South America
Tourist scams in Venezuela
- 1 TaxisVery commonInflated taxi faresDrivers quote tourists inflated fares. In Caracas, a quote may be about twice the usual price. Taxis have no meters, so getting in without agreeing on a fare leaves you open to a dispute.CaracasRead
- 2 TheftVery commonArmed street and bus robberyRobbers threaten people and take their belongings. Many carry guns. Risks include walking at night, travelling on Maracaibo bus routes and visiting Paseo Orinoco after dark.Caracas, Ciudad Bolívar, MaracaiboRead
- 3 TheftCommonPickpocketing and petty theftThieves take belongings in crowded places or when valuables are left exposed. Using a phone, taking photos or opening a map can draw attention to you and your possessions.CaracasRead
- 4 Food and drinkCommonRestaurant prices with added tax and serviceMenu prices may leave out tax and service. Quotes may also use bolívars, dollars, euros or REF, making the final bill hard to judge. These pricing practices are not automatically fraud, but they can produce a much higher bill than expected.Some restaurants across Venezuela.Read
- 5 TaxisOccasionalUnlicensed or falsely presented taxisAn unofficial driver offers a ride in a car presented as a taxi. A taxi sign alone proves little: it can be attached to an ordinary car. Robberies have happened in unlicensed airport taxis.Caracas, MaracaiboRead
- 6 Changing moneyOccasionalDishonest currency exchange offersInformal traders offer a better exchange rate than official exchange businesses. Some may be scammers, thieves or police posing as traders. A good advertised rate does not make the person trustworthy. Money exchanged may also be difficult to change back.CaracasRead
- 7 Fake officialsOccasionalBribe demands and official extortionCorrupt police or National Guard officials may demand bribes or otherwise pressure travellers for money. Corruption is also reported among police at the international airport.CaracasRead
- 8 Buses and trainsOccasionalBus-terminal touts for independent servicesTouts called voceros announce small independent bus services. These may offer flexible departures but use small, uncomfortable buses with loud music, including at night. The concern is being talked into a service that does not meet your expectations.CaracasRead
- 9 NightlifeOccasionalBottle purchase required for a club tableGetting a table may require agreeing to buy a bottle of rum or whisky. This is called servicio. It is a table condition rather than a proven scam, but it can lead to an unexpected expense if you do not ask first.CaracasRead
- 10 Cards and ATMsOccasionalDebit card treated as credit for merchant feesSome Visa debit payments appear as debit to the buyer but as credit to the seller, creating a fee problem for the merchant. This can cause refusal of the card. It is not described as card skimming or theft from the traveller.Businesses accepting card payments across Venezuela.Read
Where to stay alert
- Simón Bolívar International Airport, also called Maiquetía Airport, CaracasTaxi overcharging, unlicensed taxi offers, informal currency traders and police corruption are reported here.
- La Bandera bus terminal, CaracasVoceros promote small independent bus services. The walk from La Bandera metro station is also unsafe after dark.
- Terminal del Oriente, CaracasVoceros promote small independent bus services that may be uncomfortable and poorly suited to your needs.
- Paseo Orinoco, Ciudad BolívarKnown for muggings at night.
- El Maní Es Así, behind Sabana Grande, CaracasA table may require a bottle purchase called servicio. The surrounding area is also unsafe at night.
Habits that keep you safe
Taxis
- Agree on the full fare before entering.
- Use licensed taxis with yellow plates and arrange pickup through a trusted service or hotel.
- At the airport, check the displayed destination price at the official taxi counter.
- In Maracaibo, arrange a taxi through a service instead of hailing one.
- For local trips after dark, arrange transport. Avoid long-distance road travel at night.
Money
- Carry small notes because taxi drivers and other traders may have little change.
- Check the currency, exchange rate and full total before paying.
- Avoid exchange offers from strangers, especially on arrival at the airport.
- Exchange only what you expect to spend; changing bolívars back may be difficult.
- At restaurants, check whether tax and service are already included before tipping.
Cards and ATMs
- Carry more than one payment option and keep backups separately.
- Check card acceptance before buying, especially with Visa debit.
- Review the amount before approving a payment and keep the receipt.
- Use a machine in a staffed location where possible and cover your PIN.
Your belongings
- Keep jewellery, expensive watches and large amounts of cash out of sight.
- Keep bags closed and close to your body in crowds.
- Step into a staffed place to check a map or use your phone.
- Carry spare cash and your passport securely, such as in a money belt.
- If robbed, stay calm and do not resist.
Nights out
- Arrange a taxi for the journey home.
- Check table conditions and bottle prices before agreeing to servicio.
- Use extra caution around Sabana Grande venues after midnight.
- Travel with a companion where practical.
Where you stay
- Ask whether your hotel can arrange airport pickup and confirm it in advance.
- Ask hotel management about secure storage for valuables.
- Use accommodation staff to check transport prices and unfamiliar routes.
Police and officials
- Keep documents accessible without exposing your cash.
- Stay calm if questioned or asked for money.
- If safe, ask for the reason for a payment and a receipt.
- Record details after an incident and seek embassy guidance.
Questions
How serious is the scam risk in Venezuela?
Taxi overcharging is common. Dishonest exchange offers and demands for bribes are also risks. Theft and armed robbery are more serious concerns, so transport choices and keeping valuables hidden matter.
How should I arrange a taxi from the airport?
Use the official airport taxi counter, check the displayed destination fare and buy your ticket there. The official airport vehicles are black Ford Explorers. You can also arrange hotel pickup in advance.
Do Caracas taxis use meters?
No. Agree on the full fare before getting in. A driver may quote about twice the usual price. Bargaining is acceptable, and you can decline a high quote.
Is an airport currency exchange offer safe?
An attractive rate does not prove an offer is safe. Informal traders may be scammers, thieves or police posing as traders. Avoid exchanging with strangers whose honesty you cannot establish.
Why is my restaurant bill higher than the menu price?
Some menus exclude 16% tax and a service charge that is usually 10%. Prices may also use different currencies or REF. Confirm the full price, currency and payment rate before ordering.
What should I do if an official demands money?
Stay calm and avoid confrontation. If safe, ask what the payment is for and request written details or a receipt. Once away, record what happened and ask your embassy for guidance.
Are buses a good way to avoid taxi costs?
There are safety trade-offs. Bus muggings are described as very common in Maracaibo. At Caracas terminals, check services promoted by voceros before paying. An arranged taxi may be a better choice where you can afford it.
Does a refused Visa debit card mean someone is stealing from me?
No. Some Visa debit payments create a merchant fee problem because they appear as credit to the seller. Check acceptance in advance, carry a backup and review your account before repeating a failed payment.
Can a club table come with a required purchase?
Yes. At El Maní Es Así in Caracas, a table may require buying a bottle of rum or whisky. This is called servicio. Confirm the requirement and full price before agreeing.
What should I do during an armed robbery?
Do not resist. Stay calm, avoid eye contact and hand over what is demanded. Once safe, seek help, block stolen cards and record the details you remember.
Reviewed by @snuck