Bolívar Fuerte (VEF; symbol Bs.F.) = 100 céntimos. Notes are in denominations of Bs.F.100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2; coin denominations are Bs.F.1, and 50, 25, 12.5, 10, 5 and 1 céntimos.

Banks and casas de cambio (exchange offices) will exchange cash; some, such as Italcambio, convert traveller's cheques as well. Higher-end hotels can also change money, though often at a less favourable rate. Travellers are advised to bring currency in US Dollars.

MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted in the main cities and tourist centres. Most major banks have ATMs.

Widely accepted, although one may be asked to produce a receipt of purchase. American Express is the standard; other types of traveller's cheques may not be accepted. A commission of 3% or more is charged. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Mon-Fri 0830-1530.