Planning & Information – Venezuela

 

Where: Caracas, La Guaira, Canaima National Park, Salto Angel
Transport: Airlines, Car, Boat
Who: One backpacker
Currency: US Dollar (USD), Venezuela Bolivars (VES)
 

 

Visa

At the time of writing this trip report, Venezuela started issuing e-visa to all travelers, and they had minimum requirements to apply for e-visa.

Recent changes have added a lot more documentation required to apply for e-visa. Here are the details on how to apply for e-visa:

How to Apply for Venezuela E-Visa in 2026 (Step-by-Step Guide) Apply for the Venezuela e-visa with this complete step-by-step guide. Learn requirements, documents, fees, processing time, and how all citizens can apply online.

 

Tour (Angel Falls)

The most popular way to visit Angel Falls (Salto Ángel) is by joining a guided tour from Canaima National Park. Most travelers book their trip either through a tour operator such as Osprey Expeditions or directly with their accommodation, such as Waku Lodge.

Waku Lodge
Waku Lodge is a premium eco-lodge offering comfortable accommodation in Canaima along with a selection of guided Angel Falls tours. Guests can choose between traditional motorized canoe excursions or scenic helicopter flights, with itineraries ranging from 1.5 to 3 days.

Osprey Expeditions
Osprey Expeditions provides a more adventurous and budget-friendly experience. Tours include overnight stays in traditional hammock camps, allowing visitors to experience the rainforest much like local guides have for decades. Their classic 4-day Angel Falls tour includes transportation by canoe, guided excursions through Canaima National Park, and a visit to the base of Angel Falls. This is the option we chose for our trip, and it provided an authentic way to experience one of Venezuela’s most spectacular natural attractions.

Osprey Expeditions can be contacted directly at +58-414310449 on WhatsApp.

SIM Cards and Internet in Venezuela

Buying a local SIM card is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to stay connected while traveling in Venezuela. You can purchase a Digitel SIM card at most international airports for around $20, which typically includes 15 GB of mobile data. To register your SIM card, you’ll usually need a valid passport or a Venezuelan RIF. Activation is completed by the provider and generally takes about 20 minutes.

Other mobile network providers, including Movistar, Orange, and GenMobile, also offer prepaid SIM cards with similar data packages, making it easy to find a plan that suits your travel needs.

Tip: If you’re visiting Canaima National Park or other remote regions of Venezuela, Movistar offers the most reliable mobile coverage. Digitel, Orange, and other operators have limited or no signal in many parts of the park.

Although mobile coverage is limited in remote areas, several lodges and tour operators, including Waku Lodge and Osprey Expeditions, provide guests with Starlink Wi-Fi for a few hours each day. If staying connected is important, check with your accommodation or tour operator before your trip to confirm internet availability.

In Venezuela’s cities and larger towns, Wi-Fi is available at most hotels, guesthouses, cafés, and many restaurants, making it easy to access the internet even if you don’t purchase a local SIM card.

Money in Venezuela: Currency, Cash, and Credit Cards

The official currency of Venezuela is the Venezuelan Bolívar (VES). At the time of writing, the exchange rate is approximately USD 1 = VES 580, although exchange rates fluctuate regularly.

While the Bolívar is the official currency, U.S. dollars (USD) are widely accepted throughout Venezuela. Hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, tour operators, and many other businesses commonly display prices in USD, making it easy for international travelers to pay without exchanging large amounts of local currency.

If you need local cash, exchanging U.S. dollars is straightforward. Currency exchange services are available at international airports, exchange offices, and many businesses in major cities. It’s a good idea to carry a mix of USD cash and Venezuelan bolívars, as smaller shops, local markets, and public transportation may prefer or require payments in VES.

Visa and Mastercard credit and debit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, supermarkets, and larger businesses across Venezuela, including cards issued by U.S. and European banks. However, card acceptance may be limited in smaller towns and remote destinations, so carrying some cash is recommended.

For the most convenient travel experience, keep a combination of USD cash, Venezuelan Bolívars, and a Visa or Mastercard on hand. This ensures you’ll be able to pay for everything from hotels and restaurants to local transportation and smaller purchases throughout your trip.

Venezuela Travel Tips

Before traveling to Venezuela, keep these practical tips in mind to make your trip smoother and more enjoyable.

• Weather: We visited in early June and found the temperatures comfortable, ranging from approximately 10°C (50°F) in higher elevations to 35°C (95°F) in the lowlands. Many regions of Venezuela experience high humidity, so lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended.
• Hotel toiletries: Most hotels provide basic amenities such as towels and soap. However, shampoo, conditioner, and other toiletries are not always included, so it’s a good idea to pack your own.
• Cash: Bringing U.S. dollars (USD) is the most convenient option for travelers. Both USD and Venezuelan bolívars (VES) are widely accepted throughout the country, but carrying plenty of small USD bills is recommended for everyday purchases. When paying in USD, you’ll often receive your change in bolívars.
• Travel costs: Despite its reputation, Venezuela is not a budget destination, especially for international visitors. Imported goods can be expensive—for example, a 1-liter bottle of water may cost around $3–$4 USD, while a medium-sized pizza at a restaurant typically ranges from $25–$40 USD. Most restaurants display prices in both USD and VES.

Planning ahead and carrying a mix of payment methods, appropriate clothing, and essential toiletries will help you enjoy a more comfortable trip throughout Venezuela.

 
Accommodations in Caracas were booked by self, but accommodations in Canaima National Park were a part of the tour.

City	Accommodation	Notes
Caracas	Renaissance La Catellana Caracas Hotel	Paid with Marriott points. Double bed with ensuite bathroom. Breakfast not included. Wifi – 4.5/5
La Guaira	Marriott La Grande Hotel	Paid with Marriott points. Double bed with ensuite bathroom. Breakfast not included. Wifi – 4.5/5
Canaima National Park	Hammocks at Camps	Price included in tour. Single hammock with bathroom facilities available. Breakfast included. Wifi – 1/5

 

 
Domestic flights were booked as a part of the tour, so all costs mentioned below are approximate. These does not include international flights to and from Venezuela.

From-to	Airline	Cost	Notes
Caracas (CCS) to Canaima (CAJ)	Conviasa	$125	One-way flight. Economy. Flight V0 130.
Canaima (CAJ) to Caracas (CCS)	Conviasa	$125	One-way flight. Economy. Flight V0 131.

 

Venezuela story highlights on Instagram This trip report can also be seen on our story highlights on Instagram account @travelonthedollar. Click the image on left to go directly to Venezuela Highlights, or visit our Instagram profile and under ‘Highlights’, scroll to the right and click on ‘Venezuela 1’.

 

Note: All values in USD, unless otherwise mentioned, are approximate and based on the exchange rate of USD 1 = VES 580 at the time of publishing. Each cost is for one adult. Note that the expenses do not include international flights to and from Venezuela.
 

What	Cost	Notes
Tour cost	$890.00	For one person. Total cost of the tour for 4 days of Canaima National Park and Salto Angel. This includes accommodation, domestic flights and all meals.
Total Costs	$890.00	Per person
Overall Costs	$890.00	Per person

 

 
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