Medical care is good in the larger cities. However, the supply of medicines is inadequate. Therefore, a well-stocked first-aid kit should be considered. It is strongly recommended to take out travel health insurance that is valid worldwide, including repatriation insurance. Even in the emergency departments of hospitals, treatment will be refused if no advance payment or security deposit (credit card) is provided. Check findjobdescriptions for more information.
Notes vaccinations
[1] In Venezuela, there is a risk of yellow fever transmission outside of major cities and on the central north coast. It can easily be transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. A vaccination certificate against yellow fever is not mandatory for direct entry from European countries, but is required for entry within 6 days of a stay in a WHO yellow fever endemic area. For stays outside of the larger cities and when traveling inland, however, vaccination is expressly recommended by the WHO for all travelers. [2] A certificate of vaccination against cholera is not an entry requirement, however, contrary to official regulations, a cholera vaccination certificate may occasionally be required. Especially if cholera occurs in the country of origin or if you enter outside of the international airport of the capital. However, tourists are usually not affected. The risk of infection cannot be ruled out. Cholera is occasionally found in the states of Anzoátegui, Delta Amacuro, Monagas, Nueva Esparta and Sucre. To protect yourself, you should practice careful drinking water and food hygiene. Since the effectiveness of the vaccination is disputed, it is advisable to seek medical advice in good time before you travel. Vaccination is only recommended in rare cases. [3] Typhoid occurs. Typhoid vaccination is recommended for backpacking and long-term stays. [4] A risk of malaria exists year-round in the southern and eastern provinces. There is an increased risk of malaria for the more dangerous form of malaria tropica (Plasmodium falciparum) in the jungle regions of the Amazon (Atabapo), Bolivar (Cedeno, Gran Sabana, Sifontes, Raul Leoni and Sucre) and Delta Amacuro (Antonia Diaz, Casacoima and Pedernales). Predominantly the less dangerous form of malaria tertiana (Plasmodium vivax) in the rural regions of Apure, Barinas, Sucre and Tachira; a significant increase in cases is currently being reported from Bolivar and Amazonas. There is no risk of malaria in the towns or in the middle sections of the coast and on the offshore islands (e.g. Margarita Island). Plasmodium falciparum is said to be resistant to chloroquine. Emergency medication is recommended in the southern and eastern provinces, otherwise long-sleeved clothing and insect repellent will suffice.
Food and drink
Due to the high risk of possible intestinal infections, careful drinking water and food hygiene must be ensured. Drinking water is usually chlorinated and may cause mild stomach upset. The tap water is not of the quality we are used to in Europe. Water outside the cities is not always sanitized and should be sterilized or bought packaged. When buying packaged water, you should make sure that the original packaging has not been opened. Milk is pasteurized and, like dairy products made from unboiled milk, meat products, poultry, seafood,
Other risks
The standard vaccinations for children and adults recommended by the Robert Koch Institute (including against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis (whooping cough), mumps, measles, rubella, pneumococci and influenza) should be refreshed before the trip if necessary. Schistosomiasis pathogens can be found in some ponds and rivers across the country (particularly in the rural areas of Maracay, Aragua, Corabobo and Valencia). Swimming and wading in inland waters should therefore be avoided. Well maintained swimming pools with chlorinated water are safe. Chagas disease is caused by assassin bugs, which are primarily found in rural areas in the north. For overnight stays in simple huts and outdoors, insect protection with mosquito nets is recommended. The mosquito-borne viral disease Chikungunya (CHIC) is widespread and the number of cases has risen sharply. Skin-covering clothing and insect repellents offer effective protection. Dengue fever, transmitted by mosquitoes, occurs throughout the country, especially during the rainy season from May to December, but especially in the north (including Lake Maracaibo) including the capital. An effective insect repellent is recommended. Filariasis caused by insects occasionally occurs in rural areas. Effective insect protection reduces the risk of transmission. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B occur nationwide. A hepatitis A vaccination is generally recommended. Vaccination against hepatitis B should be given during longer stays and close contact with the local population, as well as for children and young people in general. HIV/AIDS is a global problem and a threat to all who take the risk of infection. The well-known risks should also be avoided here. Leishmaniasis, transmitted by butterfly gnats, is found nationwide and can be avoided with insect repellent. Rabies occurs nationwide (particularly in Zulia). The main carriers are dogs, cats, forest animals and bats. Vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, occupational risk groups and for longer stays. In the event of a bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. The Zika virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, Joint pain and conjunctivitis. The infection often goes unnoticed or only has mild symptoms. The isolated deaths documented so far were mainly related to other pre-existing conditions. The Federal Foreign Office advises pregnant women against non-essential travel to areas with current Zika outbreaks because the virus is suspected of causing microcephaly in the unborn child. There is neither a vaccination nor a medicinal prophylaxis. Consistent compliance with personal mosquito protection measures is recommended. isolated deaths were mainly related to other pre-existing conditions. The Federal Foreign Office advises pregnant women against non-essential travel to areas with current Zika outbreaks because the virus is suspected of causing microcephaly in the unborn child. There is neither a vaccination nor a medicinal prophylaxis. Consistent compliance with personal mosquito protection measures is recommended. isolated deaths were mainly related to other pre-existing conditions. The Federal Foreign Office advises pregnant women against non-essential travel to areas with current Zika outbreaks because the virus is suspected of causing microcephaly in the unborn child. There is neither a vaccination nor a medicinal prophylaxis. Consistent compliance with personal mosquito protection measures is recommended. There is neither a vaccination nor a medicinal prophylaxis. Consistent compliance with personal mosquito protection measures is recommended. There is neither a vaccination nor a medicinal prophylaxis. Consistent compliance with personal mosquito protection measures is recommended.
Money
Currency
1 bolívar soberano (short: bolívar) = 100 centimos. Currency code: Bs.S., VES (ISO code). Banknotes come in denominations of 500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10, 5, 2 Bs.S. and coins are worth 1 Bs.S. and in 50 centimos in circulation. Note: On August 20, 2018, Venezuela introduced the Bolívar soberano as its new currency.
Credit cards
Major credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted by major hotels, restaurants, shops and rental car companies in the cities and tourist areas. However, the transactions are associated with a high exchange rate loss. Details from the issuer of the relevant credit card.
ATMs
Bank cards The Girocard (formerly EC card) with the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol is accepted worldwide. Note: In Venezuela, neither foreign credit cards nor foreign bank debit cards can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs. Further information from banks and credit institutes. Attention: Travelers who want to pay with their bank customer card abroad and withdraw money should find out from their bank about the possibility of using their card before starting their journey.
Traveler’s checks
Traveller’s checks are no longer available in Germany and Switzerland and are hardly available in Austria. Travelers checks can be cashed at the Italcambio exchange office in major cities in Venezuela.
Bank opening hours
Mon-Fri 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., sometimes with a lunch break.
Foreign exchange regulations
No restrictions, declaration obligation from US$ 10,000.
Currency Exchange
Is only permitted in exchange offices (cambios), banks and in international hotels at the state-set exchange rate. US$ are also accepted as payment in small denominations. Euros are only exchanged in big city banks.
