Caracas, Venezuela Report of what it's like to live there - 03/18/12
Personal Experiences from Caracas, Venezuela
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, it was my third expat experience.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Washington, D.C. About 8 hours through Miami.
3. How long have you lived here?
Since January 2009.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Foreign Service.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
All are in apartment buildings. Most embassy housing is located in Valle Arriba or Santa Fe - only a short walk or 5 minute drive to the embassy.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Inflation is about 30% for food items each year. Many imported things are very expensive. Caracas is a consumables post. We spend about US$150 a week on groceries. Food shortages do happen, so find out before you come what liquids you need to put in your consumables (laundry soap, canola oil, olive oil, American beer).
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Plenty of American beer, canola oil, olive oil, American juices, laundry detergent, dishwasher soap, basmati rice, presents for children's birthday parties, sun screen, cosmetics, paper products, etc.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Fast Food: TGI Friday's, Tony Roma's, McDonalds, Burger King, KFC, Domino's (one pizza costs about US$25), lots of great restaurants with decent food, but very expensive. A meal for two currently will easily about US$100.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
There is an organic produce store next to Centro Commercial San Ignacio. If you are a vegetarian, you might want to tell the waiter that you don't eat chicken or bacon either. Locatel pharmacy has a big aisle with gluten-free products. Tofu can be found at the Chinese market.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Ants, mosquitoes (especially when traveling), and moths, all kinds of bugs and worms. Seal your food well. We store most in the freezer.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
There are plenty of great maids available. Costs currently from US$20-25/day. However, those prices rise every 6 months due to the inflation.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The embassy has a great very affordable gym with plenty of machines and a work-out room with DVDs.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
There is a safe ATM inside the embassy. We try to avoid using other ATMs as debit card cloning is very frequent. We have used our Venezuelan credit card in supermarkets and restaurants without any problems. Avoid using CC at the airport.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
There are some English-language services available.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
Direct TV Puerto Rico is available.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You should know some Spanish to be able to communicate with locals or if you would like to work. Few maids and people in daily life speak English. If you can take classes at FSI, you should try to do it.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Plenty. The sidewalks (if they exist) are mostly broken. It makes pushing a stroller difficult; no way someone with a wheelchair could get around here.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Trains and buses are not recommended to use. Taxis have to be called, or are safe from a shopping center.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
A 4x4 is a good investment especially if you plan on traveling outside the city. There are lots of speed-bumps in Valle Arriba. Parts are difficult to find for some cars. Car-jackings do happen. Many people have armored cars.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Internet access is available, but if you would like to avoid problems, you should go with a small-business plan instead of a private plan.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Many people have blackberries and iPhones here. Prepaid data planes are available.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Many people have used vets and kennels here without problems.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Teaching jobs and nurse at the local school, however it might not be worth to work for a Venezuelan salary.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Formal. Women like to reveal their cleavage.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Plenty. This is a dangerous post and security is a huge concern. Robberies, car-jackings, and express-kidnappings are very common. Caracas is the city with the highest murder rate in the world. We have used common sense and have had no issues, but anytime you leave your house you have to be aware of your surroundings. Never take anything you are not willing to loose with you.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Dengue fever. Chipos have been found in Caracas in previous years (google Chagas disease), good medical care is available; most doctors are trained in the US and speak English.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Generally OK, but there are many old cars and buses on the road. Sometimes there are fumes from Avila fires in the dry season.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Rainy Season from May to November, dry season from December to April. However this has changed in recent years, so there's no guarantee when it will rain.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Most embassy children go to ECA, from what I hear it is one of the best schools in the world. Many people come here or extend here for the school.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
ECA has shadows for children with special needs.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Our daughter is attending the Montessori Preschool Kid's Club in San Roman. It's a small school with lots of personal attention. We love it.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Yes, ballet, swimming classes (many buildings have pools), karate, etc.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Decreasing due to security challenges and political situation.
2. Morale among expats:
Low for most, but there are some great groups to be involved in like the British and International Group.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Many parties amongst expats, great social life. People mostly entertain at their houses, most apartment buildings have a common area that can be rented for entertaining.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Caracas is what you make of it. There are a lot of unhappy people at post. It has been a good post for our family. Many singles and couples are also having a great time here.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Yes, domestic partners can be accredited with the MFA.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
We haven't experienced any as a diverse family.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Traveling to Morrocoy, La Isla Margarita, Los Roques.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There are not plenty of opportunities, but there some: travel inside the country and outside to the Caribbean islands, movie theaters, plenty of good (but expensive) restaurants in town, petting zoo for kids, hike up the Avila, visit glass factories.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Hammocks, paintings, wooden boxes.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Great weather all year around, beautiful beaches, affordable household help.
11. Can you save money?
Increasingly difficult.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Maybe. We have had a great time here, but who knows what the future holds after the elections.
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Winter clothes.
3. But don't forget your:
Sunscreen, humor.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
Caracas is what you make of it.
