La Guaira, Venezuela 🇻🇪
#1319
,
Nomad Score:
43%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | La Guaira is the capital of the Vargas state, located on the northern coast of Venezuela. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 200,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10-20 Mbps, but may vary significantly due to infrastructure issues. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is Venezuelan Bolívar (VES). Local exchanges are commonly used, and 1 USD ≈ 4,300,000 VES. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Tap water is generally not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Standard voltage is 120V, and socket type A/B is commonly used. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Movistar and Digitel are popular mobile providers offering prepaid SIM cards. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most international cards may not be accepted; cash transactions are common. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Accommodation options range from budget hostels to mid-range hotels, with Airbnb available. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | No, cash is preferred due to a lack of banking infrastructure. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local rentals are available, starting from approximately $15 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel Nana offers dorm beds starting from $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | La Guaira Beach area is ideal for tourists for its proximity to the seaside. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Near the city center offers better access to Wi-Fi cafes and facilities. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking spaces like 'La Barra Coworking' offer good facilities for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe Chocolate is a work-friendly cafe with good internet and coffee. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups can be found through social media groups or community boards. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Facebook groups for expats in Venezuela often host gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | The 'DIDI' app is preferred for safe and affordable rides. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Scooter rentals can be found at local shops, starting from $15 per day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | La Guaira Beach is a short distance away and popular for locals and visitors. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Laser Airlines operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Aero Venezuela and Conviasa offer international connections. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The city is accessible via the Caracas-La Guaira highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | There are no major train services; buses are the primary public transport. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is inexpensive, with a flat fare of around 0.25 USD. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Bus services connect La Guaira to Caracas and neighboring states. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital José María Vargas is the primary healthcare facility. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Centro de Yoga La Guaira offers classes and wellness sessions. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Gimnasio Bodytech offers memberships and day passes. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats can be found, typically charging around 3 USD per load. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Glovo and Rappi operate in La Guaira for food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Arepas with various fillings are a local staple worth trying. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | La Casa del Vegano offers a range of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería Los Rápidos is famous for their ice creams and desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Local markets offer fresh produce and local goods at lower prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Venezuela has limited online shopping options; Mercadolibre is available. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some local stores offer delivery services with a minimum purchase. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The beachfront has a number of bars and clubs with live music. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería La Guaira offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Currently, options are limited; local wine shops can be explored. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors selling empanadas and snacks can be found throughout the city. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Estación 4 offers a mix of international dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | El Ávila National Park provides stunning views and hiking trails. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de La Guaira showcases local history and culture. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Fortaleza de La Guaira is an important historical site to visit. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Iglesia de San Pedro is a notable church in the area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Carnival in La Guaira features colorful parades and festivities. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The coastal area is rich in local culture and festivals throughout the year. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Antonio Lira hosts various performances and local shows. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Plaza Bolívar hosts a weekend arts and crafts market. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various venues along the coast have live music, especially on weekends. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Street murals can be found throughout the city, especially in lively neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local chefs offer cooking workshops focusing on Venezuelan cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Local galleries showcase both established and emerging Venezuelan artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa Guipuzcoana displays colonial architecture and historical significance. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The fishing heritage of La Guaira remains evident in its culture and daily life. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | El Ávila National Park is accessible for hikes and nature walks. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | The nearby national park offers diverse wildlife and scenic trails. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The coastline provides beautiful paths for cycling and walking. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Mirador de la Playa offers stunning views of the ocean and coastline. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | El Ávila is also a great spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated beach areas are available for bonfires, especially during holidays. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Services like DHL are available, although reliability may vary. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer tech repair, though options may be limited. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Community centers sometimes offer tables for public use. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in Caracas offer virtual classes in Spanish. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Libraries are limited; cafes with Wi-Fi are popular for studying. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Local community centers host cultural events and social gatherings. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Casual gaming spots exist but are fewer in number. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | No major casinos; local gaming options are also limited. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $36,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,150 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $69,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $850 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $51,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,000 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $80,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $750 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $60,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 30% for companies operating in Venezuela. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 15% applies to dividends. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Based on geographical source; strict in terms of foreign income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 34% for high-income individuals. |
| 🧾 VAT | Currently 16% on goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict regulations are in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property taxation is based on local valuations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approx. 5% on real estate transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | No special benefits exist; compliance is mandatory. |