Maracaibo, Venezuela 🇻🇪
#266
,
Nomad Score:
46%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Maracaibo is the capital of the Zulia state in Venezuela, known for its rich oil industry and vibrant culture. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 1.5 million. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average speeds of 5-10 Mbps, but this can vary based on provider and location. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Venezuelan Bolívar (VES). 1 USD ≈ 5,000 VES (as of April 2025). |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity runs at 120V, 60Hz, and uses Type A/B sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Main providers include Movistar and Digitel, offering prepaid plans with internet data. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Cash transactions are common; credit/debit cards might not be widely accepted. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include local rentals through platforms like Airbnb or local real estate websites. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Limited; cash is commonly preferred. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb has several listings in Maracaibo; prices range from $15 to $50 per night. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel La Casa offers beds starting at $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The Marbella area is popular for its proximity to the lake and restaurants. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | The city center, with cafes and coworking spaces, is ideal. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Cowo Maracaibo, known for its reliable internet and comfortable workspaces. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Cafe La Rue is popular among digital nomads for its ambiance and Wi-Fi. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Venezuelan Digital Nomad community often organizes meetups; check local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Expats in Maracaibo Facebook groups facilitate community gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Taxi services like Uber operate within the city, though traditional taxis are widespread. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | BiciMaracaibo offers bike rentals for local exploration. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | La Cienaga is a nearby lake access area, approximately 30 minutes’ drive away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Conviasa operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Copa Airlines offers international connections from Maracaibo. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Direct access to the Pan-American Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Train services are limited, reliance on buses is common. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public transport mainly involves buses and taxis; no specific transit passes available. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses run to several cities, including Caracas. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Coromoto is one of the main healthcare facilities in the area. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Maracaibo offers various yoga classes and wellness workshops. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Centers like Gym V are available, with membership options. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavarropas Maracaibo offers laundry services at reasonable rates. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PedidosYa is the most used food delivery service. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try the arepas and patacones, local staples. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | Café Paseo has good vegetarian menus. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Heladería La Nacional for delicious ice creams. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Chinatown Market offers affordable local foods and goods. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local options include MercadoLibre but with limited selection. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Supermercados Central offers grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | La Lago area is vibrant for nightlife. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Cervecería Zulia offers locally brewed beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Enoteca Vino offers a selection of wines from the region. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Street vendors throughout the city sell hot empanadas and other local snacks. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pasta Checco offers good Italian cuisine. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Lake Maracaibo and the iconic “El Puente” are must-visit sites. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Vereda del Lago Cultural Center hosts various exhibits. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | Casa de la Historia offers insights into Maracaibo's history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Chiquinquirá is a significant religious site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Festival de la Virgen de Chiquinquirá held in November is a highlight. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Old Town offers vibrant streets and local art. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Baralt is a historic theater showcasing local performances. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado Las Pulgas is bustling with local crafts and foods. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Maracaibo has a lively music scene, particularly with traditional gaita music. |
| 🎨 Street Art | The city showcases impressive murals and street art throughout various neighborhoods. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Cooking classes for traditional Venezuelan dishes are offered at local culinary schools. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte de Maracaibo exhibits local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Palacio de Gobierno is an important historical landmark. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Maracaibo's cultural symbols include the gaita music and traditions celebrating the lake. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Ciénaga de Zapara offers natural scenery and wildlife observation. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Sierra de Perijá National Park is accessible for wildlife and nature enthusiasts. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Vereda del Lago offers scenic paths along the waterfront for walking and cycling. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | El Chururú viewpoint provides stunning views of the lake. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Ciénaga de los Olivitos is known for its diverse bird species. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | There are designated areas in Parque del Este for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services offer delivery options. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech service shops are available in local malls for electronic repairs. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Centro Deportivo La Lago has recreational tables available. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools like Instituto Venezolano offer Spanish classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Central de Maracaibo offers a quiet place for study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Fundación para la Cultura y el Arte hosts various community events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gaming lounges are scarce; local cafes often host gaming events. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Maracaibo is the place for gambling entertainment. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $28,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $500 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $20,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $650 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $39,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $450 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $27,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $600 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $32,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate Tax rate in Venezuela is 34%. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 30% withholding tax applies to dividend distributions. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Venezuelan residents are taxed on their worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Maximum personal income tax rate is 34%. |
| 🧾 VAT | Value Added Tax is 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, there are CFC rules applicable. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Property tax is based on local municipal regulations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | Approximately 1.5% of the property's value. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Digital nomads can benefit from certain exemptions and lower regulatory burdens. |