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Venezuela
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VENEZUELA
TRAVEL TIPS
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| Area: 916,445 sq km (353,841 sq miles). Population: 25,549,084 (estimate of 2003). Population Density: 27.9 per sq km. Capital: Caracas. Population: 1,975,787 ( estimate of 2000). Government:
Republic. Gained independence from Spain in 1830. Head
of State and Government: President Hugo Chávez Frías
since 2000. |
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Electricity:
110 volts AC / 50 Hz. Us plugs used
GEOGRAPHY: Venezuela, a third larger than Texas, occupies
most of the northern coast of South America on the Caribbean Sea. It is
bordered by Colombia to the west, Guyana to the east, and Brazil to the
south. Mountain systems break Venezuela into four distinct areas: (1)
the Maracaibo lowlands; (2) the mountainous region in the north and northwest;
(3) the Orinoco basin, with the llanos (vast grass-covered plains) on
its northern border and great forest areas in the south and southeast;
and (4) the Guiana Highlands, south of the Orinoco, accounting for nearly
half the national territory.
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VENEZUELA
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To enter Venezuela, a valid passport from the country of origin is required,
along with a visa - obtainable from consulates-, a tourist card, and a
return ticket. No special vaccinations are required, although those traveling
to the jungle should consult their physician as to whether or not they
need protection from yellow fever and malaria. Click
here for Visa Informations
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GETTING AROUND VENEZUELA
Avensa (along with its offspring, Servivensa) was Venezuela's main domestic
airline until it went bankrupt in 1999. It now operates on a reduced scale.
Its place has been taken by Aeropostal, which has a network of routes
servicing most major domestic destinations. There are half-a-dozen or
so smaller carriers that service regional areas. The lack of railways
means that buses are the primary form of transport through most of Venezuela,
and services are generally fast, efficient and comfortable. There are
frequent buses from the main Caracas bus terminal to almost every corner
of the country, and prices are kept fairly low by the high level of competition.
Driving or motorbiking gives you added flexibility, but it's expensive both to take a car into the country and to rent one while you're there. In addition, be aware that road rules are rarely observed by local drivers, which could make the undertaking somewhat hazardous. Stops at national-guard and police checkpoints are common, and travellers should follow instructions and be prepared to show papers or be searched.
Local
transport includes cheap but crowded bus services and inexpensive shared
taxis. Caracas also has a modern, efficient and cheap metro.
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VENEZUELA COMMUNICATIONS
Telephone: IDD is available. Country code: 58. Outgoing
international code: 00.
Mobile telephone: GSM 900 network. Operators include Corporación Digitel (website: www.digitel.com.ve), Digital Cellular and Infonet. Coverage is limited to around Caracas and major cities.
Fax: Available at the larger hotels.
Internet: ISPs include CantvNet (website: www.cantv.net), Compuserve Venezuela (website: www.csi.com.ve) and Internet Venezuela (website: www.internet.ve). E-mail can be accessed from Internet cafes in most urban areas.
Telegram: Services are available from public telegraph offices.
VENEZUELA SOCIAL PROFILE
Food & Drink: If you want great food stay in Caracas.
It has everything. There is almost no cuisine not represented in Caracas.
Elsewhere, Chines and Arab restaurants plus gringo fast food emporiums
abound. The national dish is called "Pabellon" and consists
of rice, shredded beef, fried plantains and beans. Coffee is the natural
drink in Venezuela and expresso is particularly strong. Beer and rum are
plentiful as well as fruit juices. The water in most places is very good
- but ask.
Special
Events: Most national celebrations are tied to the Christian
calendar. As well as Christmas, Easter and Corpus Christi, every village
and town in Venezuela celebrates the feast of its patron saint. It is
during these provincial festivals that the tourist can enjoy the colourful
folklore that is a mixture of the cultures of pre-Columbian Indians, African
slaves and Spanish colonists. For further information on special events,
contact the Corporación de Turismo de Venezuela (see Contact Addresses).
The following is a selection of special events occurring in Venezuela
in 2005:
Jan 14 Procesion de la Divina Pastora (religious procession), Santa Rosa
to Barquismeto. Feb Carnaval, nationwide (but especially in Carúpano).
