Forums > Areas > Jalisco's Lake Chapala Region

skydancer

Mar 2, 2011, 7:48 AM

Post #1 of 21 (4128 views)

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Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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Been a while since I've flown into Guadalajara airport. In the past I've had friends or family pick me up. This time I'm on my own. Am considering using frequent flyer miles and my only option for arrival is 11:15 PM. Will cabs be available that late? Is it safe for me to be traveling the road between GDL and Chapala at that time? The cost of airfare has almost doubled so I would like to use miles but ....
Does anyone know if there is an ATM that is affiliated with BOA in the airport (member of global ATM alliance)? No BOA fees if I use Santander or Scotia Bank.
Silly question, the ATM is going to give me large bills. How do I pay tips at the airport and to the taxi driver if I only have large bills? I don't want to have to buy something to get change and am not sure that any place will be open that late.
Thank you for your help.

Vichil

Mar 2, 2011, 8:10 AM

Post #2 of 21 (4111 views)

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Re: [skydancer] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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My family always arrives late in Guadalajara and everything is open. You buy a ticket at the taxi booth so they can give you change. We take taxis and drive we never had any problems at that time.
You can also stay at the hotel at the airport if you are not comfortable taking a cab alone at that time .
I do not remember which machines are at the airport some give big bills and some do not but since you have to buy a ticket for the cab it should not make any difference.
Since you are arriving on a plane all the other passengers will be there too.

chinagringo

Mar 2, 2011, 8:24 AM

Post #3 of 21 (4101 views)

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Re: [skydancer] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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From our experience, we have never had a taxi driver or anyone else who would expect a tip turn their noses up at a tip in USD. Last time we used our BOA cards at any of the ATM's at the airport, there was definitely a charge but we accepted the fact that the fee wasn't going to break us when withdrawing a minimal starter amount that would be sufficient until getting to one of the "fee free" machines elsewhere.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

skydancer

Mar 2, 2011, 8:37 AM

Post #4 of 21 (4097 views)

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Re: [Vichil] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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Thanks Vichil, I worry a lot and it helps if I address my concerns. I appreciate your answers and will go ahead and book my trip using miles. It helps to know that there will be places open when I arrive because I don't want to bother my host for food and none of my flights serve meals, or even snacks! Will be a long day because the only itinerary I can get with miles involves multiple connections. I'll make change for tips buying food and can pay for taxi fare at the booth using large bills. Now I'm on the search for a map of the airport.

Gringal

Mar 2, 2011, 8:47 AM

Post #5 of 21 (4091 views)

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Re: [skydancer] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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Minor matter: I don't know if they are open 24 hrs a day.....but there is a restaurant upstairs and Burger King downstairs, as well as a Starbucks. Someone else might know the hours.

Vichil

Mar 2, 2011, 9:01 AM

Post #6 of 21 (4084 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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The airport is not a large airport. On one end you have the national arrival where you may arrive if you change lanes and go through customs somewhere else in Mexico. That end is close to the hotel and has a small cafe type restaurant there. On the other end of the airport you will find customs and international arrivals with Burger Kings and Starbucks.
The taxi booth are well marked.
Do not worry if you do not find a map you will not get lost for very long.

skydancer

Mar 2, 2011, 9:36 AM

Post #7 of 21 (4077 views)

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Re: [Gringal] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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You guys and gals are a wealth of information. Thank you.
Neil, I have tipped using US dollars in the past but I thought that US dollars were no longer welcome in Mexico.
Gringal, I know a lot of changes have been made to the GDL airport since I was last there. I'm glad to hear that the Burger King survived. Not that I eat much of that kind of food, but it will be a familiar sight and could be an option for making change.

chinagringo

Mar 2, 2011, 9:53 AM

Post #8 of 21 (4073 views)

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Re: [skydancer] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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"Neil, I have tipped using US dollars in the past but I thought that US dollars were no longer welcome in Mexico."

Certainly, there are issues with large amounts of USD's and certain limitations when processing through banks. On the other hand, the reality is that there is still an exchange network and any taxi driver or someone else that you tip will have no problem disposing of same.
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Casa

Mar 2, 2011, 11:39 AM

Post #9 of 21 (4042 views)

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Re: [skydancer] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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Personally I would not travel between Chapala and GDL and or the GDL airport at that time. (after midnight, when immigration, baggage claim, customs are taken into consideration) The US consulate in Guadalajara has prohibited consulate personnel from traveling on that very road Between GDL and the GDL airport after dark “and recommends that U.S. citizens consider similar precautions. They issued a warden message about it.

