Is it safe to go to Venezuela?

as bad as they say it is

As bad as who says.?

People who have actually been there.?

It's certainly one of the dodgier countries in S. AMerica but having said that it's not that bad - avoid Caracas, and in cities don't walk around at night by yourself and you should be ok. Also - ideally avoid catching overnight buses - we caught some and it was fine (if not the most comfortable bus but ok) but did meat a guy who was on one that got hijacked and lost everything.
The bigger issue really is that Venezuela can be a real pain in the arse to travel in - especially with regards to the currency - make sure you bring enough cash in USD for your whole trip so that you can change it on the black market coz the official rate is 1/3 what you get on the black market which can make things quite expensive.
Venezuela is a beautiful country and well worth a visit - though as I said quite a hassle - and indeed a little more shaddy than others.
Basically it comes down to how confident you feel - there are still plenty of people travelling Venezuela (even though much less than before) but it is, these days, for the more adventurous.

Just a word: come.

I could give you advice about how to nicely travel through Venezuela. Plan in advance your trip: places to visit and time to spend on them, and I will give you info about the best way to commute and where to stay.

Best regards...

09-August-2009 post:

I am horrified of how many people arrived in Venezuela without knowing of the black market and fleeing the country because of the official exchange rate, they simply cannot afford. My experience is, you can change everywhere, we have done it several times, on the street there are no problems, it is too big an activity now. I would definitely recommend more USD than Euros. And, most important: bring BIG notes, only 50 and US$ 100, you will get a much better change.

09-August-2009 post:

As has been stated repeatedly the official exchange rate is a joke, a total rip off. you need to take some USD or Euros in cash for your trip and change it at the black market rate (about 3x the official rate) everyone does it, that is just how it works. To change money just ask in the posada you are staying or ask around hotels or travel agencies, if they cannot help you out they will be able to point you in the right direction. Do not trust random people on the street offering to change money. They may be ligit but they may be carrying fakes. Many posadas - at least those owned by foreigners will normally have a bank account in Europe or even some in the US where you can transfer money too - some will also have a pay-pal account. If you are planning on taking trips that can be expensive (such as Angel Falls) do not count on paying by credit card as you would be charged the official rate - but money transfer may be good (though bare in mind the transfer fee and the rate will not be as good as cash.The exchange rate (at least for the Euro) seems to decline as you head west (this was told to me and I have found it to be true) so you get better rates in places in the east but it can go down by a whole point (as in from 7.9 to 6.9) as you get close to Colombia. Of course you can always try and haggle. There are also people/agencies/posadas, that you can transfer money too and they will give you the cash.

Posted: 26-August-2009

To go or not to go?

Question:

I am looking for some advice from people that have recently been to Venezuela. My boyfriend and I are planning a two and a bit week holiday. From what I have read so far, Venezuela sounds brilliant. But what I cannot understand is why it does not seem to be very touristy/popular and I am interested in knowing why. Is it generally unsafe? I would say I am pretty streetwise and have travelled South East Asia without any problems. I realise cities as big as Caracas have its unsafe areas that should be avoided but is that about it? I have also read about the issues with currency so will take the advice on board. So any ideas about what puts people off? Or is it generally undiscovered? Even though we are only going for just over 2 weeks, we aim to move around a few places to see some sights and have some relaxation time on the beaches. So the question is, do you recommend that we go?

Reply 1:

Venezuela does have tons to offer and can make for a fantastic trip, and actually had more tourists than I thought it would. Regarding security we had no problems but the reputation is not good and I did meet more than the average number of people who had problems with security in Venezuela (and not just Caracas) including one guy on an overnight bus which was held up at gun point. The money thing is a huge pain in the arse, if you get a good rate change a bunch and under no circumstance use your ATM card. First because you get a crappy rate and then because it seems that card-clonning is a huge thing in Venezuela. Then the Venezuelans are a grumpy bunch. They are not mean or anything just not very friendly (going from Venezuela into Colombia is like night and day in that respect). oh and the beer sucks - it is a country full of macho-type men drinking light beer - what is up with that? Anyway you asked why people seem to stay away - there is my take on it. Having said that I would love to go back some day and explore more of the country because it is stunning and has tons to offer. To the question should you go - I would say, yes. And definitely go to Angel Falls.