Mar 27 Burning of Judas (Easter ritual), nationwide. Jun Los Diablos Danzantes
(dancing in celebration of Corpus Christi), nationwide; Festival of St
John (religious festival celebrated with drumming), nationwide.
Social
Conventions: Shaking hands or using the local abrazo, a cross
between a hug and a handshake, are the normal forms of greeting. In Caracas,
conservative casual wear is the norm. Men are expected to wear suits for
business, and jackets and ties are usual for dining out and social functions.
Dress on the coast is less formal but beachwear and shorts should not
be worn away from the beach or pool. Smoking follows European habits and
in most cases it is obvious where not to smoke. Some public buildings
are also non-smoking areas. Tipping: Tips are discretionary but in the
majority of bars and restaurants 10 per cent is added to the bill and
it is customary to leave another 10 per cent on the table. Bellboys and
chambermaids should be tipped and, in Caracas, tips are higher than elsewhere.
Taxi drivers are not tipped unless they carry suitcases. Petrol pump attendants
expect a tip.
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VENEZUELA SAFETY & SECURITY
Maiquetia Airport, the international airport serving Caracas, is dangerous.
Because of the frequency of robberies at gunpoint, travelers are encouraged,
if at all possible, to arrive during daylight hours. If it is not possible
to arrive during the day, travelers should use extra care both within
and outside of the airport. All arriving passengers are urged to 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. The Embassy has received frequent reports
recently of armed robberies in taxicabs going to and from the airport
at Maiquetia. There is no foolproof method of knowing whether a taxi driver
at the airport is reliable. It is no longer possible to rely on the fact
that a taxi driver presents a credential or drives an automobile with
official taxi license plates marked “libre.” 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.
Cross-border
violence, kidnapping, smuggling and drug trafficking occur frequently
in areas along the 1,000-mile border between Venezuela and Colombia. Some
kidnap victims have been released after ransom payments, while others
have been murdered. In many cases, Colombian terrorists are suspected.
Colombia 's National Liberation Army (ELN) have had a long history of
kidnapping for ransom, and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia
(FARC) are active in the kidnapping trade. Common criminals are also increasingly
involved in kidnappings, either dealing with victim's families directly
or selling the victim to terrorist groups.
The State Department warns American citizens not to travel within a 50-mile
area along the entire Venezuela/Colombia border. U.S. citizens who elect
to visit areas along the border region with Colombia against this warning,
apart from the Colombian terrorist threat, could encounter Venezuelan
military-controlled areas and may be subject to search and arrest.
The incidence of political demonstrations in Venezuela has decreased markedly
since the referendum in August 2004. Nevertheless, travelers should be
aware that violence, including exchanges of gunfire, has occurred at political
demonstrations in the past. Demonstrations tend to occur at or near university
campuses, business centers, and gathering places such as public squares
and plazas. Most major tourist destinations, including coastal beach resorts
and Margarita Island, are not generally affected by protest actions. However,
the city of Merida, a major tourist destination in the Andes, has been
the scene of frequent student demonstrations, some of them violent.
Sporadic incidents of harassment and intimidation of U.S. citizens by pro-government groups, Venezuelan airport authorities and some segments of the police have been reported over the past few years. Additionally, anti-American sentiment, expressed in graffiti, harsh political rhetoric, newspaper advertisements and rally pamphlets, exists in some segments of Venezuelan society.
Travelers
should keep informed of local developments by following the local press,
radio and television. Visitors should also consult their local hosts,
Venezuelan business contacts, hotels, tour guides, and travel organizers.
U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Venezuela are advised to take common-sense
precautions and avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, no matter where
they occur.
Venezuela is an earthquake-prone country and is occasionally subject to
torrential rains, which can cause major disasters such as the one in Vargas
State in 1999. Travelers who intend to rent or purchase long-term housing
in Venezuela should exercise care to choose structures designed for earthquake
resistance. Such individuals may wish to seek professional assistance
from an architect or civil/structural engineer, as does the Embassy, when
renting or purchasing a house or apartment in Venezuela.
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VENEZUELA HEALTH
Common Ailments--Your chances of contracting any serious
tropical disease in Venezuela are slim, especially if you stick to the
major tourist destinations. However, malaria, dengue fever, yellow fever,
hepatitis, and leptospirosis all exist in Venezuela, so it's a good idea
to be careful and consult your doctor before a trip here.
