Caracas Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Caracas.
Healthcare System
Venezuela's healthcare system has deteriorated significantly due to economic crisis, with severe shortages of medicines, medical supplies, and equipment. Public hospitals lack basic resources, and even private facilities face challenges.
Hospitals
Private hospitals and clinics are the only viable option for foreigners. Centro Médico de Caracas, Clínica El Ávila, and Hospital de Clínicas Caracas are among the better private facilities, but all require upfront payment in cash (US dollars preferred). Confirm availability of services before relying on any facility.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies face severe shortages of medications, including common drugs. Bring all necessary prescription medications with you, plus extras. Over-the-counter medications are also scarce. Bring a comprehensive medical kit including basic supplies like bandages, antiseptics, and pain relievers.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential. Standard travel insurance is insufficient - you need coverage that includes medical evacuation to a country with adequate healthcare facilities, which can cost $50,000-$200,000+.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring all prescription medications in original containers with sufficient quantities for your entire trip plus extras
- Carry a comprehensive first aid kit with basic medical supplies
- Ensure your insurance includes emergency medical evacuation coverage to Miami or another nearby city with quality healthcare
- Have emergency funds available in US dollars for medical payments
- Know the location of your embassy and how to contact them for medical emergencies
- Consider postponing travel if you have serious medical conditions requiring ongoing care
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Armed robbery, carjacking, kidnapping (including express kidnappings), and murder occur frequently throughout Caracas. Criminals often operate in groups and are frequently armed with firearms.
Victims are abducted and forced to withdraw money from ATMs or have family members deliver ransom. Can last from hours to days.
Theft of bags, phones, jewelry, and other valuables is extremely common. Thieves often work in groups and may be armed.
Armed carjackings occur frequently, often at traffic lights, in parking areas, or when vehicles are stopped in traffic.
Political demonstrations and protests can occur with little notice and may turn violent, with clashes between protesters and security forces, roadblocks, and disruption of services.
Corruption among police and officials is widespread. Travelers may face requests for bribes, arbitrary detention, or theft by those in uniform.
Water quality is unreliable, and food safety standards may be compromised due to economic conditions and infrastructure problems.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Criminals impersonating police officers stop tourists, claim to check for counterfeit money or drugs, and steal valuables or demand bribes.
Unlicensed or criminal taxi drivers may overcharge, take long routes, or work with accomplices to rob passengers. Some taxis are used for express kidnappings.
Due to currency controls and hyperinflation, black market exchange is common. Scammers may offer favorable rates but provide counterfeit bills, shortchange victims, or work with criminals to rob them.
ATMs may have skimming devices installed, or criminals observe PIN entry and follow victims to rob them after withdrawal.
Due to complex exchange rates and economic instability, establishments may charge inflated prices or use unfavorable exchange rates for foreigners.
Seemingly friendly locals offer to help tourists, show them around, or take them to clubs/restaurants, then rob them or lead them into dangerous situations.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Transportation
- Never use public transportation, street taxis, or ride-sharing apps - they are extremely dangerous
- Arrange secure, private transportation through your hotel or trusted contacts before arrival
- Keep car doors locked and windows up at all times
- Be extremely vigilant at traffic lights and in traffic - carjackings are common
- Avoid driving at night under any circumstances
- Vary your routes and schedule to avoid predictability
- Keep fuel tank at least half full due to potential shortages and to avoid stopping in dangerous areas
Accommodation
- Stay only in hotels with 24-hour security, preferably in safer neighborhoods like La Castellana, Las Mercedes, or Altamira
- Use hotel safes for passports, extra cash, and valuables
- Do not open your door to unexpected visitors - verify through hotel staff
- Keep curtains closed to avoid being observed from outside
- Know emergency exits and have an evacuation plan
- Store emergency supplies including water, non-perishable food, flashlight, and first aid kit
Money and Valuables
- Bring US dollars in small denominations ($1, $5, $10, $20 bills) as they are widely accepted
- Carry minimal cash and only what you need for the day
- Use a money belt or hidden pouch for larger amounts
- Leave jewelry, expensive watches, and designer items at home
- Do not use phones, cameras, or tablets openly in public
- Keep emergency cash separate from your main wallet
- Have photocopies of important documents stored separately from originals
Personal Security
- Maintain a low profile at all times - do not draw attention to yourself as a foreigner
- Do not resist if confronted by armed criminals - comply with demands
