Good questions.
I was told by a airline pilot that he actually enjoyed flying into
Toncontin because "I actually get to fly the plane." Since I am not a
pilot I assume that he meant that there were less automatic or direct
feedback to the pilot such as electronically guided flight path with a
long straight approach to the runway. but perhaps he was just pulling
my leg.
Perhaps you are correct in calling it a tourist entry stamp. I have
had one issued for less than the 90 days allowed for a tourist from the
US. Staying beyond the time allowed on the entry document can cause
problems upon exiting the country and the payment of a fine before
being allowed to leave. Although I have been issued a "Visa" by the
Honduras Consulate in Washington, DC, it was not honored by the
immigration officials in Honduras and I was instead issued a regular
entry document which seems to be used not only tourists, but for
businessmen, students, residents, sportsmen, and other types of visits.
As for items on custom, If asked, I always explain that the items I
have listed are for personal use and not resale. Perhaps if the items
are not for resale it is not necessary to list them at all. More
clarity on this issue would be helpful.
Rob Myers
Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Central America
On Nov 30, 2006, at 5:01 PM, keylimey69 wrote:
> hi Robert,
>
> I don't mean to sound nit-picky but I hafta ask you.
> What makes you say the pilots hand fly any more or less there than
> any other airport?
> I'm also wondering, can you get a visa issued once you arrive in the
> country, or are you just talking about an entry stamp for 90 days for
> a person that doesn't require a visa to enter for purposes of
> tourism???
> and, if Im not mistaken, you don't need to declare ANY items you are
> bringing with you as a tourist if they are personal items and not for
> resale. Maybe I msunderstood you, and apologise if that's the case,
> but I ad to ask.
>
> Thanks, and HTH, David.
>
> --- In travel-to-honduras.....com, Robert Myers
> wrote:
> >
> > Hello Megan,
> >
> > Having flown in and out of Toncontin many times I can give you some
> > advice. You can take some solace in the fact that the pilots are
> > probably more alert than in many other landings because they
> actually
> > have to fly the plane and not rely on the computer. Expect a wide
> > arching turn to avoid the mountains on approach and I suggest
> sitting
> > next to the window to see a city like no other.
> >
> > On the plane you will be given two documents to fill out. Keep your
> > passport number and expiration date handy as well as your flight
> > number. On the customs form you will list on the back in general
> some
> > of the items of value you are bringing with you ie camera, Ipod,
> etc.
> > They are never very particular about this list if it looks
> reasonably
> > honest. Total the value of the items and put the total on the front
> of
> > the form.
> >
> > Upon arriving you will walk down a long hallway to an escalator to
> the
> > lower level immigration or passport check. The airport is modern in
> > appearance and newly remodeled. Go to the second line from the
> right,
> > it is quickest, unless there is a large contingent of diplomats. If
> you
> > are staying for longer than a month be sure to ask for a Visa for
> more
> > time up to 90 days.
> >
> > After immigration you will need to pick up your checked
> luggage at the
> > carrousel (there are the usual airport carts available for use in
> > customs) then proceed to customs or (Aduana), (you will need to
> five
> > your bag checks to an official who confirms they are your bags.
> You
> > will then pass all of your bags through the x-ray machine and then
> you
> > will present your customs form to an official - they sometimes do
> a
> > cursory check of you luggage by hand.
> >
> > After you are cleared customs you will pass through doors to
> main
> > salon and into the crowd of hondurans waiting. If someone is
> waiting
> > for you with a sign, great. If not its best to pass out of the
> airport
> > to the right to a taxi. If you use the services of a porter, they
> will
> > be happy with a dollar tip they tend to rush through the crowd so
> say
> > wait or espera or mas despacio por favor. . Remember that unzipped
> bags
> > and things hanging off are an invitation to theft. Keep an good eye
> on
> > your things after entering the main salon. In Customs and
> Immigration
> > English is spoken. In the main salon, Spanish is the norm. Taxi is
> > taxi and no is no in both languages. A taxi is about 4-5 dollars
> > (80-100 Lempiras) to anywhere in Tegus. Act confident and look
> like
> > you know what you are doing. If you are not met at the airport, it
> is
> > best to share the taxi whith a KNOWN person. or use transport to a
> > major hotel,
> >
> > Hope you enjoy your visit.
> >
> > Rob Myers
> > Tegucigalpa, Honduras
> > Central America
> > On Nov 29, 2006, at 5:18 PM, Megan wrote:
> >
> > > Hi everyone! I absolutely love this group and reading what
> everyone
> > > writes. It is SO interesting and I am learning SO much so far!
> > >
> > > Anyways, I have a question about arriving at the Toncontin
> Airport.
> > > I've already heard the landing stories lol but it seems like it
> will
> > > be VERY exciting and nerve-wracking all at the same time when
> > > landing! But I have some concerns about where to go after
> stepping
> > > off the plane? It is probably just like a regular airport, but I
> > > have never really flew alone before.
> > >
> > > Could anyone give me advice on where to go? I also heard from a
> > > friend that when you arrive they give you a paper and you have to
> > > list the items that are in your suitcase and the value of them.
> If
> > > this is still true, since it was a while ago when my friend went
> > > there,
> > > couldn't I just write out my list here in the states and then
> > > transfer it to the paper they give me to save time? I'm just
> > > thinking of the easiest and smoothest way to get through the
> airport
> > > situation because I know that they probably don't speak much
> English
> > > there...or do they?...and I know that it can probably get QUITE
> > > complicated!
> > >
> > > Thanks! Sorry this is SO long!
> > >
> > > ~Megan
> > >
> > >
> > >
> >
> >
> >
>
>
>
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