Business Travel Info:

Visiting Venezuela

Time

Venezuela is four and one-half hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT -4.5) and it does not observe daylight savings time. The 12 hour am/ pm system is generally used rather than 24-hour system.

Business office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Most retail stores are open from 9:00 am to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Saturday and banks are open to the public from Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Climate

In Venezuela the weather is determined by its proximity to the Equator; generally a tropical climate predominates and the temperature varies according to the altitude.

There is a dry season (summer) and a rainy season (winter). During the dry season, from November to April the warmest month is the last one (April) and during the rainy season roughly from April through November, afternoon rain showers are common, the rainiest months are July and August.

Daytime temperatures in Caracas are usually between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Evenings can be cool at any time of the year. We recommend travelers to bring a sweater or light jacket for evening outings, and an umbrella, no matter the time of year.

Language

Spanish is the official language in Venezuela. Almost all business in Venezuela is transacted in Spanish and all documents and records should be in Spanish to constitute valid evidence. According to Venezuelan law, licensed public interpreters authorized by the Venezuelan ministry of justice must make translations.

It is important to know that English is not widely spoken, although most of businesspeople speak and understand the language.

Clothing

Venezuelan businesspeople generally dress formally. Men usually wear suit and tie, with some exceptions on Fridays, depending on the place of work. Women wear suits, and medium to high heels.

Outside the office, men wear sports jackets, short-sleeved shirts and comfortable trousers for informal get-togethers. For women casual elegant clothing is a must.

Currency/Currency Converter

Venezuela changed its currency effective from January 1, 2008 to the strong bolivar (BsF) from the bolivar (Bs). The change dropped three zeros from the old bolivar. Thus the official exchange rate became BsF. 2.15/USD instead of Bs. 2150/USD. As of early 2008, both new and old bolivars were circulating and both were legal tender. The dual currency circulation was supposed to end on June 30, 2008, but may be extended. To obtain real time information about the rate of exchange between U.S. dollars and Venezuelan bolívares, please visit: Venezuela Central Bank

Communications and Media

Telephone Use

Venezuela’s country code is 58 and the major city codes are:

Caracas	212
Maracaibo	261
Valencia	241
Puerto La Cruz	281
Maturin	261
Barquisimeto	251
Merida	274
Margarita	295
Coro	298
Maracay	243
Puerto Ordaz	286

Therefore, when calling to Venezuela from another country you would dial:

International Direct Dial + 58 + city code + phone number.

Calling to Cellular Phones:
00 + 58 + cell phone code + phone number
Cell phone codes are 412, 414, 416, and 424

When making an international call from Venezuela, you would dial:
00 + country code + city code or cell phone call + phone number

Electric Current

Venezuela uses 110Volt / 60 Hz, and most houses and apartments have 220 Volt connections available for air conditioners, kitchen ranges or clothes dryers

Visa info

Passport, onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds are required to entry. Visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days. Business and other travelers require a visa. All travelers must pay departure tax ($39) at airport.

For additional information, contact the Consular Section of the Embassy of Venezuela, 1099 30th St., NW, Washington, DC 20007 (202/342-2214) or the nearest Consulate: For more information, please visit the Department of State or call

California	(415) 955-1982
Florida	(305) 577-4214
Illinois	(312) 236-9655
Louisiana	(504) 522-3284
Massachusetts	(617) 266-9368
New York	(212) 826-1660
Puerto Rico	(809) 766-4250/1
Texas	(713) 961-5166

Arriving in Caracas

How to get to Caracas

U.S. carriers flying to Venezuela include: American Airlines, Continental Airlines and Delta Airlines.

Once in Venezuela you can use either Venezuelan or foreign carriers to travel in country or to travel between Venezuela and other countries in South America. As a reference, a flight from Washington to Caracas takes approximately 5 hours and 50 minutes and from Miami to Caracas 3 hours and 12 minutes.

Car Rental/ Transporting

There are numerous national and international car rental agencies at almost every city in Venezuela, airports and main hotels, however the embassy recommends that car rentals be pre-authorized before your visit.

Cabs in Caracas are generally not equipped with functioning meters, which mean that fares should be negotiated before the journey. However, for security reasons we recommend the use of hotel and radio dispatched taxis instead of hailing taxis and group travel whenever possible, especially after dark.

Once at the Maiquetia International Airport, you will find different options to take, such as taxis, buses etc. The licensed taxi line from the airport is Anfitriones de Venezuela. For more information please visit: The Maiquetia International Airport web site: http://www.aeropuerto-maiquetia.com.ve/guia/index.asp, where you will find a transport guide with all the transporting available options.

