Language: Spanish is the official language of
Venezuela.
Currency: Venezuela's new currency is the
Bolivar Fuerte (VEF), which replaced the Bolivar (VEB) in January 2008. The revaluation means that Bs. 1,000 becomes Bs. F. 1. It is divided into 100 centimos. A transition period will continue until 2009. 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.
Tourist OfficeVenezuela
Tourist Office, Caracas: +58 (0)212 507 8815.
EmergencyEmergencies: 171
Embassies
Embassy of Venezuela,
Washington DC,
United States: +1 202 342 2214.
Embassy of Venezuela,
London, United Kingdom (also responsible for
Ireland): +44 (0)20 7584 4206/7.
Embassy of Venezuela,
Ottawa,
Canada: +1 613 235 5151.
Embassy of Venezuela,
Canberra,
Australia (also responsible for
New Zealand): +61 (0)2 6290 2968.
Embassy of Venezuela,
Pretoria,
South Africa: +27 (0)12 362 6593.
United States Embassy, Caracas: +58 (0)212 975 6411.
British Embassy, Caracas: +58 (0)212 263 8411.
Canadian Embassy, Caracas: +58 212 264 0833.
Australian Embassy,
Brasilia, Brazil (also responsible for Venezuela): +55 (0)61 3226 3111.
South
African Embassy, Caracas: +58 (0)212 952 0026.
Honorary Consul of Ireland, Caracas: +58 (0)212 951 3645.
New Zealand Consulate-General, Caracas: +58 (0)212 277 7965.
