Welcome to Venezuela 😊

Quick Facts About Venezuela

Money and Finances

The official currency of Venezuela is the Venezuelan bolívar. Notes are issued in denominations of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 bolívars. Coins are issued in denominations of 1, 10, 50, and 100 bolívars.

ATM Network

While there are ATM machines available in Venezuela, they can be unreliable due to the economic instability of the country. It is recommended to carry cash when traveling in Venezuela.

Credit Cards

Credit cards are not widely accepted in Venezuela. It is recommended to carry cash and only use credit cards in established businesses and upscale restaurants. Visa and Mastercard may be more widely accepted than AMEX.

Internet and Phones

In Venezuela, the average internet speed for downloads is 2.8 Mbps and the average speed for uploads is 0.6 Mbps. The government has been known to interfere with internet access and censor certain websites.

Phone Plans and SIM Cards

The main telco companies in Venezuela are Movistar, Digitel, and Movilnet. The average cost of a mobile phone plan is around $5-10 USD per month. There are no known sim compatibility issues in Venezuela.

Dialling to Venezuela

To call Venezuela from another country, dial +58 followed by the area code and phone number. Within Venezuela, the area code used is 212 for Caracas and 241 for Valencia, among others.

Transport Around Venezuela

Air Travel

Venezuela has several major airports, including the Simón Bolívar International Airport in Caracas, the Maracaibo International Airport, and the Arturo Michelena International Airport in Valencia.

Train Travel

There are no inter-city train networks in Venezuela, but there is a suburban train network called the Caracas Metro which serves the capital city with 5 lines, 4 light rail and a shuttle train, and has an average journey price of $0.20 USD.

Metro / Local Trains

The Caracas Metro operates also as a local train system which can transport travelers within the city at an average fare of $0.10 USD.

Buses

Venezuela has an extensive bus network operated by both private and public companies. Long-distance journeys can take several hours and can cost anywhere from $5 USD to $20 USD, depending on the distance.

Rideshare

There are several rideshare companies operating in Venezuela, such as Uber and EasyTaxi, with average prices ranging from $2 USD to $10 USD depending on the distance and time of day.

Driving by Car

Driving in Venezuela can be challenging due to the congestion and poor road conditions in some areas. The speed limit on highways is usually 80 km/h (50 mph), and Venezuela drives on the right side of the road.

Local Customs

In Venezuela, tipping is common in restaurants, for taxi rides, and for some services. It is usually around 10% - 15% of the total amount. Locals greet each other with a handshake or a hug and kiss on the cheek. When speaking with strangers, it is polite to use formal titles such as 'Señor' or 'Señora.' Men and women address each other with 'usted' which is the formal word for 'you.'

Health and Diseases

Medical System

Venezuela's healthcare system has been facing many challenges due to the country's economic and political crisis. The system is underfunded and lacks the necessary medical supplies and personnel. Private healthcare is more reliable but can be expensive. It is recommended that travelers have comprehensive medical travel insurance when visiting Venezuela. The approximate cost for a visit to the doctor is around 20-30 USD.

COVID Situation

Venezuela has implemented strict quarantine measures to control the spread of COVID-19. The country has reported a relatively low number of cases compared to other countries in the region, but the accuracy of the data is disputed. It is recommended that travelers follow the local guidelines and regulations when visiting Venezuela.

Common Health Risks

Common health risks in Venezuela include malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus, which are transmitted through mosquito bites. Food and water-borne illnesses, such as typhoid fever and hepatitis A, are also prevalent. Visitors should exercise caution when consuming food or water in Venezuela and take necessary precautions to prevent mosquito bites.

Laws and Regulations

Alcohol Consumption

In Venezuela, the legal drinking age is 18 years old. Alcohol consumption is legal and widely available, but public drunkenness is considered a crime. The sale of alcohol is prohibited during election periods, as well as near schools, universities, and hospitals.

Recreational Drugs

Drug use in Venezuela is illegal, and penalties for drug-related crimes can include lengthy prison sentences. Possession, trafficking, and consumption of drugs are all considered serious offenses, and offenders may face severe consequences.

Pre-Marital Relationships

Pre-marital relationships are generally accepted in Venezuela, although conservative attitudes may prevail in more rural areas. Cohabitation is legal, and couples may choose to live together without getting married. However, there are no laws that specifically address unmarried cohabitation or relationships.

LGBTQ and Same-Sex

The LGBTQ community in Venezuela faces legal and societal discrimination. Same-sex marriage and civil unions are not legally recognized, and LGBTQ individuals often face harassment and violence. While homosexuality is not illegal, same-sex sexual activity may be punishable with imprisonment under vaguely-worded laws against 'immoral or indecent acts.'

Firearms / Guns

The process for obtaining a firearms license in Venezuela is lengthy and difficult. Only individuals who can demonstrate a legitimate need for a firearm, such as security personnel or hunters, may obtain a license. The use of firearms in self-defense is not recognized as a legal excuse for using deadly force, and offenders may face serious consequences.