if you are a gringo.

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kernow62 says on Oct 7, 2005, 05:57:

Sorry Bill about the pilfering of a case. I hang onto mine like grim death. I might add that I have only ever had anything stolen at an airport twice. Both times I suspect it was airport employees and both times it was at LaGuardia, I avoid that airport now. I had heard the same thing happens at Miami, but so far I have been lucky at that airport.

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Sonny says on Oct 7, 2005, 09:08:

Bill1243 Sorry to hear about the loss. I have not had it happen to me in Colombia because when I leave customs all bags are attached, one on top of the other. To get one you would need to take all.
It did happen in Russia, however. One came a day late and the other never came at all. After returning to the USA I was notified that the bag was found in "LaGuardia" along with the person that took it. Passport photocopies taken and some personal items but he is in jail now. Every place needs caution in these days but mostly in the USA

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KOMACHI says on Oct 12, 2005, 11:06:

gib is true


(^-^)/ ...como quiero a mi chinita y a mi Colombia carajo!!!...

(^-^)/ ...como quiero a mi chinita y a mi Colombia carajo!!!...

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juanalejo says on Oct 14, 2005, 05:36:

G in L Sorry if you thought I was being negative, I was just trying to play on with GIB traditional doom and gloom bad news about Colombia. Off course I know how welcoming Colombians are.

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adrimm says on Oct 14, 2005, 13:38:

"I took my eyes off my luggage for 2 seconds" The solution: A Backpack or travelpack that stays attached to you at all times.

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toneloc24 says on Oct 14, 2005, 14:11:

Not trying to be funny (well, maybe a little), but don't they still have a couple of former pickpockets who now work with the police walking around, carrying huge signs stating something to the effect of always being aware of your bags or something?

Then the unsuspecting, inattentive travelers fall victim to these dudes who take bags in plain sight as everyone just watches and laughs?

Of course, they take the bags back to the police station in the terminal. I think it's a great exercise in security, as abandoned bags are immediately removed, and great entertainment for those who pay attention. Remember, as much as we may love the country, it is still Colombia.

I am positive that I have seen them at Punto Aereo, and I'm pretty sure I saw a few at El Dorado.

"Don't tase me, bro!!!!"

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CaryGrant says on Oct 15, 2005, 13:17:

juanalejo Sarcasm doesn't work well on forums. (I know - when I was a teenager, my mother forbade me from reading Mad Magazine, because she felt I was too sarcastic. Now, years, later, I realize she was right. :-) ) The problem is that, without tone-of-voice and non-verbal indicators, sarcasm can seem a serious comment.

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