Dangers and annoyances at LIM / Lima Jorge Chavez Int'l. Airport
Jul 20, 2015, 7:09 pm
#1
Moderator: American AAdvantage
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2000
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Dangers and annoyances at LIM / Lima Jorge Chavez Int'l. Airport
Th ad hoc "taxi" shills and drivers, of course, but as we were walking to international check in, a guy with a soft bag pretended to be walking distractedly walked into me trying to pick my pocket. I saw that coming and blocked his hand as he went for my pocket - but be aware this is going on.
Jul 26, 2015, 5:21 pm
#2
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: BDL,CLT,LIM
Programs: AA,BA
Posts: 345
This is a whole new level. First off, how did he get in given that everyone gets checked for Ticket Printout and Passport prior to entering the check-in area. Unless it was right outside, at the drop-off area. Regardless, bad. Second, presumably, he may not be alone, and if he is "successful" many others may come in. Thank you for the heads up and hope you reported it. As Peruvian myself, I apologize for you had to encounter this in either your visit or business trip.
Aug 4, 2015, 1:48 am
#3
Join Date: Oct 2013
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Posts: 274
In any case, thanks a lot OP for the heads up, and sorry you had to experience that... I always considered the airport to be quite safe, and I always considered the fact that there is some form of control to the check-in area as an annoyance... It seems I was wrong
Aug 5, 2015, 6:49 pm
#4
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: BDL,CLT,LIM
Programs: AA,BA
Posts: 345
El Comercio had an Editorial piece this morning on security at LIM. On a related note, for anyone arriving at LIM and in need of a taxi, El Comercio published a semi-helpful guide to which company to choose.
As it turns out, a few days ago a fellow Peruvian arrived at night and took a taxi from the second lane (Taxi Green) to his home. The driver, however, was an accomplice to a gang; throughout the ride he repeatedly asked for the passenger's address, as if he had a microphone for someone to listen at the other end. At the passenger's address, another car closed them out, 2 or 3 got out of this second car only to steal the passenger's belongings at gun point. So, yes, CMV and Mitsou are the more expensive options, but they are reputable and the safer option (including bullet proof cars).
As it turns out, a few days ago a fellow Peruvian arrived at night and took a taxi from the second lane (Taxi Green) to his home. The driver, however, was an accomplice to a gang; throughout the ride he repeatedly asked for the passenger's address, as if he had a microphone for someone to listen at the other end. At the passenger's address, another car closed them out, 2 or 3 got out of this second car only to steal the passenger's belongings at gun point. So, yes, CMV and Mitsou are the more expensive options, but they are reputable and the safer option (including bullet proof cars).
Aug 18, 2015, 4:08 pm
#5
Moderator: Travel Buzz
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Sunny San Diego
Posts: 3,099
As it turns out, a few days ago a fellow Peruvian arrived at night and took a taxi from the second lane (Taxi Green) to his home. The driver, however, was an accomplice to a gang; throughout the ride he repeatedly asked for the passenger's address, as if he had a microphone for someone to listen at the other end. At the passenger's address, another car closed them out, 2 or 3 got out of this second car only to steal the passenger's belongings at gun point. So, yes, CMV and Mitsou are the more expensive options, but they are reputable and the safer option (including bullet proof cars).
Aug 18, 2015, 8:47 pm
#6
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Flew over the Equator 55 times last 3 years
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Posts: 2,957
Well, I hope you wouldn't let this stop you. These types of incidences crop up once in a while. Not likely it will happen to you. Just the fact it has been reported in the media means it is being dealt with and so making it even more unlikely it would happen to you anytime soon.
Aug 18, 2015, 8:50 pm
#7
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: BDL,CLT,LIM
Programs: AA,BA
Posts: 345
Don't let my message deter you. Mine was only an example to go along the conversation. Exercise caution and common sense, be alert and you shall be fine. In reality, though, this applies to any other country you decide to go to. Enjoy the planning and safe travels!
Aug 18, 2015, 9:02 pm
#8
Moderator: Travel Buzz
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Sunny San Diego
Posts: 3,099
Ok, I'm not easily scared, but, truthfully, that incident has a shock factor that never even occurred to me. It really is a dreadful story. When you're in a taxi, you are very vulnerable. My concerns have centered around my luggage, or being overcharged. Being robbed via the taxi never crossed my mind. How on earth would you safeguard yourself against such a thing? What is "the second lane"?
I was in Lima about 2 years ago. I'm looking forward to returning there. I felt completely safe. I had heard the negative hype, but I found that it felt fine and there was a noticeable police presence. Has it changed, or is this a one-off thing that is particularly despicable? I notice that the victim was a Peruvian. What are your thoughts on that? Do the tourists bring an additional level of consequence, or just the opposite?
I was in Lima about 2 years ago. I'm looking forward to returning there. I felt completely safe. I had heard the negative hype, but I found that it felt fine and there was a noticeable police presence. Has it changed, or is this a one-off thing that is particularly despicable? I notice that the victim was a Peruvian. What are your thoughts on that? Do the tourists bring an additional level of consequence, or just the opposite?
Aug 19, 2015, 12:52 am
#9
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: AF FB Gold, TK Elite
Posts: 274
Ok, I'm not easily scared, but, truthfully, that incident has a shock factor that never even occurred to me. It really is a dreadful story. When you're in a taxi, you are very vulnerable. My concerns have centered around my luggage, or being overcharged. Being robbed via the taxi never crossed my mind. How on earth would you safeguard yourself against such a thing? What is "the second lane"?
