Fatima

Author: Fatima ([email protected])<BR>Date: 05/27/2002, 03:33 pm<BR><BR>Message: I will be studying in Chile from August 30 to December 9, 2002. I would like to travel to most of the other South American countries while I am there, but I am a little worried about safety issues. Two of the countries that I really wanted to visit, Argentina and Venezuela, are having serious problems. Has anyone visited these two countries or lives there and could tell me more about the current situation, or should I just avoid them at all costs?

El Chile Grande

Fatima-don't worry.<BR><BR>It's true that both Venzuela and Argentina have had some civil unrest but as a traveller you're not likely to be in a situation where it impacts your safety.<BR><BR>Be advised that there are a few posters here who think they know everything about what others should be doing with their travels.<BR><BR>They are all people who left their home countries long ago and now consider themselves authorities-they aren't!<BR><BR>Go and enjoy yourself!

Fatima

El Chile:<BR>Do you currently live in either Argentina or Venezuela?<BR>If so, which and what is your impression as a native?<BR>Thank you for your help.

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topper

Fatima

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cyn

hi there, <BR><BR>i will also be travelling to venezuela for the first time, in mid-august 2002, w/ a group of friends. we plan to spend at least two nights in caracas... can someone please suggest a SAFE hotel? (there will be females in the group). also, we wanted to try the nightlife there... are the clubs SAFE?<BR><BR>any advice appreciated! <BR><BR>thanks!<BR>cyn<BR>

Michelle

Dear Cyn<BR>Try and get a room in the Las Mercedes area. There are many in this area. There are plenty of nightclubs walking distance or a very short cab ride in this area. It is also safe for Caracas. Much of Caracas is very dangerous at night. Bring mace/pepper spray and carry it with you. Also beware of taxi driver scams. It is a beatiful city that I visit often but it is also probably one of the most dangerous. The nightlife is great and it is not particulary dangerous but you will feel unsafe walking the streets late at night.

cyn

Thanks Michelle!

gracie

Hi Cyn...regarding your question about SAFE hotels..and speaking from experience since I live in Caracas I can tell you that none of the 4 or 5 star hotels are UNSAFE! You'll find unsafe hotels if you stay in a dingy 2 star hotel in the center of town. <BR>Here's a list of perfectly good 4 and 5 star hotels in which you'll be perfectly safe:<BR>Hotel Tamanaco<BR>Four Seasons<BR>Radisson Eurobuilding<BR>Altamira Suites<BR>Embassy Suites<BR>Marriott<BR>These are located in different parts of town..all of them SAFE enough for you. <BR><BR>Since you don't know the city and you´ll probably look like a tourist from a mile ahead here are a few tips: <BR>Don't wander out of the hotels on your own. Forget about walking the streets at night you'll draw attention very easily.<BR>All the night clubs in Las Mercedes are perfectly safe (come on..this isn't Beirut or Jerusalem...!!)they're full of people, mostly teenagers and thirtysomethings. Try to always arrive and leave your destination in taxis and preferably use taxi services which you can call by phone (don't hail a cab on the street because he'll see you're a tourist and probably try to rip you off)<BR>Don't bring mace or pepper spray unless you're suicidal or planning on getting into serious trouble. If you happen to get mugged, just do nothing..Taking something out of your pocket or purse will only help you get hurt.<BR><BR>Have a good time here in Caracas. Try to be conspicuous and you'll do fine. <BR><BR>Gracie.<BR><BR>P.D : I get really fed up with the one time visitors who think they're an authority on Caracas just because they spent a couple of nights here. All they do is inspire unnecessary fear in future tourists like you!<BR><BR><BR>

cyn

thanks gracie for your pt of view. i'm started a new topic... on the racial tension in venezuela, and how that affects safety. your two cents are appreciated!

Will

I am an American who recently visted Caracas with several other college friends. We were attacked twice with baseball bats and sticks and chased for blocks. Also we were taken of our money, wallets, cameras, watches and more. It is a very dangerous place filled with poverty and crime. The media reports over 200 murders in the city each weekend. Be very careful and do not stay at the Hilton or in that area. If you are renting a car do not make eye contact with anyone as they will chase you (happened to us) and beware of the people on the sides of the roadways. They were throwing blocks onto the roadway from bridges above trying to kill drivers. US Embassy family members have actually died this way. I have been to Tel Aviv and it is a much, much, much safer city. I have also been to Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, St Johns etc and it is completely oppostite of these places. Not Safe, Not Clean, Not orderly at all. As far as racial descrimination that is a problem. If you look American or foriegn they assume you have money. They attacked us yelling "American Tourists". Go to www.travel.state.gov and read the Venezuelan Travel Advisory. Bring mace of some form of protection and carry it in your hand at all times!!!!!

jv

Cyn: Although I consider Venezuela not a place to visit at this time, I feel Will's words are very strong. <BR>I recall a previous thread where he shared his travel experience, which unfortunately happened to take place during the coup. I'm sure that it must have been terrible, but they were special circumstances. Nevertheless, I don't recall him saying anything about being robbed at the time. I do recall that he had been attacked during the coup since he had been sightseeing just where the major action was taking place, and trying to get home. That's what I recall, or maybe it's my mistake. I also recall he had a more positive attitude. I just doesn't sound like him writting.<BR><BR>But getting to your point, and the current issues:<BR>1. Things are still not normal.<BR>2. Today is 2 months from the coup and still there are many unsolved issues. <BR>3. Is Caracas your final destination? <BR>If so, depending on the nature of your visit you should consider if this is the best time to travel.<BR>4. The fact you are canadian-asian, wouldn't raise an eyebrow, and wouldn't be a problem at all.<BR><BR>Michelle and Gracie's advice, seems much more sensible than Will's harsh comments. If you decide to come, still be careful, just as Michelle and Gracie have advised.

