Venezuela Travel Tips and Information
Origin of Image source: shutterstock.com
| Official Name | The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela |
|---|---|
| Population | Approximately 28.4 million |
| Capital | Caracas |
| Country Code | VE |
| Language | Spanish |
| Country Code (international calls) | 58 |
The flight time to Venezuela is approximately ---- hours. Check the climate, currency, religion, manners, other information of Venezuela below. Wishing you pleasant travels to Venezuela.
Venezuela is located on the northern coast of South America. Venezuela borders Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east and Brazil to the south.
Visa and Immigration Procedures to Venezuela
Most tourists from western nations do not need to obtain a Venezuelan travel visa. They do however need to obtain a tourist card called Tarjeta de Turismo Dex-2. The document is free. Venezuelan immigration officials need proof of accommodations when entering the country along with proof of sufficient funds to cover costs during their stay. Some nationals are required to obtain visas before arrival so please double check with a Venezuelan Embassy or Consulate for further details and the correct procedures.
Venezuela - Local Climate / Weather
Venezuela, with its diverse geography, experiences varying climates across regions, making it an interesting destination for all travelers. The country generally has a tropical climate, with two main seasons: a rainy season from May to November and a dry season from December to April. The coastal areas and lowlands are warm and humid throughout the year, with temperatures averaging 26-28°C, while the Andean region offers a cooler climate, with temperatures dropping significantly, especially at night.
Venezuela - Currency & Tipping
Currency
In Venezuela, the official currency is the Bolívar (VES), with U.S. dollars (USD) also widely accepted, especially in tourist areas and larger cities. All travelers are encouraged to carry some cash in both currencies, as card payments may not always be reliable due to infrastructure limitations. Currency exchanges are generally available in major cities, though using official exchange rates is recommended for fair value.
Tipping
Tipping in Venezuela is customary but not mandatory. In restaurants, a service fee is often included, but if it’s not, leaving a tip of around 10% is appreciated. For services like taxis, rounding up the fare is a polite gesture. When staying at hotels, a small tip for housekeeping is appreciated, and guides typically receive around 10% of the service cost. Familiarizing oneself with tipping norms enhances the travel experience and shows appreciation for the service provided.
Useful Travel Information
Venezuela - Voltage & Electrical Outlets
Venezuela operates on a 110V voltage with a frequency of 60Hz, similar to what is used in North America. The standard power outlets are Type A and Type B—two flat prongs or two flat prongs with a round grounding prong. All travelers should bring along a universal adapter to accommodate these outlets, especially if your devices operate on a different voltage.
Venezuela - Internet Connectivity
Staying connected in Venezuela is essential, and there are several local internet service providers and mobile carriers offering reliable coverage. Notable mobile carriers include Movistar Venezuela, Digitel, and Movilnet, which provide a range of prepaid and postpaid plans for short-term travelers. While internet speeds can vary, major cities generally offer stable coverage. Public Wi-Fi is available in hotels, cafes, and some public areas, but travelers should be cautious when accessing sensitive information. For reliable connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or portable Wi-Fi device.
Venezuela - Water for Consumption (Drinking Water)
In Venezuela, it is advisable for travelers to drink bottled or filtered water. Tap water may not always meet the safety standards expected by visitors, and bottled water is widely available in supermarkets and convenience stores. Be mindful to avoid ice in drinks from unfamiliar sources and opt for sealed bottled water instead.
Culture, Religion & Social Etiquette
Venezuela - Culture
Venezuela boasts a vibrant culture rooted in Indigenous, African, and Spanish influences, creating a unique fusion that is expressed in its music, dance, festivals, and everyday life. Venezuelans are known for their love of traditional music, such as "joropo," a lively folk style that uses the harp, maracas, and cuatro guitar. Annual celebrations, like Carnaval and the “Festival de San Juan,” highlight the nation’s cultural depth, where colorful costumes and street parades unite locals and travelers alike. In addition, Venezuelan art, particularly in handicrafts and painting, showcases both modern and traditional styles that capture the spirit of the country.
