Caracas

[QUOTE=WorldTravel69;1807142]You spent 3 days and most likely took a taxi everywhere you went.

We were in country for two weeks and walked a lot.

Even a tour agent I talked to would not go downtown to see the old part of town.

TOO Dangerous.

And that was years ago. It is worst now![/QUOTE]I respect your opinion but, in most countries that are considered "dangerous" the media makes it out to be much worse than it actually is. The media makes it seem that it is the wild west and everyone is running around killing everyone. That is not the case. Keep your head up, take taxis, stay out of known dangerous areas, don't flash a lot of cash and you will be fine. A little common sense is all it takes.

[QUOTE=Stmp24;1806609]Let me dispel the myth. Caracas is not a dangerous place. I was there for 3 days and stayed in Hotel Eurobuilding. First and foremost, you will need a passport to gain entry to the country. You can exchange money at the airport at one of the currency exchanges but you won't get the black market rate. You will likely get approached by the male airport concierge staff in blue shirts asking you to carry your bags or find you a taxi. They are all the airport and one or two of them is likely to ask if you need money. Ask them, their rate. What I did is round down to the nearest 100. The exchange rate was around 780 when I got there. The staff member initially offered 650 bolivares, I insisted 700 which he agreed upon. I told him I wanted to exchange $400. I sat and waited until they rounded up the cash. Once they had the money, they told me to come into the elevator and to my surprise, they pulled out grocery bags filled with cash. The largest bill denomination is 100 bolivars so if you exchange $100 at 700 bolivars, that's 70,000 bolivar bills. You don't feel like its alot of money but trust me it is. I went to one of the restaurants to verify the money was authentic. Restaurant took it with no problems and I went to the bathroom to count it. These guys skim maybe 1-2 100 bolivar bills from each rubberband of 100 bolivar bills. I told the guys the money was incorrect and they recounted and gave me the difference. Be sure not to exchange too much as you cannot exchange it back. It's only use is if you return and use it or if you hold in hopes the currency will normalize.

I stayed at Hotel Eurobuilding which was a 45 minute drive from the airport. With traffic, it's roughly 1. 5 hours. Traffic here is bad. The beach is near the airport, about 20 minutes in the opposite direction of the city. Got to Hotel Eurobuilding, paid in cash which the attendant requested if I had a credit card because it was wads of cash I was pulling out. Cost was 31,000 bolivares / night, a little under $50/ night. The hotel staff exchanged money for 600 bolivares for every USD. Hotel is top-notch, 4-star US hotel. It's a bit isolated but safe especially for first timers. Restaurant and bar is on site. Pretty much, you're eating T-bone steak, salmon, filet mignon for $5. I purchased two meals since it was so cheap. The second meal was for the early morning snack.

I forgot my Blackberry having a sim card slot so all calls were made from my hotel. Wasnt the best experience as many of the chicas on sexycaracas did not answer or did not pickup their phone. It was raining hard the first night and one girl decided to come but her pictures were face wasn't good so I sent her home without any services. Gave her 5,000 bolivares and told her goodbye, probably the easiest money she made. Most of the women don't speak English so it can be an uphill battle communicating on the phone. Also, Whatsapp is not widely used. Be sure to bring a phone with a SIM card.

Here is a list to the casas: [URL]http://www.tus-fantasias.com/estudios.php[/URL].

Super cheap, went to Venus Spa and it was 1,000 bolivares for 30 minutes, you do the math. Gal was nice and slim with silicone tatas. Definitely an 8-8. 5. There is another spa in the building which is near a McDonald's, don't recall the name of the building but I believe its the Clock Tower (Reloj Edificio). I went to the strip clubs mentioned on here. The women were not overly impressive but they are not aggressive which I like. Be sure to bring a collared shirt as such is mandatory for entry to certain clubs. I picked up one who stayed with me for 2 nights. I will be returning and now know the inner workings. The Venezuelan women are nice but considering the lack of tourism, it may be best to befriend one and have her assist you with arranging the rest of your visits.[/QUOTE]Great Report. How much was it to take the girl from the club. The Bar fine and the girl?

