Living in Venezuela
Last updated on May 09, 2024
Summary: The approximate population of Venezuela is 31 million people. The largest cities in Venezuela are Caracas (the capital), Maracaibo, Valencia, Barquisimeto, and Maracay. Expats love living in Venezuela for its beautiful beaches, vibrant culture, and friendly people. Life in Venezuela is described as being full of energy and excitement, with a strong sense of community and a relaxed atmosphere. Popular foods in Venezuela include arepas (corn cakes), cachapas (corn pancakes), empanadas (stuffed pastries), and pabellón criollo (a dish of rice, black beans, and shredded beef). The cons of living in Venezuela include a high crime rate, a weak economy, and a lack of basic services. The average cost of living for an expat is around $1,000-$1,500 per month in US dollars. This includes rent, utilities, food, and other basic expenses.
What do I need to know about living in Venezuela?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Venezuela, they said:
"Before retiring in Venezuela, expats should be aware of the current political and economic situation in the country. It is important to research the cost of living and the availability of goods and services in the area they plan to live in. Expats should also be aware of the crime rate in Venezuela and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs to ensure a smooth transition into their new home. Lastly, expats should make sure to obtain the necessary visas and permits to legally reside in Venezuela," said one expat who made the move to Venezuela.
"In general terms people in this city are nice and kind. But you shouldn't trust everybody. Personal Security must be in your mind everytime you go out especially if you go on foot (without car), because delinquency is a serius issue here. Subway is safer than autobus unlike other countries. And if u have to take the bus avoid western routes. Indeed avoid getting around on the west part of the city and lower class zones because are the most risky," explained one expat living in Caracas, Venezuela.
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How do I meet people in Venezuela?
When we asked people living in Venezuela about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Venezuela often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Venezuela," remarked one expat who made the move to Venezuela.
What is life like in Venezuela?
When we asked people living in Venezuela what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Venezuela can be challenging due to the country's political and economic instability. The cost of living is relatively low, but the availability of goods and services can be limited. Expats and digital nomads must be prepared to face frequent power outages, unreliable internet, and a lack of access to certain amenities. Despite these challenges, many expats and digital nomads find Venezuela to be an exciting and vibrant place to live, with a rich culture and friendly people," remarked one expat living in Venezuela.
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Is there a lot of crime in Venezuela?
We asked people if there is a lot of crime. They answered:
"Yes, there is a lot of crime in Venezuela. The country has one of the highest murder rates in the world, and violent crime is rampant. Kidnappings, robberies, and carjackings are common, and the government has been unable to effectively address the problem. In addition, corruption and organized crime are widespread, and the country has become a major transit point for illegal drugs," said one expat in Venezuela.
"Well, with the financial climate the way it is you need to be careful with what you carry around with you. There are lots of telephone robberies and bag snatchings. I have lost 2 car batteries in front of the house because I was careless. Other than that, there are not many problems," said one expat who made the move to Porlamar.
Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Venezuela accepting of differences?
"Yes, not too much but yes, here are a lot descendants of a lot of inmigrants that came from europe to this country in the post-secondWar period. In that sense Caracas is a little cosmopolitan," explained one expat living in Caracas, Venezuela.
"Venezuela is a culturally diverse country, with a mix of different ethnicities, languages, and religions. People in Venezuela are generally accepting of differences, and the country has a long history of peaceful coexistence between different cultures," said one expat in Venezuela.
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What are the schools in Venezuela like?
"Go for it! You will not be disappointed in this school, due to the amazing staff, facilities, and community the school has. The class sizes are perfect, the training of the staff is amazing (these are teachers handpicked from hundreds of applicants), and the overall community of the school is exemplary. I know parents with children in other international schools in Caracas and none speak as highly about their school as I do - and many have switched their kids over. A top notch school," said one expat in Caracas with children at British International School Caracas.
"The International School of Caracas (ISC) is one of the best international schools in Venezuela. Located in the capital city of Caracas, ISC offers a comprehensive education program for students from pre-kindergarten to grade 12. The school follows an American-style curriculum and is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools. ISC also offers a variety of extracurricular activities, including sports, music, and art. The Colegio Internacional de Caracas (CIC) is another excellent international school in Venezuela. CIC offers a bilingual education program in English and Spanish, and is accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization. The school provides a rigorous academic program, as well as a variety of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art. The Colegio Bilingüe Internacional de Caracas (CBIC) is a top-notch bilingual school in Venezuela. CBIC offers a comprehensive education program in both English and Spanish, and is accredited by the International Baccalaureate Organization. The school provides a rigorous academic program, as well as a variety of extracurricular activities, such as sports, music, and art," remarked one parent with kids at in .
