Capital city in Capital District, Venezuela
Caracas
Venezuela's capital and main gateway, ringed by green mountains with good restaurants in a few guarded districts. Violent crime, power cuts, detention risk and political uncertainty make it experienced-travelers-only.
At a glance
- Safety1/5Avoid travelDetails
- Monthly budget$1,300–2,200Comfortable, one person · $1,300–2,200Details
- Value for money21/100Better value than 20% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MarWarmest: May, 27°CDetails
- Internet127 MbpsFixed broadband, Venezuela medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDo not drink tap water; supply is intermittent.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel1/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$30–80Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundYangoYou'll need transportDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashSmall, clean US dollar notes are the everyday currency; bolívars for change.Details
Where to stay in Caracas
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Altamira | Safest-feeling base: hotels, restaurants, Metro and guarded streets |
| Las Mercedes | Upscale dining, bars and malls; best for evenings |
| Los Palos Grandes | Quiet residential area near Parque Francisco de Miranda |
| El Rosal / Chacao | Business hotels and banks; busy by day, empty at night |
Apps that work in Caracas
Ride-hailing
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Street taxis are unsafe for visitors. Book through your hotel or a trusted contact; confirm the fare in dollars first.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Venezuela.
- Mostly cash Small, clean US dollar notes are the everyday currency; bolívars for change. Foreign cards work in some hotels and malls only; ATMs rarely work.
- Currency: Bolivar Soberano (VES). US$1 ≈ Bs871.37 on 03 Oct 2026.
- ATMs: ATMs give tiny bolívar amounts and rarely work for foreign cards. Bring all the US cash needed.
- Tipping: 10% is customary in restaurants, often paid in US dollars; check whether service is already on the bill.
- Paying by phone: Locals use Pago Móvil and Zelle, which need Venezuelan or US bank accounts; visitors rely on dollar cash.
Before you go
Visa and entry
- Air arrivals get a tourist card with proof of onward travel; arrivals by land or sea may need a visa in advance.
- Airport questioning can last hours; foreigners have been held or deported. Carry hotel bookings and a return ticket.
- After the June 2026 earthquakes, Caracas airport reopened on 1 September with limited flights; Valencia and Barcelona also have international flights.
Emergency numbers
Police 911 · Ambulance 911 · Fire 911 · All emergencies 911
Plugs
Type A, B · 120 V, 60 Hz. Do I need an adapter?
SIM and eSIM
Digitel and Movistar shops sell prepaid SIMs with a passport; coverage fades outside cities and fails during power cuts.
More places in Venezuela
Going to Caracas solo?
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Sources
Prices are SoloSquare estimates; climate, air, safety and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.