LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION
Money & Costs
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Venezuela is a reasonably cheap country for visitors, though prices are volatile (see the boxed text, p000). Budget travelers prepared for basic conditions and willing to put up with some discomfort on the road can get by on $20 to $25 per day. This would cover accommodations in budget hotels, food in low- to middle-range restaurants, and travel by bus, and should still leave a small amount for some drinks, movies and taxis. You shouldn’t have to spend more than $5 to $10 a night (on average) for a budget hotel, and the cost will be lower if you travel with someone else, especially if you’re sharing a bed. For budget dining, the set lunch or dinner will cost $2 to $4 each. This budget wouldn’t cover rental cars, tours or internal flights.
Travelers who want more comfort, including mid-range hotels and restaurants, will find that $35 to $50 per day should easily cover their expenses, and even allow an occasional flight. Mid-range travelers can expect to spend between $10 and $25 per day on accommodations anywhere, less if traveling in a party or as a couple. A fine à-la-carte dinner will cost $5 to $10 for an average main course.
Bus is the main means of transportation, and it's reasonably priced, about $1.50 to $2 per hour of a journey. City buses cost next to nothing. Taxis aren’t expensive either, particularly when you’re in a group and can split the cost.
Churches and cathedrals don't have an admission charge. Most museums don’t have an admission charge either, and those that do usually keep the fee low. Cultural events (cinema, theater, music etc) are all fairly inexpensive. On the other hand, a drinking session in a nightclub can deplete your funds quickly – especially if you drink at the same rate as Venezuelans.
What can really eat into your budget are organized tours. They cost roughly between $25 and $100 per day and are rarely just day trips. Some of the country’s major attractions can only be reached by taking a tour (Angel Falls, Delta del Orinoco and Los Llanos, among others).
Price Warning
Due to the instability of the Venezuelan economy and a high inflation rate, prices of goods and services are extremely volatile and rise frequently. Prices in this book are given in US dollars, but they may not exactly reflect the local prices and should be regarded as guidelines only. An additional complication is the black market, which existed when this book was researched and may still be operating when you visit. The prices in this book were calculated on the official rate, but travelers changing dollars on the black market are likely to be much better off.
HOW MUCH?
Local phone call: $0.10
Short taxi ride (except in Caracas): $1-2
Double room in a budget hotel: $7-15
24-exposure print film: $4-5
Caracas–Mérida airfare: $48-75
Liter of gas (petrol): $0.03-0.06
Liter of bottled water: $0.60
0.22L bottle of beer: $0.30
Souvenir T-shirt: $5-10
Arepa (popular snack): $1-2
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