Similiar story's down here in Panama...Aparently Customs staff from the airport (Tocumen) give notice of people carrying big amounts of cash so they get intercepted and robbed on their way to the city.
That fucking pissing me off double time, because customs of many countries gives you shit if you aren't carrying
enough cash. (And then also give you shit if you are carrying too much, over $10k)
Canadians customs gave me shit once (wanted us to be carrying at least $600 per person), but finally let us through.
But Spanish customs sent my wife home, wouldn't even let her pass immigrations. I sent her with 500 Euros in cash ($750), a debit card with $10k balance and a few credit cards. They wouldn't accept the cards, wanted her to have 60 Euros per day (1800 Euros - $2700)
in cash.
Triple pissed off because there are ATMs all over airports, they won't let her use an ATM, put her in detention like a criminal, deport her in hand cuffs! Total waste of a $1500 air plane ticket and 48 hours. Fucking Spaniards!
Now I hear this happens to Costa Ricans all the time. All Iberia Airlines has to do is tell you need sufficient cash before boarding the plane, there are at least two ATMs (BAC San Jose in the airline counter area, and Scotiabank near the food court) in the CR airport.
@)
