Mérida, Venezuela 🇻🇪
#264
,
Nomad Score:
50%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Mérida is a city located in the Andes mountains of Venezuela, renowned for its pleasant climate, vibrant culture, and as a gateway to outdoor adventures. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 300,000 residents. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speed is around 10 Mbps, with some places offering higher speeds. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | Currency is the Venezuelan Bolívar (VES). Difficulties with banking systems; it's advisable to use local mobile wallets like Zelle or cryptocurrencies. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Not drinkable; bottled water is recommended. |
| 🔌 Power | Electricity is 120V, 60Hz with Type A/B sockets, although power outages can be common. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Major mobile providers include Movistar and Digitel. Data plans are available and can vary in quality. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Local banks may have limited services, use digital banking options like PayPal or cryptocurrencies. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Accommodation options include short-term rentals through Airbnb and local guesthouses. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Generally, cash is preferred; however, some establishments now accept digital payments. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Available via Airbnb, with prices ranging from $20 to $60 per night depending on location and amenities. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Hostel and budget guesthouse options start from around $10 per night. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | La Mesa neighborhood is popular among tourists due to its proximity to attractions and amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | El Llano neighborhood, known for reliable internet access and a good mix of cafes and coworking spaces. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Coworking Mérida offers a vibrant workspace environment, with prices around $100/month. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | Panadería La Chavela is great for working, with reliable Wi-Fi and a comfortable atmosphere. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Monthly meetups are organized through platforms like Meetup and local Facebook groups. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Join the Mérida Expat Community on Facebook for events and social gatherings. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Use local taxi services; ride-sharing apps like Didi are available but limited in city reach. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bicycle rentals are available at various locations including Centro, at around $5/day. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Closest beach is in Morrocoy National Park, approximately 4 hours away. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Avior Airlines operates regional flights. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Conviasa is a major local carrier for international destinations. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | Main access via the Pan-American Highway. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | No train services; bus station is the main transport hub. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Public buses are available; a single ride costs around $0.25. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Buses to nearby cities such as El Vigía and Barinas are frequent and cost-effective. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | Hospital Universitario de Los Andes offers emergency and general medical services. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Yoga Centro Mérida provides classes in a friendly environment. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Fitness Center Elemento is popular among locals and expats. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Lavandería La Casa is reliable and affordable, with services costing around $5. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | PedidosYa is a popular choice for food delivery in the city. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Andean Arepas, filled with local cheese and jam, are a must-try. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | El Rincón Vegetariano offers a variety of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | La Caprichosa serves traditional Venezuelan desserts like dulce de leche. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Paseo de Las Artes is a local market with affordable food and craft options. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local platforms for e-commerce include Mercado Libre and with international shipping, classic Amazon. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Some local grocery stores offer delivery services through WhatsApp. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Zona T is known for its vibrant nightlife scene with several bars and clubs. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Grupo Cacique is a noteworthy local brewery known for its craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Vinoteca de Mérida offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Various stalls around the Plaza Bolivar serve affordable and delicious street food. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Oso Polar serves a mix of Italian and Venezuelan dishes. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Visit the Mérida cable car and the Plaza de Los Pumas for stunning views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Museo de Arte Moderno Juan Astorga Anta showcases contemporary art. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Cathedral of Mérida is a prime historical site worth visiting. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | Templo de Santa Barbara is a significant religious and architectural site. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | The Festival de la Primavera in September features vibrant cultural displays. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | El Centro district is rich in history and local culture. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | Teatro Alberto Braun is a hub for local performing arts. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Mercado de Las Tradiciones offers food, crafts, and local culture. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Live music is popular, particularly in bars around the Plaza Mayor. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Various murals can be found throughout the city, especially around El Llano. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Join local chefs for traditional Venezuelan cooking lessons at Taller de Cocina. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Galería de Arte de Mérida promotes local artists' work. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | Casa de la Cultura offers insights into the city’s past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | The city is known for its rich Andean heritage displayed in local festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | Los Nevados National Park offers stunning landscapes and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Mérida is surrounded by beautiful national parks like Sierra Nevada National Park. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | Several paths around the city suited for walking and cycling, particularly along the Chama River. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | El Cielo viewpoint gives breathtaking views of the Andes and the city. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | La Culata National Park is a great spot for birdwatching. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Rural areas outside Mérida permit bonfires; always check local regulations. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | DHL and local courier services are available for parcel deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Tech shops in the city center can handle basic repairs; services vary widely. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Join locals at the recreational center near Plaza de Toros. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools in the city offer Spanish classes for various levels. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Biblioteca Alejandro Humboldt is a popular study spot with ample resources. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | Centro Cultural Tulio Febres Cordero offers various community programs. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Local internet cafes like Cyber Mérida offer gaming and internet access. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Casino Brisas del Sur provides gaming opportunities, though options are limited. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $950 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $38,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $700 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = $28,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $66,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $800 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = $48,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. $1,200 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $96,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. $900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = $72,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | Corporate tax rate is around 34%. Local regulations may vary. |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | Withholding tax on dividends is 34%. |
| 🏦 Tax System | Primarily based on a territorial system; foreign income is generally not taxed. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | Income tax rates can go up to 34%. |
| 🧾 VAT | VAT is typically 16%. |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, strict CFC rules exist. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on municipal valuations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 5% standard rate on property transactions. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Venezuela currently has no taxation on foreign income for non-residents. |