The Venezuelan unit of currency is the Bolívar Fuerte.

We recommend that you bring your spending money in Euros and US$ cash, and that you use your credit card in few cases (do not expect this to be your main means of payment, as they are not universally accepted because of the high commissions charged within Venezuela). Forms of currency other than the US$ might be more difficult to change outside of the official change bureaus. Please keep in mind that in Venezuela that there have been currency exchange restrictions since 2003; a black market has also existed since then.

We recommend you only change a small amount (US$50) of your spending money upon arrival in Venezuela at the Bureau de Change in Caracas airport (airside – just opposite the immigration desks and before the baggage reclaim area).

In major towns and cities it is possible to obtain Bolívares Fuertes using your credit card at automatic cash dispensers (you will need to know your PIN number). If you forget your PIN, you can usually still obtain money at a Bank.

The Bolivar Fuerte has been in circulation since 2008 and the old currency, the Bolivar, is still in circulation as well. Please feel free to ask your tour guide about the differences between the two currencies.

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 4:31 pm and is filed under Before the trip, Tips for travelers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

Visas are granted to those who want to enter the country for the purpose of leisure, health or activities that do not involve payment or profit, such as cultural, artistic, scientific, sport, contact with businesses established in the country or with people from the public or private sector or as a journalist for special events.

A tourist visa is valid for one year, is multiple entry and allows visitors to stay for a period of up to 90 days, which can be extended by the Ministry of the Interior and Justice.

The exception to this rule is tourists and visitors who are nationals of countries that benefit from the DEX-2 Tourist Card. This will be granted by travel agencies and transportation companies authorised by the Tourism Corporation of Venezuela. They are valid for 90 days, for one entry only, and cannot be extended.

TOURIST CARD (DEX-2)

Where can you get a tourist card? These are given out by the commercial airlines. They are valid for one entry only and are valid for a stay of up to 90 days.

The citizens of the following countries can enter Venezuela with a Tourist Card (DEX-2):

List of countries whose citizens enjoy the Benefit of Cancellation of Visas for Non-Migrants for ordinary passport holders, according to Resolution No 115 published in the Official Gazette No 38.653 dated 27 March 2007.

Passport: All foreigners who wish to enter the country must be in possession of a valid passport with at least six months left to run, issued by the relevant authority and, if necessary, apply for a visa from the Consular Section of the Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela.

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 4:25 pm and is filed under Before the trip, Tips for travelers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

The Venezuelan government levies a tax on all international flight departures with tourists paying an additional charge. These taxes must be paid in local currency or US$ cash, normally at or near your airline’s check-in desk. This is not included in your tour package. Once paid keep the form safely in your passport, and once you have checked in go to the departure gates where the form will be collected by the emigration officials. Each state in Venezuela also levies a maximum tax of BsF. 32.50 (US$ 7.50) on each passenger flying out from the region. These are collected at the check-in desk. For international flights a tax of BsF 162.50 (USD 38.00) must be paid.

National Park Fees

National Parks such as Canaima and Los Roques levy a small fee for all visitors. The charge ranges from BsF 8.00– 25.00 (US$ 1.72 – 4.00), and it is NOT included in your tour package.

This entry was posted on Thursday, August 5, 2010 at 4:21 pm and is filed under Before the trip, Tips for travelers. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.