NECESITO BASTANTE AYUDA

Hey. Ok...So Im going to be stopping at the El Dorado airport just as a layover on my way to Venezuela, even though its just a layover from the US to Venezuela...Do I still have to pay an exit tax? Im confused because its not as if Im leaving the airport to stay for awhile.
Another thing, I will be traveling by myself. And I definetely got the single gringa girl thing goin' on and Im a little nervous I would be a target for someone just because I am alone and a younger woman. I can be a bit deffensive because I have no one else to be there for me so I am nervous for an confrontation in case someone insists they go through my bags and demand a payment for something.
I hope to carry a small carry on with all my belongings and a weekender duffle to carry with me to avoid checking in bags at all costs. I have serious trust issues with the baggage situation, especially in a foreign country.
As if that weren't enough. Do I leave the gate at which I arrive if Im hopping on another international flight within 2 hours? I have family in Cali Colombia, but Ive never been. Im not going to see them unfortunately but to see a friend who will be waiting for me in Venezuela, and I am nervous for this particular layover, I really have no idea what to expect, just that I know if someone thinks Im easy and vulnerable I will make a scene for my own protection. Its not like Im being dropped off in the mountains, but again, I dont know what to expect.

By mercedesdecali on Jan 31, 2008, 08:49 in Travel tips.

Catfish35 says on Jan 31, 2008, 09:39:

Mercedes,
I am almost certain since you are not leaving a secured area of the airport and are not 'visiting' you are not required to pay an exit tax.
I was just in Colombia last month for about 15 days and had not been there since late 80's. So I had a lot to compare. Right now, Colombia and the new Prez are really doing big campaigns to promote tourism and trying to change the reputation of Colombia, they are also trying like hell to re-up the funds that the USA has been sending along with trying to get the Free Trade Deal going with the US. Why I am telling you all this is because, the last thing Colombia needs is a little innocent americana "single gringa" getting abducted or worse right now! Please rest assure, that in the airports you will be very very hard pressed to swing your arms and not hit someone in either a police or military uniform. I found all very friendly and helpful! I had no problems while visiting and and travelled outside the city and into the mountains many times. I think you will be fine in Colombia, now your final destination? Hmmm, never mind!

"I refuse to have a battle of intelligence with an unarmed person, therefore I will just speak as the simpleton you have come to love"

jorgegdiaz says on Jan 31, 2008, 09:42:

... don`t forget your fanny pack Mercedes...

Man with hole in pocket feel cocky all day.

beisbollover says on Jan 31, 2008, 10:03:

With all due respect, if you are that concerned about this lay over, why don't you pay whatever more it costs to fly directly from a US destination like Miami or Houston.

jonas says on Jan 31, 2008, 10:20:

rest assured, Bogota, city as well as it´s El Dorado airport are both 100 times safer as Caracas...

What I have, I do not want to lose, but Where I am I do not want to stay, but those I love, I do not want to leave, but those I know I no longer want to see, but Where I die, I do not want to go;I want to stay where I have never been

mercedesdecali says on Jan 31, 2008, 10:42:

Thank you..... good to know all of that. I am well aware that Caracas is a nightmare, though thank The Lord I am not flying into Caracas but Valencia. A bit more simpler. Thanks also for the "tax" info.

Gator says on Jan 31, 2008, 16:13:

As long as you remain "in transit"yu will not be charged the tax. The airport, especially the "in transit"area is very safe so no sweat there. The in terminal attendants will assist you in reaching the proper gate.

You should have NO problems.

"Brevior Sltare Cum Deformibus Mulieribus Est Vita!" .