Aeropuerto Internacional Simón Bolívar, or Maiquetía as the locals call it, may not be much to look at, but it may save you big bucks on your connection to South America.
The airport in Caracas, Venezuela, also known as Aeropuerto Internacional Simón Bolívar (Maiquetía), is a good place to get to know if ou are looking for a cheap way into South America.
In my opinion, it is possibly the worst airport in the entire world, but the cheap transfers are reason enough to make the hassle. Aeropostal, Venezuela's leading carrier, has often the cheapest flights to Miami (especially), Havana, and a few select spots in Europe such as Madrid. Most of their South America destinations are regional, but there are several flights to destinations in Colombia and one to Lima, Peru.
American Airlines, Delta, Air France, Air Canada, LAN, Iberia, and Lufthansa also make daily flights to the airport.
Airport tax is more or less ridiculous. It is about $55 to leave the center the international wing of the airport. If you are just flying in and out you can skip the tax. Just don't leave the international wing of the airport.
The International wing is absolutely unexciting, although it has just went through a major renovation. There is very little to get you excited about Venezuela if the airport is all you see. There's an American grill, a sushi bar, a Burger King, and small food court. No Venezuelan food. The shops on hand are much overpriced and not that great anyway. There isn't even a decent newsstand.
The national wing is slightly better and has a few good restaurants...even a T.G.I. Friday's.
There are a variety of scams going on at the airport, much to the blind eye of the heavy security that is employed there.
1.) Money exchange - There are official money changers in the airport as are ATMs. The guys that push your luggage and a number of other men try to take you to a special money changer, which is actually their own black market pocket. Most places in the airport will accept US dollars. So, ask someone official if someone says otherwise, for instance while waiting in line to pay the airport tax.
2.) Taxi drivers - Go with the prepaid companies at the airport. Other drivers are unofficial,
3.) Hotel touts - They come and approach you throughout the airport. They get commission on the place they take you and recommend only those places. Plus they want an outrageous finder's fee and taxi fee.
Just be smart and you will be fine.
Staying nearby is hit or miss. Just be sure to stay with a name you know with many facilities, some of the neighborhoods surrounding the airport are very dangerous. Staying in downtown Caracas or the beach resort of Macuto is another, much safer option. An onsite hotel is expected to open in 2007.
