BARANQUILLA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT
Written: Jul 16 '00 (Updated May 09 '05)
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Modern and Clean
Cons: High Security
The Bottom Line: WATCH OUT FOR THE SECURITY
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| JAMES23's Full Review: Colombia |
Barranquilla is the fourth largest city in Colombia and a major industrial city and important sea port. In addition due to the poor road system and other well known problems, Colombians as a rule prefer to travel around the country by air. Therefore Barranquilla has a modern well equipped international airport.
All the amenities one would expect, covered walkways, wheelchair access, taxi stands and snack bars are present. There is a selection of duty free counters for last minute purchases of coffee, liquers and/or other items. The selection is rather limited and the prices like all airports are somewhat inflated.
On entering the country, immigration is a long and somewhat tedious process. However the airport is air conditioned. There is a currency exchange just before immigration with rates slightly better than that offered at the hotels, but not the banks. There is also one at the departure level near the duty free and gift shops. After clearing immigration customs is a mere formality and one is rarely stopped.
Departing Colombia is a slightly more complicated and time consuming process, There is again the immigration checkpoint. Travellers should be aware that the departure tax is $15.00 U.S. payable in cash. Some airlines and tour groups include this in the cost of your ticket and it is so marked.
Security in Colombia is taken seriously due to both the guerilla war being fought in the south eastern region of the country and the well known reputation as a narcotics producing and exporting country. During my second trip there in June 1996, three French Canadians were arrested at Barranquilla Airport the month before for attempting to smuggle cocaine and at present are incarcerated in Colombia.
Expect to be searched several times. Both you personally and your belongings because of this. For example including X-Ray machines, physical searches of both luggage and "pat downs" and sniffer dogs count on a total of five to six searches between entering the airport and boarding the plane.
A representative from the hotel, or tour operator is usually present to smooth things over if you are part of a group. Be aware though the soldiers and police in charge of security take it very seriously.
Once out of the airport though, your hassles end, and you can enjoy a beautiful country with a wonderful people.
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Member: James Smith
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