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Your trip
When is the best time to plan your visit to Venezuela?
You can visit Venezuela all year round. The rainy season runs from May to November and the dry season from December to April. Venezuela has a tropical climate, and is one of the countries with the most hours of sunshine in the world. The temperature does not change very much, with an average temperature between 26 and 28 degrees. Especially the Caribbean and the lowlands are often very hot. It is slightly cooler in the mountains, where temperatures can drop to around 10 degrees, especially at night.
Do I need insurance for my trip to Venezuela?
Everyone must take out travel and health insurance before leaving for Venezuela. Whether Venezuela is covered by your policy differs per insurance policy. In most cases this will not be a problem. If it is, we recommend that you check with one of the following international insurance companies: Global Underwriters or IATI Travel Insurance. They have different packages and you can put together exactly what works best for you.
Do I need a visa for Venezuela?
Most nationalities do not need a visa for a trip to Venezuela. You will receive a stamp in your passport upon arrival, after which you can stay up to 90 days.
What is the time zone in Venezuela?
Venezuela uses the time zone UCT -4.
Venezuela itself has no difference between summer and winter time.
How can I pay and how much will I spend in Venezuela?
Venezuelans pay with the Venezuelan Bolivar (VEF). This currency has been subject to massive inflation in recent years. ATMs don’t work in Venezuela. It is therefore recommended to bring enough American Dollars. Euros are a lot less common. On arrival you will exchange money with the guide. He knows the black market value, which differs enormously from the prices at the exchange offices or the bank. Make sure you always bring cash with you during the trip (Euros or USD).
Of course it mainly depends on yourself how much you actually spend, but as a guideline we advise approximately € 20 to € 30 per day. With this you should be able to make it. However, if you would like to buy souvenirs, you might want to bring some extra. Tipping local guides is always encouraged. They don’t earn much in this part of the world and it often makes a big difference to them. Of course this is according to your own preference.
Do I have to arrange my international flight to Venezuela myself?
We are always available to advise you when booking a flight. However, most customers prefer to book the flight themselves. Often this is cheaper in terms of price and you can pick your own preferences.
Practical information
What is the voltage and which plug should I use in Venezuela?
The complete electricity system in Venezuela is 220 Volt / 50 Hz. Unfortunately, a European plug cannot be used for this. So bring a universal plug for your trip to Venezuela. There is also regular power failure. There is also regular power outages, so make sure to charge everything as soon as there is power in your hotel.
Is there internet access and can I make calls in Venezuela?
Internet is available at most accommodations (if it works). However, don’t expect a very fast and steady connection. In general, there is also mobile coverage everywhere in Venezuela. You can also choose to buy a local SIM card, the guide can help you with this.
Local culture
What are the local customs in Venezuela?
In general, Venezuela is an open country. In terms of customs, there are few differences with Western countries and other South American countries. Venezuela is currently in a major crisis. Due to the poor economy, there are regular unrests and protests in the country. Also crime is at an all time high.
A few rules to keep in mind:
– Wear simple clothes (T-shirt with pants / skirt).
– Do not drink alcohol in public.
– Many basic needs are currently hard to come by, such as medicines and toiletries.
– Many Venezuelans are the no longer used to seeing tourists, which sometimes leads to some suspicious looks.
Is it safe in Venezuela?
Venezuela is generally known as a troubled country. There are often protests, often against the government or against the high level of corruption. For safety’s sake, we stay as far away from these protests as possible. The areas in Venezuela that we visit are places where we feel comfortable and where we feel we can bring people. The protests are often in big cities like Caracas and Maracaibo. If you come in the smaller villages or go to the nature parks, such as Canaima National park, you will notice little or nothing of the problems elsewhere. If the situation changes, we will also respond immediately. We therefore demand a certain flexibility from our travellers. Also, the local guide always 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.
Can I take pictures in Venezuela?
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.
Eating and drinking Venezuela
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, in the Andes mountains a lot of meat. In addition, the dishes mainly consist of cassava, 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.
What should I wear in Venezuela?
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.
Health and hygiene
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.