U.S. Department of State
Consular Information Sheet
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1059.html
"SAFETY AND SECURITY: Violent crime in Venezuela is pervasive, both in the capital, Caracas, and in the interior. The country has one of the highest per-capita murder rates in the world. Armed robberies take place in broad daylight throughout the city, including areas generally presumed safe and frequented by tourists. A common technique is to choke the victim into unconsciousness and then rob them of all they are carrying. Well-armed criminal gangs operate with impunity, often setting up fake police checkpoints. Kidnapping is a particularly serious problem, with more than 1,000 reported during the past year alone. According to press reports at least 45 foreigners have been kidnapped in the first eight months of 2007. Investigation of all crime is haphazard and ineffective. In the case of high-profile killings, the authorities quickly round up suspects, but rarely produce evidence linking these individuals to the crime. Only a very small percentage of criminals are tried and convicted.
Maiquetía Airport, the international airport serving Caracas, is dangerous and corruption is rampant. Concerns include personal property theft, mugging, and “express kidnapping” in which individuals are taken to make purchases or to withdraw as much money as possible from ATMs, often at gunpoint. The Embassy has received multiple, credible reports that individuals with what appear to be official uniforms or other credentials are involved in facilitating or perpetrating these crimes. For this reason, American citizen travelers should be wary of all strangers, even those in official uniform or carrying official identification. There are also known drug trafficking groups working from the airport. Travelers should not accept packages from any persons and should keep their luggage with them at all times.
Because of the frequency of robberies at gunpoint, travelers are encouraged to arrive during daylight hours if at all possible. If not, travelers should use extra care both within and outside of the airport. The Embassy strongly advises that all arriving passengers make advance plans for transportation from the airport to their place of lodging. If possible, travelers should arrange to be picked up at the airport by someone who is known to them. The Embassy has received frequent reports recently of armed robberies in taxicabs going to and from the airport at Maiquetía. There is no foolproof method of knowing whether a taxi driver at the airport is reliable. The fact that a taxi driver presents a credential or drives an automobile with official taxi license plates marked “libre” is no longer an indication of reliability. Incidents of taxi drivers in Caracas overcharging, robbing, and injuring passengers are common. Travelers should take care to use radio-dispatched taxis or those from reputable hotels. Travelers should call a 24-hour radio-dispatched taxi service from a public phone lobby or ask hotel, restaurant, or airline representatives to contact a licensed cab company for them. "

Aserca Airlines, Dutch Antilles Express, Venezolana, Avior Airlines fly to and from Caracas.

George's Cycle Center
L. G. Smith Blvd. 136
297-582-5975

Nelson Motorcycle Rental
Gasparito 10A, Noord
297-586-6801

Melcor Cycle Rental
Bubali 106B
297-587-1787

Semver Cycle Rental
Noord 22
297-586-6851

http://www.harleydavidson-aruba.com/rentals.html Harley-Davidson® Rental Program

Aruba Bound! ~ Hoosier Kitties ~ Our-Cruises ~ Blogging to Aruba
Back to paradise Trip #18

Flew Jet Blue in August out of Kennedy. Nice legroom, close to being on time,movies for all,best price and we went Raleigh 2 NY 2 Aruba. Only bad was luggage in Aruba took some time to come to carousel but may have been just a freak thing?

see new thread. originally put here but it doesn't belong!

Randi