Venezuela Travel Guide

Venezuela — Shopping

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Shopping

Venezuelans are mad about shopping, and much social activity revolves around the glitzy malls that dot the urban areas. Shoppers flock to Isla de Margarita, particularly the town of Porlamar, to take advantage of the island’s duty-free status.

Travelers are more likely to be interested in the quality handicrafts produced by Venezuela’s indigenous inhabitants, including hand-woven baskets by the Ye’Kuana people of the Orinoco Basin, chinchorros (palm fiber hammocks) by the Wayúu (also know as Guajiros), and devil masks from San Francisco de Yare. The northwestern state of Lara is renowned for its woodwork and blankets, particularly from the village of Tintorero, while adjacent Cojedes state is a producer of harps, cuatros (small guitars) and maracas. Gems and gold and silver jewelry also make good purchases. It’s best to look for these items where they’re made, but if you’re unable, try Hannsi, an enormous crafts department store in El Hatillo, an outlying district of Caracas.

Shopping hours: Mon-Sat 0930-1900; shopping malls, daily 1100-2200.

Currency

Bolívar Fuerte (VEF; symbol Bs.F.) = 100 céntimos. Notes are in denominations of Bs.F.100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2; coin denominations are Bs.F.1, and 50, 25, 12.5, 10, 5 and 1 céntimos.

Currency Exchange

Banks and casas de cambio (exchange offices) will exchange cash; some, such as Italcambio, convert traveler's checks as well. Higher-end hotels can also change money, though often at a less favorable rate. Travelers are advised to bring currency in US Dollars.

Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and ATMs

MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted in the main cities and tourist centers. Most major banks have ATMs.

Travelers Checks

Widely accepted, although one may be asked to produce a receipt of purchase. American Express is the standard; other types of traveler's checks may not be accepted. A commission of 3% or more is charged. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, take traveler's checks in US Dollars.