Experience in Caracas, Venezuela by Annabella

What is it like to live in Caracas? Would you recommend it? What is the city like?

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Caracas is a big and stressing city with a lot of traffic. Actually, it's quite insecure. Not too much people are able to talk in English. Young people are more common.

It has nice pubs, nature places and party places and the food is amazing.

Its a dangerous city, you must know where are you going and try to do not go alone or wear expensive things.

You cannot walk with your cell phone on street.

What is the student lifestyle like in Caracas?

There are so many universities. The more famous public are: Universidad Central de Venezuela, this is the main university and Universidad Simon Bolivar. Both are very good and with a high level of education. The easiest location to reach because you can use the subway is the first one. For the other, you need to use the special university bus.

How much does it cost to live in Caracas?

Its very expensive city for local people but for foreigners is cheap because if they sell the dollars or euros in the black market, it will be very cheap. One example: 1 big mac with potatoes and beverage from normal size costs like 80Bsf. At the black market price, it will cost less than 2$. But if you look at the minimum salary in Venezuela: 7400 Bsf is quite expensive.

For people who will bring foreign currency better to change bolivares (bsF) at black market and life cost will be so so cheap.

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Is it difficult to find accommodation in Caracas? Is there any advice you can give?

To rent a flat its a problem. The government has a law that says that the person who gives the accommodation cannot upgrade the price since the first time and for the other hand if you stay more than 6 months at the place, you will have right to reside permanently. Because of these two reasons normally people don't rent flats. Other people could rent for a short time or they will ask you for a deposit for like 3 months, that is quite expensive, but not too much if you have foreign currency. Even to pay directly in foreign currency is a nice business.

What is the food like? What are your favourite dishes?

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• Arepa: reina pepeada, pelua, jamon y queso, carne mechada, perico;
• Empanadas: cazon, carne mechada, pabellon, domino;
• Pabellon criollo;
• Pescado frito con tostones y ensalada rallada;
• Quesillo;
• Fosforera (soup);
• Tostones;
• Hallacas and bollos (only for Christmas).

You can't miss these dishes, they are delicious and typical.

What places would you recommend visiting in Caracas?

There are a lot of places:

• Avila Magica (you take a funicular and see the view of entire caracas)
• El Hatillo
• Avila (Sabas Nieves, La Julia)

Is it good to eat out in Caracas? Can you tell us your favourite spots?

Yes, they are a lot of options.

Menphis, local restaurants at beaches.

Is the nightlife good in Caracas? Where is good to go?

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There are a lot of discos and restaurants.

Discos on San Ignacio Commercial center are A1.

For fancy restaurant with nice view of Caracas you can go to 360.

What advice would you give future students heading to Caracas?

I don't recommend this place for studies is very dangerous and there are a lot of political and economical issues.