- Be constantly aware of your surroundings and trust your instincts
- Avoid wearing anything that identifies you as a tourist
- Do not discuss travel plans, accommodations, or financial matters in public
- Share your itinerary and check-in schedule with family, friends, or colleagues
- Register with your embassy upon arrival
- Learn basic Spanish phrases for emergencies
Communication
- Have a local SIM card or international roaming plan, but be aware of telecommunications outages
- Keep your phone charged and bring portable battery packs
- Have important phone numbers written down in case of phone loss or battery death
- Use messaging apps that work on WiFi as backup communication
- Do not use your phone openly on the street - it may be stolen
- Establish check-in times with family or colleagues
- Know your embassy's 24-hour emergency contact number
Food and Water
- Drink only bottled water and check seals are intact
- Avoid ice in drinks
- Eat at established hotels and restaurants with good reputations
- Avoid street food and food from markets
- Wash hands frequently or use hand sanitizer
- Bring water purification tablets as backup
- Be cautious of food that may have been improperly stored due to power outages
Photography and Social Media
- Do not photograph military installations, government buildings, police, or security forces
- Be extremely discreet when taking photos - using cameras openly can make you a target
- Do not post on social media in real-time - wait until you have left Venezuela
- Disable location services on social media posts
- Be aware that photographing poverty or protests can be sensitive
- Ask permission before photographing people
Documentation
- Carry photocopies of passport and visa, not originals when possible
- Keep digital copies of all important documents in secure cloud storage
- Have multiple copies of documents stored in different locations
- Carry your embassy's contact information at all times
- Keep a record of credit card numbers and emergency contact numbers for cancellation
- Document any incidents immediately with photos and written accounts if safe to do so
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers face all the general security risks in Caracas plus additional concerns including harassment, sexual assault, and being specifically targeted by criminals. Solo female travel to Caracas is strongly discouraged. If travel is absolutely necessary, women should take extensive additional precautions beyond the already high security measures required for all travelers.
- Do not travel alone - travel with trusted companions or professional security if possible
- Dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention - avoid revealing clothing, expensive jewelry, or designer items
- Be prepared for catcalling and verbal harassment, which is common - do not engage, keep walking
- Never accept drinks from strangers and watch your drinks being prepared
- Use only pre-arranged, trusted transportation - never street taxis or public transport
- Avoid going out at night, even in groups
- Stay in accommodations with 24-hour security
- Carry a whistle or personal alarm, though be aware that help may not come
- If staying long-term, consider hiring a local female guide or companion through reputable sources
- Trust your instincts - if a situation feels unsafe, leave immediately
- Keep your phone charged and easily accessible for emergencies
- Inform someone of your whereabouts at all times
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to deter unwanted attention
- Be extremely cautious in bars, clubs, and nightlife venues - these are high-risk environments
- Learn key Spanish phrases for emergencies and to firmly decline unwanted attention
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Same-sex sexual activity is legal in Venezuela, and there are some anti-discrimination protections in law. However, same-sex marriage is not recognized, and legal protections are not consistently enforced.
- Exercise discretion with public displays of affection
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations and venues in advance through reliable sources
- Be aware that LGBTQ+ individuals may face additional discrimination or targeting by criminals
- Connect with local LGBTQ+ organizations or communities through secure channels before arrival for current safety information
- Be cautious about using LGBTQ+ dating apps, which can be used to target victims
- Have a plan for dealing with discrimination or harassment
- Be aware that police may not be helpful or may themselves be discriminatory
- Consider your safety priorities - in the current security environment, maintaining a low profile is critical
- Know your embassy's policies on assisting LGBTQ+ citizens
- Be prepared that some hotels or establishments may discriminate
- Document any incidents of discrimination or violence if safe to do so
- Avoid situations where you might be isolated or vulnerable
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage is absolutely essential for travel to Venezuela and is not optional. The healthcare system has collapsed, and medical facilities cannot handle serious emergencies. The only option for serious medical issues is emergency evacuation to another country, which can cost $50,000-$200,000 or more. Additionally, the high crime rate means you face significant risks of theft, assault, or other incidents. Standard travel insurance is insufficient for Venezuela.
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