Safety and Security - Local Travel - Travelling to and from Maiquetia Airport (Caracas) You should avoid travelling on the road between Caracas and Maiquetia airport during the hours of darkness, particularly between 18:00 and 06:00. There are fewer cars on the road during this time and the risk of crime is much higher. We advise that you stay in one of the hotels close to the airport if your flight is arriving late at night, or leaving early in the morning. Journey times between the city and the airport can be long and unpredictable and you are advised to allow plenty of time for your journey. There has been a reported increase in armed robberies taking place on buses travelling to Maiquetia Airport, and along Avenida de La Libertador (in Caracas). The robberies have been taking place when the busses are full, or almost full. If you need to rely on public transport, travellers should consider paying the extra cost and travelling by licensed taxi. Since October 2008, the National Guard have increased random drug and security checks at Maiquetia Airport. Passengers are being asked by genuine officials to open their luggage for inspection or to accompany an officer to a local hospital for an x-ray. This is a routine security procedure but it has led to some passengers missing their flights. If you are travelling on an international flight you are advised to arrive at the airport at least three hours prior to departure in order to allow time for security procedures. There have been cases of passengers being robbed at gunpoint by bogus taxi-drivers at the airport and being 'express kidnapped' (see the Crime section of this Travel Advice). You are advised not to board a taxi if there are other passengers already inside the car. Do not accept offers of transport in the arrivals hall. If you have no alternative but to take a taxi, ensure it is one of those parked at the official taxi rank outside the arrivals hall. If possible, you should arrange to be met by friends, business contacts, or tour operators. Only licensed taxis bearing a clearly identifiable number should be used. The airport itself can be a dangerous place. Be on your guard for bogus officials luring you into a quiet corner on the pretence of carrying out extra security checks. If approached by an officer purporting to be an airport official, even if they are in uniform and/or present credentials, you should try to ensure that you remain in a busy area of the airport and, if possible, check with other airport or airline staff that the official is genuine. There have been reports of a number of passengers being attacked or robbed when returning to their cars at the airport car park. You are advised to remain vigilant at all times. If you are coming to Venezuela to work, we advise that you bring with you a letter from your employer and your local contact organisation details (including a Spanish translation), as there have been occasions when passengers have been hassled for bribes. You are advised to exchange currency at official currency exchange booths only. Safety and Security - Local Travel - Travelling within Venezuela When taking a taxi in Caracas, or other towns or cities, it is advisable to use only pre-booked taxis rather than hailing them in the street. Official taxis have yellow number plates. Hotels will normally book a taxi from a reputable company or supply their own limousine service. We advise against hitchhiking throughout Venezuela. Sounds safe as ****.
You've been to Venezuela as well then I'm guessing Dev? Whats the travel advice for Cuba? Jamaica? Israel? Mexico?
Not true, apparently the Irish have a serious problem with junkies so much so they go around shooting them claiming its justice.
