Venezuela Travel Information

Venezuela is a country located in South America, known for its diverse culture, rich history, and natural beauty. From the Caribbean coast to the Andes mountains, Venezuela offers a wide range of activities and attractions for visitors. However, Venezuela is currently facing a political and economic crisis which affects the travel industry, security and access to certain areas of the country. Therefore, it is important to check the current travel advisories and restrictions before planning a trip to Venezuela. Here are the top 10 things to do in Venezuela:

1. Visit the Angel Falls

Angel Falls is the world's highest uninterrupted waterfall, located in the Canaima National Park in the southern Venezuela. Visitors can take a guided tour and see the falls from a distance or take a flight over the falls for a close-up view.

2. Explore the city of Caracas

Caracas is the capital and largest city of Venezuela, known for its rich culture, history, and architecture. Visitors can explore the city's museums, markets, and plazas, and take a cable car ride to the top of Avila mountain for a panoramic view of the city.

3. Visit the Mochima National Park

Mochima National Park is a protected area located on the Caribbean coast, known for its beaches, coral reefs, and marine life. Visitors can take a guided tour and explore the park's natural beauty, go snorkeling or diving to see the coral reefs and marine life.

4. Visit the Los Roques Archipelago

Los Roques Archipelago is a group of islands located in the Caribbean sea, known for its white sandy beaches, crystal clear water and excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities. Visitors can take a boat tour of the islands and enjoy the natural beauty.

5. Visit the Orinoco Delta

The Orinoco Delta is a vast network of waterways located in the northeastern Venezuela, known for its biodiversity and natural beauty. Visitors can take a boat tour and explore the delta's mangrove forests, and see a variety of wildlife, including monkeys, birds, and crocodiles.

6. Visit the Canaima National Park

Canaima National Park is a protected area located in the southern Venezuela, known for its natural beauty, including tepuis, waterfalls, and lagoons. Visitors can take a guided tour and explore the park's natural beauty, go hiking and take a boat ride in the lagoons.

7. Visit the Margarita Island

Margarita Island is a Caribbean island located off the northeastern coast of Venezuela, known for its beaches, nightlife, and water sports. Visitors can take a boat tour of the island and enjoy the beaches, go snorkeling or diving to see the coral reefs and marine life.

8. Visit the Coro

Coro is a colonial city located in the northwest Venezuela, known for its well-preserved architecture, and its vibrant culture. Visitors can explore the city's museums, markets, and churches, and take a walk along the streets and discover the colonial architecture.

9. Visit the Los Llanos

Los Llanos is a vast grassland located in the central Venezuela, known for its wildlife and natural beauty. Visitors can take a guided tour and explore the grasslands, see a variety of wildlife such as monkeys, capybaras, and anacondas.

10. Visit the Mérida

Mérida is a city located in the Andes mountains, known for its natural beauty, outdoor activities, and culture. Visitors can take a cable car ride to the top of Pico Espejo, the highest mountain in Venezuela, go hiking, and enjoy the local culture.

Climate

Venezuela has a diverse climate due to its varied topography, with temperatures averaging around 25-30 degrees Celsius (77-86 degrees Fahrenheit) throughout the year. Coastal regions are typically hot and humid, while the highlands are cooler and more temperate. The Andes region also experiences a wet and dry season and the Los Llanos region has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and humidity throughout the year.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Venezuela depends on your travel plans and preferences. The dry season from December to April is the best time to visit the Andean region and the Caribbean coast. However, it's important to note that the country is currently facing a political and economic crisis which affects the travel industry, security and access to certain areas of the country. Therefore, it is important to check the current travel advisories and restrictions before planning a trip to Venezuela. Additionally, the rainy season which starts from May to November can make some areas inaccessible, and it can be more difficult to move around the country.

Here are some general travel tips regarding entry requirements that apply across all countries:

Passport

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in the country you are visiting. Some countries will not allow you to enter if your passport is set to expire within a certain period of time.

Visa

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if you need a visa. Some countries require a visa for entry, while others do not. Make sure to apply for a visa well in advance of your trip as the process can take several weeks. Check the latest Visa requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Health Requirements and COVID-19 Rules

Check with the embassy or consulate of the country you are visiting to see if there are any health requirements for entry. Some countries require vaccinations or proof of medical insurance. Check the latest health requirements and if necessary get an online Visa with our partner iVisa.

Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing travel insurance, especially if you are traveling internationally. Travel insurance can cover you in the event of trip cancellation, medical emergencies, and other unexpected events. Our travel insurance partner is SafetyWing. For dangerous activities and/or countries consider a rescue service like those offered by our partner, Global Rescue.

Customs

Be familiar with the customs and laws of the country you are visiting. Some countries have strict laws regarding drug possession, alcohol consumption, and dress codes.

Currency

Check the currency exchange rate and make sure you have enough local currency for your trip. Some countries may not accept credit cards or travelers cheques, so it is always good to have some cash on hand. At WhereNext we recommend use a Wise debit card, which provides low cost currency conversions and ATM withdrawals.

Research the country

Research about the culture, customs and laws of the country you are visiting. It will help you to understand the place more and also prepare you better for the trip.

Contact Information

Make a copy of your passport and keep it in a separate place from your passport. Also, leave a copy of your itinerary and contact information with a friend or family member at home.

Hotels

Venezuela offers a variety of hotels to choose from, including budget-friendly options and luxury resorts. In major cities such as Caracas, Maracaibo, and Valencia, you'll find a variety of international hotel chains as well as locally-owned properties. In more rural areas and beach destinations, you may find smaller, more basic hotels or guesthouses. However, it's important to note that the country is currently facing a political and economic crisis which affects the travel industry, security and access to certain areas of the country. Therefore, it is important to check the current travel advisories and restrictions before planning a trip to Venezuela.

Hostels

Venezuela also has a growing number of hostels, which are a budget-friendly accommodation option. They often have shared dorm rooms as well as private rooms and offer a more social atmosphere than traditional hotels. Hostels are popular among backpackers and other budget-conscious travelers.

Vacation Rentals

Another option for accommodation in Venezuela is vacation rentals, such as apartments or villas. This can be a good option for groups or families traveling together, as it allows for more space and privacy than a hotel room. Vacation rentals can also be a more budget-friendly option, as the cost can be split among multiple people.

Eco-Lodges and Camping

For those who want to be closer to nature, eco-lodges and camping are also options. These can be found in national parks and other protected areas, and offer a unique way to experience Venezuela's natural beauty. Some of them offer sustainable tourism initiatives and opportunities to engage with local communities. However, it's important to note that the country is currently facing a political and economic crisis which affects the travel industry, security and access to certain areas of the country. Therefore, it is important to check the current travel advisories and restrictions before planning a trip to Venezuela.

Public Transportation

Venezuela has a variety of public transportation options, including buses, taxis, and trains. These are the most affordable option for getting around, but can be crowded and uncomfortable. The public transportation system is well-organized in some areas, but less developed in others. However, it's important to note that the country is currently facing a political and economic crisis which affects the travel industry, security and access to certain areas of the country. Therefore, it is important to check the current travel advisories and restrictions before planning a trip to Venezuela.

Rental Cars

Rental cars are also an option in Venezuela, but it is important to keep in mind that driving conditions can be challenging. The road infrastructure is well-developed in some areas, but less in others, and driving can be dangerous in rural areas, especially in the Andes. Additionally, it is a good idea to check with the rental agency and make sure that you have a valid driver's license and that your insurance covers you while driving in Venezuela.

Private Transportation

Another option is to hire a private driver or tour company, which can be a convenient and safe way to get around the country, particularly if you plan to visit multiple destinations. This option can be relatively expensive but can also be more comfortable and reliable.

Air Travel

For traveling between different regions of the country, air travel is also an option, but the options are limited and prices can be relatively high. However, it can save a lot of time, especially if you plan to travel to remote places that are not easily accessible by land. Some places like the Angel falls or Canaima National Park are only accessible by air.

Money Tips for Travel

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans to avoid any potential issues with international transactions.
• Bring a mix of cash, credit, and debit cards--and possibly a travel money card.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.
• Make sure to have a backup option for accessing money in case your primary method doesn't work.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• NEVER accept currency conversion at ATMs! Always get your home bank to convert at much better rates.
• Think about getting a Wise or other travel debit card; these can provide much better rates and some free ATM withdrawals.