“This Warden Message is being issued due to a marked escalation of criminal activity in the Guadalajara metropolitan area and includes updated safety recommendations for all U.S. citizens residing or traveling in the Guadalajara area.

On the evening of February 1st, beginning at approximately 8:45PM, a series of road blockades were set up in various sections of the Guadalajara metropolitan area. The blockades consisted of buses, trucks and cars being forcibly commandeered and set on fire. One of the blockades was installed on the Chapala highway between Guadalajara and the airport at the same point that was targeted on the evening of Saturday, January 15th.

In light of the changing security situation, the U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara has now prohibited U.S. Government officials from travelling after dark between Guadalajara and the Guadalajara International Airport and recommends that U.S. citizens consider similar precautions. The Consulate General’s prohibition on intercity travel for U.S. Government officials after dark remains in force.”

Zardoz

Mar 2, 2011, 2:06 PM

Post #10 of 21 (4007 views)

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Re: [Casa] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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In light of the changing security situation, the U.S. Consulate General in Guadalajara has now prohibited U.S. Government officials from travelling after dark between Guadalajara and the Guadalajara International Airport and recommends that U.S. citizens consider similar precautions. The Consulate General’s prohibition on intercity travel for U.S. Government officials after dark remains in force.”

Note it says "between Guadalajara and the Guadalajara International Airport" Lakeside last I looked was 180degrees
the other way.

mexicobuff

Mar 2, 2011, 5:28 PM

Post #11 of 21 (3963 views)

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Re: [skydancer] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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Unless you arrive with a mountain of luggage or need some extraordinary service, taxi drivers do not expect or require a tip. You pay for your cab at the taxi booth inside the airport, hand your receipt to the driver, and that's it.

chinagringo

Mar 2, 2011, 6:05 PM

Post #12 of 21 (3959 views)

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Re: [mexicobuff] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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Come on! Arrive at close to midnight and wish that they drive you to the Lake for nothing more than their cut of the taxi fare charged at the airport? I would hide my head in shame if I didn't give a taxi driver a tip anywhere in Mexico at any time of the day or night unless the guy endangered my life or was a total jerk!
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

Vichil

Mar 2, 2011, 6:28 PM

Post #13 of 21 (3948 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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Mexicobuff is correct. Cabs do not require or expect tips. The tips are greatly appreciated but you are not a jerk for not tipping . The fare at night is higher than during the day.
Nothing to be ashamed about , this is not the US.

Casa

Mar 2, 2011, 6:29 PM

Post #14 of 21 (3949 views)

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Re: [Zardoz] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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In Reply To

last I looked was 180degrees the other way.

Yes that is correct I should have been clearer for people not familiar with the area. I thought that it was clear, thank you for making it clearer. My point was that it was the same road. Furthermore I don’t think it really matter where lake side is, it goes without saying that it is not recommended to travel the highways of Mexico at night for reasons ranging from road conditions, livestock and animals to Narcos and retenes (both legit and not legit).

In addition the warden message did say “The Consulate General’s prohibition on intercity travel for U.S. Government officials after dark remains in force.”
That same Warden message when on to say:
Additional safety recommendations:

• Make every attempt to travel on main roads during daylight hours, particularly the toll ("cuota") roads which generally are more secure;

US state department says:
Road Safety: Avoid driving on Mexican highways at night. Even multi-lane expressways in Mexico often have narrow lanes and steep shoulders.

UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office says this:
Guadalajara - Mexico's second largest city - has seen a sharp rise in drug-related violence in recent months. In early February 2011, a series of road blockades were set up in various sections of the Guadalajara metropolitan area. The blockades consisted of buses, trucks and cars being forcibly commandeered by drug cartel members and set on fire. One of the blockades was installed on the Chapala highway between Guadalajara and the international airport.

Due to the increasing violence in the Guadalajara metropolitan area, you should avoid travelling between the hours of midnight and 0600 and should remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times.

Canadian Government says this:
Road conditions vary and can be poor in some areas. Dangerous curves, poorly marked signs and construction sites, roaming livestock, slow-moving or abandoned vehicles, and other obstacles pose hazards. Road travel should be limited to daylight hours throughout the country.

