Venezuela Destination Guide
Overview of Venezuela Venezuela means 'Little Venice' in Spanish, the name given to this northerly country in South America by the early explorers when they found the natives living on the Sinamaica lagoon, in houses built on stilts, close to the present day oil-rich city of Maracaibo. The people have a reputation for being welcoming and friendly, although there is a problem with street crime in the larger cities, Caracas in particular. Venezuela has an abundance of natural resources, including one of the biggest oil reserves in the world. The resulting revenues have helped build good infrastructure and encouraged the country's leadership to forge an independent path in international relations, but in many ways Venezuela is still a poor country, wrestling with a number of issues. More specifically, its economy is in freefall, with hyperinflation, power cuts, as well as food and medicine shortages forcing millions to leave the country. Outside of its economic issues, Venezuela is blessed with diverse landscapes, from miles of beautiful Caribbean beaches to open plains, towering mountains, tracts of Amazon rainforest and even a small desert. In the southeast, in Bolivar State, the Gran Sabana National Park contains the spectacular Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall. Venezuela's cities are similarly scenic, particularly the capital, Caracas, which sprawls in a long, thin valley flanked by the majestic Avila Mountain. Caracas is lively and green, with a rich cultural life, vibrant nightlife, great restaurants and marvellous modern shopping malls on offer. A favourite excursion in Caracas is to ride the cable car to the summit of the Avila. The popular city of Merida, in the Andes, also has its cable car, and this one takes tourists on a one-hour journey to the highest point in Venezuela, the Pico Bolivar, which reaches more than 16,404ft (5,000m). Venezuela has a little bit of everything that Latin America has to offer, with the addition of thousands of miles of Caribbean coastline, and the constantly pleasant temperature that makes it good year-round destination. It is not a well-established tourist destination, but for some intrepid travellers this is part of the appeal of Venezuela.
Key Facts
Language: Spanish is the official language of Venezuela. Passport/Visa: Those entering Venezuela on a visa require a passport valid for at least six months. Tourist Entry Cards are issued free of charge by air carriers allowing for a stay of up to 90 days and are essential for entry into Venezuela. Visitors not holding proof of accomdation could be refused entry. Visitors must have return tickets or tickets for onward travel as well as all documents required for the next destination and sufficient funds. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Currency: Venezuela's currency is the Bolívar Soberano (VES), which replaced the Bolivar Fuerte (VEF) in August 2018. It is divided into 100 centimos. US dollars are the most favoured foreign currency so it is best to have cash in USD. Foreign currency can be changed at bureau de change offices found in most larger cities and tourist destinations. Some banks will now buy US dollars for bolivares or sell bolivares against a foreign credit card; some major hotels will also swap US dollars for bolivares. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday. Bolivars should be exchanged before exiting Venezuela. There are ATMs in the cities (however some travellers have experienced problems using them), and most credit cards, including MasterCard/Eurocard and Visa, are accepted in major cities. Visitors are also warned that there is a serious problem with credit card fraud and using credit/debit cards will greatly increase trip expenses. Electricity: 120 volts, 60Hz. American two-pin plugs are generally used.
Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.
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Travel to Venezuela Overview Although Venezuela's potential as a tourist destination remains largely untapped, the country is home to some glorious natural attractions and a few cultural gems. Top natural attractions in Venezuela include the spectacular Angel Falls, the highest waterfalls in the world, which can be found deep within the jungle of the beautiful Canaima National Park. On the other extreme, balancing out the wet greenery of the rainforest, are the unexpected stretches of golden sand dunes found in the Los Medanos de Coro National Park. Many travellers also choose to explore the lovely coastline and Margarita Island (Isla Margarita) is a particular favourite, with dozens of pristine beaches and a vibrant nightlife. Most travellers start their journey in the capital, Caracas, and this old city boasts some tourist attractions, but sadly the urban areas of Venezuela have been hit hard by poverty and have become increasingly dangerous for tourists. This is not to say that the city has nothing to offer, but those sightseeing in Caracas are advised to take precautions against crime. One of the best things to do in Caracas is take a trip on the cable car up the mountain, which earns travellers wonderful views of the city. Caracas also boasts a fun and feisty nightlife. Climate in Venezuela Situated just above the equator, the weather in Venezuela is warm and pleasant all year round. Depending on altitude the country experiences a humid tropical or alpine climate. In most major urban areas, including Caracas, temperatures average between 54°F (12°C) and 77°F (25°C) all year, although it can get significantly hotter. Most of the country experiences a rainy season between May and November, making the dry season (December to April) the best time to visit, though the Angel Falls are most impressive towards the end of the wet season. Health Notes when travelling to Venezuela There are no vaccination requirements for Venezuela, but those who plan to travel in areas outside