Caracas, Venezuela Report of what it's like to live there - 04/14/15
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?
First.
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?
When direct flights to the U.S. are available, it's easy ... the problem is they're often not available.
3. How long have you lived here?
9 months.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
USG.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
USG housing is all a very short commute. Some of it is easily walkable to work. They're nice, large apartments on a hill with a great view.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Cost is not the issue. Availability is. But, it's highly variable and impossible to predict. What is available, you'll want to buy here. But, it can be amazing what is sometimes not available (like, say, bottled water or bleach).
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Bleach, motor oil, wheat flour, ... but not toothpaste.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Inexpensive (if you're paid in dollars)... Decent is about the best one could say.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Just make friends with the tiny little ants that will most definitely live with you. They leave when you put things in the fridge.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
Easily.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Available. About US$3-4/day.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
It's fairly safe to run around the neighborhood of the Embassy (though there are giant hills), and there is a large park where many people run. There are many fitness options, and races quite frequently.
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?
Don't.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Few.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
As much as possible. Venezuelan Spanish is like English in rural Louisiana.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Yes. Many.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Safe - no. Affordable - I believe the metro costs less than 3 cents.
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?
Nothing fancy.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes. Cheap.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Bring one to use in country. Keep your other one. The Venezuelan one won't work anywhere else in the wold.
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 quarantine. Pet care is available. Vet supplies (like vaccines) can be an issue.
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?
No. There are embassy jobs though.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
Not so many because of security.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Yes; yes, there are.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Yes, tropical diseases aplenty. There are very well educated doctors and dentists with little supplies.
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?
Surprisingly excellent.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Perfect. It's not too humid but not too dry; not too hot and not ever cold; even in rainy season, it'll still be sunny most of the time.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There is an international school. It has a declining enrollment.
2. 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?
Nannies are very affordable.
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
I'm sure baseball, soccer and basketball are available. I have not heard good things about the swimming programs.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Shrinking and mostly grumpy except for those of us who love it.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
One can have a rich social life. It is what you make of it.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
The families are less happy. I don't have specific information regarding why. For singles, the women are beautiful and the men are very handsome. They're friendly, and most people are welcoming or at least polite.
4. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
You could do worse.
5. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
To some extent, but those are not Caracas's largest problems.
6. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
I really like Caracas. I have too many highlights to list.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Angel Falls, amazing beaches, a South American "safari" region.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Experiences more than things.
9. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Weather, cost of living, friendly and beautiful people, gorgeous country with great beaches and sites to visit.
10. Can you save money?
Yes.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
What things were available on the local economy... but it's ever changing.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
In a heartbeat.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Valuables and impatience.