Tipping

In Venezuela, people working in the service area (hotels, restaurants, bars etc) expect to receive tips when treating with foreigners. The usual tip approximately equals 10% of the bill, although it is not a rule, and the amount is usually less in many cases.

Money and Banking

ATM machines can be found everywhere in Caracas, allowing travelers to withdraw funds automatically using a variety of credit cards.

Visitors should bring a major credit card. Traveler’s checks are not recommended as they are honored in only a few locations. The Embassy suggests that travelers try to obtain USD 50.00 in local currency (Bolívares) before departing the airport. Should the airport exchange facility be closed, it is possible to exchange cash at major hotel chains in Caracas (personal checks are not accepted).

Banks open Mon-Fri 8:30 am –3:30 pm.

Security

At the Airport

Many drivers often wearing badges identifying them as “taxi officials” have been known to rob unwary travelers.
1) Do not give your name,
2) Ask for the name of the person he is seeking and identification.
3) Do not go with the person if he cannot give you the information you request and call the Embassy.

Airport parking lot robberies are increasing. Please try to stay away from the parking lots.

General Crime (CCC)

There is a high level of common street crime in certain areas of Caracas and other major cities in Venezuela. These crimes are of the pick pocketing, purse-snatching variety and visitors are advised to be aware of their surroundings and to be particularly alert in crowded areas. Armed robbery has also become more common. Visitors should avoid walking on the street after dark in most areas. Jewelry items, particularly gold-colored, attract the attention of thieves and should be left in a safe place along with other valuables.

Travelers should carry only the minimum cash needed and, if possible, no credit cards when venturing outside of the hotel. Carry a copy of your passport and leave your real passport in safe-keeping at your hotel.

Pay cash wherever possible, since some criminals in Caracas are high-tech and have the capability of reproducing credit cards from the credit card receipt. If you pay by credit card, when you return to the U.S., scrutinize your credit card statement to ensure that there are no fraudulent purchases.

Civil Disturbances

Travelers to Venezuela should be aware of the potential for violent demonstrations, especially in urban centers, and exercise appropriate caution by standing well clear of public protests, police lines and barricades.

Please remember to consult the Department of State's web site for general travel information. Travel Information http://travel.state.gov

Current situation in Venezuela http://venezuela.usembassy.gov/situation.html Where you can find in English warning messages.

Lodging

Venezuela has a good selection of international class business hotels and you can find many U.S. chains in the country, especially in Caracas, offering the same level of comfort and service as their hotels offer in the United States. Many categories of hotels are available throughout the country. For a list of most used business hotels in Venezuela and other cities in the country, please visit our Business Service Providers section or see:

American Airlines
AA Travel Information

Venezuela yours
Venezuela Tuya

Miro popic
Miro Popic

Local Transportation

Using taxis is generally the most effective and safe way of moving around the city. For security reasons, the U.S. Embassy recommends travelers to use either the VIP service of taxis that you can find in hotels or radio taxis, rather than hailing taxis on the street.

Eating out

The Venezuelan gastronomy is a fusion of different cultures with roots in their indigenous ancestors and the European influence, although in every region you will find different culinary expressions based on their own culture and geographical location. Caracas has lots of good restaurants where you can go and enjoy national and international food. For more information please visit the following web site Restaurants.Com

Shopping

Stores open Mon - Sat from 9:30 am-7:00 pm, although there are some exceptions. Most shopping malls open everyday from around 11am up to 10pm. For information on shopping centers in Caracas, you can visit the following web page, which contains a list of the main shopping centers in the city Mi Punto.com

Travel and tourism

Venezuela is well known for its beautiful landscape. If during your business travel you want to know the country, please visit

Discover Venezuela

Ecoturistica Miro Popic

Valentina Quintero

Links to local media and other sites of interest

Press

El Universal
El Nacional
El Aragueño, Aragua State
Notitarde Carabobo State
El Norte, Anzoátegui State
El Tiempo, Anzoátegui State
El Carabobeño, Carabobo State
El Impulso, Lara State
El Sol de Margarita, Nueva Esparta State
Diario Frontera Táchira State
La Nación Táchira State
Panorama Zulia State

TV

Globovisión
RCTV Internacional
Televen
Venevisión
Venezolana de Televisión

Radio

Unión Radio Noticias
Radio Nacional de Venezuela

Venezuelan Government

Government on-line
Presidency
Vice-presidency
Foreign Relations Ministry
Agencia Bolivariana de Noticias - Government News Agency

Note:

The information in this report has been supplied to the post by a variety of sources, commercial and/or government, private and/or public, and is intended for the sole use of the purchaser. You are requested to honor the trust of these sources by not making secondary distribution of the data. While every effort is made to supply current and accurate information, the U.S. government assumes no responsibility or liability for any decisions based on the content of this Web page.