Venezuela, Venezuela - Travel Guide

Venezuela boasts incredible natural diversity, from the towering Angel Falls and the dramatic Andes mountains to the Caribbean coastline and the vast Llanos plains. It offers adventurous travelers unique experiences in hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring vibrant local culture.

Quick Facts

Recommended Stay10 days

Budget$10/day

Mid-range$50/day

Luxury$500/day

Known For

CaracasAndesOrinocoAngel FallsCaribbean

🇻🇪 Country Information: Venezuela

CapitalCaracas

CurrencyBolívar (Bs)

LanguageSpanish, Indigenous languages (e.g., Wayuu, Pemon), English (limited)

Phone Code+58

Electricity120V (Type A, B)

Tap WaterNot recommended

Tipping

Tipping is uncommon and often not expected in restaurants due to economic conditions, but small tips for good service are appreciated
Taxi drivers are not typically tipped, but you can round up the fare
Bellhops and hotel staff may appreciate a small tip (1
2 USD equivalent)

Money & Payments

ATMs are scarce and often unreliable; it's better to bring USD cash
Credit cards are rarely accepted and not reliable
It is better to bring USD cash in small denominations
There is a significant black market for cash, offering much better exchange rates than official channels

Cultural Norms

Dress modestly, especially in more conservative areas
Punctuality is often flexible, especially for social gatherings
Direct eye contact is generally appreciated as a sign of respect
Family is highly valued and plays a central role in Venezuelan culture

LGBTQ+ Information

Exercise caution. LGBTQ+ rights are limited in Venezuela. Same-sex marriage is not recognized, and there are no specific anti-discrimination laws. Public displays of affection are not common.

Alcohol & Drug Laws

Legal drinking age is 18
Drug laws are extremely strict, even for small amounts; penalties are severe and include long prison sentences

Special Laws

Photography of military installations or protests is strictly prohibited
Carrying identification at all times is mandatory
Be aware of hyperinflation and fluctuating currency exchange rates
Avoid political discussions in public

Common Phrases

NoNo (NOH)

YesSí (SEE)

HelloHola (OH-lah)

PleasePor favor (por fah-VOR)

Excuse meCon permiso (kon per-MEE-so)

Thank youGracias (GRAH-see-ahs)

Climate

Venezuela has a diverse climate, from tropical in the lowlands to temperate in the highlands.

Climate Zone: Tropical Savanna

Best Time to Visit

Hurricane season: Jun
Nov
Rainy season (floods can occur): May
Nov
Extreme heat: All year, particularly in coastal and low
lying areas

Getting There

Fly into Simón Bolívar International Airport (CCS) in Caracas (costs and times vary widely depending on origin)
Buses connect major cities (e
g
, Caracas to Mérida, 10
12 hours, $20
40)
Limited train service
Boat travel to Margarita Island (e
g
, from Puerto La Cruz, 2
4 hours, $15
30)

Getting Around

Public buses (known as "rapiditos") are common but can be crowded and unsafe
Taxis are available but negotiate fare beforehand; ride
sharing apps like Yummy Domicilios exist but coverage may be limited and unreliable outside major cities

Health & Vaccinations

Yellow fever vaccine required (proof often checked upon entry)
Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and rabies vaccines recommended
Malaria risk in some rural areas (antimalarial medication recommended)
Altitude sickness can be an issue in Andean regions (e
g
, Mérida); consult doctor for preventative medication
Probiotics recommended for digestive health

Staying Connected

eSIM availability is limited and unreliable due to telecommunications issues
Local SIM cards from Movilnet, Digitel, or Movistar are a better option but can be difficult to acquire without a local ID
Providers like Airalo or Nomad may not consistently support Venezuela

Book in Advance

Plan ahead for the best experience. Here's what to book before your trip:

🔴 Must Book in Advance

Canaima National Park Tours (Angel Falls) tour_or_activity

Book 1–3 months in advance

Demand for tours, especially multi-day trips to Angel Falls, is high, and reliable operators have limited capacity. The best time to visit (rainy season when the river is high enough) sees maximum demand.

Los Roques Archipelago Accommodation Accommodation

Book 1.5–6 months in advance

Los Roques is a protected national park with limited lodging (posadas), which book out quickly, especially during local and international holiday periods.

Domestic Flight to Canaima (CBL) or Los Roques (LRV) Transport

Book 1–2 months in advance

Domestic flights, particularly to remote but popular tourist destinations like Canaima and Los Roques, have limited seating and inconsistent scheduling, making early booking essential for securing dates.

Fun Facts

1. Venezuela is home to the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall, Angel Falls (Kerepakupai Merú), which drops from a height of 979 meters (3,212 ft) off the Auyán-tepui mountain in Canaima National Park.
2. The Catatumbo lightning, a phenomenon unique to Venezuela, creates an average of 280 lightning flashes per hour for up to 10 hours a night, 140 to 160 nights a year over the mouth of the Catatumbo River where it empties into Lake Maracaibo.
3. Venezuela has the largest proven oil reserves in the world, surpassing Saudi Arabia, with much of it being extra-heavy crude found in the Orinoco belt.
4. The country contains nearly 40% of the world’s orchid species, and the national flower, the May flower orchid (Cattleya mossiae), is often referred to as the "Flower of May."

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