the main cities should consider vaccinations for yellow fever, hepatitis A, and typhoid. Some airlines travelling to Venezuela will insist on a yellow fever certificate before boarding the plane, and travellers are advised to check with their airline before travel. There is a risk of malaria, particularly in jungle areas, but prophylaxis is not necessary for travel to Caracas or the coastal areas. Medical advice should be sought at least three weeks prior to departure. Insect protection measures are vital to avoid both malaria and dengue fever, which is on the increase. Tap water should not be drunk, but bottled drinking water is available. Venezuela's hospitals offer free emergency treatment; however, the private hospitals are better quality, though expensive. Public hospitals suffer from a shortage of basic supplies, as do private hospitals and clinics outside Caracas. Health insurance is essential. Safety Notes when travelling to Venezuela The 1,000-mile (1,609km) long border between Venezuela and Colombia is notorious for the risk of violence, kidnapping, smuggling and drug trafficking. Visitors should give the border region a wide berth. Foreign nationals have also been kidnapped for ransom or violently mugged in Caracas and visitors should be alert to this threat in hotels, taxis and, in particular, at the airport. Street crime is high in Caracas and other cities, and foreigners should be particularly cautious at night. Passengers have been robbed at gunpoint by bogus taxi drivers at Caracas airport; it is best not to accept offers of assistance within the arrivals hall, only at the official taxi rank directly outside. Only licensed taxis bearing a clearly identifiable number should be used. Passengers arriving on late flights are particularly vulnerable. Political demonstrations, sometimes with violence and gunfire, occur regularly in Venezuela (many Venezuelans carry guns) and should be avoided. Pickpockets are very active in the city centres, particularly around bus and subway stations. Armed robberies and muggings are on the increase and theft of unattended valuables left on beaches or in cars is common. Obvious displays of wealth, and talking on mobile phones on the street, should be avoided to reduce the risk of crime. The coastal beach resorts are generally trouble free, though visitors should use common sense in ensuring the safety of their person and possessions. There have been recent cases of robberies and assaults after tourists have been drugged - either through spiked drinks or pamphlets impregnated with substances that are handed out on the streets or in shopping centres. Customs in Venezuela Photography of military installations and the Presidential Palace is prohibited. Duty Free in Venezuela Travellers to Venezuela do not have to pay duty on the following items: 25 cigars and 200 cigarettes; 2 litres of alcohol; and 4 small bottles of perfume. Those travellers arriving from international destinations do not have to pay Travel guideduty by on wordtravels.com goods to the © value Globe ofMedia US$1,000. Ltd. Prohibited items include flowers, fruits, meat and meat products, plants By its veryand nature birds much or partsof the informationthereof. in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.
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Doing Business in Venezuela Although the temperature in Venezuela is warm with a high humidity, formal business attire is the norm. People should be addressed as Señor (Mr), Señora (Mrs) and Señorita (Miss) unless otherwise specified. Shaking hands is a customary greeting, and business cards are exchanged on meeting for the first time; it is best to have one side translated into Spanish. Meetings are prompt and generally occur over lunch; evening dinners are generally reserved for socialising. Business hours are 8am to 12pm and 2pm to 6pm Monday to Friday. Communication in Venezuela The international country code for Venezuela is +58 and the outgoing code is 00. City/area codes are in use, for example Caracas is (0)212. Wifi isavailable in Caracas and tourist resorts, and free international calls can be made over the internet. Tipping in Venezuela Tipping is at the discretion of the client and not obligatory. A 10 percent service charge is usually added to restaurant bills, but in budget places tipping is not common. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but it is customary to give baggage handlers some small change per bag. Tips in Caracas are usually the highest. Passport/Visa Note Those entering Venezuela on a visa require a passport valid for at least six months. Tourist Entry Cards are issued free of charge by air carriers allowing for a stay of up to 90 days and are essential for entry into Venezuela. Visitors not holding proof of accomdation could be refused entry. Visitors must have return tickets or tickets for onward travel as well as all documents required for the next destination and sufficient funds. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources. Entry Requirements Entry requirements for Americans: United States citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date and a visa for entry to Venezuela.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date, but a visa is not necessary for a touristic stay of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date, but a visa is not necessary for a touristic stay of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date, but a visa is not necessary for a touristic stay of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date, but a visa is not necessary for a touristic stay of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date, but a visa is not necessary for a touristic stay of up to 90 days.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African citizens require a passport valid for six months beyond arrival date, but a visa is not necessary for a touristic stay of up to 90 days.