Venezuela - Religion
Religion plays a central role in Venezuelan life, with Roman Catholicism being the dominant faith for over 70% of the population. Festivals and religious events, such as Christmas, Easter, and the Día de los Santos (All Saints’ Day), are celebrated with grandiosity and community spirit. Additionally, the "Día de la Virgen de Coromoto" honors the nation’s patron saint, Our Lady of Coromoto. While Catholic traditions are widespread, some communities also practice Protestant Christianity, and there is a rich blend of Indigenous and African religious practices in specific regions, reflecting Venezuela’s cultural diversity.
Venezuela - Social Etiquette
Venezuelans are known for their warm hospitality and friendliness. Greetings often include a hug or a cheek kiss, even among acquaintances, which may feel very familiar for all travelers. Respect for family and elders is paramount, and it is common to use polite phrases like "por favor" (please) and "gracias" (thank you) as signs of courtesy. While Venezuelans appreciate punctuality in business settings, social gatherings tend to start later than the scheduled time, something that all visitors may find relatable. Additionally, dressing modestly is appreciated in religious sites and formal gatherings, where it’s customary to show respect for traditions and venues.
Venezuela - Food Culture
Venezuelan cuisine offers all travelers a vibrant journey through rich flavors and local specialties that reflect the country's unique blend of Spanish, Indigenous, and African influences. Venezuelan food culture is centered around hearty dishes and fresh ingredients, making it an ideal choice for those who enjoy flavorful meals. A staple that travelers can look forward to is the "arepa," a versatile cornmeal patty often filled with meat, cheese, or avocado, offering a taste that’s deliciously comforting and easy to find. Another must-try is "pabellón criollo," the national dish consisting of shredded beef, black beans, rice, and fried plantains, showcasing Venezuela’s comfort food at its best. For a more adventurous experience, exploring the street food in cities like Caracas is essential. Look out for "empanadas," golden, deep-fried pastries stuffed with diverse fillings such as cheese, chicken, or seafood. "Cachapas," a type of corn pancake usually filled with cheese and butter, are also popular among locals and visitors alike, providing a delightful sweet-savory taste that’s sure to please. Fresh fruit juices and "chicha," a rice-based drink with a creamy texture, are local favorites to pair with these savory treats. In larger cities, there are several recommended restaurants where all travelers can savor authentic Venezuelan flavors with a modern twist. Spots like Alto in Caracas offer an elevated dining experience with traditional Venezuelan ingredients presented in innovative ways, while La Casa Bistró is known for its welcoming atmosphere and refined takes on local classics. Venturing into local markets, such as the Mercado de Quinta Crespo, also allows travelers to sample a wide variety of foods and immerse themselves in the local food culture, making the trip memorable and enriching.
Venezuela - Major Tourist Attractions & UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Venezuela - Major Tourist Attractions
Major tourist destinations in Venezuela include Los Roques National Park, Angel Falls (Canaima National Park), Margarita Island, Cathedral of Our Lady of the Americas (Margarita Island), Museum of Contemporary Art, University City of Caracas, Mount Avila, Guiana Highlands, Plaza Bolívar, Capitol Building and Bolívar Museum. You may also want to visit the World Heritage Sites of Canaima National Park, the University City of Caracas, and Coro and its port.
Venezuela - UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Venezuela has three World Heritage Sites: Canaima National Park, the University City of Caracas, and Coro and its Port. Canaima National Park is a natural heritage site, while the University City of Caracas and Coro and its Port are registered as cultural heritage sites. Canaima National Park is an unexplored region with many unexplored areas, where the geological strata of the Precambrian period still exist, and many plants and animals remain in their prehistoric state.