ATM and Credit Cards

• Research the availability of ATMs and credit card acceptance at your destination before you depart.
• Keep your ATM card in a safe place and be mindful of your surroundings when using it.
• Try to stick to using ATMs that are affiliated with major banks.
• Keep your credit card information safe and secure, and be aware of potential scams.
• Make sure your cards have the necessary security features, such as chip and pin.
• Be aware of the fees associated with withdrawing money from ATMs and using credit cards abroad.

Exchange Rates

• Research the currency and exchange rates of your destination before you depart.
• Consider using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
• Be aware of the local customs and etiquette when it comes to paying.
• Keep an eye on the exchange rate throughout your trip and try to make large purchases or withdraw large sums of money when the rate is favorable.
• Be careful of places that may offer to exchange money at rates that seem too good to be true.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It covers a wide range of needs--even some you might not expect!

Medical Coverage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for medical expenses if you become ill or injured while traveling. This can include coverage for doctor visits, hospital stays, and emergency medical transportation. It's also a good idea to ensure that your travel insurance covers COVID-19 related illness and delays!

Trip Cancellation and Interruption

Travel insurance can provide coverage if you need to cancel or interrupt your trip due to unexpected events such as illness, weather, or travel bans. It can also provide coverage if your trip is delayed or if your travel provider goes out of business.

Lost or Stolen Luggage

Travel insurance can provide coverage for lost or stolen luggage, as well as personal items such as passports and electronic devices.

Emergency Assistance and Evacuation

Many travel insurance plans offer emergency assistance services, such as providing information on local hospitals and doctors, assistance with replacing lost or stolen documents, and help with arranging transportation in the event of an emergency. At WhereNext we have partnered with Global Rescue for evacuation services, which are highly recommended if you are undertaking dangerous activities or are travelling to dangerous parts of the world.

Liability coverage

Travel insurance can also provide liability coverage in case you cause an accident or harm someone while you are traveling.

Travel insurance can provide financial protection and peace of mind for travellers in the event of unexpected situations or emergencies. It can help cover the costs of medical expenses, trip cancellations, lost or stolen luggage, and more. It's always a good idea to review the coverage and compare the different options available before making a decision. At WhereNext we both use and have partnered with Safety Wing for general travel insurance.

When traveling, getting mobile access is very important these days. If you are working remotely, wanting to update social media, or need to access your banks SMS authentication messages having a reliable service is a must. At WhereNext we recommend:

eSIM

Services such as those offered by our partner, Airalo, allow you to easily order and install an eSIM for different countries or regions that you are traveling in.

Dual SIM phone

If you have a phone that supports dual SIM's then you can get a SIM on arrival for each country, this is probably better done at a telco store rather than at the airport.

Extend your home plan

Depending on where you live and your mobile service provider you may be able to extend your plan to cover mobile roaming at reasonable rates.

Keep your primary SIM

With the amount of accounts we all have that require two factor authentication via SMS, keeping a constant number for these accounts is a must.

There are several online communities and platforms that you can use to meet people while traveling, both for making new friends or for networking professionally. Some popular options include:

Facebook groups

There are many Facebook groups dedicated to connecting people while traveling, from expat groups and travel communities to groups specific to certain cities or regions of the country. You can search for groups based on your interests or location and connect with others who share similar interests.

Meetup

Meetup is a platform that allows you to find groups of people that share your interests in your local area. There are Meetup groups all around the world, and they cover a wide range of topics, such as language exchange, sports, and cultural activities.

Internations

Internations is a social network for people who live or work abroad. It has a large community of expats and organizes regular events, activities and gatherings that allow members to connect and socialize.

Couchsurfing

Couchsurfing is a platform that connects travelers with local hosts, who offer free accommodation and a chance to experience the local culture. It's a great way to meet locals and make friends!

Reddit

Reddit has a large community, and there are several subreddits dedicated to connecting expats and travelers. You can use it to ask questions, get advice, and connect with others who are also living or traveling in the country.

Linkedin

LinkedIn is primarily a professional network, but you can also use it to connect with people who work in the same industry or have similar backgrounds. It can be useful to connect with people before you arrive and establish a few professional contacts to help you get started.

At WhereNext, we use Nomad List as a global community and then research more local ones for our destination. These are just a few examples of online communities you can use to meet people; please suggest any others that you think are appropriate for this destination.