Venezuela is less known by population and is not a very famous country, but it is a country of vibrant cultures and diverse landscape views; it offers a unique travel experience to each individual/Traveler, but travelling to this country is not everyone’s cup of tea! Venezuela requires a bit of preparation because of its complex history, economic challenges, and evolving infrastructure. But don’t worry; this article will guide you through everything you need to know about visiting Venezuela and its city, Caracas.
A Journey Through Venezuela’s Past
The Golden Era
Let’s learn about its past; from the 1980s to the 1990s, Venezuela was known as the wealthiest nation in South America because of its oil reserves. That is the biggest reason for Venezuela’s richness. The country’s oil gave the country significant economic growth and a large amount of development, and it became known around the globe. Important cities like Caracas were thriving, and Venezuela was the main attraction then. It was the prime destination for tourism and experiences alike.
The Downfall
Identical, just like many other countries, the growth was. Unfortunately, temporary things went wrong for this country from what many expected. The situation begins to change in the early 2000s. However, the main impact I know about started in 2015; Venezuela started facing economic difficulties, leading to a dramatic decline in its living standards. Other than that, inflation, political instability and resources were mismanaged. Things are not looking good for the country; in 2015, most of the people left the country. It was a callous time for Venezuela.
Current Situation of Venezuela
Statistics & Migration Trends
I remember when I was reading the article that between 2015 and 2022, in Venezuela, a significant number of its citizens left the country just because they lacked opportunities and resources to search for better opportunities. According to recent statistics, the migration trend has significantly impacted the country’s demographic and economic landscape.
Currency Changes and its Economics
Venezuela has faced severe economic problems in recent years. And it has had an impact on the country’s currency, the Bolivar. In 2008, the country’s government tried to fix this, and they did by changing the value of Bolivar, but it could have worked better. After many currency fluctuations and changes, the Boulevard has become much weaker, which means it takes more Bolivar to buy foreign currency like dollars. It feels like you have money in your hand pocket or wallet when it comes to the Bolivar, but if you compare it to dollars, you will see that it is significantly less valuable.
Some guide for The Traveller/Tourist
If you are willing to visit Venezuela, being prepared for changing exchange rates is very important. Because the value of the Bolivar can fluctuate very quickly, it is a good idea to check its current status before you exchange it for money; a good idea is to consider using a credit card. Sometimes, these offer better exchange rates and more protection.
The Visa Process
So here is the crucial part: the Venezuela visa! Obtaining a visa for Venezuela can be challenging. The process is complex and requires careful preparation and little caution. Ensure you have all the necessary documents and other important stuff, and be prepared for the application process. One noticeable thing is that very few tourists visit Venezuela compared to other South American destinations. People often visit there for work or to import or export goods. There are significantly fewer tourists, and that’s why preparation is a must.
Experience of Arrival and Immigration
After clearing all the visa passports and reaching Simon Bolivar International Airport in Caracas, you now have to be ready for some questioning by immigration officials because, as we said, very few people visit here. However, travellers with an American Visa may receive a more favorable reception (it is my theory because I have seen that they respect the American Visa). the cool factor about the time zone adjustment. It may affect when you arrive at the airport because, as the currency, that time here is a little further than Colombian time, so verify the current local time to avoid any confusion.
Things To Know About Caracas
Caracas has seen improvement in terms of safety and other things over recent years. If we compare it to its past, things are now changing a little bit. Because it was known for being a little risky past 20-30 years ago. The situation is looking stabilized now. But it is still advisable to exercise questions. So, upon arriving, avoid using any local buses for transportation with all your luggage, instead of for taxes or ride-sharing services like yummy rides for a safe and more convenient way.
E-SIM and Network Stability
From some research, I can say that reaching Caracas airport is not the only challenge. There are many challenges, including network issues, so for travellers, connectivity is critical. At Caracas airport, available e-SIM cards only provide 3G network coverage and will not guarantee full connectivity. The network can be volatile. You cannot chat or connect to the internet with ease. It’s advisable to check with local providers about the most reliable options for internet access.
Accommodation(Hotels, Hostels)
Every Traveller/tourist wants a good accommodation hotel hostel to live in while travelling, but in Venezuela and its city Caracas, if you’re going to book any hostel or hotel priority safety, we would suggest that you don’t go for a hostel you are a Traveller budget or a budget traveller you should go for hotels it will be little costly, but in that kind of place, hotels are best and better choice compare to hostels because hostels are less and might not meet all safety standards.
Key And Key Holder
An exciting observation is the size of key holders I saw in hotels in Caracas. They often give you an oversized key holder, which is more significant than usual. If we compare it, it’s more significant than regular phones. It could be a practical choice for the hotel to ensure guests do not lose their keys easily, but it seems unusual to visitors.
Some safety and Precautions
Suppose you are from another country or very new to this country. In that case, the hotel staff will likely advise you not to venture outside After Dark, and it is wise to take that advice. It is essential when you are unfamiliar with the area. It’s better to take every advice. But if you need food and you are in a place where you are alone and do not feel like going outside and you know the place is not safe for you, ordering online is a much safer option. There are several options for ordering food online, like Rappi, Pedidosya, and Uber Eats, but the most noticeable thing is the transactions, so the transactions will be in Bolivars; all those prices are displayed in dollars. As of 2024, the exchange rate is approximately 1 USD = 36.580401 VES, so be prepared for this currency difference.
Conclusion
So, if you want to visit Venezuela, it is a good option and a rewarding experience, but one should be well prepared. Understanding the country’s history, economic context, and practical travel considerations will help you navigate your trip smoothly, from securing your visa to managing their currency. Every step requires careful planning, but if you read the article and follow our guidelines, you can make the most of your visit to this fascinating country.
