If you could channel-surf for landscape, Venezuela would tire out any remote.

Venezuela is epic in proportion: it boasts South America's largest lake and third-longest river, the highest waterfall in the world, the longest of all snakes, and some of the most spectacular landscapes you'll ever see.

There are the snowcapped peaks of the Andes in the west; steamy Amazonian jungles in the south; the hauntingly beautiful Gran Sabana plateau, with its strange flat-topped mountains, in the east; and miles of white-sand beaches fringed with coconut palms on the Caribbean coast.

Travel Warning: Crime Warning - Political Unrest - Border Trouble

Street crime in Venezuelan cities is reasonably common, particularly Caracas. Exercise the same common sense as you would in any large, chaotic city and, if you must stroll the streets after dark, be aware that many neighbourhoods are considered to be zonas rojas , high crime areas where you may be at risk.

Venezuelan politics is unpredictable and demonstrations and public protests are common. Travelers are advised to avoid such gatherings as they can become violent; monitor news services for any potential unrest.

Any travel near the Colombian border in more remote Zulia, Táchira, Barinas, Bolivar, Apure and Amazonas states should be avoided due to the presence of Colombian guerrillas and various other armed types.

severity: Mid-level alert

Fast Facts

Country Full Name

República Bolivariana de Venezuela

Population

25,700,000

Currency

Name: Venezuelan bolívar
Code: VEB
Symbol: Bs

Electrical Plugs

American-style plug with two parallel flat blades above a circular grounding pin Japanese-style plug with two parallel flat blades
120V 60Hz

Languages Spoken

Official: Spanish

Time Zones

GMT/UTC -4.5 

Country Dialing Code

+58

Weights & Measures

Metric

Venezuela - Free Guidebook Chapter

Venezuela - Pick & Mix Chapters

Download the free Getting Started chapter or buy individual chapters from our Venezuela guide, in our online Shop.
› Go to the Venezuela download page.

Traveller Tips & Discussion

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Disclaimer: We've tried to make the information on this web site as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information (like visas, health and safety, customs and transportation) with the relevant authorities before you travel.

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