Experiencing Venzuela
Culture
The Culture of Venezuela is product of a very rich and diverse set of cultural traditions. A sort of melting pot culture has been created by wide influences, from the original American Indians to the Spanish and Africans who arrived after the Spanish conquest. Then 19th century and 20th century immigration brought many Italians, Portuguese, Arabs, Germans, and others from the bordering countries of South America. About 85% of Venezuelans live in urban areas in the northern part of the country. Although almost half of the land area is south of the Orinoco River, only 5% of the population live in that area. About 95% of the population call themselves Roman Catholic. The rest belong to other churches, mainly the Protestant church.Venezuelan Law & Government
Venezuelan culture is indeed a mixture mainly of two main cultures: European (Italian and Spanish) and Indigenous. The Indigenous influence is found mostly in the typical food of the country (like arepas), in the vocabulary and in many place names. The capital of Caracas is named after the tribe of indigenous people that lived in the valley where the city now stands. The Italian and Spanish influence was of course the heaviest, and in particular the influence of the regions of Andalucia and Extremadura from which most of the colonial people came. Examples of the Spanish and Italian influence is easily found in the religion, language, architecture, music, food (pasticho, fabada austriana, fideos napolitanos) and other aspects of Venezuelan culture.
Venezuela was also enriched by other European cultures during the 19th Century, especially the French. Most recently, the large cities and oil-rich regions saw a large influx of again Italian, Spanish and Portuguese immigration, alongside American influences. Adding to the already complex cultural landscape, the fact that baseball (competing with soccer) is the country's national sport demonstrates that the country's culture has been particularly influenced by the United States.
Arguably, class difference is more important than racial difference in Venezuela (though class is also heavily inflected by race). On the one hand, for instance, higher-income groups enjoy US-influenced pop music, brand-name clothes, and European fashion. On the other hand, lower-income classes often listen to musica llanera, merengue and salsa and wear simpler clothes. The difference between urban and rural areas is also important, as it is elsewhere in the world.
Business Customs
U.S. and Venezuelan companies – largely because of geographic proximity and the nature of Venezuela’s economy – have enjoyed a high level of commercial interaction for many decades. Although there are some critical business culture factor issues to consider, there are more similarities than differences in how companies in the two countries approach business.
Language is one obvious difference. U.S. companies interested in selling to the Venezuelan Government should note that, according to Venezuelan law, all correspondence must be in Spanish. Companies that write to a government agency in English will probably not receive a reply. Government officials are not permitted to conduct official business in any language other than Spanish. In the private sector, although many Venezuelan business executives might speak English, U.S. exporters in many sectors place themselves at a disadvantage if Spanish language promotional materials are not available.
Proposals or unsolicited offers are often not acknowledged, so care must be taken to ensure that important business documents arrive in the proper hands. Venezuelan importers typically prefer to buy directly from the manufacturer, instead of going through intermediaries, so U.S. exporters that are not manufacturers should try to associate themselves closely with the U.S. manufacturer whenever possible. Weekends and holidays are generally off-limits for business meetings with Venezuelans; these times are reserved for family. Christmas holidays effectively last from December 15 through January 15. Public and private sector offices are typically closed or missing key personnel during Easter week and Carnival as well. Scheduling business trips should be avoided during these periods if at all possible.
Travel Advisory
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where tTravel Warnings and Public Announcements can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
Visa Requirements
To obtain a Venezuelan business visa U.S. travelers should contact the Venezuelan Embassy or nearest Venezuelan Consulate. The embassy’s website is located at http://www.embavenez-us.org/. Instructions on obtaining business, investment, or work visas are available on the websites of Venezuela’s consulates in New York, Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, Boston, Houston, San Francisco or San Juan. Please be aware that requirements may vary on a case-by-case basis. Visitors with business visas are required to pay local income taxes if their stay in the country extends beyond 180 days.
An exit tax and airport fee must be paid when departing Venezuela by airline. The exit tax is currently 33,600 Bolivares ( 2,150 Bolivares = 1 USD$), and the airport fee is currently 84,000 Bolivares. In many instances, especially with non-U.S. airlines, the exit tax and airport fee are not included in the airline ticket price and must be paid separately at the airport upon departure. Authorities usually require that payment be made in local currency. Both the departure tax and the airport fee are subject to change with little notice, and additional nominal fees may vary by airport. Travelers should check with their airlines for the latest information.
Venezuelan immigration requires citizens of the United States and certain other countries to have at least six months’ validity remaining on their passports to enter Venezuela. While this law has not been uniformly enforced, some U.S. citizens have been denied entry. Ensure that your passport has at least six months validity from the date of arrival to Venezuela.