Malaria is found predominantly in the jungle areas of the Amazonas and Bolívar states, as well as in the Orinoco Delta. Malaria prophylaxes are often recommended, but several have side effects and others are of questionable effectiveness. Consult your doctor as to what is currently considered the best preventive treatment for malaria. Be sure to ask whether a recommended drug will cause hypersensitivity to the sun; it would be a shame to travel here for the beaches and then have to hide under an umbrella the whole time. If you are in a malarial area, wear long pants and long sleeves, use insect repellent, and either sleep under a mosquito net or burn mosquito coils (similar to incense but with a pesticide).
Of greater concern may be dengue fever, which reached epidemic proportions in 2001. Dengue fever is similar to malaria and is spread by an aggressive daytime mosquito. This mosquito seems to be most common in lowland urban areas, although dengue outbreaks have been reported throughout the country. Dengue is also known as "bone-break fever" because it is usually accompanied by severe body aches. The first infection with dengue fever will make you very sick but should cause no serious damage. However, a second infection with a different strain of the dengue virus can lead to internal hemorrhaging and may be life-threatening. Take the same precautions as you would against malaria.
Although cholera exists in Venezuela, your chances of contracting cholera while you're here are very slight. Avoid tap water and all unpeeled fruits and vegetables in more remote areas and at any hotels, restaurants, or public facilities that are obviously unsanitary.
The most common health concern for travelers to Venezuela is a touch of diarrhea. The best way to protect yourself from diarrhea is to avoid tap water and drinks or ice made from tap water. Those with really tender intestinal tracts should avoid uncooked fruits and vegetables likely to have been washed in tap water, unless you can peel and prepare them yourself.
Vaccinations--No specific vaccinations are necessary for travel to Venezuela, although it is recommended that you be up-to-date on your tetanus, typhoid, and yellow-fever vaccines. It is also a good idea to get a vaccination for hepatitis A and B.
Health
Precautions--Staying healthy on a trip to Venezuela is predominantly
a matter of being a little cautious about what you eat and drink, and
using common sense. Know your physical limits and don't overexert yourself
in the ocean, on hikes, or in athletic activities. Respect the tropical
sun and protect yourself from it. Also try to protect yourself from biting
insects, using a combination of repellent and light, loose, long-sleeved
clothing. I recommend buying and drinking bottled water or soft drinks,
although the water in Caracas and in most of the major tourist destinations
is reputed to be safe to drink.
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VENEZUELA CURRENCY/MONEY
Currency: Bolívar (Bs) = 100 céntimos.
Notes are in denominations of Bs50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000,
500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Bs500, 100,
50, 25, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 céntimos.
VENEZUELA SHOPPING
There are many handicrafts unique to Venezuela that are made by local
Indian tribes. Good purchases are gems and jewellery, cacique coins, gold,
pearls, pompom slippers, seed necklaces, shoes and handbags, Indian bows,
arrows, mats, pipes and baskets, alpargatas (traditional local footwear
of the Campesinos), chinchorros (local hammocks) and many other Indian
goods. Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0900-1300 and 1500-1900.
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VENEZUELA
TIPPING
Tipping is at the discretion of the client and not obligatory. A ten percent
service charge is usually added to restaurant bills. Taxis require no
tips, but it is customary to give baggage handlers a tip of $1USD per
bag.
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VENEZUELA PEOPLE
Venezuela is the sixth-most populous country in Latin America, after Brazil,
Mexico, Colombia, Argentina and Peru. About 85% of the population lives
in urban areas in the northern portion of the country. While almost half
of Venezuela's land area lies south of the Orinoco River in the states
of Bolivar and Amazonas, this region contains only 5% of the population.
The population of Venezuela is comprised of a combination of European,
indigenous, and African heritages.
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VENEZUELA CLIMATE & CLOTHING
Climate: With its proximity to the equator, the temperature
is fairly regular throughout the year, but does vary with altitude. The
dry season is from December to April and the rainy time is the rest of
the year. The mountain areas receive great amounts of rain.
Clothing: Casual, fairly conservative clothes are worn
in Caracas. A jacket and tie should be worn at social functions and when
dining in restaurants. Both men and women wear suits at business meetings.
