The Land of Isla Margarita, The Orinoco Delta & Angel Falls

Information on Relocating to Venezuela

• The capital city of Venezuela is Caracas with about 7 million people. The political centre is also in Caracas where the President resides. Venezuela is a Republic.

• Languages:  Spanish is the official language. English, French, German and Portuguese are also spoken by some sections of the community. The TV programs are in Spanish and English. Cable and Satellite TV is available.

• Population: The population is about  25.7 million people - 67% mestizo, 21% European descent, 10% African descent, 2% indigenous. There are approximately 200,000 Amerindians, remnants of a number of diverse semi-nomadic hunter-gatherer societies.

• Expat areas: Most popular areas in Caracas are: Alameda, Altamira, Colinas de Bellomonte, Country Club, El Peñon, La Castellaña, Los Chorros, Prados del Este, Palos Grande, Santa Rosa de Lima and Valle Arriba. Alto Hatillo and Lagunita Country Club are new areas.

• Housing: The expatriate housing market is large and varied, though subject to high prices. For security reasons, apartment complexes are more highly recommended to expatriates than freestanding houses. Prices are quoted in US dollars but are paid in local currency depending on the official exchange rate.

• Cost of housing: Varies on the size of the house or apartment and you will be paying anything from US$ 2500 (3 bedroom apartment) to US$ 6500 (4 bedroom apartment) and US$ 5900 (4 bedroom detached house) up to US$ 9400 (5/6 bedroom detached house) and even higher. The local currency is Bolívar (Bs).

• Schools: We have the American, British and the International school. Depending on the age we can tell you about waiting lists, etc.

• Transportation: Caracas has a 35-station metro, which is comfortable and inexpensive. Conventional bus services have badly deteriorated in recent years and there has been a rapid growth in the use of por puestos (share-taxis). These are operated by minibus companies and tend to serve as the main form of public transport in Caracas and major cities. Fares charged are in general similar to those on the buses, although they are higher during the evenings and at weekends. Taxis in Caracas are metered but the fare can nonetheless be negotiated with the driver. It is customary not to use meters after midnight; the fare should be agreed before setting out. Taxi fares double after 8.00 pm. Taxi rates are posted at the airport. Motorcycles may not be used in Caracas after 10.00 pm.

• Bank: The banks are open Mondays - Fridays from 8.30 am - 3.30 pm.

• Shopping: Is generally done from Monday - Saturday 9.00 am - 1.00 pm and 3.00 pm - 7.00 pm. Malls are open until 9.00 pm.

• Climate: A tropical climate predominates, making Venezuela a perfect year-around travel destination. The average daytime temperature is 27°C (80°F), varying only a few degrees from the rainy season (the warmest time of year, roughly May to October) to the coolest months (December to February) in the dry season. In the northern part of the country, rains in the wet season usually consist of a short downpour in the afternoon, with the sky quickly clearing again.

• Culture: There are many nightclubs and discos in the major cities of Venezuela. The National and Municipal Theatres offer a variety of concerts, ballet, plays, operas and operettas. There are other theatres, some of which are open-air, in Caracas, as well as several cinemas.

• Public holidays: January 1st-New Year's Day; Carnival Monday and Tuesday prior to Lent Easter Semana Santa-Holy Week; Maundy Thursday and Good Friday; May 1st-Labour Day; June 24th-Anniversary of the Battle of Carabobo; July 5th-Independence Day; July 24th-Birthday of the Liberator, Simón Bolívar; October 12th-Día de la Raza, Columbus Day; December 25th-Christmas Day.