Pros and Cons of Living in Venezuela
Last updated on Sep 03, 2023
Summary: The pros of living in Venezuela include its diverse culture, beautiful landscapes, and its tropical climate. Additionally, the cost of living is relatively low, making it an attractive destination for those looking to stretch their budget. On the other hand, the cons of living in Venezuela include its high crime rate, political instability, and economic crisis. Additionally, the country has been facing shortages of basic goods and services, making it difficult for many Venezuelans to access the necessities of life.
What are the pros and cons of living in Venezuela?
Expats, digital nomads and retirees living in Venezuela responded:
"Expats and digital nomads living in Venezuela often appreciate the country's vibrant culture, friendly people, and stunning natural beauty. They also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their budget further. On the other hand, they may find the political and economic instability in the country to be a challenge, as well as the lack of reliable internet access and other modern amenities. Additionally, the high crime rate and the difficulty of obtaining visas can be a deterrent for some," explained one expat living in Venezuela.
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What do expats in Venezuela appreciate most about the local culture?
"The Venezuelans sense of family...and found them to be very open to new people no matter where you had come from," explained one expat living in Porlamar.
"Expats in Venezuela appreciate the country's vibrant culture, which is full of music, art, and dance. They also enjoy the warm hospitality of the Venezuelan people, who are known for their friendliness and generosity. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's diverse cuisine, which is a mix of Spanish, African, and Indigenous influences. Finally, expats enjoy the country's stunning natural beauty, with its lush jungles, majestic mountains, and stunning beaches," said one expat in Venezuela.
What do expats find most challenging?
"There were a few...supplies at the grocery were sometimes little to none. You could go on any day and there would be no milk, no butter, certain types of meat..as well as household/kitchen items. Getting used to 'armed' guards at certain locations..like the grocery or your local panaderia. There were sometimes water shortages that were supplied into your home..and running the water through a tank/pump system was sometimes frustrating. Two of the hardest things for me were the amount of garbage that was dumped anywhere.. and seemed everywhere. And there seemed to be very little compassion for animals..particularly dogs and cats. I saw many hungry and un-cared for dogs. It was heart-breaking," remarked one in Porlamar.
"Expats in Venezuela often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as Spanish is the primary language spoken in Venezuela. Additionally, the country's political and economic instability can make it difficult to adjust to life in Venezuela. Furthermore, the cost of living is high, and the availability of goods and services can be limited. Finally, the cultural norms and expectations can be difficult to navigate, as they are often quite different from those of other countries," explained one expat.
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?