Venezuela

Crime and Scams in Venezuela: What You Need To Know

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 06:03:00 GMT

Crime in Venezuela

Violent crime is rife in both the capital Caracas and the interior, and as a foreigner, you are a prime target. Don't go expecting justice if you are a victim of crime - only a very small percentage of crimes result in trials and convictions.

The country has one of the top five highest per capita murder rates in the world.

Kidnappings increased by approximately 50 percent between 2008 and 2009, and armed robberies are common.

Kidnappings of foreign nationals occur from homes, hotels, unauthorized taxis and the airport terminal.

Even popular tourist attractions, such as the Avila National Park, are increasingly associated with violent crime.

The poor neighborhoods, barrios (read slums) that cover the hills around Caracas are extremely dangerous. These are seldom patrolled by police and should be avoided.

In these areas, and other parts of the city - gangs of thieves will often surround their victims and use a chokehold to disable them, even in crowded market areas where there is little or no police presence.

Pickpockets are also a problem - they concentrate in and around crowded bus and subway stations in downtown Caracas.

Subway escalators are favored sites for "bump and rob" petty thefts by roving bands of young criminals. A person in front of you will "drop" something, then bend down to retrieve it, which then blocks the traffic on the escalator. The person behind you pushes against you in the chaos of bodies - and in so doing picks your pockets. Many of these criminals are well-dressed to allay suspicion and to blend in with crowds using the subways during rush hour. Robberies also occur frequently on buses and trains.

Express kidnapping

In recent years a frightening phenomenon called "express kidnapping" has emerged. These kidnappings are short-term opportunistic abductions, aimed at extracting cash from the victim.

Victims are normally selected at random and held while criminals force them to use their cash cards to empty their bank accounts. Once the maximum amount of money is extracted the victim is released. It lasts an hour, but it comes with the threat of or actual violence and is terrifying, as well as really inconvenient to be cleaned out.

Be aware also of "virtual kidnappings". Locals never complete questionnaires or surveys because these are scams to collect contact information on family members.

People who have handed over these details have been subjected to threatening calls demanding ransom for abducted children. Even though there's been no actual kidnapping - what's terrifying is you don't know if it's real, and who wouldn't hand over bank details if they thought their loved ones were in danger?

Also "inside kidnappings" are on the rise, in which domestic employees are paid for keys and information so criminals can enter foreigners' accommodation and kidnap children for ransom.

Carjacking

But it's not just in your hotel or home that you must take precautions - obviously on the road you are even more exposed.

Carjacking is also a problem by day and night.

Carjackers tend to target expensive-looking vehicles, especially 4x4s. Armed gangs ram their intended victim's vehicle from behind, or attempt to flag them down in order to rob them.

Resistance to robbery has resulted in victims being shot dead.

Be aware that well-armed criminal gangs operate widely, often setting up fake police checkpoints.

Travelers should be aware of chokepoints inside tunnels and avoid obstacles in the road.

Taxi drivers in Caracas are known to overcharge, rob or injure passengers.

When sightseeing or on foot you should wear as little jewelry as possible, including expensive-looking watches. Also, avoid displaying expensive camera equipment.

ATM theft

Due to currency regulations, hotels cannot provide currency exchange, so invariably you will have to use ATMs. Malfunctions are common and it is not unknown for ATM data to be hacked and used to make unauthorized withdrawals from users' accounts. (Reports suggest hand-held scanners are also used by thieves to steal account details)

Also, travelers should be careful only to use ATMs in well-lit public places to avoid being targeted by street gangs.

Poison letters & drinks

Finally, when out and about in the street or in major shopping centers, do not accept pamphlets.

There have been incidents where these flyers have been impregnated with potent and disorienting drugs that permeate the skin.

Drink spiking has also been reported - so be careful to not accept food or drink from strangers who may befriend you in bars or restaurants.

Hotels safety

Sabana Grande is not a safe area in which to stay in Caracas; cheap hotels can be found in safer areas such as Chacao, La Castellana and Altamira.

