Currency
Bolívar (Bs) = 100 céntimos. Notes are in denominations of Bs50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5000, 2000, 1000, 500, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5. Coins are in denominations of Bs500, 100, 50, 25, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 céntimos.
Currency exchange
Banks will change cheques and cash, and cambios will change cash only; as will hotels, although often at a less favourable rate.
Credit & debit cards
American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted; Diners Club has more limited acceptance. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and for other facilities which may be available.
Travellers cheques
Widely accepted, although one may be asked to produce a receipt of purchase when changing them in Venezuela. Exchange is more difficult in some places than others. Some kinds of travellers cheques are not accepted; seek advice before travelling. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take travellers cheques in US Dollars.
Currency restrictions
The import and export of local and foreign currency is unlimited.
Exchange rate indicators
The following figures are included as a guide to the movements of the Bolívar against Sterling and the US Dollar:
| Date | May '04 | Aug '04 | Nov '04 | Feb '05 | | £1.00= | 3351.03 | 5030.53 | 4740.52 | 3625.92 | | $1.00= | 1915.20 | 2730.50 | 2503.31 | 1920.0 |
Note
The above rates are the official rates for non-commercial transactions. ‘Essential Import’ and ‘Preferential’ rates are also used.
Banking hours
Mon-Fri 0830-1530.
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