I was in Lima about 2 years ago. I'm looking forward to returning there. I felt completely safe. I had heard the negative hype, but I found that it felt fine and there was a noticeable police presence. Has it changed, or is this a one-off thing that is particularly despicable? I notice that the victim was a Peruvian. What are your thoughts on that? Do the tourists bring an additional level of consequence, or just the opposite?
I was in Lima about 2 years ago. I'm looking forward to returning there. I felt completely safe. I had heard the negative hype, but I found that it felt fine and there was a noticeable police presence. Has it changed, or is this a one-off thing that is particularly despicable? I notice that the victim was a Peruvian. What are your thoughts on that? Do the tourists bring an additional level of consequence, or just the opposite?
Street taxis, or taxis from not-so-reputable companies, can sometimes be an issue in Lima, and common precautions generally include not taking them (I've done it hundreds of times without an issue, but it's still less safe than reputable companies). I'd say this applies even more to tourists, as, at least, a local can check if the driver of a street taxi is taking the correct itinerary etc.
A good solution is, as mentioned by IncaTrails here, to take one of the more "serious" companies that, if more expensive, will be a lot safer.
Don't let these kind of stories put you off - just take a few basic precautions, and you'll be safe
Aug 19, 2015, 9:57 am
#10
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Flew over the Equator 55 times last 3 years
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Posts: 2,957
Ok, I'm not easily scared, but, truthfully, that incident has a shock factor that never even occurred to me. It really is a dreadful story. When you're in a taxi, you are very vulnerable. My concerns have centered around my luggage, or being overcharged. Being robbed via the taxi never crossed my mind. How on earth would you safeguard yourself against such a thing? What is "the second lane"?
I was in Lima about 2 years ago. I'm looking forward to returning there. I felt completely safe. I had heard the negative hype, but I found that it felt fine and there was a noticeable police presence. Has it changed, or is this a one-off thing that is particularly despicable? I notice that the victim was a Peruvian. What are your thoughts on that? Do the tourists bring an additional level of consequence, or just the opposite?
I was in Lima about 2 years ago. I'm looking forward to returning there. I felt completely safe. I had heard the negative hype, but I found that it felt fine and there was a noticeable police presence. Has it changed, or is this a one-off thing that is particularly despicable? I notice that the victim was a Peruvian. What are your thoughts on that? Do the tourists bring an additional level of consequence, or just the opposite?
As above, I have taken taxis to/from LIM hundreds of time in the last few years. Nary a problem. I too use street taxis because my “rule” is to avoid any standing taxi thinking they have too much tme to plan bad stuff. A driver dropping off a pax and taking you has no such plans. But I can assess the situation The taxi. The driver. The route. Tell him to get off his phone. Make a fake call to a friend quoting the taxi number (only have done this once).
LIM is no more or less dangerous than before when you were here. Stuff pops up and gets attention, until the next. But it is not something to be fearful, just careful.
And yes, even sometimes when it is very late I'll even take one of the standing airport taxis, but rarely. Even in a Taxi Green, it can have a random window smash with a spark plug on Av Faucett, but rarely.
Oh, the second lane is the pecking order of where taxi drivers can stand at LIM airport roads. First road has Callao taxis for the airport, the second roadway is for general Callao taxis. The street has all taxis.
Aug 19, 2015, 11:32 am
#11
Join Date: Oct 2013
Programs: AF FB Gold, TK Elite
Posts: 274
Well, you should never feel “completely safe”. Always need to take seasoned travellers precautions. Airports (anywhere) are the most dangerous for us 'cause we have all our stuff with us... and they know it.
As above, I have taken taxis to/from LIM hundreds of time in the last few years. Nary a problem. I too use street taxis because my “rule” is to avoid any standing taxi thinking they have too much tme to plan bad stuff. A driver dropping off a pax and taking you has no such plans. But I can assess the situation The taxi. The driver. The route. Tell him to get off his phone. Make a fake call to a friend quoting the taxi number (only have done this once).
LIM is no more or less dangerous than before when you were here. Stuff pops up and gets attention, until the next. But it is not something to be fearful, just careful.
And yes, even sometimes when it is very late I'll even take one of the standing airport taxis, but rarely. Even in a Taxi Green, it can have a random window smash with a spark plug on Av Faucett, but rarely.
Oh, the second lane is the pecking order of where taxi drivers can stand at LIM airport roads. First road has Callao taxis for the airport, the second roadway is for general Callao taxis. The street has all taxis.
As above, I have taken taxis to/from LIM hundreds of time in the last few years. Nary a problem. I too use street taxis because my “rule” is to avoid any standing taxi thinking they have too much tme to plan bad stuff. A driver dropping off a pax and taking you has no such plans. But I can assess the situation The taxi. The driver. The route. Tell him to get off his phone. Make a fake call to a friend quoting the taxi number (only have done this once).
LIM is no more or less dangerous than before when you were here. Stuff pops up and gets attention, until the next. But it is not something to be fearful, just careful.
And yes, even sometimes when it is very late I'll even take one of the standing airport taxis, but rarely. Even in a Taxi Green, it can have a random window smash with a spark plug on Av Faucett, but rarely.
Oh, the second lane is the pecking order of where taxi drivers can stand at LIM airport roads. First road has Callao taxis for the airport, the second roadway is for general Callao taxis. The street has all taxis.
Thanks ! ^^