Theft from hotel rooms and safe deposit boxes is a problem, and theft of unattended valuables on the beach and from rental cars parked near isolated areas or on city streets is commonplace. A guarded garage or locked trunk is not a guarantee against theft.

Airport safety

You will need to be on your guard the second you arrive in Venezuela. Even the airports and their surroundings are considered dangerous.

Corruption at Maiquetia Airport, the international airport serving Caracas, is rampant. Both arriving and departing travelers, including foreigners, have been victims of personal property theft and muggings.

Some of these crimes are committed by people wearing official-looking uniforms – so be wary of any strangers who approach you.

Casually dressed travelers are more often approached, so dress smartly.

There are known drug trafficking groups working from the airport. Travelers should not accept packages from anyone and should keep their luggage with them at all times. It is also wise to lock your luggage.

There are reports that uniformed airport officials are attempting to extort money from travelers as they go through the normal check-in and boarding process for departing flights.

Others are approached as they arrive and are escorted to a separate area for a bag inspection. Victims are then instructed to sign a document in Spanish that they do not understand. If you are forced to sign a document you don't understand, just write in English "I do not understand this document".

Also, be aware of being approached at the airport by individuals offering to exchange foreign currency. You may be given forged local currency.

The road between Maiquetia Airport and Caracas is known to be particularly dangerous.

Visitors traveling this route at night have been kidnapped and held captive for ransom in roadside huts that line the highway. Because of the frequency of robberies at gunpoint, travelers are encouraged to arrive and depart only during daylight hours.

You should make advance arrangements for travel from the airport to your accommodation.

Airport tax scam

Also, be aware of being overcharged when paying airport tax for both international flights and domestic flights within Venezuela.

Always check the amount printed on the receipt issued for the tax (normally a sticker affixed to the back of your ticket) before handing over any money. Currently, the domestic airport tax, including journeys from Caracas to Margarita Island, is BsF 38.

International passengers must pay two taxes to exit the country. The international departure tax increased in February 2011 to BsF 228 (from BsF 195) but it is usually, although not always, included in the cost of the airfare ticket. (If you purchased your flight tickets before February, you may be asked to pay the difference by the airline when you check in, which should be BsF 33.)

There is also an airport tax of BsF 190 that must be paid in cash (Bolivars) after check-in at the airport (at one of the tax payment booths). Check with your airline before agreeing to pay anything extra.

Laws and Drug Crime in Venezuela: Know Before You Go

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 06:00:00 GMT

IMPORTANT: Venezuela is currently considered a "Do Not Travel" destination by several government travel advisories. For more information, check out our Venezuela travel alerts page.

Drugs in Venezuela

Drug trafficking is a serious problem in Venezuela, mainly due to its proximity to major drug-producing regions. Colombian cocaine and other drugs transit through Venezuela towards the United States and Europe.

Because of this Venezuela ranks fourth in the world for cocaine seizures, behind only Colombia, the United States, and Panama. Detection methods are sophisticated and drug traffickers should expect to be arrested. Travelers are screened for drug possession on arrival and departure and can also be screened while waiting in the airport.

Possession of small quantities of marijuana may lead to imprisonment. Conviction leads to severe penalties, including up to two years being held on remand prior to sentencing. Drug traffickers also receive lengthy prison sentences, usually eight to ten years.

Prisons in Venezuela

Conditions in Venezuelan jails are harsh and dangerous, and among the worst in the world.

There are no secure areas for visitors to meet with prisoners and all visits take place amongst the general prison population.

Believe it or not many prisoners carry firearms and violence is common.

Due to realistic concerns over staff safety, prison visits by consular staff in Venezuela may be limited to specific pressing issues e.g. first visit, emergency visits (including for medical purposes) and the signing of Prisoner Transfer Agreements.

So try not to go to prison.

Laws in Venezuela

Beware it is an offence to photograph military or strategic installations like military airports or the Presidential Palace.

