5 photos
Reporting live from Caracas
So, despite the dire internet reports and warnings from some fellow mongers I took the plunge and decided to give Caracas a whirl. And boy am I glad I did!
I am not a frequent poster on this board, primarily because the countries I normally visit (Asia) are so well documented that there is little new information I can add. As Caracas is not as well reported upon I think my contribution may help those people still deciding on whether they want to experience this country.
First off, a huge thank you to the senior posters on this thread, it is your reports that persuaded me to book a ticket and experience what Caracas has to offer.
So, to the practicalities.
1. Immigration was not an issue. The maximum undeclared amount you can bring into the country is $10,000. I was way under this.
2. I made a reservation online for 3 nights at the Chacao Cumberland hotel and paid roughly $30 per night. Immigration do ask where you are staying so this is important. Once I arrived I extended for an additional 2 nights and paid on 123 K BS ($7) per night.
3. The Chacao is a basic hotel but centrally located and has no issues with girls coming.
4. I am currently at the Altamira Village Hotel. This is a much nicer hotel and has the benefit of having a number of really nice restaurants attached to the hotel. Rate here is 350 K BS per night.
5. Changing money has been relatively straight forward for me. I have been using the doorman at the Chacao Cumberland hotel and have found him to be very reliable. I have been changing dollars for between 16 K to 18 K. I know I could have got up to 20 K if I haggled but I would rather the doorman makes a decent cut – that way I know I can rely upon him.
6. The doorman also set me up with a local debit card which has been very useful.
7. All notes have been large denominations.
So, with regards to hotels and currency, there are no real issues. The major concern is that you have to have all your money in cash. If you are robbed then you do have a problem. The other option is you can transfer money via PayPal. I found a contact that was prepared to do this but the rate was much lower (only 14 K BS per dollar) so I passed.
I have been very careful whilst here, hardly ever venturing out after 7 pm and taking taxis everywhere (trips only cost 10 K BS). If it was not for the super long queues at ATMs and supermarkets I would not even realize there in a problem in Venezuela. Having said that, every local I have met has a robbery story to tell so do not be lulled into a false sense of security.
Unfortunately, my Spanish sucks so I have been sticking to online escort agencies, I appreciate these only scratch the surface of what is available but believe me, it is enough to keep you busy! Girls charge anywhere between 30 K -100 K per hour. Surprisingly the older chicks tend to charge more.
With regards to service, everything is on offer! Every girl I have been with bar one, has provided kissing and oral to completion without me asking and most offer greek. I have also had a good success rate with girls allowing me to take pictures and videos. A really good tip is for you to bring along a Venetian face mask, this almost guarantees they will let you take pictures.
The online agencies are OK, I have not had any bait and switch scenarios but some of the online photos are heavily photoshopped. I have found it useful to let them know what type of chick I am looking for, rather than selecting by the pictures alone.
Another great thing is the variety on offer. Blondes, red hairs, white chicks, Morena's, black girls, big butts, small butts. They are all available!
I have been travelling to Asia for the past 10 years and prior to this trip, my only venture to South America was a trip to Colombia back in 2003 – before it took off. Caracas reminds me of Colombia 15 years ago. My advice, experience it while you can. It will not remain like this for very long.
A few of the companions that have kept me company.
