I am planing to visit Venezuela as the first part of a 4 month South American journey, flying into Caracas, traveling a bit anfd then straight to Columbia afterwards.
I do not speak spanish, look pretty typically english but have done a lot of travelling and am 'reasonably' sensible. I keep reading horror stories about Venezuela but then you read scare stories about about Thailand!
Come on TT'ers how safe is it realistically?
Thanks for your help.
Personal safety when traveling should never be taken lightly, but London seems to be one of the most dangerous places on the planet from where I´m sitting, if I believe everything I´m told.
You´ll hear and read that Venezuela is not safe. Neither is Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Paraguay, Brazil, etc. etc.
Often comments from people who have never actually set foot in the places they are so keen to warn travelers against.
There are a few previous posts on safety in Venezuela here :-
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/search!default.jspa?q=safety+venezuela&x=0&y=0
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/search.jspa?threadID=&q=caracas+safety&objID=&dateRange=all&userID=&numResults=15&rankBy=10001
Hi
I just returned from Caracas last monday, as far as safety is concerned its ok as long as you use your head but there are places to avoid in the city if you visit.
Avoid the Barrios unles you have a guide and you stay in a Car also Plaza de Venezuela area is particularly iffy and its the Police you need to be aware of.
Use tele taxis they are the safest and fairly cheep compared to the Black cabs that dominate the City.
Beaches close to the Airport are really a no go area at night so travelling further south is recomended.
A cable car up the Mountain at Night is well worth the 25 bvf but again take safe precautions to the lift, its just a matter of being sencible like most Major cities.
Have a good visit
Regards Rob
Hi El-Nel,
As mentioned before it is a matter of common sense, sometimes the least common of all. But if you stick to the right places and keep a low profile you'll be fine. Believe me you are not the first to venture out to Vzla alone. I myself have lived here for almost 33 years, (I'm almost 35) and it would be a lie to say that nothing has ver happened to me, but I choose to live here - this is home for me! Venezuela is home to some amazing sites, and the weather is great all year round. So dress like a local when in Caracas or any major city. DO NOT wear anything that may attract attention such as jewelry, fancy sunglasses or expensive watches. Keep you're money in different places. DO NOT keep any valuables in your big backpack since you will have to check it in when travelling by bus or by plane. If staying in Caracas, try staying in the Altamira area which is considered to be one of the safest areas in the city and it is close to public transportation such as the metro making it much easier to get around.
Hope you find this info useful.
All the best,
Thomas
Caracas
berry_venezuela@hotmail.com
Really,really true:I go quite often to Venezuela and always have the best of times.I was robbed once,in Caracas very late at night by a street kid,to whom I was talking to,not even I was surprised considering he went for a pearl necklace I had forgotten to take off!I asure you that Rio de Janeiro is a lot more dangerous.Just be sensible and enjoy it,the people are super nice and welcoming
Hello
how safe is Venezuela?
Having read the last thread i guess it is down to our own personal experiences. I have returned from a month in vzla recently travelling alone and found it the most challenging of countries to visit. For me it is the most risky place in south or central america to visit.
But, if you take all the usual precautions including the good advice from thomas above, there is a good chance of no major problems.
All i would add is, dont go too cheap on hotels and learn a bit of spanish.