Travel guide by wordtravels.com © Globe Media Ltd. By its very nature much of the information in this travel guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Travmarket cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above. Event details can change. Please check with the organizers that an event is happening before making travel arrangements. We cannot accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.
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Venezuela Embassies In the United States: Embassy of Venezuela, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 647 1444.
In Canada: Embassy of Venezuela, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 235 5151.
In the United Kingdom: Embassy of Venezuela, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 20 7584 4206/7.
In Australia: Embassy of Venezuela, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 6290 2967.
In South Africa: Embassy of Venezuela, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 346 5747.
Foreign Embassies in Venezuela American Embassy United States Embassy, Caracas: +58 212 975 6411.
Canadian Embassy Canadian Embassy, Caracas: +58 212 600 3000.
British Embassy British Embassy, Caracas: +58 212 319 5800.
Australian Embassy Australian Embassy, Brasilia, Brazil (also responsible for Venezuela): +55 61 3226 3111.
New Zealand Embassy New Zealand Consulate-General, Caracas: +58 212 277 7965.
South African Embassy South African Embassy, Caracas: +58 212 952 0026.
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Currency Venezuela's currency is the Bolívar Soberano (VES), which replaced the Bolivar Fuerte (VEF) in August 2018. It is divided into 100 centimos. US dollars are the most favoured foreign currency so it is best to have cash in USD. Foreign currency can be changed at bureau de change offices found in most larger cities and tourist destinations. Some banks will now buy US dollars for bolivares or sell bolivares against a foreign credit card; some major hotels will also swap US dollars for bolivares. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday. Bolivars should be exchanged before exiting Venezuela. There are ATMs in the cities (however some travellers have experienced problems using them), and most credit cards, including MasterCard/Eurocard and Visa, are accepted in major cities. Visitors are also warned that there is a serious problem with credit card fraud and using credit/debit cards will greatly increase trip expenses.
Exchange rate for 1 VEF - Venezuelan Bolivar 0.10 BMD 0.09 EUR 0.10 USD 0.07 GBP 10.91 JPY 0.13 CAD Bermudan Dollar Euro U.S. Dollar U.K. Pound Sterling Japanese Yen Canadian Dollar 0.10 CHF 0.14 AUD 2.52 UAH 33.85 KZT 150.93 LBP 0.07 LYD Swiss Franc Australian Dollar Ukrainian Hryvnia Kazakhstani Tenge Lebanese Pound Libyan Dinar 0.69 BOB 10.81 NPR 0.04 OMR 0.36 QAR 0.14 SGD 0.83 SEK Bolivian Boliviano Nepalese Rupee Omani Rial Qatari Rial Singapore Dollar Swedish Krona 0.66 TTD 4.59 DOP 0.67 HRK 1.87 MXN 58.76 XOF 0.32 PGK Trinidad Tobago Dollar Dominican Peso Croatian Kuna Mexican Peso West African CFA Franc Papua New Guinean kina 0.10 BSD 0.21 FJD 2.27 HNL 11.08 DZD 119.40 MMK 1.12 BWP Bahamian Dollar Fiji Dollar Honduran Lempira Algerian Dinar Myanma Kyat Botswana Pula 0.34 PEN 69.51 CLP 47.92 AMD 2.42 CZK 2.00 MDL 12.46 ISK Peruvian Nuevo Sol Chilean Peso Armenia Dram Czech Koruna Moldova Lei Icelandic Krona 294.55 UZS 0.39 ILS 0.07 JOD 0.03 KWD 3.14 UYU 3.56 MUR Uzbekistan Sum Israeli New Sheqel Jordanian Dinar Kuwaiti Dinar Uruguayan Peso Mauritian Rupee 2.86 NIO 0.84 NOK 0.39 PLN 0.38 SAR 14.63 LKR 3.57 THB Nicaraguan Córdoba Norwegian Krone Polish Zloty Saudi Riyal Sri Lanka Rupee Thai Baht 0.37 AED 0.36 BRL 0.41 RON 0.78 HKD 58.90 XAF 2,252.61 VND U.A.E Dirham Brazilian Real Romanian New Leu Hong Kong Dollar Central African CFA Franc Vietnamese Dong 1.40 ARS 0.27 XCD 0.79 GTQ 0.98 MAD 0.04 BHD 0.10 PAB Argentine Peso East Caribbean Dollar Guatemalan Quetzal Moroccan Dirham Bahrain Dinar Panamanian Balboa 0.15 AZN 312.49 COP 6.85 KGS 28.04 HUF 0.79 TJS 1,371.44 IDR Azerbaijan Manat Colombian Peso Kyrgyzstan Som Hungarian Forint Tajikistan Ruble Indonesian Rupiah 0.89 EGP 119.38 KRW 568.24 PYG 0.42 MYR 54.00 CRC 0.15 NZD Egyptian Pound South Korean Won Paraguayan Guaraní Malaysian Ringgit Costa Rican Colón New Zealand Dollar 10.50 PKR 6.69 RUB 1.56 ZAR 0.21 TND 0.20 BBD 0.18 BGN Pakistani Rupee Russian Rouble South African Rand Tunisian Dinar Barbadian Dollar Bulgarian Lev 0.30 TRY 4.67 PHP 3.27 TWD 19.69 NGN 10.74 XPF 0.39 GHS Turkish Lira Philippine Peso New Taiwan Dollar Nigerian Naira CFP Franc Ghanaian Cedi 12.52 JMD 0.18 ANG 0.14 BND 11.08 RSD 0.66 CNY 1,994.40 BYR Jamaican Dollar Neth. Antillean Guilder Brunei Dollar Serbian Dinar Chinese Yuan Belarussian Ruble 0.67 DKK 0.34 TMT 6.74 INR
