City, Venezuela
Mérida
Cool Andean university town at about 1,600 m, base for hiking, paragliding and rafting, with one of the world's highest cable cars. Calmer than Caracas, but power cuts, fuel shortages and robbery persist.
At a glance
- Safety2/5High riskDetails
- Monthly budget$900–1,500Comfortable, one person · $900–1,500Details
- Value for money61/100Better value than 60% of places we coverDetails
- Best time to goDec–MarWarmest: Feb, 26°CDetails
- Internet127 MbpsFixed broadband, Venezuela medianDetails
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledDo not drink tap water; supply is intermittent.Details
- LGBTQ+2/5HostileDetails
- Solo travel2/5English: limitedDetails
- Doctor's visit$15–40Private clinic, without insuranceDetails
- Getting aroundTaxiWalkable centerDetails
- Cash or cardMostly cashDollar cash in small notes is king; bolívars for change.Details
Where to stay in Mérida
Areas visitors base themselves in.
| Area | Good for |
|---|---|
| Centro (Plaza Bolívar) | Walkable posadas, cafés and the cathedral |
| Los Sauzales / Avenida Las Américas | Quieter residential area with restaurants and apartments |
| La Parroquia / Campo Elías | Cheaper rooms and local food, a bit away from the center |
Apps that work in Mérida
No ride-hailing apps work here; see the taxi note below.
Food delivery
| App | Notes |
|---|---|
| Yummy | Limited coverage; check before relying on it |
- Maps: Google Maps
- Messaging: WhatsApp
- Taxis: Street taxis are common but ask your posada for a trusted driver. Agree fares in dollars before getting in.
Cash, cards and tipping
What to carry and how to pay. Money in Venezuela.
- Mostly cash Dollar cash in small notes is king; bolívars for change. Cards and ATMs rarely work for foreigners, so bring all the cash you need.
- 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 Mérida 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.