Enjoying Caracas in Safety

Health
Crime
Cash
Transportation
Pedestrianism
Restaurants and Niteclubs
Summation

Welcome to Caracas!

Caracas is the soul of Venezuela and the center of the economy. It is a complex and alive city with many cultural events and attractions. There are about 3.5 million inhabitants, resulting in a very particular mix of cultures and habits. The music and cuisine and nitelife is second to none in South America, and here you will find the main points for conducting commerce.

However, personal safety is not the best although one can find in commercial and tourist zones more police vigilance. Like in any metropolis including Miami and New York there are necessary precautions for you to enjoy a happy visit.

Health

At 900 meters above the sea level, Caracas has a healthy and temperate climate for all the year, the main difference being in the amount of rain.

In Venezuela there is a risk from Cholera, Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Dengue Fever and Hepatitis to name the main ones. Prior to departing from your domicile, consult with your local doctor to obtain the necessary vaccinations. For Dengue Fever there is no vaccination: therefore avoid the possibility of mosquito bites.

There is a risk from the local water. Do not drink or brush your teeth with the water from the taps. Depending on the restaurant you should ask that ice cubes are made from bottled water. There may also be some risks for salads in the case that they have been washed under taps. It is most safe to eat only well cooked foods. Never eat food from the street vendors or counter restaurants.

The Coche Hospital is the only one with a specialized service for scorpions' stings.

Crime

Although Caracas has a high crime rate like any big city the problem is mainly in the poor places and with foreigners who draw attention to themselves or do not follow proper precautions. Almost all the crime is economic. Rape is almost unknown and kidnapping is still uncommon in Venezuela.

In your hotel room make sure that you keep the doors and windows locked at all times. Do not leave valuables in your room but leave your valuables in the safe at the front desk.

If you are assaulted by a criminal remain calm and do what he says, then you will avoid violence. Do not offer resistance and do not call for help or make any sudden movements. In 90% of the cases he will want only your money. Be sure that at all times you carry at least BS 50,000.00 so that he will be satisfied with this amount. Wait until he has left the vicinity before calling for assistance. In some case the criminal will ask you to withdraw money from the bank machine before midnight, and then again after midnight. After that he will most certainly release you.

Cash

The Venezuelan currency is the Bolivar that trades at about 700 for the USA dollar. You can obtain cash from the many ATM machines in all the city. Not all machines accept all cards. It is easier to take cash from a credit card than from a bank account. When using an ATM machine make sure that nobody is watching you and prepared to steal your money. Do not put your receipt into the waste-basket because this is a common source of crime.

Also in some cases the criminal will place sticky tape into the card slot then when the time comes to withdraw the card it can not be withdrawn. He hopes to make some more withdrawals after you have gone.

Credit cards are widely accepted at many establishments in Caracas. With the hotel being the exception, do not to use your credit cards for payments unless you have no other solution. The reason is that credit card clonation is very general, even at highly respectable places.

Transportation

The most convenient and secure way to travel in Caracas is on the taxis. There are many taxis offering service to all places in Caracas other than the poor areas at all times of the day and night. There is a modern subway system but you should not use it unless you know the route. Do not carry valuables on the subway and do not travel when there are not many other people also using it or at night. You are not advisable to use the buses for your safety.

From the airport you should ensure to ride only the authorized taxis with the official sign clearly marked. Some reports have been made of unauthorized taxis taking passengers outside of the airport and stealing their effects with the assistance of accomplices.

Do not flag down a taxi on the street. Ask the security guard at the place from where you are departing to obtain for you a taxi from a recognized company. Before employing a taxi inquire of your colleagues what is the accepted fare to your destination and make this fare with the taxi. The taxi and the security guard may not state you the correct fare in other cases.

Pedestrianism

Pedestrianism is the best way to explore the many lively and exotic places in Caracas. You will find plenty of interesting and unusual experiences only in this way. Ask the concierge at your hotel for places for many shopping, dining, entertainment or touristic pleasures and to arrange the transportation for you to get there and to return.

When the traffic lights change, safety in crossing the street is not trustworthy because there are many impatient drivers. Be careful.

You are recommended to avoid certain place at night, especially downtown. Never walk or drive in the poor parts of the city. In the daytime walk only where you see that there are many other people. Do not talk to people who are not known to you, when for example they ask you what is the time. If you feel that you are in danger enter a building and ask the responsible person to call for you a taxi.

There is a danger from pickpockets in all places. Carry only a photocopy of your passport, one credit card and cash money. Keeps these things in separate places on your person where they can not be removed easily by a pickpocket. Do not wear expensive clothes or jewelry for they will attract robbers. Try to dress as the local people and that will not draw attention to yourself. Never carry a bag since that can be pulled off from you.

Restaurants and Niteclubs

Caracas is a cheerful city and its nocturnal life offers a variety of options for those who would like to enjoy it. Caracas has many fine restaurants from all around the world, and also has exciting niteclubs with shows from all kinds of music to live shows which stay open until late into the night. Take the opportunity of your visit to explore the rich cultural diversity of the most alive capital city in South America. Ask the desk at your hotel for recommendations or inform the guides in your room. There are Fast Foods compared to McDonalds and KFC that have shops in different parts of the city. When going to other restaurants or bars only go when informed by a local friend because in cases there may be health risks or other risks.

Plan your money for the restaurants to be 2-3 times more expensive than with the same thing in the USA. Remember that the 10% service charge that is included in the bill is not a tip: add 5-10% in case you are not unhappy or the waiter may be angry. Of particular cost are imported liquors. Always consult the cost before accepting from the waiter the offer of an “after-dinner drink.”

At all niteclubs be very aware of the possibility of theft, particularly when you are distracted by the show. Be careful of making friends with strangers who plan to rob you later. There are more AIDS and other sexual diseases in Caracas: therefore you must take precautions. If you bring a companion to the hotel, before proceeding to your room, she should deposit her ID card at the front desk for your safety.

Summation

Caracas is a lively and interesting city that will fill you with admiration. If you follow the cautions given in this advisory you will look forward to a safe and rewarding visit.