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Money & duty free for Venezuela

Currency information: 

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.

Credit cards: 

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

ATM: 

Most major banks have ATMs.

Travellers cheques: 

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.

Banking hours: 

Mon-Fri 0830-1530.

Currency restriction: 

Strict controls are in place on the exchange of local and foreign currency in Venezuela.

Currency exchange: 

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.

Venezuela duty free

The following items may be imported into Venezuela without incurring customs duty:

• 200 cigarettes and 25 cigars.
• 2L of alcoholic beverages.
• Four small bottles of perfume.
• Gifts up to a value of US$1000.

Banned imports: 

Flowers, fruit, meat products, live plants.

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