Danish Krone New Turkmenistan Manat Indian Rupee
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Port of Call - El Guamache (Margarita Island) Located in the Caribbean, just north of Venezuela, El Guamache serves as a port to the Isla de Margarita (Margarita Island). Originally lured to the island by the giant pearls off its coast, tourists now visit Margarita Island to enjoy its gorgeous beaches, friendly culture and exotic goods. At the port there is a small booth with tour operators and information, as well as some vendors selling souvenirs. Cruise passengers can rent jet skis at the port, as well as paddle boats and banana boats. There are no attractions within walking distance of the port and a car or taxi will need to be rented to explore the island. Drinks and snacks are available from a number of bars. From El Guamache, the nearest town is Porlamar.
Shopping in El Guamache (Margarita Island)
Shopping is a very popular activity in Porlamar. La Punta Boulevard, at the port, is a long promenade with vendors offering an array of local crafts and souvenirs, including hand-painted pottery, pearl and shell jewellery, woven baskets and stone figurines. The Santiago Mariño and 4 de Mayo avenues in Porlamar have top-end boutiques, while the Sambil Margarita shopping mall has a variety of trendy retail outlets. Best Buy: Handmade cigars and local chocolate on La Punta Boulevard
Dining in El Guamache (Margarita Island)
El Rancho De Pablo - excellent seafood with outstanding views Dolphin - Italian food served in an unbeatable atmosphere El Mercado De Conejeros - arguably some of the finest local cuisine available on the island Best Dish: Arepas(fried or baked corn pancakes)
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Overview of the Attractions in Venezuela Although Venezuela's potential as a tourist destination remains largely untapped, the country is home to some glorious natural attractions and a few cultural gems. Top natural attractions in Venezuela include the spectacular Angel Falls, the highest waterfalls in the world, which can be found deep within the jungle of the beautiful Canaima National Park. On the other extreme, balancing out the wet greenery of the rainforest, are the unexpected stretches of golden sand dunes found in the Los Medanos de Coro National Park. Many travellers also choose to explore the lovely coastline and Margarita Island (Isla Margarita) is a particular favourite, with dozens of pristine beaches and a vibrant nightlife. Most travellers start their journey in the capital, Caracas, and this old city boasts some tourist attractions, but sadly the urban areas of Venezuela have been hit hard by poverty and have become increasingly dangerous for tourists. This is not to say that the city has nothing to offer, but those sightseeing in Caracas are advised to take precautions against crime. One of the best things to do in Caracas is take a trip on the cable car up the mountain, which earns travellers wonderful views of the city. Caracas also boasts a fun and feisty nightlife.
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Public Holidays in Venezuela 2020 2021 New Year's Eve Fri. December 31 Fri. December 31 All Saints Day Mon. November 1 Mon. November 1 Assumption of Mary Sun. August 15 Sun. August 15 Saint Joseph's Day Fri. March 19 Fri. March 19 New Year's Day Fri. January 1 Fri. January 1 Carnival Wed. February 24 to Thu. February 25 Mon. February 15 to Tue. February 16 Holy Thursday Fri. April 9 Thu. April 1 Good Friday Sat. April 10 Fri. April 2 Declaration of Independence Day Mon. April 19 Mon. April 19 Labour Day Sat. May 1 Sat. May 1 Independence Day Mon. July 5 Mon. July 5 Simón Bolívar's Birthday Sat. July 24 Sat. July 24 Day of Indigenous Resistance Tue. October 12 Tue. October 12 Christmas Day Sat. December 25 Sat. December 25 Battle of Carabobo Thu. June 24 Thu. June 24
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