Venezuela F.A.Q. Venezuela is the one country in the world which has the lowest cost of living? It is a proven fact, that not only is this a GREAT place to spend some time, it is also cheaper than living at home ...And if as this wasn't enough, Venezuela is a beautiful and friendly country, with
- excellent food and superb restaurants,
- really good shopping,
- water that's safe to drink,
- and many interesting attractions.
What is the capital of Venezuela?
Caracas is a big city (over 5 million population) which is located in a valley in the mountains north of the airport. It's about a one half-hour drive to Caracas from the airport, and the trip can be done for 50 cents in the special airport shuttle busses.What's the weather like?
Venezuela is between 300 and 600 miles north of the Equator. The Carribbean coastline is approximately 600 miles north of the Equator. During the winter, the average daytime temperature is probably 80-85 F; the nightly low is usually 70 F. During the summer, the temperatures average just 5-10 F higher. It is the perfect climate! Normal humidity is 50-60%.
We don't have that much rain here, but the "rainy season" months are probably July and November.
What this means is that Venezuela is a great year-'round destination, weather-wise. Most visitors will have a chance to warm up in the winter, and to cool off in the summer (since the climate here is both cooler and drier than in most major American cities in the summer time.)Do we need to bring anything special to wear?
Most people wear simple casual clothing here in the evenings: long pants and short sleeved shirts for the men and casual dresses for women. Short pants and T shirts are fine in most restaurants, for those of us who hate to get dressed up.
Don't forget your sunglasses. As for hats, buy a big sombrero here for a dollar or two.I don't speak any Spanish. Is that a problem?
Some Spanish would be helpful, but it's not required. Most of the people you will meet speak at least some English, and many speak our language quite well. I myself am pretty fluent in English, and so are those who help me out (even the natural-born Americans!)Is it safe there?
Venezuela is a wonderful country, full of friendly people. But there are "bad guys" everywhere in the world, it seems, and sometimes here is no exception. If you're out late at night, or if you're going to Caracas, we'd recommend you leave your jewelry at home. We can store your valuables in our safe, if you'd like.
On the beach, crime is as good as non-existing. I myself have never been robbed here to this day. The stories in the press are usually exaggerated. Just be prudent, as you would anywhere else. That's my best advice.What does a map the country look like?
All I have on this site is a map of the coastline (see below), the part that holds the most interest. But on the net, you can find many more maps. See my page of recommendations for a few pointers.Have a question which is not answered?
Send it on down!
