How unsafe is Venezuela really?
- Thread starter Scubadam
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No phillybob, I really think Mossman should go to Venezuela since he thinks it's so great. From what I see from some of the other posters on this thread, I think he'd really enjoy it. Now Mossman, since this Board is all about sharing views and experiences, I think you should volunteer for this adventure and make sure you give us a trip report when you get back, o.k.?
As for my purchasing decisions, I try and avoid buying products from any country who's government is so virulently opposed to ours. Can it be avoided entirely? Of course not -- I only need to go a few minutes from my place in Seattle to see the thousands of Chinese containers at the harbor. Regarding Venezuela, it's pretty easy -- all they export is oil and political venom. So how about you? Do you stand for anything, or do you just not care and buy from countries that use child or slave labor because it's cheaper?
As for my purchasing decisions, I try and avoid buying products from any country who's government is so virulently opposed to ours. Can it be avoided entirely? Of course not -- I only need to go a few minutes from my place in Seattle to see the thousands of Chinese containers at the harbor. Regarding Venezuela, it's pretty easy -- all they export is oil and political venom. So how about you? Do you stand for anything, or do you just not care and buy from countries that use child or slave labor because it's cheaper?
They're both fine with me, though North Korea is probably too cold for my tastes. Supposedly some decent diving off Kos, Iran - a friend was going to take me there, but it fell through. Also, the best Red Sea itineraries are in the Sudan, so that's on my list too. Already done Cuba and Myanmar.Guess we can count you in on the next 'Dive Iran' trip ? Or how about the North Korea liveaboard ?
I never let politics get in the way of decent diving. Heck, I'll even dive in Florida.
Assuming you're picking up the tab, of course I'll volunteer. When do we leave?
I try to avoid the cheap stuff because it's all crap. I do, however, frequent restaurants and stay in hotels and purchase produce and meat/poultry from companies that employ illegal labor, which some feel is akin to slave labor. Does that count?
It's even possible my license plate was made by prison labor. I guess I should boycott license plates and drive without one.
I think we've both wasted enough time on this. I've made my opinion and principles clear, and believe I'm entitled to them. Not sure what your point has been, but again, you're entitled to it. Enjoy your diving Mossman, wherever it may be.
Phillybob - hope you and I have a chance to cross paths some day. it's always nice to meet a kindred spirit.
Phillybob - hope you and I have a chance to cross paths some day. it's always nice to meet a kindred spirit.
Scubadam, I hope this helps you it is from my friend that is from Caracas and is there right now.She goes to school here in the USA and goes home once a year to see her family.
"I think the biggest thing, as it was mentioned, is to keep valuables out of sight... don't be walking around the city taking video or talking/txting on your iphone, etc... if you are at the beach and by yourself, try to bring nothing but your swimsuit as I wouldn't advice leaving any belongings unattended. Don't give anyone you don't know your information as to how much money you carry, what hotel you're staying, what times you plan on being out, etc. Always lock anything important while staying at hotels, don't be walking around with large wads of cash, etc... Find out the UNOFFICIAL exchange rate before you exchange money and find someone to negotiate the exchange with... you will get more money for your buck than if you do an official exchange.
I strongly recommend the "paying someone" or having someone you can trust to show you around in the city, because as it was mentioned, it really depends on where you are and what time of day it is. Caracas is probably the biggest concern, but just know not to go to the center or west of the city if it's not absolutely needed.
About the taxi thing.... there are black suburbans or SUVs that have a yellow oval on the side that park outside the airport... those are usually very reliable. Once you have been cleared to exit with your bags you will have a million people asking you if you need a taxi, ALWAYS ask for an estimate before agreeing to take the taxi. It then becomes an agreement between you and the driver and you won't be charged an absurd amount at the last minute. If/since you don't know the distances, it will be hard to know if you are being overcharged or not, but I guess you will just have to work around your budget. Minimum rate is 30BsF
On your way back out (flying out) you will see stations along the airport terminal where you can "ceram wrap" your luggage... DO IT! it's the best way to guarantee that nothing will be missing from your luggage when you get back home.
In regards to being from the US in Venezuela. It really depends on the person, but I have brought MANY people here from the US and never had an issue, I think it is a stereotypical fear because of all the bickering that happened between Chavez and Bush, but in the end that's them being dumb, the people are different, and for the most part we tend to be very welcoming and friendly."
"I think the biggest thing, as it was mentioned, is to keep valuables out of sight... don't be walking around the city taking video or talking/txting on your iphone, etc... if you are at the beach and by yourself, try to bring nothing but your swimsuit as I wouldn't advice leaving any belongings unattended. Don't give anyone you don't know your information as to how much money you carry, what hotel you're staying, what times you plan on being out, etc. Always lock anything important while staying at hotels, don't be walking around with large wads of cash, etc... Find out the UNOFFICIAL exchange rate before you exchange money and find someone to negotiate the exchange with... you will get more money for your buck than if you do an official exchange.
I strongly recommend the "paying someone" or having someone you can trust to show you around in the city, because as it was mentioned, it really depends on where you are and what time of day it is. Caracas is probably the biggest concern, but just know not to go to the center or west of the city if it's not absolutely needed.
About the taxi thing.... there are black suburbans or SUVs that have a yellow oval on the side that park outside the airport... those are usually very reliable. Once you have been cleared to exit with your bags you will have a million people asking you if you need a taxi, ALWAYS ask for an estimate before agreeing to take the taxi. It then becomes an agreement between you and the driver and you won't be charged an absurd amount at the last minute. If/since you don't know the distances, it will be hard to know if you are being overcharged or not, but I guess you will just have to work around your budget. Minimum rate is 30BsF
On your way back out (flying out) you will see stations along the airport terminal where you can "ceram wrap" your luggage... DO IT! it's the best way to guarantee that nothing will be missing from your luggage when you get back home.
In regards to being from the US in Venezuela. It really depends on the person, but I have brought MANY people here from the US and never had an issue, I think it is a stereotypical fear because of all the bickering that happened between Chavez and Bush, but in the end that's them being dumb, the people are different, and for the most part we tend to be very welcoming and friendly."
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