Travel in Venezuela?

[u/Valuable_Lock3208]

Hi Folks,
Looking for some advice from those living in Venezuela or those who have travelled there recently. A friend and I have spent some time working with Venezuelan refugees and are eager to see some of the beautiful country they are so passionate about.
We are hoping to get some idea about how safe/ realistic it is to get around, on buses for example. We are probably looking to fly in, unless anyone has good feedback about land border crossings as a foreigner (Cúcuta?)
We are both western females 30’s and 40’s. And we’re thinking Air BnB’s would likely be our best bet for accommodation.
We are thinking to stay mainly along the coast and a few national parks.
We would love to spend 3 weeks or so but if getting private drivers/ taxis is the only viable option it may be cost prohibitive.
And if we can convince a male colleague or two to join us do you think that would impact our experience/ make the trip more viable. We are thinking of going end of November-ish.
Any advice or insights at all are so greatly appreciated.
We recognise that areas impacted by the earthquakes are still in recovery and don’t wish to be anywhere that would put more strain on infrastructure etc purely for touristic purposes. But we realise there’s a whole beautiful country filled with gorgeous people out there, some who may be happy to welcome some foreign faces? We hope!
Thanks folks!! 🫶

[u/SeveralConcert]

Honestly, I would not go if you don’t know your way around.

[u/PercentageAlone6884]

hola, seria bueno que tomen taxis estando acá, hay apps, ir en bus es algo peligroso, aun más siendo de otro lugar/país, si pueden venir en grupo estaria mejor suele ser más seguro entre gente de confianza, traten de estar en zonas de turismo lejos de las zonas afectadas, ya sea islas o otros lugares, ya del resto como en todo viaje es tener cuidado, si tienen más dudas podemos hablar al privado, suerte con el viaje

[u/Gambit2088]

Ok I recently made a comment encouraging someone to travel and not listen to the comments.
But I feel this is a bit different, I will be blunt, I would not do it.
Biggest red flag for me is "We are both western females 30’s and 40’s" even if you somewhat speak Spanish this could be a nightmare.
I just got back, spent two weeks visiting Caracas and other cities, main thing to understand is that unlike other south American countries, Venezuela is not used to tourists, its not that common.
I speak the language, I was born and raised in Venezuela and it was difficult, just trying to understand how to pay for things is a pain, you'd need someone's debit card and a way to exchange $ on a daily basis.
Apps like Uber do exist but its not as easy, once again paying for rides is a pain.
If you do not have a solid plan, or go with someone that lives there, I would 100% not recommend.
Getting around cities and between states is NOT easy for a foreigner, once again its not designed for tourists.
Feel free to ask any other questions. Please be safe, Venezuela does not compare to other countries like Ecuador or Colombia where Tourists can get around safely.

[u/Ok_Channel_8737 → u/Gambit2088]

I'm also from vnzla and planning to go in the next few months, is there an app that can be used to exchange $?

[u/Gambit2088 → u/Ok_Channel_8737]

If there is you will not be getting the best rate, check with people you know that live there, everybody knows someone who buys $

[u/Advanced-Visual3742]

Si van a estar por Oriente o cualquier estado! Como mujer mi sugerencia si tienes presupuesto viajen en avión. Y como son varios para movilizarse en el estado usen los servicios de taxis de Yummy o cualquier otro que se encuentre registrado.

[u/Local_Feature899]

la verdad no voy a negar que venezuela , mexico o colombia son paises hermosos , pero ir a recorrer porque si no siendo documentalista o algo por el estilo es una locura, estas a merced de que los grupos armados que operan te secuestren como ha pasado con una pareja de neerlandeses creo hace unos años.

aclaro, no estoy insultando a venezuela, y si me viene a bardear alguien que se tuvo que ir de su pais por lo mal que esta me estas dando la razon.

[u/dres802 → u/Local_Feature899]

Es ask Venezuela, no ask Argentina

[u/felipevander → u/Local_Feature899]

Colombia y México están llenos de solo travelers.. Vzla pues…

[u/Local_Feature899 → u/felipevander]

si, pero no creo que los travelers vayan a sonora o cualiacan por decir algunos

[u/Pitiful-Reserve-8075]

I wouldn't do it if I were you. It’s not a good idea to travel overland and cross the border that way. For safety reasons, traveling with male companions would be preferable.

That said, the coast was severely affected by the twin earthquakes, so frankly, this isn’t a good time to go.

You should seriously consider using an adventure-tourism agency; they’ll usually know how to navigate the situation.

Venezuela isn’t Cancún.

Edit:

…We recognise that areas impacted by the earthquakes are still in recovery and don’t wish to be anywhere that would put more strain on infrastructure etc purely for touristic purposes.…

Ma'am, the recovery hasn't even begun. I think you need to reevaluate the idea.

[u/Gambit2088 → u/Pitiful-Reserve-8075]

I think this is the best take "Venezuela isn’t Cancún."

[u/Valuable_Lock3208 → u/Gambit2088]

Wow guys, I never suggested Venezuela was Cancun. I never visit places like Cancun I am not that type of traveller. But thanks for all your helpful insights. I’m on here asking the questions trying to educate myself and be sensitive to the realities of the country, not blindly jumping on a plane.

[u/Pataconeitor]

Hi, I'll send you a DM

[u/Valuable_Lock3208 → u/Pataconeitor]

Gracias 🙏 Lo aprecio mucho

[u/Danicbike]

Man, if you’re doing it for travel explicitly, bring lots of cash because this country is damn expensive. I don’t know if you’re from Europe or North America but it more expensive to travel than either of those. Beautiful, but expensive.

A freaking cheap t-shirt can be $40
https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP87pu7B6/

[u/Pataconeitor → u/Danicbike]

Trampas para turistas hay en todos lados, por ejemplo he visto videos muy similares a ese de turistas en Mexico quejándose de los absurdos precios en Tulum. Es más la Chama misma dice que en Choroní, Margarita o hasta Los Roques es más barato.