Venezuela Travel Guide

Full Name

Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela

Former Name

NA

Capital City

Caracas

Government Type

federal republic

Area Size

912,050 sq km

Time Zone

UTC/GMT -4 hours

Climate

Though Venezuela is entirely situated in the tropics, its climate varies substantially; it varies from that of humid low-elevation plains, where average annual temperatures range as high as 28 °C , to glaciers and highlands (the páramos) with an average yearly temperature of 8 °C. Annual rainfall varies between 430 millimetres in the semiarid portions of the northwest to 1,000 millimetres in the Orinoco Delta of the far east. Most precipitation falls between May and November (the rainy season or "winter"); the drier and hotter remainder of the year is known as "summer", though temperature variation throughout the year is not as pronounced as at temperate latitudes.

Geography

Venezuela's mainland rests on the South American Plate; With 2,800 kilometres of coastline, Venezuela is home to a wide variety of landscapes. The extreme northeastern extensions of the Andes reach into Venezuela's northwest and continue along the northern Caribbean coast. Pico Bolívar, the nation's highest point at 4,979 metres, lies in this region. The country's center is characterized by the llanos, extensive plains that stretch from the Colombian border in the far west to the Orinoco River delta in the east. To the south, the dissected Guiana Highlands is home to the northern fringes of the Amazon Basin and Angel Falls, the world's highest waterfall. The Orinoco, with its rich alluvial soils, binds the largest and most important river system of the country; it originates in one of the largest watersheds in Latin America. The Caroní and the Apure are other major rivers.

Languages

Spanish (official), numerous indigenous dialects

Culture

Venezuela's heritage, art, and culture have been heavily influenced by its Latin American context. These elements extend to its historic buildings, architecture, art, landscape, boundaries, and monuments. Venezuelan culture has been shaped by indigenous, Spanish and Italian, and some African influences. Before this period, indigenous culture was expressed in art (petroglyphs), crafts, architecture (shabonos), and social organization. Aboriginal culture was subsequently assimilated by Spaniards; over the years, the hybrid culture had diversified by region.

History

Venezuela was one of three countries that emerged from the collapse of Gran Colombia in 1830 (the others being Colombia and Ecuador). For most of the first half of the 20th century, Venezuela was ruled by generally benevolent military strongmen, who promoted the oil industry and allowed for some social reforms. Democratically elected governments have held sway since 1959. Current concerns include: a weakening of democratic institutions, political polarization, a politicized military, drug-related violence along the Colombian border, increasing internal drug consumption, overdependence on the petroleum industry with its price fluctuations, and irresponsible mining operations that are endangering the rain forest and indigenous peoples.

Travel Information

The national airlines are Aeropostal (Alas de Venezuela) (VH), and Avensa and Servivensa (VC). Caracas (CCS) (Simon Bolívar) is 20km from the city (journey time – 30 to 45 minutes). There is a coach service to the city. Buses (littoral) are also available to the city. Taxis to the city are available on ranks. Facilities: Duty-free shop, bank/bureau de change, bar/restaurant, tourist information and car hire. Departure Tax Exit Tax: VEB33,600/US$16. Direct transit passengers and minors under 15 years are exempt. Airport tax: VEB84,000/US$40. Exempt are direct transit passengers. Domestic flights: VEB16,800. Main ports: La Guaira, Puerto Cabello, Maracaibo, Guanta, Porlamar and Ciudad Bolívar (on the Orinoco River). Several shipping lines operate to Venezuela. Cruise ships often make Caracas a port of call. Road access is from Colombia (Barranquilla and Medellin) to Maracaibo, and from the Amazon territory of Brazil (Manaus) to Caracas.

Accommodation

There are many excellent hotels in Caracas. Numerous smaller hotels are open throughout the country but it is essential to make reservations at both these and the larger international hotels well in advance. Hotels do not add a service charge, and generally there is no variation in seasonal rates. Hotels outside the capital tend to be cheaper and the standard may not be as high.

Visa Requirements

Visas are not required by all nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA except: nationals of Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia and Malta who do need a visa. All other nationals above require a Tourist Entry Card (DEX-2), which is issued free of charge by an authorised air carrier on presentation of valid air tickets (including return or onward ticket) for stays of maximum 90 days (non-extendable), except the following: Nationals of countries not referred to above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements. Tourist/Tourist Entry Cards are valid for 90 days (tourist visas are valid for up to one year but only permit entry for 90 days in any one period). Business visas are valid for 180 days. Transit visas are valid up to 72 hours. Apply to consulate or consular section at embassy. Tourist Entry Cards are available at the airport check-in desk prior to departure. Passport valid for at least six months (if entering with a visa) or for the duration of stay (if entering with a Tourist Entry Card) required by all nationals of countries referred to above.

Getting Around

Almost all large towns are connected with scheduled services operated by domestic airlines, including Aeropostal, Aerotuy and Avensa and Servivensa. Departure Tax VEB14,700. Ferries link Puerto La Cruz with Margarita Island (journey time – 2 hours 45 minutes). The East-West Railway travels between Acarigua and Maturin. It is for both passengers and cargo. Traffic drives on the right. All vehicles must carry a spare tyre, wheel block, jack wrench and special reflector triangle. The quality of roads is variable but the main roads in Caracas and to the interior are good. Some routes have many potholes that have not been filled; on these roads a 4-wheel drive is recommended. In the event of an accident, both vehicles must remain in the position of the accident until a Traffic Police Officer arrives, otherwise insurance companies will be unable to pay claims. Drivers routinely ignore red lights. Petrol pump attendants expect a tip.There are fairly cheap interurban bus services; quality of travel varies a lot however. Self-drive cars are available at the airport and in major city centres but are expensive. Caracas has a 35-station metro, which is comfortable and inexpensive. Conventional bus services have badly deteriorated in recent years and there has been a rapid growth in the use of por puestos (share-taxis). These are operated by minibus companies and tend to serve as the main form of public transport in Caracas and major cities. Fares charged are in general similar to those on the buses, although they are higher during the evenings and at weekends. Taxis in Caracas are metered but the fare can nonetheless be negotiated with the driver. It is customary not to use meters after midnight; the fare should be agreed before setting out. Taxi fares double after 2000. Taxi rates are posted at the airport. Drivers are not tipped unless they carry suitcases. Travellers are recommended to only take white taxis with yellow number plates or the Black Explorers from the airport. Motorcycles may not be used in Caracas after 2200.

Health & Safety

There are no vaccination requirements for Venezuela, but those who plan to travel in areas outside the main cities should be immunised against yellow fever, Hepatitis A, and typhoid. 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. Mains 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 advisable. The 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, 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. Political demonstrations, sometimes with violence and gunfire, occur regularly in Venezuela and should be avoided; there are currently demonstrations taking place in Caracas and other main cities. Pickpockets are very active in the city centres, particularly around bus and subway stations. Armed robberies are on the increase and theft of unattended valuables left on beaches or in cars is common. The coastal beach resorts are generally trouble free, though visitors should use common sense in ensuring the safety of their person and possessions.

National Holidays

1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 19-20 - Feb Carnival. 5 Apr - Holy Thursday. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 19 Apr - Declaration of Independence. 1 May - Labour Day. 24 Jun - Battle of Carabobo. 5 Jul - Independence Day. 24 Jul - Birth of Simón Bolívar. 12 Oct - Columbus Day. 25 Dec - Christmas Day.

Currency

Venezuelan Bolivar (VEB)

Electricity

110v AC, 60Hz

Working Hours

Office hours: Mon-Fri 8.00am - 6.00pm with a long midday break.

Emergency Numbers

171