lessons in navigating bogota's airport for a gringa....

Mr. Hollywood says on May 26, 2004, 13:18:

Don't be scared There is nothing to be afraid of flying into the Bogota airport. It's totally self-explanatory and the people you'll encounter inside (which is fairly rigidly controlled) will be kind and helpful. Speaking English is fine, looking gringa is fine, they see lots of that every day. And I don't think it matters a bit whether you fly from Spain or the USA. The only thing to be concerned about is to be sure that you have someone you know and trust meeting you outside the arrival area.

Once you to this you'll laugh that you were so scared about it.

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utopiacowboy says on May 26, 2004, 13:37:

Excellent advice, Mr. Hollywood. I felt exactly like she did before my first trip to Colombia (to Bogota's El Dorado airport) and looking back on it, I feel ridiculous. I thought the FARC were going to get me as soon as I walked out of the airport - although it is a little chaotic outside and having someone out there to meet you is an excellent idea.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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yacosta says on May 26, 2004, 13:40:

No need to be scared!! There is no need to be scare of the airport in Bogotá, people are friendly and when you exit the airport just make sure to take the cabs that are registered to the airport, which are located right hand side of once you exit. I don’t recommend that you use one of the cabs soliciting people as you exit the terminal.

Yezid Acosta http://www.notofilia.com

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ShazCas says on May 26, 2004, 14:00:

Airport I also felt the same way the first time I went to Bogota. There's no need to worry at all, you'll be fine. When you exit the airport, do as said above regarding taxis, and don't set anything down on the ground to hug someone. My dad lost his camera that way! But there's no need to be terrified, you'll be fine. It's very small and un-scary. And the drive from the airport is beautiful. Bogota is a wonderful city with a great atmosphere. Enjoy!

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ShazCas says on May 26, 2004, 14:07:

Sorry Hi Teppar,

I've just read about your boyfriend and I suppose you mightn't enjoy it as much as you thought you were going to. Don't take any sh** and remember: there are plenty of other, good-looking, nice, Colombian guys! I recommend the Nacional University for talent, if you're in your twenties...

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teppar says on May 26, 2004, 14:42:

no worries.... thanks shazcas....i think i'll still have fun...like i said the relationship has been a complicated one so i've not dismissed it yet...besides i've managed to fall in love with his family as much as him so i'm looking forward to meeting them in person...and to finally see this incredible place i knew so little about...colombia!!

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Sam Salmon says on May 26, 2004, 15:00:

Be sure to hold onto your luggage claim tags-you'll need them to prove that they are in fact your bags-this is standard throughout Colombia.
Bolsa=bag or 'Maleta' sometimes
Security is as mentioned tight but not confusing.
It's big city but the Airport isn't overly large being that most people are too poor to fly.





' a la orden!'

' a la orden!'

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cobbook6104 says on May 27, 2004, 08:58:

eldorado airport just returned from Bogota, almost everything is in spanish as well as english. Many speak english in the airport, no problem. Learn spanish if you want to really enjoy Bogota. Choa, Florida Bob

florida bob

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Dan says on May 27, 2004, 10:39:

Airport Normally, I travel to Colombia for work reasons and get into Colombia by other means. This past monday, I went to the Main terminal at the airport to leave Bogota for the first time. I can tell you that the airport is really nice, just as the rest of the City/Country. As stated, many people in the Airport speak english so that will help you. It did for me as I don't know too much. Also, as a tip, remember to take some extra cash to the airport when you leave for the Exit Fee. When I left this past monday, it cost me $126,000 pesos. I'm not too sure but I believe that I heard it was $44 in USD. The people are kind and helpfull and you won't have any problems.
Enjoy your trip,
Daniel

God Bless America!

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Metatron says on May 28, 2004, 17:14:

Bogota Airport It is no worse than any other airport in South America.

Watch your luggage - there is much theft.

There are money changers at the arrivals section or ATM machines on the second floor of the terminal. A taxi to downtown will cost $20000 (($USD8) or so.

Even if someone is meeting you, I reccomend getting the address of where you are staying just in case they don't show up. Write it out in Spanish and show it to the taxi driver if your Spanish is not good.