Innocent pastimes such as plane spotting are not recognised as such in Venezuela and should be avoided.

"A final cultural note" - be aware there is no facility for changing Bolivars to US dollars, or any other currency, when leaving Venezuela. Travellers should consider only changing the required amount to avoid having leftover Bolivars.

Transport in Venezuela: Tips for Traveling Around Safely

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 05:58:00 GMT

While inexpensive bus service is available to most destinations throughout the country, the high incidence of criminal activity on public transportation makes bus travel inadvisable.

Overland travel

That leaves you with car travel. Driving regulations in Venezuela are similar to those in the rest of the developed world, although many drivers do not obey them.

Motorcyclists often weave in and out of lanes, and driving under the influence of alcohol is common, especially during weekends.

Many vehicles are in poor condition and drivers routinely ignore red lights, especially at night.

Clearly, defensive driving is a necessity.

Outside major cities, night driving can be dangerous because of unmarked road damage or repairs in progress, unlit vehicles, and livestock.

Even in urban areas, road damage is often marked by a pile of rocks or sticks left by passersby near or in the pothole or crevice, without flares or other devices to highlight the danger.

Importantly, travel to within 80 kilometers of the Colombian border is not advised due to terrorist and criminal activity. Kidnappings are common.

If you plan to cross into Colombia be sure to use official border crossings.

If traveling by taxi beware that incidents of taxi drivers in Caracas overcharging, robbing, and injuring passengers are common.

In a jam

Traffic jams are common within Caracas during most of the day and are frequently exploited by criminals. Armed motorcycle gangs often operate in traffic jams and tend to escape easily. Cases of armed robbery by motorcyclists and theft of other motorcycles have increased and may result in death if the victim does not comply.

Venezuelans themselves will be traveling in summer and winter school breaks and major civil and religious holidays, including Carnival, Easter, Christmas, and New Year's holidays.

Lengthy delays due to road congestion are common during these peak periods.

Dealing with police (fake and real)

Stops at National Guard and local police checkpoints are mandatory. Drivers should follow all National Guard instructions and be prepared to show vehicle and insurance papers and passports. Vehicles may be searched.

In the event of an accident, however badly traffic may be blocked, both vehicles must remain in the position of the accident until a Traffic Police Officer arrives. Insurance companies are unable to pay claims on vehicles that have been moved without a Traffic Police accident report.

Beware that well-armed criminal gangs operate widely, often setting up fake police checkpoints.

Cars have been forced off the La Guaira highway leading from Caracas to the Maquetia International Airport, and the "Regional del Centro" highway leading from Caracas to Maracay/Valencia, and the victims were robbed.

Travelers should be aware of chokepoints inside tunnels and avoid obstacles in the road.

The final cautionary word on car travel is this; there have been reports of attempts by the police and National Guard to extract money for spurious reasons. In such cases, you may consider asking for a written record giving the basis of the offense and also for the penalizing officer's details.

Flight frights

If you plan to fly your way out of trouble, don't be fooled, aircraft travel in Venezuela is also beset with problems.

However, visiting tourist destinations in Venezuela is often possible only by flying in light aircraft.

Safety standards are variable and there have been several significant accidents in recent years on the main tourist routes, including Los Roques and Merida - four with fatal consequences. In general, it is better to seek out established companies operating modern multi-engined aircraft.

Local and International travel agents should be able to advise on whether or not the airline has a good safety record.

Sea pirates

And if choosing to get around by boat remember incidents of piracy off the coast of Venezuela remain a concern, and foreigners are routinely targeted.

In the last decade foreigners traveling by boat have been killed, beaten and robbed in a number of frightful attacks.

Anchoring offshore is not considered safe. Marinas, including those in Puerto la Cruz and Margarita Island (Porlamar), provide only minimal security.

In addition to security concerns, yachters should be aware of registration and other required permits in order to anchor in Venezuelan marinas.

Furthermore, rules governing the sale of fuel to foreign sailors in Venezuela vary by state.