Casual business attire has never taken hold, as professionals tend to
believe that they should look the part at all times. Despite the tropical
climate, businesspeople are impeccably turned out in suits and ties or
stylish dresses. Many restaurants and discos require a jacket (though
perhaps not a tie) for men, and women should be appropriately spiffed
up. We also recommend conservative casual wear for sightseeing.
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VENEZUELA SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
Hiking and trekking: Venezuela has 42 national parks and around 20 nature
reserves (monumentos naturales) which, together, cover some 15 per cent
of the total land mass. All types of walks, ranging from signposted trails
to mountain climbing and jungle paths, are possible. Visitors should note
that a permit, issued by central or regional Inparques offices, is required
to visit the parks. The well-developed tourist facilities at the Parque
Nacional El Avila include around 200km (125 miles) of fairly easy, signposted
trails, as well as numerous camping grounds. Most serious trekkers head
up to the Venezuelan Andes, stretching some 400km (250 miles) from Táchira
on the Colombian border north-eastwards, and offering everything from
snow-capped peaks to lush rainforests. The most popular area for mountain
trekking and rock climbing is the Sierra Nevada de Mérida, where
several of the country’s highest peaks (such as the Pico Bolívar
or the Pico Humboldt) and the magnificent Parque Nacional Sierra Nevada
are located. Experienced guides (who are strongly recommended for mountaineering)
and equipment can be hired in Mérida, the regional tourist hub.
Other popular trekking destinations in the area include Los Nevados (reached
via an easy trek along a beautiful mountain track); Pico El Aguila (accessible
from Valera, which can be reached on a bus ride from Mérida along
Venezuela’s highest road); and the Sierra de la Culata (particularly
known for its desert-like landscapes). The Mérida region is also
noted for its cable car (teleferico), the world’s longest and highest,
which runs for 12.6km (7.9 miles) from Mérida to the top of Pico
Espejo (4765m/15,629ft), and provides easy access to starting points for
mountain treks. Another popular trekking destination is Guyana, in the
southeast, a region dotted with Venezuela’s characteristic tepuis
(flat-topped mountains with vertical flanks) and home to the country’s
most famous natural attraction – Angel Falls (called Salto Angel
in Spanish), the world’s highest waterfall (with an uninterrupted
drop of 979m/3212ft, which is about 16 times the height of Niagara Falls).
Access to the falls is fairly difficult (there is no road link) and involves
a flight to Canaima (the main tourist base, some 50km/31.5 miles northwest
of the falls), followed by either another scenic flight in a light aircraft,
or a motorised canoe trip to the foot of Angel Falls (which only operates
from June to November, the rainy season, and takes approximately two days).
Watersports: One of the most popular destinations for water-based activities is the Isla de Margarita, which lies some 40km (25 miles) off the mainland north of Cumaná (from where a twice-daily ferry provides access to the island), and whose Caribbean climate and 167km- (105-mile) long shoreline (with white sandy beaches) draw increasing numbers of swimming, surfing, snorkelling and diving enthusiasts. These activities are available all along the Caribbean coast (in the northeast of the country), with one destination, the Parcque Nacional Mochima, standing out: it consists of a wealth of islands and islets some of which, such as the Isla de Plata (the most developed), are surrounded by coral reefs. In the northwest, the coastal strip and the numerous offshore islands and coral reefs forming the Parque Nacional Morroy provide ideal snorkelling and diving. Boat trips through the mangrove caños (channels) and to several of the park’s islands (notably to Cayo Sombrero and Chichiriviche, two of the best known) are available. The fishing, both fresh- and salt-water, is good.
Other:
Mountain biking and paragliding are widely practised in the Mérida
region, while caving enthusiasts may head to the Cueva del Guácharo,
the most spectacular of Venezuela’s many cave systems, located three
hours by bus from Cumaná. Caracas has South America’s largest
and most modern horse racing track – La Rinconada – open Saturday
and Sunday. Horse riding can be arranged at most tourist spots. Boxing,
baseball and football are the most popular spectator sports in Venezuela
and can be seen all year round. The indigenous lucha libre wrestling is
a weekly event.
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VENEZUELA TIME ZONE
Venezuela is in Northern South America, bordering the Caribbean Sea and
the North Atlantic Ocean, between Colombia and Guyana. Venezuela Standard
Time is GMT -4. Venezuela does not operate Daylight-Saving Time.
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