Caracas - Post Report Question and Answers
Can you save money?
Yes, lots, thanks to the complicated exchange rate systems. - May 2015
Yes. - Apr 2015
If you're good with getting money on the black market (mountains of cash, as the largest banknote in circulation is worth less than a dollar) and if you're OK with eating like a local, you can save money. - Nov 2014
Yes, currently, but that can change at any moment when the government decides to devalue the currency again. For example, a kilo of chicken might be US$5.00 at the official exchange rate, but less than US$1.00 at the parallel exchange rate -- the one that most people use. - Sep 2013
Only if you buy stuff from the States rather than locally and don't travel much. - Aug 2012
Increasingly difficult. - Mar 2012
Yes - Mar 2011
It is difficult, because doing anything outside the city is expensive, and the horrible groceries are expensive, too. - Jan 2011
Depends on which exchange rate you use, how often you travel out of here and your level of internet shopping addiction. - Oct 2010
Yes, if you're able to exchange at the black market rate, you'll be able to save some money. Many Americans end up shopping online a lot, and spend what they could save as a way to cope with what we deal with here. - Sep 2010
In the past, yes. Now, no. - Mar 2010
This place is very, very expensive, hence the 42% COLA. You will spend a lot of money going back home or traveling out of the country just to get away and the tickets are super expensive. At least $1000 USD to get to Miami (only 3 hours away). - Mar 2010
Yes, because there is nothing worth buying on the local economy. Most non-consumables are imported at the parallel rate, marked up several hundred percent, and then sold in the local malls. Nothing in Venezuela is made locally anymore. Gas is almost free, and eating and drinking are subsidized by the governemnt. - Feb 2009
If you buy nothing, do not go out, yes. If you live normally, no. - Nov 2008
