Greetings all from Santa Marta!

Hola amigo´s. Yes I am back in wonderful Colombia. Much better this time because I know several people in Barranquilla and Santa Marta. My trip is winding down. I head back to Barranquilla tomorrow for my flight back to Miami on Monday. I have found some excellent opportunities for purchasing property and have made more new friends. But I have two questions? First, Is there a way around the excessive departure tax at the airport? Forty U.S. dollars seems a bit steep. Second, An amigo here in Santa Marta wants to give me some emeralds as a gift in return for contacting his mother in the states. Nothing extravigant. About one hundred dollars worth. Is that legal? Will they tax me for them on departure even though they cost me nothing. I believe that info was in my Lonely Planet Guide Colombia. Unfortunately a Brit I met here did not have one. so I gave him mine. But he did give my a paperback copy of Banco, The further adventures of Papillion. Which is excellent I might ad. I will check back in tomorrow to see if my questions can be answered. I hope all are doing well. Viva Colombia!

By b bruce on Aug 27, 2005, 17:16 in Friendly Talkzone.

Gator says on Aug 27, 2005, 18:52:

The Emeralds Will be No Problem... if you got the tax exemption, which is automatic on entry, it should be around 28/30 USD. Sounds like you are also getting hit for the airport tax which is different than the departure tax.

Nope, no way around it-pay in pesos, USD or credit card.

You are right about the prices.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

MacGringo says on Aug 28, 2005, 09:48:

Funny that you mentioned Banco. I read this and Papillon a few years ago and was recently thinking of buying a copy of Banco so I can read it again. Both excellent books!!

Miguel says on Aug 28, 2005, 18:38:

Exit tax Non-negotiable, and it varies airport to airport; pay it in pesos.