Venezuala is the only mainland country baptized by Cristóbal Columbus, he was so enchanted with what he saw that he called it “paradise on Earth.” Venezuela will charm you too with its immense variety of birds, exotic mammals, its soaring mountains, and steamy jungle interior. Visitors return to Venezuela time and time again to travel up the mighty Orinoco river and explore the Guayana Highlands.

Today his day recognized the Amerindians who had been here for many millennium, many of these Indians have been able to maintain their traditions and lifestyles in one of the hemispheres richest and least populated countries. Visual arts and handicrafts are popular in Venezuela, but the country's most distinctive cultural outlet is probably its music, which is an eclectic blend of European, African and indigenous rhythms.

Roman Catholicism is by far the dominant religion in Venezuela, and has been adopted by most indigenous people - only those living in isolated regions still practice their ancient tribal beliefs. The Protestant church has a significant presence, and recently has been gaining some ground, attracting adherents from the Catholic Church.

AIRPORT TAXES: leaving Venezuela from Caracas (not local flights) cost Bs.102.900 or US$54 at the official exchange rate (near US$45 unofficial).
National flights from Maquetia Airport (Caracas) have an airport tax of Bs.14.700.
These amounts can change as well as being payable in local in Bolivars only. There is NO entry tax into Venezuela
List of Airports in Venezuela  Valencia International also has flights to Margarita Island.
CCS provides 3-day information on arrivals and departures.

GETTING YOUR FAIR FARE: Check for a departure city and associated airline in the left column and then begin your comparison shopping. Checking multiple sources, including the airlines sites, or having a travel agent who will do so is important. Being flexible about departure dates helps too. Knowing the 3 letter code of connecting airports can speed your search.

A passport and a tourist entry/exit card are always required when boarding a plane.  The dispute not allowing Venezuelan air carriers to serve USA airports is expected to be resolved by 2006.

Domestic Air travel: is the best means of internal transport but services are often overbooked and even confirmation does not always ensure a seat. Travelers are advised to arrive at the airport well before the minimum check-in time in order to obtain confirmed seats. Schedule changes and flight cancellations with no advance warning are also likely.

Caracas Maiquetía International Airport (Simón Bolívar)

MQV: Airport Facilities

Information desks are strategically located throughout both terminals, with two desks in the International Terminal (tel: 212 303 1526/7/8) and on in the Domestic Terminal (tel: 212 303 1403 or 1408). Airport Facilities: Find a variety of ATMs, Bureaux de change, banks, telecommunications and postal services. Facilities to send/receive faxes and Internet access are available at the Cantv office on level 3 of the International Terminal. This is a large airport with many shops and places to eat and drink. A pharmacy and several travel agencies and tour operators are in the International Terminal. Disabled Access is good throughout the airport

Executive lounges at the airport include the Simón Bolívar Lounge on the second floor of the Domestic Terminal and the Venezuela Lounge in the International Terminal. The American Airlines Admiral Club is situated on the second floor of the International Terminal (after security), while the United-Iberia lounge is also situated on the second floor of the International Terminal.

http://airport.skyteam.com/airport-Caracas.html

Luggage: A left-luggage service is available in both terminals. Trolleys are available throughout the airport. Beware of informal porters who tend to overcharge.

Overnight Flight Connections: The Caracas Airport has been called the most dangerous place for travelers in Venezuela. It often must be negotiated twice because connections frequently require you to stay overnight.
On a good day it is half-an-hour to Caracas, however with road work, commute or weekend traffic that can become over 2 hours. Staying in a beach hotel near the airport is increasingly popular although there are some problem neighborhoods there to avoid.
The US Embassy in Caracas urges U.S. citizens to travel only the most heavily trafficked routes to the airport and to avoid travel after dark. robberies-between-caracas-and-international-airport at .worldtravelwatch.com

Caracas at sleepinginairports.net
"employees during the day time hours stand next to the sinks and squirt soap into your hands...and expect tips. The security staff have the paranoia of a guard dog with all the class of a night club bouncer. Airline employees are courteous"

Car Rental

National driving licenses are valid for one year. International Driving Permits are also valid. Drivers must have their license and insurance documents with them at all times when driving. Stops at national-guard and police checkpoints are common, and travelers should follow instructions and be prepared to show papers or be searched. Road rules like red lights are often not observed by local drivers. In the event of an accident, both vehicles must remain in the position of the accident until a Traffic Police Officer arrives, otherwise insurance companies will be unable to pay claims.

Car rental/hire companies represented at the airport are Aco Alquiler, Amigo, Auto 727, Avis, Budget, Hertz, Margarita Rental and Rojas. Car hire desks are located in both terminals.

