How do I pay for things in Venezuela?

The currency in practice

The currency of Venezuela is the bolívar. The Government of Canada says US dollars are widely accepted and that local currency can be difficult to obtain; GOV.UK says most local businesses accept payment in bolívars, US dollars or by international card. Spain's Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommends carrying dollars or an international credit card because of inflation in bolívars. On 12 October 2026 the Banco Central de Venezuela published an official rate of 876.7976 bolívars per US dollar (value date 13 October); it changes every working day.

Cash

Carry small US dollar notes for daily purchases: Canada recommends it to make transactions easier, and GOV.UK notes that petrol stations do not usually give change. Spain describes a chronic shortage of cash, so it is sometimes very hard to find bolívar notes, and warns that electronic payments usually stop working during power cuts: keep some cash for those moments.

Cards and ATMs

International cards work in principle, but not everywhere. GOV.UK says some card machines do not work with international cards; Canada says many ATMs do not accept international credit cards and that cash withdrawals from foreign bank accounts at ATMs are not possible, with malfunctions and empty machines as recurring problems. Identification is required for a card transaction. If your cards fail, GOV.UK mentions transfers through Western Union collected at a Grupo Zoom branch; Canada says you cannot rely on wire transfers as a source of emergency funds.

Exchanging money and the official rate

Canada states that money must be changed at the official government rate and only at authorised institutions: the law prohibits buying or selling foreign currency anywhere else, and you can be fined for using the black market. Official exchange houses are scarce outside major cities, banks often restrict transactions to their own clients, and only US dollars can be exchanged. Very few banks or exchange houses outside Venezuela exchange bolívars, so do not take them home.

Declaring cash at the border

Declare cash or traveller's cheques worth US$10,000 or more when entering Venezuela; GOV.UK says tax is due on the excess, and Canada applies the same threshold when leaving. Spain also advises against carrying a conspicuous amount of currency across the border.

Paying for your trip

TripVenezuela offers the trips and manages the booking with you; the services are provided by third parties. The payment methods available for a booking are confirmed by TripVenezuela when you request it, so you do not depend on cards or ATMs in Venezuela for the main cost of the trip. What is already paid is what the package page lists: in an all-inclusive package such as Sunsol Ecoland, that covers accommodation, meals, drinks and the transfer, so your cash is for extras, tips and anything the page does not mention.

Check again before you travel

Rules on cash, cards and exchange change often. Read the pages cited here on the day you book and again before departure. The sources on this page were accessed on 12 October 2026.

Plan your trip with TripVenezuela

See the Venezuela tour packages or the packages in Isla Margarita, Los Roques and Isla de Coche.