Language: Spanish is the official language of Venezuela.
Currency: Venezuela's currency is the Bolívar (VEB), which is divided into 100 centimos. On 1 January 2008 the currency will be converted to the Bolivar Fuerte (VEF); Bs. 1,000 will become Bs. F. 1. Prices in both currencies will be displayed from October 2007, and a six-month transition period will be in place in 2008. US dollars are the most favored foreign currency so it is best to have cash and travelers cheques in US$. Foreign currency and cheques can be changed at bureau de change offices found in most larger
cities and tourist destinations. Some banks (e.g. Banco Mercantil) will now buy US dollars for bolivares or sell bolivares against a foreign credit card; some major hotels will also swap US dollars for bolivares. Banks are usually open Monday to Friday. It is best to obtain local currency where possible before traveling, and bolivars should be exchanged before exiting Venezuela. There are ATMs in the cities (however some travelers have experienced problems using them), and most credit cards, including MasterCard/Eurocard, American Express and Visa, are accepted in major cities. Diners Club has more limited acceptance. Visitors are also warned that there is a serious problem with credit card fraud.
Time: GMT -4.5.
Electricity: 110/220 volts, 60Hz. American two-pin plugs are generally used.
Communications: The international country code for Venezuela is +58 and the outgoing code is 00. City/area codes are in use, for example Caracas is (0)212. Mobile telephone GSM networks cover Caracas but are sparse outside of the city. Internet cafes are available in Caracas and tourist resorts.
Duty Free: Travelers to Venezuela do not have to pay duty on the following items: 25 cigars and 200 cigarettes; 2 liters of alcohol; and 4 small bottles of perfume. Those travelers arriving from international destinations do not have to pay duty on goods to the value of US$1,000. Prohibited items include flowers, fruits, meat and meat products, plants and birds or parts thereof.
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