You might to think about this:

[URL]http://www.sfgate.com/news/world/article/Venezuela-opposition-challenging-on-Chavez-family-6659000.php[/URL]

And then they killed the opposition leader.

[URL]http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/Outrage-after-Venezuela-opposition-leader-killed-6660554.php[/URL]

[QUOTE=Mfins;1807692]I respect your opinion but, in most countries that are considered "dangerous" the media makes it out to be much worse than it actually is. The media makes it seem that it is the wild west and everyone is running around killing everyone. That is not the case. Keep your head up, take taxis, stay out of known dangerous areas, don't flash a lot of cash and you will be fine. A little common sense is all it takes.[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=WorldTravel69;1807957]You might to think about this:

[URL]http://www.sfgate.com/news/world/article/Venezuela-opposition-challenging-on-Chavez-family-6659000.php[/URL]

And then they killed the opposition leader.

[URL]http://www.sfgate.com/news/crime/article/Outrage-after-Venezuela-opposition-leader-killed-6660554.php[/URL][/QUOTE]Well, according to the articles you sent.

Since I am not a politician and do not plan to oppose the current political party in charge I do not have anything to worry about.

Look, There are instances in every city in every country of crime. I can easily find an article about a bombing, robbery or murder anywhere. However, it would not speak to the city or country as a whole.

I live in a beautiful neighborhood, my neighbor was shot by his wife last month in there home. Does that make my neighborhood un safe?

Correct me, if I am wrong. But I think I am the first person, who ever posted anything about present day mongering in Venezuela, on this thread in 5 odd years; so may I add my 2 cents on the security issue.

Let me put it this way. If it was not for regular work trips to Venezuela; I would not go for mongering to Venezuela. Having said that, the smaller cities of Venezuela are pretty safe and for a person mongering first time in Venezuela. It would be a good starting point. Say Isla Margarita or Puerto La Cruz via their respective airports.

I live full time in South America (12 months a year) and often travel to different cities of the continent, on a regular basis (because of work) and I would definitely rate Caracas as the most dangerous city of South America. However, it is not Iraq or Syria or Pakistan or Lagos! You get the drift?

Further, if one goes to a dangerous city and comes back unscathed, that does not make the city less dangerous. Some time, luck and good karma plays a role there. And if you test it too often, sooner or later law of probability will catch up with you.

There is no doubt that in about 10 usd, one can have decent sex in Venezuela, but somehow its not exiting as the girl also know you are exploiting the situation. The market is not fairly placed in equal favor or both parties! Most of the girls, I met in Venezuela were not beauty queens from Miss Universe contest. And I consider myself having a very high taste in women. I presume the hot chicks from Caracas have fled the country already for better pastures or rich local men have taken them over. I remember spending few days at Intercontinental hotel in Maracaibo few months ago, and eating all my meals there at the local restaurants inside the hotel. I saw lot of hot girls dining with rich old local men in the super expensive restaurants by local standards!

Personally for the year of 2015 - my 3 favorite cities for mongering in South America were Porto Alegre, Curitiba and Medellin. This is basis having traveled to about 20 odd cities in that continent in 2015.

Hope this helps.

It looks like from your posts you have been to South America One Time.

I have been to every country except Bolivia and the Guiana's or what every they are called today.

So, you may want to rethink just how safe Venezuela is for Us.

[URL]https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/venezuela/crime-in-venezuela[/URL]

[URL]http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/South_America/Venezuela/Distrito_Federal/Caracas-1637665/Warnings_or_Dangers-Caracas-Street_Crime-BR-1.html[/URL]

[URL]http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/venezuela-travel-warning.html[/URL]

[QUOTE=Mfins;1808125]Well, according to the articles you sent.

Since I am not a politician and do not plan to oppose the current political party in charge I do not have anything to worry about.

