Concerns with late arrival | Venezuela - Lonely Planet Forum

ONLINE

Fri, 15 May 2009 23:12:36 +0000

Hi there,

We're arriving in Caracas late at night, and have some concerns about taxis, safety etc.
We've read through the threads re: changing money, things to avoid etc. However, we noted that one poster suggested that taking taxis from the airport late at night is unsafe.

This is obviously a little worrying... should we hang around in the airport for 5-6 hours until morning? We still haven't booked a place to stay (any suggestions would be appreciated... hostel/cheap hotel in Altamira is probably best). Assuming we've got a destination, it seems to me that taking a taxi is safer than zombieing around the airport for the whole night.

Does anyone else have input on this?
Thanks!
Colin

ONLINE

Sun, 17 May 2009 23:09:42 +0000

The problem is that the airport is a long way from Caracas. The safest option is to pay for one of the black tinted widowed range rovers you arrange it in a kiosk and pay a set fare. It is safer than taking one of the "taxis" usually beat up oldsmobile. The other option is to stay at hotel near the airport then head in to Caracas in the morning. Amazing city in many ways despite the dangers.

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ONLINE

Mon, 25 May 2009 18:49:39 +0000

Hi Colin,

Arriving late at night can be tricky. My recommendation would be to arrange airport pick up and transfer + a night at a hotel in a place such as Altamira, which is one of the safest places in town. This will save you the hassle of dealing with strangers in a strange place, facing dodgy characters looking to exchange money or carry your packs among many other things. Make sure you wear nothing that will draw attention. Items such as expensive watches, jewelery, sunglasses are better left at home. These recommendations will help you minimize risks.

Travel safe,

All the best,

Thomas
Caracas
berry_venezuela@hotmail.com

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