Caracas, Venezuela Report of what it's like to live there - 01/27/11
Personal Experiences from Caracas, Venezuela
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
It's my third expat experience. Also lived in Quito, Ecuador and Sofia, Bulgaria
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
Home base is in Northern Virginia. Flights from Washington D.C. connect in Miami, then about 4 hours to Caracas.
3. How long have you lived here?
Eighteen months
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Posted at the U.S. Embassy
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
All housing is in apartments, most within a 10-20 minute walk of the embassy. Most apartments seem to be poorly constructed with numerous water, electrical or rodent issues.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Prices for almost everything are more expensive here. Diapers, pet supplies and cereal stand out, as they are often 2-3X U.S. prices. Quality of produce is generally horrible--most fruit is rotten or severely bruised. Service is non-existent.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Diapers, Cereal, Any specialty flours and baking supplies and fresh produce, if I could.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
McDonald's, KFC and Burger King are here-some decent restaurants, too, but everything is more expensive than in the States.
5. What kinds of organic, vegetarian and allergy-friendly foods are available, such as organic produce, gluten-free products, meat substitutes for vegetarians, etc?
Venezeulans are meat, bean and starch eaters. There are a couple of natural food stores here for cereal and stuff, but you will be better off ordering from the States. No organic produce.
6. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Lots of insect problems with mosquitoes carrying dengue fever, ants in the apartments, weevils, worms and beetles in your cereal, beans, rice etc.. Flour, pasta and most things need to be kept in the freezer or refrigerator
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We get DPO and Pouch.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
We have a full-time housekeeper/nanny 5 days a week, and it is about $80 a week.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
The embassy has a fairly well-equipped gym with a very affordable membership fee.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Do not use them-they will clean out your account.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Many people find churches to go to here.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
We get DirectTV.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You do need some Spanish, as few people outside the embassy speak English.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
The sidewalks and roads are severely in need of repair, and there is almost no care for people with physical disabilities.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Trains and buses are not safe. Some taxis, those used by the embassy, are safe but not cheap.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
An SUV is best, as these peole are reckless, fast and dangerous drivers.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, but there have been numerous problems with it.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Keep a cell phone.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
No.
2. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
I don't trust the veterinarians here at all. We have received a plethora of bad, inaccurate information, and their treatment of the animals is fairly rough.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
Unless you work with the school, the job opportunities at a decent salary are limited.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
At work it is straightforward business attire.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
This is one of the most dangerous cities -- more homicides in 2009 than Baghdad. Most crimes affecting Americans are muggings, and people are often only shot if they resist. Police are not helpful and are rarely around when they are needed.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Medical care varies depending on what is needed. Several Americans have been medivac'd to Miami.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
The air quality is unhealthy-black dust from the pollution coats your floors everyday.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
There is a dry season and a rainy season.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
ECA is the international school here. The elementary school is okay, but people tend to really like the high school much more.
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
I don't have much experience with this, but parents who have children with speech problems or autistic children like the school.
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
There are some preschools available, and nannies and housekeepers are very affordable.
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
There are some sports programs for kids in middle and high school.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
2. Morale among expats:
Some Americans really like it.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
Get-togethers in people's homes.
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
This city is best for singles (they seem to be the only ones who really like it here). It's ok for couples but terrible for families with young children. There's just no safe place to go without sitting in terrible traffic, with dangerous motorcycle thugs wielding guns.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I have not heard much about this either way.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
I have not heard of any specific problems.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Close proximity to other caribbean islands like Bonaire and Curacao
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
We plan to do the Angel Falls trip before we leave. It is safest and more enjoyable to just leave the country when you have vacation time.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Some textiles.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The weather is nice-That's all.
11. Can you save money?
It is difficult, because doing anything outside the city is expensive, and the horrible groceries are expensive, too.
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely not!
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
winter wear and your fantasies about a wonderful paradise.
3. But don't forget your:
PATIENCE, hobbies, defensive-driving skills, coffee, and healthy snacks.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
6. Do you have any other comments?
Do not go with young children. Many families here are unhappy and are counting down the days until they leave.