Look, There are instances in every city in every country of crime. I can easily find an article about a bombing, robbery or murder anywhere. However, it would not speak to the city or country as a whole.

I live in a beautiful neighborhood, my neighbor was shot by his wife last month in there home. Does that make my neighborhood un safe?[/QUOTE]

[QUOTE=WorldTravel69;1808464]It looks like from your posts you have been to South America One Time.

I have been to every country except Bolivia and the Guiana's or what every they are called today.

So, you may want to rethink just how safe Venezuela is for Us.

[URL]https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/venezuela/crime-in-venezuela[/URL]

[URL]http://www.virtualtourist.com/travel/South_America/Venezuela/Distrito_Federal/Caracas-1637665/Warnings_or_Dangers-Caracas-Street_Crime-BR-1.html[/URL]

[URL]http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/en/alertswarnings/venezuela-travel-warning.html[/URL][/QUOTE]I do not want to argue with you but, I have been to Colombian at least 30 times, Peru 3 times. Venezuela (Maracaibo) 5 times.

In addition I have been to El Salvador (which some may wrongly consider more dangerous than anywhere) more than 150 times. I know what I am talking about but, your opinion is noted and everyone has a different view on safety. So your advice is appreciated. Thanks.

I agree everyone has their own views on Security.

Just more thing about being in Venezuela.

I posted this a few times before.

There were three of us, and all of our credit cards were copied and used. I only used my card about 7 times. Four times at better hotels, one airport shop, one beach shop in Puerto La Cruz and one travel agent. No ATMs.

It was used for $5000. At casinos, car parts stores, Hamburger places, grocery stores, etc.

My buddies were not used as much as mine.

Also the only reason I have not gone to El Salvador was more or less security.

I have been to all the rest of Central American countries, even the most unsafe country, Honduras.

[QUOTE=Mfins;1808565]I do not want to argue with you but, I have been to Colombian at least 30 times, Peru 3 times. Venezuela (Maracaibo) 5 times.

In addition I have been to El Salvador (which some may wrongly consider more dangerous than anywhere) more than 150 times. I know what I am talking about but, your opinion is noted and everyone has a different view on safety. So your advice is appreciated. Thanks.[/QUOTE]

Two things that worry me about traveling to Venezuela.

1. personal safety-- some of this risk can be mitigated by being smart about what you do. Where you stay. Where you go. What you carry with you. Etc.

2. financial safety-- as WT69 points out everyone of his crew had a problem. This risk is much harder to reduce in my opinion. Don't use your ATM or credit card? Then you have to bring in $5000 in cash and that opens a big risk. Don't bring much cash and only use your credit cards? Well we see what happened to WT69's crew.

I am dying to get down to Venezuela but I'm still on the sideline waiting to come into this game.

Basically, one can hire a hit man for 25 usd. Yes. 200,000 bolivars = 25 usd!

[URL]http://buenosairesherald.com/article/204243/venezuela[/URL]'s-youth-turns-to-life-of-crime.

[QUOTE=Mfins;1807693]Great Report. How much was it to take the girl from the club. The Bar fine and the girl?[/QUOTE]It was $60 USD. I got her number and it was $30 USD the next day. Keep in mind that's for all night and the morning. A tad high for Caracas but I really wanted it and its not much in the grand scheme of things.

Didn't mean to cause such a stir on the safety issue. Some of you seem a bit paranoid but I don't care to argue. If you want to go to Caracas, go. If you're paranoid or believe your safety is in danger, go elsewhere.

[QUOTE=Britisher;1808385]Correct me, if I am wrong. But I think I am the first person, who ever posted anything about present day mongering in Venezuela, on this thread in 5 odd years; so may I add my 2 cents on the security issue.

Let me put it this way. If it was not for regular work trips to Venezuela; I would not go for mongering to Venezuela. Having said that, the smaller cities of Venezuela are pretty safe and for a person mongering first time in Venezuela. It would be a good starting point. Say Isla Margarita or Puerto La Cruz via their respective airports.

