Caracas, Venezuela 🇻🇪
#263
10.506093, -66.9146
Nomad Score:
48%
Essentials
🏙️ City | Caracas is the capital and largest city of Venezuela, known for its diverse culture and vibrant history. |
👥 Population | Approximately 1.9 million, making it the most populous city in Venezuela. |
💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 20 Mbps, but may vary significantly depending on the area. |
💸 Currency & Banking | Venezuelan Bolívar (VES). As of November 2024, 1 USD ≈ 50,000 VES due to high inflation rates. |
🚰 Tap Water | Generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz, with Type A/B sockets. |
📶 SIM Card | Major providers include Movistar, Digitel, and Movilnet offering 4G services. |
💳 Banking for Expats | International cards are accepted in some places, but cash is still prevalent. |
🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local hostels, and long-term rental apartments through sites like MercadoLibre. |
💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited availability for cashless payments; many places only accept cash. |
🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is widely used, with private rooms starting at $15 per night. |
🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostals like Hostal La Casa de los Abuelos offer beds from $10 per night. |
Working and Networking
🏢 Best Coworking Space | Spaces like La Hesperia and Co-Work Caracas provide good environments for remote work. |
☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Cacao offers a cozy atmosphere with good coffee and Wi-Fi. |
💼 Networking Events | Check Meetup.com for local expat and entrepreneur gatherings. |
🥂 Social Events for Expats | The Expats in Venezuela Facebook group frequently organizes social meetups. |
Transportation
🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Uber is available, although local services like Taxis Express are also used. |
🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rentals are available at select parks, including Los Caobos. |
🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playas de Choroní is about 3 hours away by car but a popular destination. |
✈️ Top Regional Airline | Conviasa operates regional flights to various Venezuelan cities. |
✈️ Top International Airline | Air Europa and Copa Airlines are prominent for international travel. |
🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways include the Autopista Francisco Fajardo, offering good connectivity. |
🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Caracas Metro is the main transit system but service can be limited. |
🚍 Public Transport Passes | Bus tickets cost around 1,000 VES, and Metro fare is about 2,000 VES. |
✈️ Regional Travel | Buses are the common mode for getting to nearby cities, with routes available from Terminal de La Bandera. |
Health and Wellness
🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital de Clínicas Caracas is a well-regarded facility for emergencies and specialized care. |
🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Centros de Yoga Caracas offers various classes and workshops. |
🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Basic Fit has several locations with affordable memberships. |
🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería La Estrella offers wash and fold services across the city. |
Food and Drink
📱 Best Food Delivery App | Yummy provides food delivery from local restaurants. |
🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Arepas are a must-try; filled cornmeal cakes available at street vendors. |
🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Napa offers a range of plant-based dishes in a cozy environment. |
🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería Corralito is famous for its ice cream and desserts. |
🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Mercado de Chacao hosts numerous vendors with affordable local products. |
🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is popular for online shopping in Venezuela. |
🛒 Grocery Delivery | Drogas La Seguridad offers grocery delivery in certain districts. |
🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Zona Rental in Chacao is known for its lively bars and nightlife. |
🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería El Barco offers local beers and brewery tours. |
🍷 Wine Bars | El Gourmet serves an excellent selection of local and imported wines. |
🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors near Parque Cachamay offer everything from empanadas to kebabs. |
🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurante Ciudad de México serves authentic Mexican food. |
Culture and Attractions
🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Avila Mountain offers stunning city views and hiking opportunities. |
🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Arte Contemporáneo de Caracas showcases modern art. |
🏰 Historical Sites | La Casa de Estudio de Altagracia represents significant historical heritage. |
🕍 Religious Sites | The Basilica de Santa Teresa is a notable church in the city. |
🎉 Annual Events | Feria Internacional del Libro de Caracas is celebrated annually in November. |
🎨 Cultural Districts | Sabana Grande is known for its arts, crafts, and street performances. |
🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Teresa Carreño is a major performance venue in the city. |
🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Los Dólare features local crafts and fresh produce. |
🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found in various bars, with genres ranging from salsa to rock. |
🎨 Street Art | The neighborhood of San Agustin is known for its vibrant murals. |
🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cocina de Caracas offers classes in traditional Venezuelan cooking. |
👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte Nacional hosts various exhibitions of local artists. |
🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Palacio de Miraflores is a significant historical site. |
🏴 Local Heritage | Caracas is recognized for its rich cultural diversity and history. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Parque Nacional El Ávila offers hiking, biking, and breathtaking views. |
🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Canaima, though a bit farther, is known for its stunning landscapes. |
🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Ciclovía events promote biking on Sundays in Caracas. |
🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador Waraira Repano offers panoramic views of the city. |
🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Pico Naiguatá is popular for birdwatching enthusiasts due to its diverse wildlife. |
🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | The beaches around Caracas may allow bonfires, but check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and FedEx have service points; local couriers also available. |
🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Servicenters in El Hatillo offer tech support and repairs. |
🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Clubs at Parque del Este often have recreational ping pong tables. |
🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto Italiano offers Spanish classes for foreigners. |
📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Nacional de Venezuela in Altamira is a quiet study spot. |
🏘️ Community Centers | Casa de la Cultura is a space for arts and community events. |
🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamers Café in Chacao is well known for its gaming setups. |
🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino de Caracas offers various table games and slot machines. |
Business
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately $800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $32,000) |
🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately $600 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $24,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately $1,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $60,000) |
🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately $750 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $45,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approximately $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000) |
🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approximately $700 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $56,000) |
💼 Corporate Tax | Approximately 34% for companies. |
💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Around 15% for foreign investors. |
🏦 Tax System | The Venezuelan tax system is based on territorial income. |
📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% for the highest earners. |
🧾 VAT | Current VAT is 16%. |
🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | No significant regulations affecting foreign-owned companies. |
🏠 Property Tax | Annually assessed based on property value. |
🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Typically around 1-3% of the property value. |