Venezuela is one of the dream destinations in the Caribbean, offering a great variety of sun soaked beaches, crystal clear
water, untouched tropical rain forests, waterfalls, table-top mountains and even snow capped mountains, all available within one destination.
From the Andes to the wide savannahs in the Gran Sabana, and from the Orinoco to the Llanos: a land of contrasts.
Location: Northwest of South America, bordered by Brazil, Colombia, Guyana and the Caribbean Sea.
Capital: Caracas, approximately 6 million inhabitants.
Population: 20 million people, all races and colors.
History: Discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492; gained its independence from Spain in 1811. Stable democratic government since
1958.
Language: Spanish.
Topography: Jungle, rain forest, tabletop mountains, and Andean mountains with everlasting snow, 2,800 km of coast
Entry: Valid passport and tourist card, issued by the airlines.
CLIMATE: Venezuela is an all year round destination. There are only two major seasons in Venezuela. The summer season is May through November (rainy season). The coolest season is December through April (dry season). The high plateau (Andes) is usually dry and sunny. In Caracas the year round temperature is between 18-28 degrees Celcius. You can book jungle tours throughout the year, however, during winter the rivers carry more water and excursions may slightly differ from those in summer.
TIME DIFFERENCE: Time difference to Central European Time (CET) in winter is - 5 hours, in summer - 6 hours.
TAXES: Please note that international departure tax from Caracas and/or Porlamar is VEB 117'600 (approx. US$ 55). For domestic flights it varies between VEB 13'500 and VEB 16'800 (approx. US$ 6 and 8). National park fee varies between VEB 10'000 and 33'600 US$ (approx. US$ 5 and US$ 16). Taxes are subject to change without notice.
ELECTRICITY: 110 volts AC, 60Hz. US-style two-pin plugs are the most commonly used fittings.
CLOTHING: Light cotton clothing is adequate. Temperature drops at night on the highplateau. For jungle excursions a good pair of walking shoes is recommended. Don't forget a Mosquito spray in the southern part.
CURRENCY: Venezuelan currency is called Bolivar (VEB). Credit cards are accepted, but we recommend to bring cash US$ or travellers checks, as in many cases the prices are lower. (stand Feb 2006). Cash withdrawal with EC Credit cards at all "MAESTRO" Automatic Tellers.
TIPS: 10 - 15 % is included in your bill, but if satisfied with service give an additional tip. Porters at hotels and airport receive approx. 1 dollar.
OPENING TIMES: Most stores are open Monday to Friday between 0900 and 1900 oclock, lunchtime between 1300 and 1500 oclock. Saturdays stores are open until 1200 oclock. Banks and exchange offices are open Monday to Friday between 0830 and 1530 oclock. Some museums are closed on Mondays.
RECOMMENDATION: When choosing package combinations please consider that most domestic flights within Venezuela originate and end at Simon Bolivar Airport (near Caracas), which means that in most cases you cannot fly directly to your next destination, connect immediately nor continue the same day. Overnights are possible in one of the offered hotels in Caracas. It is highly recommended to consider airport assistance and round-trip transfers from/to airport-hotel, assuring punctuality and safety. Besides, the guide could be of valuable help in case any problems should arise.