U.S. companies that require travel of foreign businesspersons to the United States should be advised that security options are handled via an interagency process. Visa applicants should go to the following links:
State Department Visa Website: http://travel.state.gov/visa/index.html
United States Visas: http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/
Telecommunications
Local mail service is not dependable, and important correspondence should not be sent by mail. International courier service should be used only for papers and documents and not include anything else or it will be delayed by Venezuelan customs. Fax or email is used for most correspondence. Telephone service, both domestic and international, is reliable and there are three cellular telephone services that provide country-wide and international service. Using messenger delivery is the recommended option within Caracas and other large cities in lieu of the mail (for correspondence, invitations to receptions, etc). Important documents can be sent via international courier (Federal Express, DHL, or UPS) and usually arrive in Caracas within a few days. There has, however, been an increasing frequency of reports of checks being removed, presumably by local airport security, even from international courier packages.
Transportation
Travel between Caracas and its international airport, Maiquetía, remains severely disrupted following the closing and demolition of the principal viaduct on the main highway connecting the two early in 2006. While travel between the city center and the airport on the best alternate route, known as La Trocha, can take as little as thirty minutes, bad weather and heavy traffic frequently result in journeys of three or more hours.
Public transportation in Caracas consists of buses, the metro (subway), and taxis. The Metro is open Monday through Sunday from 5:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. and offers an affordable, efficient alternative to taxis. Existing lines are limited, primarily running east west through the city. However, because of reports of high crime rates, travelers are advised to exercise the utmost caution in using the Metro.
Taxis are widely available in Caracas. Visitors should use licensed cabs belonging to established taxi lines. The airport taxi line uses black Ford Explorers only. Taxi service fees at hotels run about 50 percent higher than street taxis. Several companies operate a radio-dispatched pick-up service. During the morning rush hour, at mid-day and again in the early evening, it can be extremely difficult to find a taxi.
The Embassy strongly advises that all arriving passengers make advance plans for transportation from the airport to their place of lodging. If possible, travelers should arrange to be picked up at the airport by someone who is known to them. The Embassy has received frequent reports recently of armed robberies in taxicabs going to and from the airport at Maiquetia. There is no foolproof method of knowing whether a taxi driver at the airport is reliable. It is no longer possible to rely on the fact that a taxi driver presents a credential or drives an automobile with official taxi license plates marked “libre.” Incidents of taxi drivers in Caracas overcharging, robbing and injuring passengers are common. Travelers should take care to use radio-dispatched taxis or those from reputable hotels. Travelers should call a 24-hour radio-dispatched taxi service from a public phone lobby or ask hotel, restaurant, or airline representatives to contact a licensed cab company for them. A list of transportation services used by members of the Embassy community is available on the Embassy website at http://venezuela.usembassy.gov/wwwh2706.html. The Embassy does not vouch for the professional ability or integrity of any specific provider. The list is not meant to be an endorsement by the Department of State, the Department of Commerce, or the Embassy. Likewise, the absence of any individual or company does not imply lack of competence or reliability. Expect to pay USD $30-50 in local currency for taxi service from Maiquetia to the city.
U.S. airlines servicing Venezuela include American, Continental and Delta. Many foreign airlines also serve Venezuela, most through Caracas, and a few through Maracaibo. Domestic flights are available to almost all-secondary cities of any size. Corporate, private, and executive aircraft without cargo and paying passengers require only an international ICAO flight plan, which must be at the airport of destination before arrival. Initial landing in Venezuela must be at an international airport to pass through customs and immigration. Checks for drugs, weapons, and explosives are possible as well as an aircraft safety ramp check and a check for documents (registration, airworthiness certificate, insurance and pilot licenses). Flights from the initial arrival airport to domestic destinations are possible, but require a permit in addition to a domestic flight plan. English language skills of controllers at domestic airports and en-route control are spotty and may require patience. Transporting company-owned cargo or paying passengers make the flight a commercial flight, which requires clearance at least 24 hours before arrival.
Security
At the Airport. Many drivers—often wearing badges identifying them as “taxi officials”— have been known to rob unwary travelers. Airport parking lot robberies are increasing. The Embassy advises all persons to stay away from the parking lots. (See Visa Requirement and Transportation Sections above.) General Crime. Caracas has experienced a significant rise both in the crime rate and in the level of violence associated with street crime. Robberies at gunpoint occur in all sections of the city, even during daylight hours. Other major cities have been similarly affected. Jewelry items, particularly gold-colored, attract the attention of thieves and should be left in a safe place along with other valuables. If you are confronted in a robbery situation, the Regional Security Officer (RSO) suggests that you comply with the criminals’ demands. Do not attempt to run or antagonize the perpetrator. Most criminals only seek cash or jewelry items; many will resort only to violence if you resist their demands. To avoid being the victim of a crime, visitors should remain alert to their surroundings and maintain constant control of purses, backpacks, briefcases and luggage. Travelers should carry only the minimum cash needed and, if possible, no credit cards when venturing outside of the hotel. Travelers to Venezuela should be aware of the potential for violent demonstrations, especially in urban centers, and exercise appropriate caution by standing well clear of public protests, police lines and barricades.