Car Parking:  short- and long-term car parking open 24/7[24 hours a day, seven days a week]

Airport Taxi:

Corporación Anfitriones de Venezuela the official 24-hour taxi service. Look for distinctive yellow desk in the Arrivals areas of both terminals where passengers can pay for the trip in advance; TeleTaxi Provides 24-hour on call Taxi service. For their webpage and online reservations please go to teletaxi-ve.com To reach by phone from within Venezuela Tel: 0212-953-4040 0500-753-9122 0500-753-4155 0414-318-3772 0414-318-3773 0416-610-9781 0416-610-9782 Address: Av. Orinoco, Edif. River Suite, Pent House, Bello Monte, Caracas. TaxiTaxco Provides 24-hour on call Taxi service. The number to call from within Venezuela is 0212-576-8322. source WARNING: It is no longer possible to rely on the fact that a taxi driver presents a credential or drives an automobile with official taxi license plates marked “libre.” Travelers should take care to use radio-dispatched taxis or those from reputable hotels. In 2006 there was no foolproof method of knowing whether a taxi driver at the airport was reliable. Travelers should call a 24-hour radio-dispatched taxi service from a public phone lobby or ask hotel, restaurant, or airline representatives to contact a licensed cab company for them. Late arrivals after 22:00 hours  you can expect rates to might double or to pay US$50 one way to Caracas or abouts. Unofficial Taxis Drivers are likely to approach you- always get a quote in advance. Using this route is more dangerous in Caracas than most cities. Robberies at gunpoint by unofficial taxi drivers frequently occur. Caracas Forum - Taxis From Caracas Airport

Airport Car Service

Arrange for advance airport pickup: arriving passengers are urged to make advance plans for transportation from the airport to their place of lodging. If possible, travelers should arrange to be picked up at the airport by someone who is known to them http://caracas.usembassy.gov/wwwh2706.html Provides options for arranging pickup at the airport upon arrival

Airport Bus

UCAM buses run between the airport and Caracas (journey time: approximately 40 minutes); bus stops are conveniently close to the metro stations in Caracas. They have a reputation for being unsafe and uncomfortable, however. Call for an official taxi or better yet make advance arrangement for pickup.

Airport Hotels

Some of these are not located in good safe neighborhoods and caution is advised when wandering outside. An airport Hilton hotel is currently under construction [opening 2007] to be located opposite the International Arrivals area. The Four Seasons Hotel, contrary to information on many web sites, has been closed since 2003. The opening of the new 5-star El Caribe in the historic coastal village of Macuto near the airport following the disastrous landslides of 1999, has signaled a return to the option of staying in a nice hotel close to the airport, avoiding unpredictable traffic jams for connecting flights and having a pleasant beach nearby. Going east from the airport; Macuto, Puerto La Guaria and Carabella are worth visiting if time permits. Go immediately west to Caria La Mar, for the most cheap hotel options offering airport pickup.

Near Airport opening in 2007 will be a Hilton right in the airport

Euro building www.eurobuilding-ve.com [426 double rooms and 210 suites ] Final Calle La Guairita Urb,  caracas venezuela, satellite TV, bars, restaurants, 24-hour room service, parking, no-smoking rooms, conference rooms, office services, swimming pools, sauna, gym and a beauty salon. 5 star hotel with a unresponsive bureaucratic approach to room theft and on-site problem restaurants--APR-2005      Free rewards with Precision Reservations

• Visa Requirement by southtravels.com
• embavenez-us.org Venezuelan Embassy at 1099 30th St. N.W., Washington D.C. 20007, tel. (202) 342-2214,
• US State Department - Venezuela Consular Information Sheet

Renders the following advice in 2006:

---"Passports should also be in good condition, as some have been delayed or detained overnight for having otherwise valid passports in poor condition

---passports have at least 6 months validity remaining from the date of arrival in Venezuela as some have been turned back for this reason

---traveling with someone less than 18 years old and less than 2 parents may require extensive documentation

---If you carry prescription drugs, keep them in their original container, clearly labeled with the doctor’s name, pharmacy and contents

---Travelers entering Venezuela from certain countries are required to have a current yellow fever vaccination certificate. In late February of 2006, officials were demanding proof of vaccination against measles or you were directed to a vaccination booth.

---Always carry your papers with you and do not overstay the validity of your visa or tourist card. Sometimes hotels will keep passports overnight for registration purposes, but hardly ever longer than one day.

---Avoid public demonstrations. Travelers can accidentally become injured if caught up in them. Also, American citizens have been arrested when local authorities have thought they were participating in civil demonstrations. If you are detained or arrested for any reason, ask to speak with a U.S. consular officer.

Maps

Venezuela/Maps  a-venezuela.com/mapas/ http://ecoportal6.tripod.com/mapas.htm

Mosquitoes: Venezuela tends to have a bit more than elsewhere. Long baggy pants, thick socks, boots, oversized long sleeve shirts, and a good repellent with 30-60%  DEET should work. This does not mean you can not wear shorts or swim in the rivers as you need to learn quickly their patterns for the time of the day and the place. More about avoiding mosquito bites

Health information for travelers to South America from the US Center for Disease Control
Tips for Travelers to Central & South America by travel.state.gov

The incidence of political demonstrations in Venezuela has decreased markedly since the referendum in August 2004.  Nevertheless, travelers should be aware that violence, including exchanges of gunfire, has occurred at political demonstrations in the past. Most major tourist destinations, including coastal beach resorts and Margarita Island, have not in the past been generally affected by protest actions.  However, the city of Merida, a major tourist destination in the Andes, has experienced violent student protests.

