Digital Nomad Life in Venezuela
Summary: Venezuela is not a popular destination for digital nomads. The most popular cities for digital nomads are generally in Latin America, such as Mexico City, Buenos Aires, and Santiago. Digital nomads may be attracted to Venezuela due to its low cost of living and its vibrant culture. A digital nomad can live on a monthly budget of around $1,000 in Venezuela. This budget can cover basic living expenses such as rent, food, and transportation. The culture of Venezuela is a mix of Spanish, African, and Indigenous influences. Music, dance, and art are all important aspects of Venezuelan culture. Foods popular in Venezuela include arepas (corn cakes), cachapas (corn pancakes), empanadas (stuffed pastries), and pabellón criollo (a dish of rice, black beans, and shredded beef).
How do I meet people in Venezuela?
When we asked people living in Venezuela about club and activities where newcomers can meet others, they responded:
"Expats in Venezuela often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Venezuela," explained one person living in Venezuela.
What is life like in Venezuela?
When we asked people living in Venezuela what life is like and how people spend their time, they said:
"Life for expats and digital nomads in Venezuela can be challenging due to the country's political and economic instability. The cost of living is relatively low, but the availability of goods and services can be limited. Expats and digital nomads must be prepared to face frequent power outages, unreliable internet, and a lack of access to certain amenities. Despite these challenges, many expats and digital nomads find Venezuela to be an exciting and vibrant place to live, with a rich culture and friendly people," explained one person living in Venezuela.
Where should I live in Venezuela?
We asked digital nomads and expats how they chose their neighborhood and found a place to live. They answered:
"One way to find a place to live in Venezuela is to search online for rental listings. Websites such as Encuentra24.com and Lamudi.com.ve are popular sites for finding rental properties in Venezuela. Additionally, you can also search for rental listings on social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter. Additionally, you can also contact local real estate agents who can help you find a suitable place to live. Finally, you can also ask around in your local community for recommendations on rental properties," said one expat in Venezuela.
"When looking for a place here, you must go through an agent, who you the renter will have to pay one month's rent as commission. The trick is to use several agents because depending on your budget, they forget about you. We chose a neighborhood that was first safe and then close to everything since I don't drive. We chose an apartment for security reasons (most buildings have 24 hour security) and it has less upkeep," remarked one member in Caracas.
What do I need to know before moving to Venezuela?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Venezuela, they said:
"Before retiring in Venezuela, expats should be aware of the current political and economic situation in the country. It is important to research the cost of living and the availability of goods and services in the area they plan to live in. Expats should also be aware of the crime rate in Venezuela and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs to ensure a smooth transition into their new home. Lastly, expats should make sure to obtain the necessary visas and permits to legally reside in Venezuela," explained one person living in Venezuela.
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What do people appreciate most about the culture in Venezuela?
"The Venezuelans sense of family...and found them to be very open to new people no matter where you had come from," explained one expat living in Porlamar, Venezuela.
"Expats in Venezuela appreciate the country's vibrant culture, which is full of music, art, and dance. They also enjoy the warm hospitality of the Venezuelan people, who are known for their friendliness and generosity. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's diverse cuisine, which is a mix of Spanish, African, and Indigenous influences. Finally, expats enjoy the country's stunning natural beauty, with its lush jungles, majestic mountains, and stunning beaches," said one person in Venezuela.
What do people find most challenging about the culture in Venezuela?
"Expats in Venezuela often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as Spanish is the primary language spoken in Venezuela. Additionally, the country's political and economic instability can make it difficult to adjust to life in Venezuela. Furthermore, the cost of living is high, and the availability of goods and services can be limited. Finally, the cultural norms and expectations can be difficult to navigate, as they are often quite different from those of other countries," said one expat who made the move to Venezuela.
"There were a few...supplies at the grocery were sometimes little to none. You could go on any day and there would be no milk, no butter, certain types of meat..as well as household/kitchen items. Getting used to 'armed' guards at certain locations..like the grocery or your local panaderia. There were sometimes water shortages that were supplied into your home..and running the water through a tank/pump system was sometimes frustrating. Two of the hardest things for me were the amount of garbage that was dumped anywhere.. and seemed everywhere. And there seemed to be very little compassion for animals..particularly dogs and cats. I saw many hungry and un-cared for dogs. It was heart-breaking," explained one foreigner living in Porlamar, Venezuela.
What residency documents or visas did I need if I will be in Venezuela for a while?
"If you plan to stay in Venezuela for an extended period of time, you will need to obtain a valid residency visa. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a tourist visa first, which can be done at a Venezuelan embassy or consulate. Once you have obtained the tourist visa, you can then apply for a residency visa at the Venezuelan immigration office. You will need to provide proof of your identity, such as a passport, as well as proof of your financial stability, such as bank statements. Additionally, you may need to provide a valid health certificate and a police record," remarked one member in Venezuela.
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What cultural blunders should I try to avoid making in Venezuela?
We asked people in Venezuela if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. They wrote:
"It is important to be aware of cultural norms when visiting Venezuela. It is considered rude to be late for appointments or social engagements, so it is important to be punctual. It is also important to dress modestly and conservatively, especially when visiting religious sites. It is also important to be respectful of local customs and traditions, and to avoid making negative comments about the country or its people. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local language and to avoid speaking English or any other foreign language in public. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local currency and to avoid using US dollars or other foreign currencies," said one expat in Venezuela.
"Just your 'getting to know the language' screw-ups, but everyone I encountered was very undersatnding and helpful," remarked one member in Porlamar.
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What are healthcare services like in Venezuela?
When we asked expats and global nomads about the quality of medical care in Venezuela, they replied:
"Healthcare services in Venezuela are provided by both public and private institutions. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is free for all citizens. However, the quality of public healthcare is often inadequate due to a lack of resources and infrastructure. Foreign residents do not have access to the public healthcare system, but they can use private healthcare services. Expats in Venezuela typically use private healthcare services, as they are more reliable and offer better quality care," said one foreigner in Venezuela.
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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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What are the pros and cons of living in Venezuela?
"Expats and digital nomads living in Venezuela often appreciate the country's vibrant culture, friendly people, and stunning natural beauty. They also enjoy the low cost of living, which allows them to stretch their budget further. On the other hand, they may find the political and economic instability in the country to be a challenge, as well as the lack of reliable internet access and other modern amenities. Additionally, the high crime rate and the difficulty of obtaining visas can be a deterrent for some," said a member in Venezuela.
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Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
Relocating abroad soon? Make your move with AGS! AGS Worldwide Movers is a leader in the international moving industry. Our experience and expertise allows us to guarantee our clients the best quality moving services.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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Venezuela Forum
Talk with other digital nomads and expats in Venezuela on our Venezuela forum - meet people, get advice and help others.
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Help others in Venezuela by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Venezuela.
Digital Nomads in Venezuela offer advice about healthcare, hospital visits, emergency rooms visits, finding a doctor and buying health insurance in Venezuela.
Advice for people renting and buying real estate in Venezuela.