LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL GUIDEBOOK INFORMATION
Dangers & Annoyances
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Venezuela is reasonably safe to travel in, though it’s not a perfectly secure country. The country is getting poorer and, consequently, theft, robbery and common crime are on the increase. Theft is the most common travelers’ danger, and the problem is more serious in the larger cities and urban centers than in the countryside. Caracas is the most dangerous place in the country, and you should take care while strolling around the streets, particularly at night.
The most common methods of theft are snatching your daypack, camera or watch, pickpocketing, or taking advantage of a moment’s inattention to pick up your gear and run away. Thieves often work in pairs or groups; one or more will distract you, while an accomplice does the deed. Theft from hotel rooms, cars and unattended tents are also potential dangers.
Copies
All important documents (passport, credit cards, travel insurance policy, air tickets, driving license etc) should be photocopied before you leave home. Leave one copy at home and keep another with you, separate from the originals.
Another way of storing details of your travel documents is with Lonely Planet’s free online Travel Vault. Create your own vault at www.lonelyplanet.ekit.com and it will be accessible online anywhere in the world.
If you can, leave your money and valuables somewhere safe before walking the streets. In practice, it’s good to carry a decoy bundle of small notes, the equivalent of $5 to $10, ready to hand over in case of an assault; if you don’t have anything, robbers can become frustrated and unpredictable.
Armed hold-ups in the cities can occur even in upmarket suburbs. If you are accosted by robbers, it is best to give them what they are after, but try to play it cool and don’t rush to hand them all your valuables at once – they may well be satisfied with just your decoy bundle. Don’t try to escape or struggle, and don’t count on any help from passers-by. There have been reports of armed robbery on remote hiking trails and deserted beaches, but they seem to be isolated cases. Some travelers warned us about the risks of using ATMs.
When traveling around the country, there are plenty of alcabalas (checkpoints), though not all are actually operating. They check the identity documents of passengers, and occasionally the luggage as well. In the cities, police checks are uncommon, but they do occur, so always have your passport with you. If you don’t, you may end up at the police station.
Ten Basic Precautions Against Theft & Robbery
Keep your money and documents as secure as possible, preferably in a money belt next to your skin.
Distribute your valuables about your person and luggage to avoid the risk of losing everything in one fell swoop.
Don’t venture into poor suburbs, desolate streets or suspicious-looking surroundings, especially after dark.
Wear casual and inexpensive dress, preferably in plain, sober tones rather than in bright colors.
Don’t wear expensive jewelry or wristwatches, and keep your camera out of sight as much as possible.
Behave confidently on the street; don’t look lost or stand with a blank expression in the middle of the street.
Before arriving in a new place, make sure you have a map or at least a rough idea about orientation.
Use taxis if this seems the appropriate way to avoid walking through risky or unknown areas.
Look around to see whether you’re being observed or followed, especially while leaving a bank, casa de cambio (money-exchange office) or an ATM.
Have good travel insurance just in case something goes wrong.
If your passport, valuables or other belongings are stolen, go to the nearest PTJ (Policía Técnica Judicial) office to make a denuncia (report). The officer on duty will write a statement according to what you tell them. It should include the description of the events and the list of stolen articles. Pay attention to the wording you use, make sure you include every stolen item and document, and carefully check the statement before signing it to ensure it contains exactly what you’ve said. They will give you a copy of the statement, which serves as a temporary identity document, and you will need to present it to your insurer in order to make a claim. Don’t expect your things to be found, as the police are unlikely to do anything about it. Stolen cars and motorcycles should also be reported at the PTJ.
Two Colombian guerrilla groups, the FARC and the ELN, have shown an increasing presence in Venezuela’s remote border areas of Zulia, Táchira, Apure and Amazonas states. Travel in these areas may involve a risk of violence, skirmishes or even kidnapping.
Lonely Planet recommends World Nomads Travel insurance
