1st time south america traveler in Venezuela....am i stupid? or can i survive?

durito2 says on May 14, 2009, 20:56:

use common sense and you'll be fine. just get out of caracas asap.

that or come to colombia, much better trip.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

quantum says on May 14, 2009, 21:10:

Not to be an alarmist, but check out the article I posted earlier today on the Venez forum. U may want to reconsider the Venez part of your trip and see more of Colombia instead.

quantum

0 funny, 1 helpful.

Rocco81 says on May 14, 2009, 21:12:

Yeah look...if you are going there of all places with NO friends and no agenda..I mean you can still have a real good time its all fine. Just be cool, practice your spanish, don't carry tons of cash on you and don't flaunt Rolex's etc and you will be fine. I have some peoepe in Maracaibo if you need some contacts.

Where are you going? Hell you are only going for a few days so just go, do your homework and check into a safe place and have a good time.

Remember you can have fun anywhere if you are not a dick and in general Latin people are pretty cool, laid back and fun. If you are so worried then you should not have made the trip plans. I mean what? Did you just close your eyes and spin the globe and pick a place?

Sic semper tyrannis

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Rocco81 says on May 14, 2009, 21:15:

Oh abd also Venezuelan girls are very pretty and hot so you might lose your man..who takes sand to the beach ;) Just kidding...kind of.

Sic semper tyrannis

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Conchale Vale!! says on May 17, 2009, 06:54:

First have a good time in Venezuela. There are many beautiful areas and things to do outside of Caracas. If you are staying only in Caracas I would probably not make the trip. I have traveled to almost every state and last year was there for more than 2 months and 11 trips. I have never had a problem but i have been traveling to Venezuela for 8 years. Street crime is rampant and happens quickly even in good places during the day. Conditions have gotten much worse this year.

Of course take only the Black tourist taxi out of the airport. Second question would be where in Venezuela are you going? You mentioned cheap. There will be nothing cheap at all in Venezuela unless you are planning to change money in the black market. Even with black market dollars things are not cheap they are priced about where they should be if you black market. If not you could go to europe for less money. You will find a bunch of people in the airport that will approach you to do it. Be careful for counterfeit bills. official exchange rate is still 2.15 b's to the dollar and right now black market is over 6. Here is a link to check rates when you go in July.

If you need to travel within the city take only hotel taxis or tele taxi by phone. Never take a taxi in the street in Venezuela. I have done it when i have not had any other choice but it there is risk doing this. If you are traveling within the country by bus even express buses there are robberies. If you have question be happy to help and may have someone could be paid to take you around by car. Good luck. Use common sense but be aware.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Elmin says on May 17, 2009, 06:59:

mind sharing where you are planning on going in Venezuela?

secondly, this is a very difficult forum to find positive comments on Venezuela, i recommend asking the same question on the thorn three forum for a more balanced answer.

best regards

0 funny, 0 helpful.

Conchale Vale!! says on May 17, 2009, 07:10:

forgot the link to dollar rate in black market. here it is

http://www.venezuelafx.blogspot.com

I would agree with Elmin. Also it does make a big difference on where you are going and how you are getting there. If you are traveling within the country by local airline do not cut any connections close. Depending upon where you are going flights are frequently late or canceled. If you can give an itinery I would be happy to make some recommendations on what to do and see. It is a great place just use your head

0 funny, 0 helpful.

C5vzla (☼Travelguide writer) says on May 17, 2009, 15:34:

Rocco81 says on May 18, 2009, 07:58:

Hey, I have a very dumb question. Why is the black market rate THAT much higher in Venezuala? I was in Eastern Europe and exchanged my cash with a friend of mine because it ex'd out all the fees a bank would have charged me and I got a better rate ...but I guess I am just missing how the rate could be 1 to 6 on the VE black market? Why so high?

Sic semper tyrannis

0 funny, 0 helpful.

C5vzla (☼Travelguide writer) says on May 18, 2009, 11:30:

Conchale Vale!! says on May 30, 2009, 08:52:

The rate is much higher because the exchange rate is artificially controlled by the government and is much lower than what the open market believes it should be. Venezuelans can only exchange dollars on a credit card that is set up in CADIVI (a government agency) for a limited amount of dollars when traveling used to be $2500 max per year. This amount is actually being revised and possibly lowered and some banks are not authorizing cards for travelers right now. So if someone needs dollars they buy in the black market. I just made a transfer through a friend today for 5.9 who has a business and needs dollars to pay accounts in the USA.

0 funny, 0 helpful.

flynn flanagan says on Sep 14, 2009, 11:08:

Colombia, Costa Rica and Panama are much better choices. I would not visit Venezuela at this time.

0 funny, 1 helpful.