I live full time in South America (12 months a year) and often travel to different cities of the continent, on a regular basis (because of work) and I would definitely rate Caracas as the most dangerous city of South America. However, it is not Iraq or Syria or Pakistan or Lagos! You get the drift?

Further, if one goes to a dangerous city and comes back unscathed, that does not make the city less dangerous. Some time, luck and good karma plays a role there. And if you test it too often, sooner or later law of probability will catch up with you.

There is no doubt that in about 10 usd, one can have decent sex in Venezuela, but somehow its not exiting as the girl also know you are exploiting the situation. The market is not fairly placed in equal favor or both parties! Most of the girls, I met in Venezuela were not beauty queens from Miss Universe contest. And I consider myself having a very high taste in women. I presume the hot chicks from Caracas have fled the country already for better pastures or rich local men have taken them over. I remember spending few days at Intercontinental hotel in Maracaibo few months ago, and eating all my meals there at the local restaurants inside the hotel. I saw lot of hot girls dining with rich old local men in the super expensive restaurants by local standards!

Personally for the year of 2015 - my 3 favorite cities for mongering in South America were Porto Alegre, Curitiba and Medellin. This is basis having traveled to about 20 odd cities in that continent in 2015.

Hope this helps.[/QUOTE]Thanks Britisher for providing balanced information. While you provide valuable information, you are neither hyping or discouraging Venezuela as a destination. I found your comment about the exploitation thing very interesting. I have not been to Venezuela in awhile, but it was one of my least favorite destinations of many around the world. There seemed to be a certain hardness to life that carried to the young women. The women in Brazil and Colombia from lesser means seem to be happier and more laid back. As it has been said many times before, it does not matter if it's an act or genuine. It's just a blast to be with a working girl who seems to be having fun. Of course, it goes without saying YMMV. I have broken down some bad attitudes with fun and kindness. I'm sure there are some wonderful women in Venezuela.

[QUOTE=WyattEarp;1809313]Thanks Britisher for providing balanced information. While you provide valuable information, you are neither hyping or discouraging Venezuela as a destination. I found your comment about the exploitation thing very interesting. I have not been to Venezuela in awhile, but it was one of my least favorite destinations of many around the world. There seemed to be a certain hardness to life that carried to the young women. The women in Brazil and Colombia from lesser means seem to be happier and more laid back. As it has been said many times before, it does not matter if it's an act or genuine. It's just a blast to be with a working girl who seems to be having fun. Of course, it goes without saying YMMV. I have broken down some bad attitudes with fun and kindness. I'm sure there are some wonderful women in Venezuela.[/QUOTE]You are welcome. I have learnt a lot from ISG and AP. This has helped me immensely in mongering especially between 2008 2012 period. I always look to contribute back.

I just met 1-2 happy prostitutes in Venezuela. Most of them had a sullen look on the face and though they did everything I wanted. It almost looked to me as if I was exploiting them by the power of money, I had. I am in my early 40's, decent shape (fit. No beer belly), most of my hair on my head still intact, maintain super hygiene on a daily basis- so assume, prostitutes would not be grossed out having sex with me. But despite that and paying almost double or triple to what the girls asked me in Venezuela. They did not look happy.

I have never felt this while mongering other parts of the world!

The only 1-2 happy girls I met in Venezuela are the ones who spend most of their time working in Panama and earning USD and once in a while return to Venezuela to spend time with family and agree to earn the bolivars just to hang out with parents etc.

Hope this helps.

[QUOTE=Britisher;1809013]Basically, one can hire a hit man for 25 usd. Yes. 200,000 bolivars = 25 usd!

[URL]http://buenosairesherald.com/article/204243/venezuela[/URL]'s-youth-turns-to-life-of-crime.[/QUOTE]Do you see what's Happening in the US right now. Murders everyday and mass shootings. Do you consider the US unsafe?