The Airport is called MAIQUETIA  and is located between a mountain on one side and the ocean on the other. The distance to the actual city is about 16.09 miles.

Both are located about two blocks apart and can be reached by walking (about 5 Min.), Shuttle bus or Taxi.

If at all possible try to change money before going through Passport control. There  are further possibilities to change money after leaving customs, located at the terminal hall. In any case  make sure that you do not leave the airport without having local currency. The best advise we can give is to change money which you will need before leaving or have a sufficient supply of traveler checks, since this will be the easiest way.

Visitors in position of a valid US passport will not need a special stamp of visum in their passports. During the flight you will be handed a Tourist visum which you will have to present along with your passport to the Authorities on arrival. Make sure to keep the copy of this permit, since you m u s t  have it in order to board the plane on  return!

After recollection of your luggage from the carusell you will have to present the numbers of your checked bagage to a controller in order to avoid confusion or theft.After the control you will have to press an indicated button which either will light up GREEN or RED. If it lights up red,you must have your bags inspected, if green you may leave.

As soon as you leave the terminal it may happen that swarms of porters will offer their services.In case of engaging one of them these are the momentary tarifs:
• From terminal to taxi stand or busstop or vice versa: $ 2
• From terminal to parking lot or vice versa :   $3
• From terminal to National Airport :    $ 4 - 5.

Taxi:

Venezuelan Taxis are not equipped with  legal meters and we suggest that you ask about the cost before  you engage one since most drivers ignore the more or less established prices. You will have to count on spending between $25 and $35, according to your destination. Most drivers only speak Spanish but Taxis of registered companies are more reliable and less “Pirate“.

Right in front of the Terminal and next to the Taxi stand is the Bus stop which every 30 minutes departs to Caracas and will o n l y take you to Parque Central located more or less at the center of the city. The fare costs $3 

There is an office of this organization at the Airline Terminal, open from 7 AM  to l2PM as well as from 7AM to 9PM at the national terminal). At either office the traveler can obtain valid information concerning Taxi prices, Phone numbers, available tours, hotels etc. as well as assistance at the airport in case of emergency problems. 

Business Hours: 

Shops: from Mon.-Fri. 9AM or l0AM to  6PM. Saturdays: 9AM or l0AM to l2PM  or 7PM. Banks: Mon. to Fri. 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM 

Conditions request International Drivers license or license of your country .Most car rentals are overpriced and many times in pretty bad condition. Since there is great demand we suggest to make reservations in advance. When driving in Venezuela make sure that you slow down on all intersections since “green  or red light“ not always represents what it  should. Mainly after dark it will be good to  approach intersections with great  caution.

Departure Tax: According to last legislation from Febr.98

• Caracas $ 21 (for Tourists staying maximum 30 days)
• Margarita Island - Porlamar aprox. $

The American Embassy can be reached 24 hrs. Under the following phone Nr. (02) 977-2011. The embassy is located at  Urb. Colinas de Valle Arriba Calle F with Suapure. 

It is recommended to insure yourself during your trip. Attention! whether it is valid in the country which you are planning to visit! 

We suggest that all prescriptions should be brought along since most likely  local pharmacies will not have in stock most of the desired products, whereas less specific ones may be obtained in all “Farmacias“. 

The Caracas Subway is the pride of the city and good example of excellent management. You may not enter with big suitcases. 

Banks: 
All Banks are open for business from 8:30AM to 3:30PM from Mo. to Fri. 
Creditcards: 
Most Creditcards are accepted in Restaurants, Hotels as well as  Car Rentals and Shops. Inland it is at times difficult to use credit cards and if so most likely will have an extra charge. For Tours it is not possible to use a Creditcard, or only with a surcharge.
Exchange: 
It is preferable to buy Traveler cheques before leaving since they will be accepted here with less problem than any other means of payment. Note: most Banks will not accept foreign currency if the client does not have an account in the bank. Offices called “CAMBIO“ whatsoever will accept any kind of  currency as well as Traveler checks. In case of transaction with Traveler checks Passport is indispensable.

Bad news for stamp collectors since very seldom one can buy stamps at the Post office and  even less in shops which sell post cards. Make sure that your mail is marked Air Mail if you wish proper delivery. 

Try not to show off by  wearing valuable Jewels or cause attention through loud behavior. Leave your valuables at your hotel and make sure that you  have a copy of your passport as well as of other important documents, since you    m u s t have your Passport with you at all times. We also recommend to have a copy of your return ticket. Do not walk alone after dark except on busy main streets. Like in all big cities Caracas has also  parts which are not safe...one of them is the so called Calvary hill (“el Calvario“) right in the center of the city.

Most comfortable from your Hotel, but expensive. It is advisable to bring International Phone cards or buy local ones, which can be  obtained at the CANTV -Newspaper stands or the Subway stations. Code in order to call USA is 001 

All restaurants automatically charge l0% of the bill but it is expected to tip 10% extra. 
Water: We do not suggest to drink tapwater, although it may be used for brushing teeth without danger. Mineral water is everywhere available. 

Recommended Prophilaxis
• Malaria
• Yellow Fever
Be aware of Dengue Fever