Social ConventionsShaking hands or using the local
abrazo, a cross between a hug and a handshake, are the normal forms of greeting. In Caracas, conservative casual wear is the norm. Men are expected to wear suits for business, and jackets and ties are usual for dining out and social functions. Dress on the coast is less formal but beachwear and shorts should not be worn away from the beach or pool. Smoking follows European habits and in most cases it is obvious where not to smoke. Some public buildings are also non-smoking areas.
International Travel:Getting There by
AirThe national airlines are
Aeropostal (Alas de Venezuela) (VH) (website:
www.aeropostal.com),
and
Avensa and Servivensa (VC) (website:
www.avensa.com.ve).
Air PassesVisit South America pass: valid within Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile (except Easter Island), Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela. Participating airlines include
Aer Lingus (EI),
American Airlines (AA),
British Airways (BA),
Cathay Pacific (CX),
Finnair (AY),
Iberia (IB),
LAN (LA) and
Qantas (QF). The pass must be bought outside South America in the country of residence. It allows unlimited travel to 34 cities. A minimum of three flights must be booked, with no maximum; the maximum stay is 60 days, with no minimum, and prices depend on the amount of flight zones. For further details, contact one of the participating airlines.
Departure TaxExit Tax: VEB33,600/US$16. Direct transit passengers and minors under 15 years are exempt.
Airport tax: VEB84,000/US$40. Exempt are direct transit passengers.
Domestic flights: VEB16,800.
Main AirportsCaracas (CCS) (Simon Bolívar) is 20km (12 miles) from the city (journey time – 30 to 45 minutes).
To/from the airport: There is a coach service to the city. Buses (
littoral) are also available to the city. Taxis to the city are available on ranks.
Facilities: Duty-free shop, bank/bureau de change, bar/restaurant, tourist information and car hire.
Getting There by WaterMain ports: La Guaira (website:
www.plcsa.gov.ve),
Puerto Cabello (website:
www.ipapc.gov.ve),
Maracaibo (website:
www.puertodemaracaibo.com),
Guanta, Porlamar and
Ciudad Bolívar (on the Orinoco River).
Several
shipping lines operate to Venezuela.
Cruise ships often make Caracas a port of call.
Getting There by RailThere are no international rail links with neighboring countries.
Getting There by RoadRoad access is from Colombia (Barranquilla and Medellin) to Maracaibo, and from the Amazon territory of Brazil (Manaus) to Caracas.
OverviewThe following items may be imported into Venezuela without incurring customs duty:
200 cigarettes and 25 cigars;
2l of alcoholic beverages;
four small bottles of perfume;
new goods up to a value of US$1000.
Flowers, fruit, meat and meat products, live plants and birds or bird products or bird by-products from Chile.
Internal Travel:Getting Around By AirAlmost all large towns are connected with scheduled services operated by domestic airlines, including
Aeropostal (website:
www.aeropostal.com),
Aerotuy (website:
www.tuy.com) and
Avensa and Servivensa. There are various discount tickets offered by
Avensa and Servivensa, including special student and family prices. For further information, contact your local travel agency. 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.
Departure tax: VEB14,700.
Getting Around by WaterFerries link
Puerto La Cruz with Margarita Island (travel time – two hours 45 minutes).
Getting Around by RailThe East-West Railway travels between Acarigua and Maturin. It is for both passengers and cargo.
Getting Around by RoadOn 5 January 2006, the Venezuelan authorities closed the main motorway linking Maiquetia International Airport with Caracas due to the risk of a collapsed bridge. At the time of publishing, it is not clear how long it will remain closed.
Traffic drives on the right. Internal roads between principal cities are of a high standard, with 17,050km (10,595 miles) of paved motorways, 13,500km (8400 miles) of macadam highways and 5850km (3635 miles) of other roads. All vehicles must carry a spare tyre, wheel block, jack wrench and special reflector triangle. The quality of roads is variable but the main roads in Caracas and to the interior are good. Some routes have many potholes that have not been filled; on these roads a 4-wheel drive is recommended. 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. Drivers routinely ignore red lights. Petrol pump attendants expect a tip.
Bus: There are fairly cheap interurban bus services; quality of travel varies a lot however.
Car hire: Self-drive cars are available at the airport and in major city centers but are expensive.
Documentation: 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.
Getting Around Towns and CitiesCaracas has a 35-station metro, which is comfortable and inexpensive. Conventional
bus services have badly deteriorated in recent years and there has been a rapid growth in the use of
por puestos (share-taxis). These are operated by minibus companies and tend to serve as the main form of public transport in Caracas and major cities. Fares charged are in general similar to those on the buses, although they are higher during the evenings and at weekends.
Taxis in Caracas are metered but the fare can nonetheless be negotiated with the driver. It is customary not to use meters after midnight; the fare should be agreed before setting out. Taxi fares double after 2000. Taxi rates are posted at the airport. Drivers are not tipped unless they carry suitcases. Travelers are recommended to only take white taxis with yellow number plates or the Black Explorers from the airport. Many hotels book or supply their own limousine service. Motorcycles may not be used in Caracas after 2200.
Journey TimesThe following chart gives approximate travel times (in hours and minutes) from
Caracas to other major cities/towns in Venezuela.
| Air |
| Porlamar | 0.45 |
| Canaima | 1.15 |
| Cumana | 0.45 |
| Maracaibo | 1.00 |
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