Natural Hazards in Venezuela: Essential Travel Safety Tips

Wed, 27 Jul 2011 05:56:00 GMT

IMPORTANT: Venezuela is currently considered a "Do Not Travel" destination by several government travel advisories. For more information, check out our Venezuela travel alerts page. Unfortunately World Nomads cannot offer travel insurance for Venezuela.

Earthquakes in Venezuela

Venezuela is located in an earthquake-prone zone, where the Boconó Fault runs through the Mérida Andes of northwestern Venezuela.

A famously devastating quake occurred in 1812 completely destroying the capital Caracas, and killing 20,000 people. It was so powerful it even formed a new lake and dammed a river.

In 2009 an offshore earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale struck 65mi (104km) from Caracas, causing a number of injuries and damaging buildings and power lines in the coastal town of Porto Cabellos, and in Caracas.

In 2018 a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck just off the northern coast of Venezuela.

Earthquakes are impossible to predict, so it pays to be prepared and have a plan in the back of your mind, or atleast know what to do during an earthquake.

What to do if there's an earthquake

When the quake strikes get yourself some physical protection from falling debris; get under a sturdy table, or cover yourself in soft furnishings or mattresses, and use your hands to protect your head
When the quake stops, check yourself for injury before assisting others. Leave the building and get away from structures
There will be aftershocks, and sometimes lots of them
Stay away from fallen powerlines, they may be live. And don't use naked flame because gas may be leaking from fractured supply pipes
If communications are working, call the emergency assistance number on your insurance policy. The team will be able to get messages to your family and also alert local authorities and consular officials from your home country.

Landslides in Venezuela

Venezuela is also subject to torrential rains, especially during rainy season which runs from May–November. Heavy rainfall can cause landslides.

The country suffered exceptionally heavy rains in late 2010, which have affected wide areas of the country, and road conditions remain poor. The government of Venezuela announced States of Emergency in many states including the capital. You may still encounter damaged infrastructure that affects your travels.

There have been mudslides in many areas of the country, which have particularly affected shantytowns built on hillsides.

They have left many homeless and blocked or damaged roads and highways.

Operations at airports have been disrupted in the past, causing flight delays. If you are traveling during rainy season, stay up to date with weather reports and prepare yourself for potential transport delays.

Offroad vehicles struggling down a muddly slope in Vargas State, Galipan, Venezuela. Photo credit: Getty Images/Juan Silva

Hurricane season in Venezuela

Hurricanes are also a concern for travelers in Venezuela.

The Atlantic hurricane season runs from the 1st June to 30th November each year, and can affect portions of northern Venezuela.

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning.

Information on hurricanes or other severe weather conditions can be obtained from US National Hurricane Center and Tropical Prediction Center or the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.

Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. So it's best to leave as early as possible, delaying that decision may leave you with no options. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay.

And while Venezuela is not prone to tropical hurricanes its coastal region are occasionally hit with torrential rain, powerful winds, high waves and storm surges.

Hurricanes are not such an issue in Caracas, as it is sheltered by the Avila mountain range, and the simple meteorological fact that cyclones lose their strength as they move over land.

During the rainy season (which runs from May to November, though heavy rains can occur outside this time) there is the possibility of flooding in certain low-lying areas of the country (e.g. the Llanos) and in some valleys in the Andes (Merida State).

What to do during a hurricane

You should familiarize yourself with your hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans
You should carry your travel documents at all times (passport and photo identification) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. It is also a good idea to update your family at home as to your whereabouts and welfare.

Water safety in Venezuela

Travelers to Venezuela should be aware that the waters of the Caribbean can be deceptive and dangerous for swimmers or surfers.

It may look like a tropical paradise, but there are strong currents and undertows in some areas that can make swimming hazardous.

Lifeguards and warnings are not always present, so ask locals if they think it's safe to swim or surf, and always tell someone where you are. Try to go with a buddy instead of alone to maximise safety.