Get a registered taxi from the AP booth.

Have fun and don't worry - the city is safe.

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Mr. Hollywood says on May 28, 2004, 19:50:

I'm curious How does luggage theft work for incoming passengers at El Dorado? It always seemed to me like there was nobody allowed inside the terminal except for other passengers and registered employees? Or do you mean once outside?

I've heard of plenty of theft at Puente Aero (The domestic terminal), which has very little control over who goes in and out, but I think it would be really hard to rip people off at El Dorado.

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Metatron says on May 28, 2004, 20:37:

Airport Theft
My company has had 10 or so people fly in and out of Bogata infrequently over the last 6 years or so. Three have had luggage stolen at the international terminal. Normally happens while standing in line or waiting at the counter when leaving Columbia.

Just a precaution - never let your luggage out of your sight.

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teppar says on May 29, 2004, 04:00:

thanks everyone....you've made me feel much better. watching out for your luggage and knowing where you are going or having someone pick you up when you arrive is not different from travelling most anywhere in the world. i'll probably be a bit more vigilant than usual, but it doesn't sound as if i need to be quite as paranoid as my boyfriend made me feel. i don't know if he was just teasing me or what, but i think i'll just let it go and enjoy myself. this trip is all about taking a chance in life, seeing a place i want to see very much, and sorting out my relationship. in all matters i will go with an open mind, an open heart, and a relaxed attitude.

cheers!

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Desideria (Moderator) says on May 29, 2004, 04:44:

teppar have safe trip and keep us posted how everything's worked out. They have internet cafes all over the town in case you don't have your laptop with you or your boyfriend doesn't have one at home. Have a great time (I'm sure you will) and enjoy yourself!
cheers,
Dd

"I have opinions of my own, strong opinions, but I don't always agree with them."-President George W. Bush

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Gator says on May 29, 2004, 06:48:

How Does it Happen? Very quickly! Seriously, usually when you are outside either trying to grab a taxi or mini-bus. At times when all that hugging and kissing that goes on doing a "normal� Colombian greeting. Too see just how fast this can take place stand by someone then start walking away quickly while counting to ten. Stop, look back and see just how far you have gone-then put yourself in a crowed location.

One trick I have learned through the years is to use those plastic ties used to tie wire together. Come in all lengths and are inexpensive. I just run then through my bag handles or buckles and either hook them all together or around the chair/bench. A small nail clipper with cut them free instantly. I also use these in place of the cheep lock on luggage. You can instantly look and see if the bag has been tampered with. Went to this about 10-year ago and never lost another thing. Of course, with USA luggage security, it very hard to do unless it is a slow period and you can talk the checkers into letting you re-attach the ties after the bags are checked.

Best defense is to never, never, for any reason, leave your bags unattended and always be aware of the people around you. Often they will work in teams-one distracts while one picks up the bag and walks calmly away. The other way is to have a Colombian wife. Mine, when in public traveling or not, assumes the posture of a lioness guarding its cubs. This has saved this gringo veijo on more than one occasion.

One other tip: I carry a small, metal petty-cash-type box with a lock with me. I bored two holes in the bottom and, if need be, I will screw the box to the floor of the closet and throw dirty underwear over it. Beats the old "I will hide it under the TV and it will be safe" trick that no maid or ladron would know.

A la orden,

Gator

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .

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acerva says on Jun 8, 2004, 19:58:

Airport Traveling to Colombia

About two weeks I ago I visited Colombia for the second time this year. Nothing to worry and the Airport is pretty safe like any other airport in the world. You only need your American Passport. Make sure you have an address or hotel where you be staying at. Immigration personal will ask you who or where you plan to stay. When leaving the immigration location you will head to pick up your bag. In that (same area) you will be greeted by customs or the military to check your bags. The first time I traveled to Bogotá my bags were never checked, the second time I was.

There is only one way to exit the international arrivals.. You will be going out side of the airport. I was waiting for my girlfriend to show up and was running late. A man did come up and said can I take your bag upstairs and I said no. He insisted and I said no. Just be careful because some do claim they work for the airport and they don’t. I was told by my girlfriend. A good meeting spot is on the second floor. On second floor you will find a Coffee Shop and the restaurant.

