Barquisimeto, Venezuela 🇻🇪
Nomad Score:
47%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Barquisimeto is the capital of the Lara state and known for its vibrant culture and pleasant climate. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1,200,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed is around 20 Mbps, but speeds may vary significantly depending on the location. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Official currency is the Venezuelan Bolívar. Exchange rates are highly volatile. As of November 2024, 1 USD is about 4,500,000 VES. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not safe to drink. Bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Power supply is typically 120V, 60Hz with Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Movistar, Digitel, and Warman with 4G coverage available in urban areas. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | International cards may not be widely accepted. Cash in USD is often preferred. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options range from hotels to Airbnb listings. Expect to pay around $300/month for a decent apartment. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; most local transactions are conducted in cash. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rentals are available, starting from $15/night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Ronda and other budget guesthouses offer beds from $10/night. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking La Plata offers flexible desks and a creative environment. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe El Gallo serves good coffee with reliable Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Check local Facebook groups for weekly meetups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expat community gatherings are organized through platforms like Meetup and local Facebook groups. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use 'Marcel' for ride-hailing services, as Uber may not be reliable. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Limited options; bike rentals can be requested through local tourist offices. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Morrocoy National Park is about a 2-hour drive, known for its beautiful beaches. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Conviasa is the main regional airline. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Lavatech has some international connectivity, though options may be limited. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include the Caracas-Barquisimeto Road connecting to other cities. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There's a bus terminal with connections to major cities. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is mainly bus-based; no formal pass system, pay per trip. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are available to nearby cities like Caracas and Valencia, often costing around $5. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Central Universitario Antonio María Pineda offers comprehensive medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Studio Barquisimeto provides classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | BodyTech and GymFit offer various fitness programs and equipment. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavanderías El Buen Gusto offers wash and fold services at reasonable prices. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Domicilios.com and Cota 505 are popular for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | The 'Pabellón Criollo,' featuring rice, beans, shredded beef, and fried plantains, is a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Check out El Rincón Vegetariano for diverse vegetarian meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Panadería San Miguel has some of the best pastries in town. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Calle 21's markets offer fresh produce and local goods at low prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre operates in Venezuela but deliveries may vary by region. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Local supermarkets such as Excelsior Gama offer online ordering and delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Avenida Venezuela has numerous bars and nightlife options. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cerveza Barquisimeto is a local craft brewery offering tastings. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | La Casa del Vino is a well-known wine bar with a good selection. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Plaza Bolivar serve arepas and kebabs. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurante tres 60 offers diverse international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Cathedral of Barquisimeto is an architectural gem worth visiting. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Barquisimeto showcases local history and art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Visit the historic old town center to see colonial architecture. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The symbol of the city is the famous ElObelisco, a must-visit. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Feria Internacional de Barquisimeto, held each January, is an exciting cultural event. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Barrio El Cují is known for its artistic vibe and street art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Juares hosts various performances throughout the year. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Plaza de los Tapices is popular for crafts and local produce. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Check out live music at Cafe con Leche to enjoy local bands. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Vibrant street art can be found throughout Barrio El Cují. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local culinary schools offer classes to learn Venezuelan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Nacional displays works from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old train station is a notable historic site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Cultural festivals celebrate local folklore and traditions. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Yacambu National Park is a beautiful natural reserve nearby. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Terepaima National Park is about an hour away for hiking and nature walks. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Paths along the Yacambú River offer scenic views for walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | El Ávila viewpoint provides stunning vistas of the valley. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | El Parque Metropolitano is great for observing local bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Certain areas in Terepaima National Park allow bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local private services provide parcel delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | TechZone offers reliable electronics repair in the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Check the local community center for ping pong tables. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Spanish language courses are available at local libraries. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Central de Barquisimeto is suitable for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural CIFCA offers cultural activities and community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamer Lounge provides a place for video game enthusiasts. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Hacienda Casinos offers gaming options in a safe environment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio = $24,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., a 40 m² studio = $16,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² 1-bedroom = $30,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $350 per m² (e.g., a 60 m² 1-bedroom = $21,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² 2-bedroom = $36,000) |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $300 per m² (e.g., an 80 m² 2-bedroom = $24,000) |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Estimated corporate tax rate is 34%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is generally around 15%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Venezuelan tax system includes various taxes; detail can vary by income levels. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 34%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax (VAT) is currently at 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | CFC rules are quite complex and may involve significant compliance. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is relatively low, based on declared property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Transaction tax on property sales is around 1.5%. |