Reply 2:

Venezuela is the dodgiest country by far in South America be very careful. Violent crime in Venezuela is pervasive, both in the capital, Caracas, and in the interior. The country’s overall per capita murder rate is cited as one of the highest in the world, and Caracas was listed as the murder capital of the world in the September 2008 Foreign Policy magazine. Kidnapping is another serious concern. The Venezuelan National Counter Kidnapping Commission was created in 2006, and since then, official statistics have shown an alarming 78 percent increase in the number of reported kidnappings. Surveys show that the overwhelming majority of kidnappings are not reported to the police. Armed robberies take place throughout the city, including areas generally presumed safe and frequented by tourists. Well-armed criminal gangs operate widely, often setting up fake police checkpoints. Only a very small percentage of crimes result in trials and convictions. Travel to and from Maiquetía Airport, the international airport serving Caracas, can be dangerous, and corruption at the airport itself is rampant. Both arriving and departing travelers have been victims of personal property theft and muggings. The Embassy has received multiple, credible reports that individuals wearing what appear to be official uniforms or other credentials are involved in facilitating or perpetrating these crimes. For this reason, American citizen travelers should be wary of all strangers, even those in official uniform or carrying official identification, and should not pack valuable items or documents in checked luggage. Valuable documents and personal items should be kept in carry-on luggage. The Embassy has also received multiple, credible reports of victims of “express kidnappings,” in which individuals are taken to make purchases or to withdraw as much money as possible from ATMs, often at gunpoint, as well as unconfirmed reports of uniformed airport officials attempting to extort money from travelers as they go through the normal check-in and boarding process for departing flights. Furthermore, there are known drug trafficking groups working from the airport. Travelers should not accept packages from anyone and should keep their luggage with them at all times. The road between Maiquetía Airport and Caracas is known to be particularly dangerous. Visitors traveling this route at night have been kidnapped and held captive for ransom in roadside huts that line the highway. Because of the frequency of robberies at gunpoint, travelers are encouraged to arrive and depart only during daylight hours. If not, travelers should use extra care both within and outside the airport. The Embassy strongly advises that all arriving passengers make advance plans for transportation from the airport to their place of lodging. If possible, travelers should arrange to be picked up at the airport by someone who is known to them or at least try to caravan in known groups en route to Caracas. Travelers should be aware of chokepoints inside tunnels and avoid obstacles in the road. The Embassy has received frequent reports of armed robberies in taxicabs going to and from the airport at Maiquetía. There is no foolproof method of knowing whether a taxi driver at the airport is reliable. The fact that a taxi driver presents a credential or drives an automobile with official taxi license plates marked libre is no longer an indication of reliability. Incidents of taxi drivers in Caracas overcharging, robbing, and injuring passengers are common. Travelers should take care to use radio-dispatched taxis or those from reputable hotels. Travelers should call a 24-hour radio-dispatched taxi service from a public phone lobby or ask hotel, restaurant, or airline representatives to contact a licensed cab company for them.

Reply 3:

We had no safety issues in Venezuela - but did not go to Caracas, however we did get caught unaware by the currency issue. The ONLY way to afford anything is to carry US$ or euro in cash and change it in the country at the black market rates. Of course carrying large amounts of cash has a risk, but advice to use ATMs, credit cards, banks etc is simply nonsense, it is just not affordable - for example a 3 days 2 nights trip to Angel falls costs Bolivares Fuertes 1700 from Ciudad Bolivar, at the current black market rate there (5.5 last week) that comes to US$310 - quite expensive, but at the official rate of 2.15 it comes to US$790 !!!!!!! We had planned to spend time in Merida, Angel Falls and Grand Sabana but because of the exchange rate issue we simply traveled through to Brazil, where we were much more comfortable. We met some really friendly Venezuelans, but I have to agree with the above post, most of them are miserable. Also the above post is right on the beer - it is awful. Personally I would never go there again, even if it means not seeing Angel Falls.