When departing from the airport make sure you take about $30.00 to pay your exit tax. I was charged 29.00.

Enjoy your trip.. The city of Bogotá is safe.

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tommytoyz says on Sep 20, 2004, 18:10:

Connecting through Bogota airport??? On the return leg of my trip, I'm planning on flying from Medellin via Bogota to LAX. Does anyone know if it's a straight forward process, connecting from a Domestic Avianca flight Medellin-Bogota, to an international Mexicana flight. I would love to just check my bags all the way through from Medellin to LAX on Avianca and Mexicana. Or do I have to check in again in Bogota with my bags? Any info much appreciated.

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Dolfi says on Sep 21, 2004, 04:55:

Whta the hell is LAX?

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Swabianguy says on Sep 21, 2004, 05:56:

Washing airplanes? I will arrive in 4 weeks at El Dorado. This thread helped me a lot to get an impression of what is going on there. I have a female friend from Colombia here in Germany. She said that El Dorado is not that different than the airport at Frankfurt, Germany. Might be true to a degree.

My Colombian woman from Bogota told me, in order that I'm not afraid, that in the radio and the news they say it is not necessary that the whole family goes to the airport. But nevertheless everybody goes there... the family, the dog, the babies, the grandmothers, uncles, aunt. And she said, that the people there like to wash the airplanes... the poor people who can't make a trip say... let’s go to the airport to see the airplanes. Funny story... I'm curious.

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Dan says on Sep 21, 2004, 09:16:

LAX is the airport code for Los Angeles, California

God Bless America!

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juanalejo says on Sep 21, 2004, 13:59:

Arrivals Hall For those arriving into Bogota for the first time, there is a small arrivals area after customs where you can sit or stand and wait until you see somebody you know outside the windows. I always tell this to people who arrive, it avoids them walking outside into the crowd if by any chance I have not arrived yet.

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ress81 says on Jul 29, 2005, 19:42:

Bogota to Manizales I am going to be flying into Bogota and then catching a plane to Manizales. Any tips? I'm like the person above... I speak almost no Spanish and I have never been to Colombia before... very nervous. Any tips you can send me would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your time and have a wonderful day

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juanalejo says on Jul 29, 2005, 20:47:

If you are connecting with Avianca, just clear customs turn right go the Avianca counter inside customs they will re-check your bags give you a boarding card and then you take an Avianca bus (airside) to the domestic(puente aereo) terminal where your connecting plane will be. Very straight forward.

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Sylvie says on Jul 29, 2005, 23:18:

No offence but this said bogota native that made you scared of the airport ain't the sharpest tool in shed. It's an airport for crying outloud. that is the one place in BOgota that is filled with gringos and gringas. It's expected of an airport no? If there weren't foreigners in the airport then they wouldn't be doing to well economically.

When I was at the Bogota airport I found that almost all of the employees spoke english (which I'm starting to think is a qualification towork there). People at all airports like atendants and info booth people are also trained to be friendly to make the tired and cranky travelers happy. They also have tigh security. If you're being annoyed all you have to do is scream for help and you'll have a bunch of security at your service. (it's like that for any airport)

Laslty, the Bogota airport is a bit old and you can kind of tell. It also isn't comparable to Chicago and Detroit or any other big North American airports. Wear comfortable shoes becuase you may have to do a lot of walking and there aren't any moving carpets.

I made the mistake of wearing heels and had to wink and smile at one of the little cart drivers in order to have him offer me a ride on his cart :-D

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Sylvie says on Jul 29, 2005, 23:21:

ANother piece of advice. Latinos are very happy and friendly people. If you smile at them and say hello they will help you. It's not like Canda or the US where they'll pretend like they didn't see you or just tell you to bug off.

A friendly smile gets you a long way in South America, trust me on that.

If you want to see a scary airport site come to the Montreal Pierre-Elliott-Trudeau International Airport when I go through US customs. They have it out against me and boy do they feel the wrath of Sylvie. I've been detained 3 times in the past year because they're assholes...stupid assholes. They even have my picture on file because I threatened to smack one of them if he touched my arm after I told him not to. The only thing I'm guilty of is having a last name ending in a vowel. God I hate US customs and I wish they would stay out of my country.

