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How dangerous is Venezuela?

Travel Info
I'm going to Venezuela in 4 weeks for about a week long. I've heard some bad things about Venezuela being a dangerous place to go. Has anyone been there and experienced it first hand? I will be driven by a driver and in a nice hotel. The cities are Marcaibo and Maturin.

Travel Tips

I am a Venezuelan, so I know pretty well how dangerous a trip to my country can be.

Maracaibo is the second largest city in Venezuela and is reasonably safe, if you apply your common sense. When going out at night try to use hotel taxis, which are usually signed and try not to go by yourself. Walking at night may not be a good idea.

Maturin is a very safe place, I can tell you that, is on the other side of Venezuela, in Monagas State. If you are staying there you will not have a problem walking at nights.

It is a good idea that you learn few words in Spanish that could help you while you are there. Try to ask for places at the hotel reception and always write down the hotel address, your destination address and the phone number of a decent taxi company. I am sure this will help you to enjoy your stay.

As a final comment, Venezuela is a beautiful place with people famous for its hospitality and good sense of humour. Have fun!

Others
i am sure it is pretty dangerous if you ask the right questions.
you have to be aware of where you go and with whom , it is not different that any mayor city (like NYC) I assume that you know your driver, do not go outside of your hotel with to much money and/or documents, use the Hotel safe and above everything ...USE YOUR COMMON SENSE, I will said you will be OK .Dangerous is a very broad definition, Paris could be dangerous if you are in the wrong place!!
Dangerous is a state of mind. It's a way of living too. It麓s everywhere just because you're alive. I have travelled a lot and maybe I ask, is Rio dangerous? or NYC? or London? You have watched what has happened in those cities above. I've been in Maturin -- Venezuela because of job. I can tell you It's far less dangerous than your mind can imagine. Just try to speak a little espanol and you'll see a myriad of smiles.
If you drive through those cities (Mbo--Mun) it takes you about a day to reach one point to another. just Enjoy. Ask about the Margarita Island in the Caribbean Sea, is a bonche.
Hi!
Is not a war zone, you know? Caracas is just like the guy above said: like any mayor city in the world.
Now, you are traveling to Maracaibo and Maturin. I think Maracaibo is the second or the third larger city in Venezuela. I'd be more worried about the heat, if I were you ;-) Maracaibo is hot! You are going to two "oil cities". Both have oil extraction and refinery as their main activities - in case you didn't know much about them. One is in the West, and the othe rin the East. You are going to hear different accents and try, different food. Try to enjoy that instead.
Now, you've heard Venezuela is not safe because in this past week there have been two kidnapings that did not end well. It was not pretty and the whole country pretty much went into shock.
Since 1998 the political tension has been huge, and it has derived in major problems... Economical is still the main one, so:
- Be sure to keep your wallet and documents in a safe place.
- Do not wander alone at night.
- Try to be accompanied if you don't speak Spanish... weirdos might be attracted to a nice guy that speaks a different language).
- Do not leave your car opened, you suitcase unlocked (no matter how nice the hotel), and valuables out.
- Be careful with every stranger... including the police and other official institutions, I'm sorry to say.
- Enjoy
- Take pretty pictures.

Good luck!
Don't worry about it, you are going to Maturin it's a little town where nothing important happen. you'll see there ordinary people maybe like you with different dialect, so feel free there. But be carefully about Maracaibo because it's big city in Venezuela.
I have been in Puerto Ayacucho...not a tourist destination for sure. This was pre Chavez and I felt very secure even though I speak next to no Spanish. However with the election of Chavez and the direction his regime seems to be going (anti-American), I would be very careful. Marcaibo is supposed to be a nice place. Just stay pretty close to your driver and he/she should be able to keep you safe.