Venezuela – Practical Information

In general, Venezuela is an open country. In terms of customs, there are few differences between Western countries and other South American countries. Venezuela is currently trying to overcome a major economic crisis and the improvements can be seen already. The places we’ll visit are generally safe and peaceful, but we still recommend that you exercise caution and common sense at all times. You should always follow the instructions of your guide, respect the local laws and customs, avoid crowded or isolated areas, and keep your valuables secure. 
Here are a few rules to keep in mind:
– Wear simple clothes (a T-shirt with pants/skirt).
– Do not drink alcohol in public (unless you are with locals).
– Many Venezuelans are no longer used to seeing tourists, which sometimes leads to some suspicious looks.

We carefully select the destinations and activities for our tours based on the current security situation and official travel advice. We also work with local partners who are familiar with the local conditions and can provide assistance if needed. When we visit smaller villages or go to the nature parks, such as Canaima National Park, we will notice little or nothing of the problems elsewhere. If the situation changes, we will also respond immediately. We, therefore, demand certain flexibility from our travelers, and in general, the local guide has the final word.
Some of the measures we take on our travels are;
– Dress like the Venezuelans, so simple clothes without showing expensive accessories.
– Do not wander off alone in the big cities.
– We do not discuss the itinerary or the name of the hotel with anyone. Although it will of course only be out of curiosity that someone asks, we do not share this information with others, purely as a precaution.
– We advise everyone to register with your local embassy. If you have problems on the spot, it is much easier to get in touch with the embassy on-site.

In general, you can take photos freely. However, there are a few points to keep in mind.
– Always ask permission before taking a photo of a person.
– Do not take photos of soldiers, military installations, police, or government buildings.

Venezuelan dishes often have many European influences – mainly French, Spanish, and Italian. In contrast to more Southern American countries (Peru, Bolivia), Venezuelan food often has a lot of flavor. On the coast, you will find a lot of fish, and in the Andes mountains a lot of meat. In addition, the dishes mainly consist of casabe, corn, beans and bananas. The food quality is very high, prices often low. The most famous dish is the empanada, which is often found at street stalls. It is not possible to drink water from the tap in Venezuela. This is due to a bad filter system for bacteria.
In Venezuela, alcohol is allowed to buy and drink from the age of 18. This is certainly done here. As in most South American countries, a lot of beer is consumed and they love cocktails.

The weather is often very nice in Venezuela. There are therefore no special clothing regulations that you must adhere to. It is wise to bring simple clothes. This is purely for safety reasons. It is also good to bring sturdy walking shoes for when you go into nature. In most hotels in the big cities you will be able to do laundry.

Venezuela is a developing country with a very turbulent history. Healthcare is therefore very limited. Also in terms of hygiene, the standard is much lower than in the Western world. Make sure you have enough disinfection gel, sunscreen and insect repellent.
 
We advise you always to the last (health) risk programs for the region where you’re going to visit. Check with your own government for the latest info about your destination.