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lpdiver says on Jul 30, 2005, 04:57:

teppar When I travel it is my experience that you have to actually speak very little. I was stranded in Panama enroute to Medellin and managed.

The airport is very similar to any international airport. Have your objective in mind, know where you are going and ask official people for help. I assume you are meeting someone there. You only have to connect with them.

I have noticed that in Colombia they dress much nicer to fly than on a typical U.S. flight and I now follow suit. International airports worldwide are magnets for thieves; jus have your radar on and pay attention.

The only mishap I had in the airport was when I went to the bathroom. The mens room was had four attractive women attendants sitting on buckets taking a break. I literally made a screeching halt as I though I was in the wrong bathroom.

Additionally, the airport in Bogota is relatively small.

Relax and enjoy; but, don't let your guard down. I assume whoever you are meeting can help you select a taxi. My Colombian wife sent one packing when he tried to gouge us. I personally don't get too excited about getting "screwed" out of a few dollars. This is an attitude that has served me well in travels all over the carribean and south america. So I "lose" a little pocket change. Don't seat the small stuff.

Enjoy your trip,

Tony

"cook some rice!"

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stiz says on Aug 15, 2005, 08:18:

One Night Layover in Bogota What do I do? Where do I stay?
Arriving via the U.S. around 8pm...
Then I have a morning flight on Avianca...
Only about 12 hours.

Any ideas, suggestions?
Get a hotel?
Sleep in the airport?

Thanks very much.


-s

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jbk0904 says on Aug 15, 2005, 10:32:

Need to know exactly what you need. Just tell me exactly what you need to know in Miami to stay in one night and go to Bogota next day?

PM me..

James

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LDW says on Aug 17, 2005, 10:37:

stiz The safest thing to do would be to stay at the Sheraton, which is quite close to the Bogota Airport and also has a frequent shuttle service between the hotel and the Airport. I suggest you be prepared to spend a few dollars on that to make youself comfortable (you can eat, shower, do laundry, etc.) and safe.

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aztec says on Aug 31, 2005, 05:16:

Hotel inside the MIA terminal http://www.miahotel.com/main.htm

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emiami says on Sep 6, 2005, 13:55:

Just ask questions Just got back from Bogota yesterday evening. Second trip. Use street smarts as you would in any major US City
1. Ask questions of the airline personnel you are flying on if you are lost. Most speak english
2. Keep your baggage with you at all times.
3. When leaving Bogota allow enough time for the following: pay airport tax (price is dependent upon your length of stay), security/passport check, baggage search, seat assigment, immigration, another baggage check and final ticket/passport check at the gate. Allow a minimum of 2 1/2 to 3 hours prior to flight.
4. Exiting airport take cab only from person next to cab with cab that has numbers of the cab. Make sure you have address written down where you are going if you do not speak spanish. Each cab has rate card for different zones (no tip needed). Better if you have somone to greet you at airport.

This is advice from a person who has visited Bogota twice, does not in any form speak spanish nor look spanish.

No need to worry, just ask. Plenty of airline attendants to help you through the process.

emiami

emiami

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dowdy says on Mar 25, 2006, 14:50:

overnight at bogota airport I have an overnight layover at bogota airport. Evening flight in from Atlanta , morning flight out to Quito. Any advice where to sit/kip? Is it possible at the airport? Armchairs? Sofas? Is the airport open overnight? Otherwise is there a handy (and cheap) hotel? If so would I be allowed to leave the airport - since I'm only technically just transferring flights? Thanks for any help.

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colombian18 says on May 13, 2006, 06:10:

Dont Stress The security at the airport is pretty tight.

One mans terrorist is another mans freedom fighter

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morph10 says on Jun 30, 2006, 12:32:

Bus to Domestic terminal where!!! I will be going to Medellin via Bogota soon,i have been to Bogota airport before,as i know the layout alittle of the airport.Could someone tell me where to find the Bus to the Domestic terminal?

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