Trip Planning
The TakeYourBackpack guidebooks are your all-in-one travel companion, featuring the best cities, national parks, hikes, beaches, and unique sites, along with essential tips on when to go, how to get around, exchanging money, and even local phrases to get you started — everything you need for a smooth, unforgettable backpacking adventure.
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Personal tip: I normally search on good rating for atmosphere (for meeting people) and location (for easy exploring). Cleanliness as a bonus.
Travel Essentials
Make sure your routine vaccines are up to date. For Venezuela, consider these vaccinations:
Hepatitis A - recommended for most travelers due to potential contaminated food or water.
Hepatitis B - recommended if you might have sexual contact, get a tattoo, or need medical treatment.
Typhoid - advisable, especially if visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Yellow Fever - definitely needed if you’re visiting certain parts of the country, like jungle areas.
Rabies - consider if you plan on exploring caves or spending a lot of time outdoors.
Malaria - not a vaccine, but bring antimalarial medication, especially for certain regions.
Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
vaccination requirementsWhen I first started traveling, I often spent part of my first day in a new country hunting for a local SIM card. While this can still be slightly cheaper, it also takes time and planning.
These days, it's much simpler to install an eSIM before leaving home. Once you arrive in Venezuela, you can activate it immediately and have mobile data from the moment you land — which is especially useful for ordering transport or navigating away from busy airports.
There are many providers nowadays, and price differences are usually small. I personally go with Airalo, as it offers excellent network coverage throughout the country and strong global coverage, so you can manage multiple countries from a single app.
Get your e-sim for VenezuelaCulture & Customs
Avoid topics like politics in conversation; it’s a sensitive issue. Always greet with a handshake, and say ”buenos días/tardes/noches” based on the time. Dress modestly; avoid flashy jewelry to minimize attention. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. For women, avoid walking alone at night. LGBTQ+ travelers may face challenges; public displays of affection can draw unwanted attention. Always carry a copy of your passport. Use ”usted” for formal address unless invited to be more informal.
Trying traditional food is always a great way to experience the culture. Here are some must-try dishes for Venezuela.
- Arepas: These thick cornmeal patties are a staple in Venezuela, often split open and stuffed with various fillings like cheese, meats, or beans. They’re a go-to breakfast or snack and a symbol of the country’s culinary culture.
- Pabellón Criollo: Often considered the national dish, this hearty plate features shredded beef, black beans, rice, and fried plantains. It represents a blend of the country’s diverse influences, with each component contributing to a rich tapestry of flavors.
- Hallacas: A festive season favorite, hallacas are similar to tamales, made with corn dough and filled with a mix of meats, olives, and raisins, all wrapped in plantain leaves. They’re a holiday staple and a labor of love, often prepared by families together.
- Tequeños: These cheese-filled breadsticks are a beloved snack, perfect for parties or as an accompaniment to drinks. Their crispy exterior and gooey cheese interior make them irresistible and a true crowd-pleaser.
- Cachapas: Made from fresh corn batter, these sweet pancakes are usually topped with cheese or cream. They’re a breakfast treat but can be enjoyed any time of the day, and they highlight the country’s love for corn-based foods.
Tap water in Venezuela is generally not safe for tourists to drink, and even locals often avoid it due to inconsistent water quality. Tourists are advised to stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid any health issues. Make sure to check the seal on bottled water to ensure it’s legit.
The main language in Venezuela is
Spanish. Backpacking is way more rewarding if you know a bit of the local language, so I'd suggest brushing up on the basics just in case your Spanish skills have become a bit rusty.
Want to understand locals better?The complete Travel Guide for Venezuela includes 52 essential words and phrases — greetings, thank-yous, ordering food, transport, numbers, and common local expressions you'll actually hear.
Get your local basic phrases 👉
Get the Travel Guide - In Venezuela,
English is not widely spoken among the general population. The majority of Venezuelans speak Spanish, which is the official language. In urban areas and tourist destinations, such as Caracas, Mérida, and Los Roques, you may find some English speakers, particularly in hotels, restaurants, and among younger generations who have studied the language. However, proficiency levels can vary significantly.
In rural areas or smaller towns, English speakers are much rarer. Therefore, if you’re traveling in Venezuela, it’s beneficial to know some basic Spanish phrases or use translation apps to facilitate communication. Engaging with locals in Spanish can enhance your experience and help bridge any language gaps.
Overall, while you may encounter English speakers in certain contexts, it’s advisable to prepare for a predominantly Spanish-speaking environment during your travels in Venezuela.
Money & Payments
The local currency of Venezuela is VES (Bs.S).
When backpacking in Venezuela, forget relying heavily on ATMs. They’re often empty or non-functional. Bring enough cash, primarily in US dollars, as euros are less common and harder to exchange. Exchange dollars at the unofficial ”parallel” market rate, which is much better than the official one. You can do this through reputable local contacts or trusted intermediaries—ask around at your hostel or among other travelers. Keep your cash divided and stashed safely in different spots.
Credit cards aren’t widely accepted, and when they are, the rate is usually awful. Stick to cash transactions as much as possible, but have a card for emergencies. And remember, don’t flash your cash around; keep it discreet and low-key.
In Venezuela, tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a 10% service charge is often included in the bill, but you can leave an extra 5-10% in cash if the service was exceptional. For taxis, rounding up the fare is a common practice rather than a set percentage tip.
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Best Backpacking
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Over the years, I've learned the importance of packing minimally. It's so much easier to jump on the back of a truck or squeeze yourself into the last spot of a minibus without that supersized backpack. If you're headed to a warm destination, leave your winter jacket at home; for colder regions, opt for thin thermal underlayers. Instead of packing your entire wardrobe, bring just three sets of clothes, as laundry facilities are available everywhere.
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Hi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past decade, I’ve backpacked through 80+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.