Noel H

Hi! I m back. Can Ana or anyone help me please? I have two questions.<BR><BR>1. Are there any direct flights from Carnevalli Airport in merida to Cacique Aramare Airport in Puerto Ayacucho? Or do I have to travel through Caracas?<BR><BR>2. Which car rental company would anyone suggest if I want to take a car from Caracas and drop it off in Merida?<BR><BR>Thanks in advance to anyone who is willing to help me.<BR>Noel

Noel H

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Ana

Hi Noel:<BR>I put in a query with my travel agent to find out the answers to both your questions. As soon as he gets back to me I'll post the answers.<BR>Haven't forgotten you.<BR>bye Ana

Kristin

Dear Ana, I'm impressed with the amount of follow up information you give at this site. May I first say if you are coming to the USA anytime please feel free to e-mail directly any questions YOU have. I am flying into Maiquetia airport in October. My United flight arrives at 10:00pm. Can you give me any advice about Taxis to Macuto? Should I use the Taxi stand that is just outside the front doors of the International terminal ? What should the fare be for one person -- I know it's late at night and the buses stop running at 8:00pm. And one last question for now, do you know if Hotel Las Quince Letras is still operating and if they have an updated e-mail address? I understand their rate is about $60/nt. I fly out of Maiquetia the next day to Barcelona so I'm looking for something close and cheap/safe to the airport. Do you have a better suggestion ? Thank you sooo much! I can't wait to visit Venzuela!

Noel H

Ola!! Thanks so much Ana! We are surely going to have a good time in Venezuela... thanks to your help as well.<BR><BR>So I ll hear from you later. Muchas Grazias (hope that's correct.<BR><BR>Regards Noel

Ana

Hola Noel:<BR><BR>I just got an answer from my travel agent. <BR><BR>1. There are no direct flights to Puerto Ayacucho from Merida, they all pass thru Maiquetia (Caracas)and the airline is called Santa Barbara.<BR><BR>The schedule is:<BR>Merida-Ccs 14:30 - 15:45<BR>Ccs-P.Ayacucho 16:30 - 17:55<BR><BR>Return flight from Pto. Ayacucho<BR>P.Aya - Ccs 09:20 - 10:45<BR><BR>It would depend on your final destination for a connecting flight.<BR>If you want to go back to Merida your connection would be:<BR>Ccs - Merida 12:40 - 14:00<BR><BR>2. Car rental is possible with Budget. The cost is Bs. 59.783 /day, plus Bs. 140 per/kms. travelled. Includes all insurance. It's costly to rent a car in VZ. I will ask Miriam Berk (a Fodorite I helped last year). She rented a car from Caracas airport and drove to Merida and Valencia, her final drop off. Let me see if she is willing to post again and give a report regarding her experience.<BR><BR>Hi Kristin:<BR>There is an official taxi service called Anfitriones de Venezuela open 24 hours a day. I know this for a fact since I used them this past May. They have a booth in the baggage pick up zone. The cost would depend on the place you go. I paid Bs. 20.000 to my house which is in Caracas. If you are staying near the airport zone, it must be at least half what I paid. To give you an idea, the current exchange rate is 1 US$ = Bs. 1300. The driver was very curteous and the car was a black Blazer, with air conditioning.<BR><BR>Las Quince Letras Hotel, was destroyed several years ago by the mudslides, sorry. There is a hotel that many fodorites have quoted called Posada del Hidalgo- Urbanizaci&oacute;n La Playa. Macuto - Venezuela.<BR>Tlf. 58-212-3126503 / 58-212-3126504 <BR>Fax. 58-212-2638067 <BR>I have never stayed there, but fodorites have said it's cheap and clean for the one night. I wouldn't sleep at the airport overnite, too uncomfortable.<BR> <BR>They are building a Hampton Inn near the airport, as well as the much needed airport hotel, but they won't be ready for some time yet.<BR><BR>Hope this helps. Noel if I can give you further assistance, please let me know.

Ana

I think this post will come in handy.<BR>---------<BR><BR>Author: sss ([email protected])<BR>Date: 02/07/2002, 03:27 pm<BR>Message: Hi, we get in late on the night of the 14th and opted to stay at the Posada del Hidalgo about 15 minutes away. They will arrange in advance to pick you up. Web site www.posadadelhidalgo.com, and you don't have to give them a credit card when you make your booking.<BR><BR>Ana

Kristin

Ana: Thanks so much ! I was becoming very concerned that I would not have an acceptable situation for my first night. I have had trouble telephoning the Hotel Neptuno in Puerto La Cruz. I keep geting another company. Any ideas here? I'm looking to stay a few nights and have a budget of about $30/nt for Puerto La Cruz. Do you know of a place maybe on Paseo Colon that is still in business and reasonably priced ? Thanks again for your help. You are a great asset to Venezuela !!<BR><BR>Noel: I'm very interested in the travel quest you have planned. I hope you post your experiences on this site. I will be eager to here about what you've learned and your adventures.