Even the Mexican government recommends traveling during the daylight hours.
Everyone is allowed to make their own choices but seems there is a lot of advice about avoiding road travel at night.

CanuckBob

Mar 2, 2011, 6:35 PM

Post #15 of 21 (3946 views)

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Re: [skydancer] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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I have flown into the GDL airport at just about every time there is. I have also picked up friends from there using a rental vehicle at all hours of the early morning and late at night. I have never had a problem or even seen anything out of the ordinary (other than the odd drunk driver). There is a couple of different ATM's at the airport and many taxis available no problemo. The best bet is to have specific directions written in Spanish from the airport to the place you are staying especially if it's in a more remote area like El Limon. Remember to tip generously if you can. These cabbies work long hard hours.

Bob
Inside Lakeside
http://lakechapalainfo.bigforumpro.com/

chinagringo

Mar 2, 2011, 6:43 PM

Post #16 of 21 (3938 views)

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Re: [CanuckBob] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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Thanks Bob!

It isn't a matter of being in the US or Canada, these guys work long hours and put up with a great deal of BS for what they earn. Be thankful that there is someone there to pick you up and deliver you to your destination at whatever hour you arrive. I would equate not tipping a taxi driver with not tipping the bag boys/girls at Super Lake, El Torito or any other establishment where they are not paid commensurate with the services they provide. People need to get a grip and quit being so damned cheap!
Regards,
Neil
Albuquerque, NM

skydancer

Mar 2, 2011, 6:59 PM

Post #17 of 21 (3932 views)

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Re: [CanuckBob] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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Thanks for the advise and cautions. I booked my flight and will be arriving at GDL at 11:15 PM. Will look for ATM's. Will provide good instructions to the taxi drive and tip well. I understand they work hard and don't have a fare for the return to the airport. Will say prayers during the ride to Chapala not because I am afraid of narcos but because taxi drivers are always in a hurry and I have had personal experiences with animals on the road. Once I stopped and tried to get a bull off of the road. Honked the horn. Didn't budge. Stuck my head out of the window waved, it came toward me shaking its head. Had long horns, obviously wasn't going to move so I cautiously drove around it. Also had an experience with a horse. I'm really looking forward to my 7 week stay - wish it was longer. Have been away too long.

sanjuan

Mar 3, 2011, 10:44 AM

Post #18 of 21 (3843 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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It has long been the norm throughout Mexico that taxi drivers aren't tipped. Mexicans seldom do but some misguided foreigners do. They are paid an adequate salary not like baggers at grocery stores who don't receive any salary. It is nothing to do with cheap-it is the custom. If they do some out of the ordinary service then a tip is good. When in Mexico.....

(This post was edited by sanjuan on Mar 3, 2011, 11:00 AM)

Mar 4, 2011, 1:13 PM

Post #19 of 21 (3723 views)

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Re: [skydancer] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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You are safe as safe can be. When you exit immigration through the open doors into the waiting area of the airport, taxi booths are almost straight ahead. Head for one, tell them your destination, (Ajijic is 350 pesos, Chapala, a few pesos less), you can pay them in USD and then get to an ATM at your destination, where you will recieve more favorable exchange rates than at the airport. Anyway, pay in USD, get your change in pesos and you will be given a ticket. Head out front and you will find a man calling cabs forward. Give the cabbie your ticket and you are good to go, just make sure you know where you are going or have it written in spanish, if you are not sure where you are going. Cabs are alive and well at the airport at your arrival time. I know. Just did it two months ago. Do not let the naysayers get you down. Been here full-time for six years and have never heard of a random attack on a taxi. Makes me laugh to thinbk about it. However, if you were going on a bus with 60 rich gringos flauntin their wealth, that would give me pause. T

Rolly

Mar 4, 2011, 2:50 PM

Post #20 of 21 (3697 views)

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Re: [T] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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then get to an ATM at your destination, where you will recieve more favorable exchange rates than at the airport
Exchange rates are set by your home bank, not by the ATM.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

mexipat

Mar 5, 2011, 6:40 PM

Post #21 of 21 (3606 views)

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Re: [chinagringo] Late arrival into Guadalajara airport

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In Reply To

Thanks Bob!

People need to get a grip and quit being so damned cheap!