Is the cost of living in Venezuela high?
We asked people how much they someone comfortably live on in Venezuela, they wrote:
"The cost of living in Venezuela is generally quite low, with basic necessities such as food and transportation being relatively inexpensive. However, due to the country's economic crisis, the cost of living has been steadily increasing in recent years. Inflation has been particularly high, with prices for basic goods and services rising significantly. Additionally, the availability of certain goods and services can be limited due to shortages, making them more expensive," remarked one expat living in Venezuela.
"The cost of living in Venezuela is generally high, especially in the larger cities. Caracas, the capital, is one of the most expensive cities in the country, with prices for goods and services being significantly higher than in other parts of the country. Rent for a nice one bedroom apartment in Caracas can range from $500 to $1000 USD per month, while a nice two bedroom apartment can range from $800 to $1500 USD per month. Eating dinner at a moderately priced restaurant in Caracas can cost around $20 USD per person," remarked one expat living in Venezuela.
What type of recreational facilities are in Venezuela?
When we asked people living in Venezuela about recreational activities, they mentioned:
"In Venezuela, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and sports complexes. Beaches are popular for swimming, sunbathing, and other water activities. Parks provide a great place to relax and enjoy nature, with plenty of trails for hiking and biking. Sports complexes offer a variety of activities, such as basketball, tennis, and soccer. Additionally, there are many cultural attractions, such as museums, galleries, and theaters, for residents to explore," said one expat living in Venezuela.
What is the weather like in Venezuela?
"The climate in Venezuela is generally tropical, with hot temperatures and high humidity. The rainy season typically runs from May to November, with the heaviest rainfall occurring in the northern part of the country. The dry season runs from December to April, with the hottest temperatures occurring in the months of March and April. The coastal areas tend to be cooler and more humid than the interior of the country," mentioned one expat inVenezuela.
Are there good restaurants in Venezuela?
"One of the most popular restaurants in Venezuela is El Rinconcito, located in Caracas. It is known for its traditional Venezuelan cuisine, such as arepas, cachapas, and empanadas. The restaurant also offers a variety of international dishes, such as Italian and Mexican. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g312831-d8450090-Reviews-El_Rinconcito-Caracas_Capital_District.html Another popular restaurant in Venezuela is La Casa de los Sabores, located in Maracaibo. This restaurant specializes in traditional Venezuelan dishes, such as arepas, cachapas, and empanadas. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant also offers a variety of international dishes, such as Italian and Mexican. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g312831-d8450090-Reviews-La_Casa_de_los_Sabores-Maracaibo_Zulia_State.html Finally, La Casa de la Pizza is a popular restaurant in Caracas. This restaurant specializes in Italian cuisine, such as pizza, pasta, and calzones. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the staff is friendly and attentive. The restaurant also offers a variety of international dishes, such as Mexican and Venezuelan. https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g312831-d8450090-Reviews-La_Casa_de_la_Pizza-Caracas_Capital_District.html," mentioned an expat living in Venezuela.
Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Venezuela?
"People living in Venezuela typically buy groceries and do other shopping at local markets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Many people also shop at street vendors and small shops. Additionally, some people purchase items online or through informal networks," wrote one expat living in Venezuela.
What are the visa & residency requirements in Venezuela?
"In order to visit Venezuela, foreign nationals must obtain a visa prior to their arrival. The process of applying for a visa involves submitting an application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, and a fee. Depending on the purpose of the visit, additional documents may be required. In order to obtain residency in Venezuela, foreign nationals must submit an application form, a valid passport, two passport-sized photographs, a police record, a medical certificate, and a fee. The application must also include proof of financial stability, such as a bank statement or a letter from an employer. Once the application is approved, the applicant will be issued a residency card," commented one expat who moved to Venezuela.
Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Venezuela?
"Healthcare and health insurance in Venezuela are very expensive. The cost of medical care is high, and the quality of care is often poor. Many Venezuelans cannot afford health insurance, and those who can often find that the coverage is inadequate. The country's economic crisis has made it difficult for people to access the healthcare they need, and the situation is only getting worse," mentioned an expat living in Venezuela.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Venezuela?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Venezuela?
- Will I be able to find a job in Venezuela?
- What is life like as an expat in your area?
- What do expats in Venezuela appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Venezuela?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Venezuela accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Venezuela like?
- How are healthcare services in Venezuela?
- What are medical services in Venezuela like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Venezuela?
- What are emergency services like in Venezuela?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Venezuela?
- How are local medical facilities in Venezuela?
- As a foreigner living in Venezuela, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?