Language
Spanish is the official language of Venezuela. U.S. companies interested in selling to the Venezuelan Government should note that, according to law, all correspondence must be in Spanish. Companies that write to a government agency in English will probably not receive a reply. Government officials are not permitted to conduct official business in any language other than Spanish. In the private sector, although many Venezuelan business executives might speak English, U.S. exporters in many sectors place themselves at a disadvantage if Spanish language promotional materials are not available.
Health
Daytime temperatures in Caracas are usually between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Locations at sea level – including Maracaibo, Valencia, Puerto La Cruz, and Barquisimeto – are considerably warmer than Caracas. During the rainy season, roughly from April through November, afternoon rain showers are common. Evenings can be cool at any time of the year. It is recommended that travelers bring a sweater or light jacket for evening outings, and an umbrella, no matter the time of year.
Venezuelan officials recommends that all travelers be vaccinated prior to arrival. As Yellow Fever vaccine is difficult to obtain in Venezuela and the U.S. Embassy does not provide vaccinations to non-U.S. Government employees. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs requires a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate for travelers older than one year of age arriving from various countries. Information about vaccination requirements for travel to Venezuela may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. In addition, people planning travel to Venezuela’s interior (including, but not limited to the states of Barinas, Bolivar, and Amazonas), should consider obtaining anti-malarial prophylaxis.
Water supplied through the public water infrastructure is considered contaminated. Drink only bottled water or carbonated soft drinks and avoid ice in drinks. Do not eat raw vegetables or fruits unless they have been disinfected, peeled or cooked. Wash your hands often with hot, soapy water.
Cases of dengue fever and malaria are reported throughout Venezuela each year. Travelers planning to spend time outdoors should bring insect repellent, wear long trousers, and avoid wet areas. Dengue symptoms include fever, headaches, diarrhea and general malaise. Although dengue is rarely fatal, you should see a doctor if you experience these symptoms.
The Embassy does not make or guarantee payments to medical providers on behalf of non-U.S. Government employees. All visitors should bring clear evidence of medical insurance coverage. In case emergency medical evacuation is required, non-USG employees, USG contract staff, and USG locally employed staff from other posts must have adequate medical and air ambulance insurance and must carry the contact information with them. Venezuelan hospitals and physicians do not accept foreign insurance documents and may require payment in cash or by credit card.
Business Hours & Holidays
U.S. companies should note that Venezuela does not have daylight savings time. The time is the same as U.S. eastern coast time from April to October and one hour ahead of Eastern Time (U.S.) the rest of the year. For planning contacts in Venezuela, it is useful to know business’s usual hours of operation:
Office… (Mon-Fri) 8:30-12:30 and 2:30-6:00
Stores… (Mon-Sat) 9:00-12:30 and 3:00-7:00
Factories… (Mon-Fri) 7:30-4:30
Weekends and holidays are generally off-limits for business meetings with Venezuelans; these times are reserved for family. Christmas holidays effectively last from December 15 through January 15. Public and private sector offices are typically closed or absent key personnel during Easter week and Carnival as well. Scheduling business trips should be avoided during these periods if at all possible.
Temporary Entry of Materials & Personal Belongings
Business travelers are allowed to bring in reasonable quantities of personal belongings without having to pay duties. Luggage checks are at the discretion of the inspector. If a traveler brings in an excessive amount of luggage in the inspector’s estimation, this could trigger a luggage check. Personal belongings such as laptops and cameras are allowed without duty. However, if belongings exceed what is normally needed by a traveler (example: 30 shirts instead of 4 for a 2-day stay), Venezuelan Customs might ask whether these are samples or for re-sale. Business samples can be brought in but should be declared so Customs can decide whether to charge duty or not. All other items (such as cameras, laptops, a reasonable volume of giveaway advertising items—ballpoint pens, promotional billfolds, etc) are allowed entry.
Not all pieces of luggage are checked at the Customs counter upon entry. Individual inspectors have discretion whether to open a piece of luggage or parcel. Normally, a traveler arriving with only two pieces of luggage is not bothered but spot checks are always possible. Venezuelan Customs’ main concerns are drugs, weapons of any type, pornography, and similar “critical” items.
Travelers bringing in equipment to demonstrate and transporting the equipment on the same plane as “accompanied cargo” should arrange for a temporary entry permit, which should be requested at least two days before arrival. However, in some instances, the traveler can complete the necessary paperwork at the airport. This entails a written request through a customs agent and securing a bond covering the value of the duty applicable, to be returned once the equipment leaves the country again. This system is frequently used by participants in trade fairs or by companies wanting to demonstrate their equipment to a potential customer. The customer can make the arrangements in advance through his customs agent. If the demonstration equipment is not accompanying the traveler, it normally would come in as freight. The normal procedures for temporary entry also apply.