Venezuela- Souvenirs
When traveling to Venezuela, all tourists can discover an array of unique souvenirs that capture the country’s vibrant culture and heritage. For those interested in shopping for authentic Venezuelan gifts, popular items include traditional handicrafts, jewelry, and art pieces that reflect local traditions and craftsmanship. Look for items made from tagua (vegetable ivory), a material used to craft beautiful jewelry and sculptures, or hand woven hammocks, a staple in Venezuelan homes, made with bright, intricate patterns that showcase local artistry. For coffee lovers, Venezuelan coffee is a must-bring souvenir, as the country is known for its rich, aromatic beans grown in high-altitude regions like Mérida and Táchira. Cocoa products are also excellent choices; Venezuela is famous for producing some of the world’s finest chocolates, particularly from regions like Chuao. Filin fans should also check out colorful maracas and cuatros, traditional instruments that reflect the country’s lively music culture, which make unique gifts or decorative pieces. Venezuela has many shopping options, from traditional markets to modern malls. In Caracas, try Mercado de Chacao, where you can find a variety of locally made products, fresh produce, and artisan goods. In Mérida, the Plaza de los Artesanos market offers an array of crafts, textiles, and souvenirs at reasonable prices, providing an authentic shopping experience in a lively, bustling environment. For those looking for upscale shopping, Venezuela’s larger cities also have modern malls like Sambil Caracas, which combines local and international brands with Venezuelan specialty stores. To make the most of a shopping trip, travelers are advised to bring local currency (Venezuelan Bolívar), as cash is often preferred in markets. Haggling is generally acceptable in open markets but less common in stores. Shopping in Venezuela provides not only a chance to find meaningful souvenirs but also an opportunity to immerse in the local culture, offering memories and gifts to cherish.
Things/Items Allowed into Venezuela
Things/Items Forbidden out of Venezuela
Things/Items Forbidden into Venezuela
Voice of Travelers to Venezuela
Beautiful Venezuela
Venezuela has several attractions. One attraction I would recommend is to visit the Morrocoy National Park. The park is located in North East Venezuela. The area has tropical fish, coral reefs, and lovely sandy beaches. Another beautiful site in Venezuela is the Medanos de Coro park. The park has spectacular sand dunes. Some of the dunes in the area reach a height of 40 meters and are yellow to orange in color. Due to the windy conditions experienced in the area, the dunes keep changing shape. One can go sand boarding or take camel rides while there. Other spectacular places to visit while in Venezuela are the Mochima National Park, Isa Margarita, Mount Roraima, Coroni, Los Roques, Los Lianos and the world famous Angel Falls.
What to eat in Venezuela
The food of choice for those close to the coastline in Venezuela is centered around shellfish and seafood. Away from the coastline and into the highlands, the food of choice is based on rice and corn. The people of Venezuela also enjoy meat and meat products. Breakfast in Venezuela may be Cachitos de Jamon. This is ham crescent roll. Its ingredients are corn flour, eggs, butter, and ham. Breakfast is a light meal for the people of Venezuela. The largest meal people have is lunch. Venezuelan restaurants are known to offer nice discounts on traditional dishes. Dinner in Venezuela is also a light meal. Usually, it is served in small portions. At dinner time one can eat shredded beef banana covered in a stew, rice, and black beans. Such a meal is called pebelllon. One can also have supper Hervido during supper. It is a dish loved by the Venezuelan people containing local vegetables, potatoes, beef, chicken or fish.
The rich culture of Venezuela
Venezuela has a rich culture. The migrations of the 17th century brought the following people into Venezuela: Arabs, Germans, and Portugees. 97% of the population is Catholic. The culture has greatly been influenced by the Carribean and has elements of Spanish and African influences. Literature in Venezuela includes such influences which are reflected in Spanish Romanticism emphasized by the Spanish poets like Fermin Toro. The major cultural celebrations in Venezuela is called the Corpus Christi. The festival involves people going into the streets dancing like Devils while wearing masks. I enjoyed this festival. It is worth noting that Venezuela has won 7 Miss International titles, 7 Miss Universe, and 6 Miss World Competitions. It is indeed a land of beautiful women.
Venezuela Travel FAQs
What is the baggage allowance on American Airlines for checked luggage?
For flights crossing the Pacific, American Airlines allows two free checked bags. A charge of 200 USD applies for each additional piece starting from the third bag. Each bag should weigh a maximum of 23 kg, with total dimensions not exceeding 158 cm (sum of the three sides). First and Business Class passengers can check bags up to 32 kg without extra charges.
What’s the best time of year to visit Venezuela?
The dry season, from November to April, generally provides the most comfortable weather.
What should I do if my luggage doesn’t arrive on an American Airlines flight?
If you’re unable to retrieve your luggage, contact airport staff before leaving the airport. They will provide a 13-digit reference number necessary for filing a claim.
Is English commonly understood in Venezuela?
As Venezuela is a Spanish-speaking country, English is not commonly understood outside of hotels and some tourist areas.