Maracaibo, Venezuela 🇻🇪
Nomad Score:
47%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Maracaibo is the largest city in Venezuela's Zulia state, known for its oil production and vibrant cultural scene. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.6 million |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speed of 10 Mbps, but higher speeds may be available through some ISPs. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | The currency is the Venezuelan Bolívar (VES). Exchange rates can fluctuate significantly; check current rates before engaging in transactions. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable. It is advisable to use bottled water for drinking. |
| 🔌 Power | 120V, 60Hz, all types of plugs acceptable. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major providers are Movistar and Digitel, which offer various prepaid plans. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Most international cards aren't accepted. Local banks like Banesco only accept local accounts. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include guesthouses like Hotel El Paseo and several Airbnb listings. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is preferred in many transactions. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb is available, but options may vary widely in price and quality. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel options are limited; check out hostels like Pensión El Parque for affordable stays. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking space options are limited, but some cafes offer good environments for remote work. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Café Barolo on Avenida 5 is known for its friendly atmosphere and COFFEE. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Occasional gatherings can be found through local Facebook groups for digital nomads. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Look for expatriate meetups or local cultural events through social media platforms. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use local taxis or the app TuTaxi for convenience, but always verify the taxi before boarding. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental options are limited; public transportation is more commonly used. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Playa de Los Cocos is the nearest beach, located approximately 30 km away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Venezolana and Avior Airlines operate domestic flights connecting to other cities. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Copa Airlines and AVIanca offer international connections, mostly through connecting flights. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Major highways connect Maracaibo to cities like Mérida and Caracas. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Maracaibo has limited rail connectivity; buses are a primary transport method. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport is typically paid per ride, with no passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Long-distance buses are available from terminals such as Terminal de Pasajeros de Maracaibo. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Universitario de Maracaibo is one of the main healthcare facilities. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga groups meet at Parque UAM for free sessions on weekends. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Natura Gym located in the city center offers fitness services. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Self-service laundromats are scarce, but local services offer wash and fold for reasonable pricing. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PedidosYa is a popular choice for food delivery in the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try Patacón with shredded beef, a local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Emilia Vegan Café offers a range of plant-based options. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Cafetería La Palmera is famous for its local desserts. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Plaza de Mercado is a good place for fruits and local goods at lower prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | MercadoLibre is commonly used for online shopping in Venezuela. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Globant is available for grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The Avenida 8 de Octubre is known for its nightlife and bars. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Zulia offers local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca offers a selection of local and imported wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Look for food stalls near Plaza de la Republica. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Mamma Mia offer Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | The Lake of Maracaibo and the famous Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquirá. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Arte Contemporáneo del Zulia showcases local and international artists. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The historic Palacio de Justicia offers insights into the city's colonial past. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Visit the Catedral de Maracaibo, an important religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival de la Virgen de Chiquinquirá is celebrated every November. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Explore the historic district, especially around Plaza Baralt. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Baralt is a renowned venue for performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Las Pulgas is famous for local crafts and food. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music can be found at the Teatro de la Ópera de Maracaibo. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Graffiti art is prevalent in the Las Playitas neighborhood. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local classes focus on traditional Venezuelan cuisine; check out Cooks by Nature. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | La Galería offers exhibitions from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The old train station building is a notable architectural site. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The cultural heritage of the Zulia region is showcased through various festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Visit Parque Nacional Sierra de Perijá for hiking and natural beauty. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Parque Nacional Cayo Sombrero features beautiful beaches and wildlife. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Malecón provides a scenic walking and biking path along the Lake. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Cerro de la Roca offers panoramic views of Maracaibo. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Check out the wetlands around Lake Maracaibo for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Beaches like Playa de Los Cocos allow bonfires in designated areas. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | Local companies like Zoom are available for parcel delivery. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Visita for cell phone and electronics repairs in the city. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Table tennis can be found in local community centers or clubs. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Instituto de Idiomas offers Spanish classes for expats. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Pública del Estado Zulia has resources for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro de Acción Social is a hub for local community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local gaming venues can be found around Avenida 5. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Maracaibo provides entertainment options. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $400/m² for studio apartments in downtown Maracaibo. |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $300/m² for studio apartments in suburban neighborhoods. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $800/m² for 1-bedroom apartments in the city center. |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $600/m² for 1-bedroom apartments outside the city center. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200/m² for 2-bedroom apartments in central locations. |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $1,000/m² for 2-bedroom apartments in suburban areas. |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Currently at 34% for corporations. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 20% on dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Venezuelan residents are taxed on worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Tax rate can go up to 34%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Standard VAT is 16% for goods and services. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Not strictly enforced in Venezuela. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax is low, typically around 1% of the property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Property transfer tax is around 2% for buyers. |