Area
916,445 sq. km. (353,841 sq. miles)
Location
South America
Population
26.6 million (as per estimates of 2005) and Population Density of 29.02 per sq. km.
Capital City
Caracas with a total population of 3.6 million (as per estimates of 2004).
Language
Spanish is the official and most popular language of Venezuela. English, German, French, and Portuguese are also widely used in certain parts of the country.
Electricity
AC 110 volts, 60 Hz. American style flat two-pin plugs are commonly used.
Currency
Bolivar (VEB; Symbol VEB). 1VEB = 100 Centimos
Notes prevalent = VEB 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, and 50,000
Coins prevalent = VEB 1, 2, 5, 25, 50, 100, and 500; Centimos 5, 10, 20, and 50
Currency Exchange
Currency Exchange facility is available at banks and cambios. Hotels also offer this facility but at lower rates. US Dollars is the most popular and widely accepted currency. For more details and exchange rates, travellers are advised to consult their banks.
Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
Credit/Debit/ATM Cards of all major companies like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted. Diners Club is sparsely accepted. However, it is advisable to carry some cash as well. ATMs are also conveniently situated.
Traveller's Cheques
Travellers Cheques are widely accepted in major hotels, restaurants, shopping centres, and tourist agencies. However, travellers are well advised to keep the receipt of purchase with them when buying against travellers’ cheques. Exchange is not easy at some places in Venezuela. Some kinds of travellers’ cheques are not accepted at several places in the country. Thus, the visitors are advised to check about the validity of travellers’ cheques before travelling. In order to avoid exchange rate charges, the travellers would do well to carry traveller’s cheques in US Dollars.
Banking Hours
Banks in Venezuela normally function from Monday to Friday from 0830-1530.