Reply 4:

As stated above, the safety concerns, generally high prices, shortages of basic goods and currency regulations generally keep tourists away. I would not necessarily recommend you not go, but unless you have a very specific interest in Angel Falls or another Venezuelan destination, or friends there, I am not sure why someone would choose it at this point when you can get much better value for your money with much less hassle elsewhere in South or Central America.

Reply 5:

I was in Caracas during the coup in 2002 and although I love Venezuela, I did not want to return through Caracas. So I returned in 2008 via Manaus. I took the bus from Manaus to Boa Vista and then up to Santa Elena. We climbed Roraima, then flew to Canaima and visited Angel Falls, then back to Santa Elena to explore more of the Gran Sabana. Then back to Manaus. I did not have any problems and felt very secure in that part of the country. It is a doable option that avoids Caracas, which is the focal point of most of the danger IMO.

Reply 6:

I have just returned. On one side it is great experience, but I would not go again, this place is far from fully relaxing. We did not have problems with security or with the black market exchange. We skipped Caracas. But we have heard some horror stories from locals, and most places look like security compounds with barbed wire, bars and locks. And then places like Santa Fe or Ciudad Bolivar are deserted after dark.

Reply 7:

After my recent month long trip in Venezuela I can only confirm what has been said already. It is quite a challenging place to visit, and really after Gran Sabana and Angel falls etc there is not much else to hang around for. I have visited many places that were reputedly not particularly safe to visit and found them all ok , until Venezuela, it really is proper iffy! If you want a relaxing break it Is probably not for you right now, and yes the beer is awful. Exchanging money is a pain and people are grumpy. Sorry, I cannot be more positive about the country.

I was in Venezuela and it was one of my favourite countries in South America. I never understand when people talk about it being unsafe. It's not safe to hitchhike in the San Cristobal - Cúcuta border area, Caracas is not safe and don't walk around bigger cities (such as Ciudad Bolivar and Maracaibo) at night - chances are nothing will happen, but if you do decide to take a walk around, you'll notice if feels dogdy.

But for the general tourist, Venezuela is a true paradise.

Do go!

Don't miss diving in Margarita - it's got some of the best diving I've ever been to.
Don't miss the three day trip to Angel Falls from Ciudad Bolivar, the most magical area you'll ever see in your life.
Don't miss being surrounded by table top mountains, fresh bathing ponds, amazing waterfalls and indigenous people of the Gran Sabana

Then people also HIGHLY recommend a trip to Delta de Orinoco, Los Llanos and Mérida, though I didn't do it cause of lack of time.

Just remember to bring US dollars with you!!!!! Otherwise you're just throwing your money away. Don't even consider using ATMs in Venezuela.

do not take taxis in big cities, do not wear anything too fashionable or which might appear to have some value and plan your trip carefully. If you follow these rules you should be fine.
Take the safety recommendations of the locals with a grain of salt, they are usually scared to death and in a city like Caracas they will often suggest you to just stay in your room.

P.S.
Start practicing your spanish

Do not hail cabs on the street. Call radio taxis by phone.

Not wearing jewels is a matter of fact... Most of you possibly look as foreigners and not looking as a tourist is pretty hard. However, there are a few issues to take into account, specially when visiting a Venezuelan city, for instance: shower at least once a day (twice if possible), brush your hair, change your clothes everyday, wear shoes and long pants (t-shirts are ok)... I mean: if you want to be less noticeable and/or attractive for thiefs, just try to look less as a round-the-world traveller. Most Venezuelans are humble people, perhaps we can't wear top brands such as Columbia, The North Face, Calvin Klein, etc., perhaps not everyone is able to look elegantly... however, we love looking tidy and perfumed and we use to be very, extremely censorious and critical when people don't do this way.

I mention this, because I think this issue could help many travellers increase their safety when travelling in Venezuela.

Welcome and have an excellent time in my country.