It's not due to 'security'. In between Customs and the area were the transfer people are waiting for you, is a Time Share Trap, which is made to look "Official".

It's a disgrace in everybody's opinion, except the time share people.

See

tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g150793-i46-k70151…

You can get the same level of service past the timeshare sharks by simply utilizing one of the porters stationed near the luggage carousels. All it's going to cost you is the price of a tip and they'll get you to a taxi van and on your way with nary an issue with the "gauntlet". Just grab a porter, your bags, and follow him straight through the timeshare area - follow him, talk to him, eyes on him only.

Average tip is about 10 pesos per bag, tip more if you feel the service is worth it (I always tip more, because it is).

I have used VIP transfers a couple of times when renting a car from Gecko (they provide the transfers included in their price). Yes they will meet you with your name on the sign in the luggage area but I have never had them escort me through customs. They always gave me a ticket with their name on it and told me to present it to the VIP booth AFTER you pass thru the tank. It really isnt a problem if you just keep walking and not listen to them. If they see the VIP ticket in your hand they will tell you that they are from VIP.... they are not.... you must go thru the doors and when you enter the airport you will see the booth.

Otherwise, you would probably be better off doing as previously mentioned - get a porter to help get you through.

Have a great trip and enjoy PV.... tell us about it when you get back

Didn't mean to imply that they helped you thru Customs-- they used to wait right outside. I guess we'll end up doing porters and then using the standard transfers.

I know it is cheaper to go to the van lines, but there is NO way that I am going to be able to explain all that "process" to my in-laws. Trust me on that one :) I'd rather spend an extra twenty bucks and avoid that little spat!

Thanks for all the input!

I think getting a porter is a great idea but I'd recommend that you have a porter take you to where you buy your tickets at the Taxi Booth rather than taking you straight to a Van or taxi, As you said, you want everything to go smoothly and once in awhile the taxi or van drivers will tell you its more than it is. It's no fun arguing after a long flight (we've done it).

You can check what the fares should be by your destination. I'd post the link right now, but I'm on a terribly slow connection. (It's under the Overview section). They are also posted at the booths. And remember, the fares are per vehicle, not per person.

asnp: Thanks for the info. I was wondering if Gecko picked people up themselves (and how they did that) Anyway, amfi1, where they wait for people is just to the right of the exit of the two sliding doors where they wait for people with signs with your name on it. Sometimes it's nice to have a personal welcoming committee.

Anyway, here's the link. tripadvisor.com/Tourism-g150793-Puerto_Valla… .

However you get there, best wishes!

I used VIP last week. they have a person before customs that has your name on a sign, but they only give you your voucher there. You then still need to get past the shark tank on your own to get to the VIP office itself and your ride.

THat's interesting! Anyhow, since we're leaving in about 48 hours (yay!), I went ahead and booked the standard transfers. We'll plan on getting a porter anyhow, as it sounds simpler on many levels. One reason to pre-book, for us, was precisely because we really, really need it all to go smoothly and not have to argue about price, etc. Not my forte! I'll let you all know who it goes, in case there are other folks out there like us who, for whatever reason, need it to go ultra-smoothly rather than more economically :)

Thats why we used VIP, just to avoid the hassle, but no one can really help you through customs, but a porter will help with the shark tank