Harassment of U.S. citizens by pro-government groups, Venezuelan airport authorities, and some segments of the police occurs but is quite limited.  However, Venezuela’s most senior leaders, including President Chavez, regularly express anti-American sentiment.  The Venezuelan government’s rhetoric of hate directed against the U.S. government, as well as American culture and institutions, is slowly affecting attitudes in what used to be one of the most pro-American countries in the hemisphere. U.S. citizens traveling or residing in Venezuela are advised to take common-sense precautions and avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, no matter where they occur.[Nov-2006]

What to Bring

Sunglasses High SPF 25+ waterproof sunscreen lotion PFD and/or helmet (if desired). Beach towel. Mosquito repellent Light sweater/ Light jacket/ windbreaker. Extra spending money, travelers check for emergency money Paperback books for flights and evenings Earplugs for sound sleeping in a new environment. Ball-point pen (helpful for any airport forms, customs, etc.). A CURRENT PASSPORT in decent condition is required and must be valid for 6 months after your scheduled departure date. Copies of passport, credit card used to purchase e-tickets,

Find regular updates at:fco.gov.uk/travel

The Venezuelan currency is the Bolívar (Bs), sometimes called the 'Bolo'.  The US dollar is the most commonly accepted foreign currency in Venezuela. The official exchange rate differs from the street rate or the rate you get from banks and ATMs leading many to recommend you carry cash. Traveler's checks are difficult to negotiate anywhere but banks but are a good way to keep emergency money.

Major Banks include: Citibank, Banco Venezuela, Banco Provincial, Banco Union, and Banco Mercantil.

Currency: Bolívar (Bs) = 100 céntimos. Notes are in denominations of Bs50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Bs500, 100, 50, 25, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 céntimos.

Tipping: Tips are not compulsory, but in the majority of bars and restaurants, 10 per cent is added to the bill and it is customary to leave another 5-10% per cent on the table. Bellboys and maids should be tipped. It is customary to give baggage handlers a tip of $1USD per bag. In Caracas, tips are higher than elsewhere.

 
Credit & debit cards: American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. Many credit cards and debit cards have added surcharges to foreign transactions of  1% to 3%. Many other have not since there is no actual cost to them --plan accordingly. Your airline may require you to show the card you purchased the ticket with. If you have lost the card, remember the card number to avoid delays and hassles.

Safety: Emergency cash should always be on-hand in Caracas for a secure vacation.

Efficient telephone network. Making international phone calls easy, but expensive. The telephone company, CANTV has an information system that can be accessed by the number 103. Some of the operators speak English.
Public telephones & phone cards: There are many public telephones in Venezuela, even in the more remote places, all of which accept CANTV cards only (tarjeta CANTV). Credit cards are not accepted. Telephone cards are available for 2000 and 5000Bs and can be purchased from CANTV offices and most supermarkets and souvenir shops.

Internet: ISPs include CantvNet ( www.cantv.net), Compuserve Venezuela ( www.csi.com.ve) and Internet Venezuela ( www.internet.ve).
Internet cafes are available in most urban areas.

Infrastructure: domestic satellite system with 3 earth stations; recent substantial improvement in telephone service in rural areas; substantial increase in digitalization of exchanges and trunk lines; installation of a national interurban fiber-optic network capable of digital multimedia services

Mobile telephone in Venezuela
Mobile telephone GSM networks cover Caracas but are sparse outside of the city. Coverage is limited to around Caracas and major cities. Roaming agreements exist with some international mobile phone companies. cellular-news.com/e/venezuela.php Cell phone numbers in Venezuela begin with a 4 (414, 416, 412,) and if being dialed from within Venezuela must be preceded by a 0.	Cell network carriers Network are regulated by  Conatel Digicel (Consorcio Elca) GSM   Infonet GSM Movistar (formerly Telcel Bellsouth) CDMA Digitel TIM GSM

If your carrier does not have a workable deal for using your GSM phone in Venezuela you can purchase a Sim card for your "unlocked" GSM phone. GSM allows network operators to offer roaming services which mean subscribers can use their phones all over the world. One of the key features of GSM is the Subscriber Identity Module (SIM), commonly known as a SIM card.

wcities.com/en/mobile downloadable Pocket CityGuides™ for Caracas 

"diving comparatively economical in Venezuela, it's among the best in the Caribbean, rivaling Belize or the Cayman Islands"

Venezuela's Great Outdoors
by Dominic Hamilton

backpacker-tours.com/  Venezuela, the gate of South America, offers you the unique adventure of trekking at the table mountain Roraima, close animal observations in Los Llanos, jungle expeditions to the Orinoco Delta or to the Yanomami Indian tribes and the experience of the breathtaking Angel Fall.