Is Venezuela safe for solo female travelers?

Traveling or walking alone at night in Venezuela is generally not recommended due to high crime rates, including petty theft, mugging and carjacking. Public transportation and taxi services are also considered risky, especially after dusk. It is crucial to ensure personal safety - always stay vigilant and in well-populated areas, avoid flashy displays of wealth and blends in as much as possible. It's better to travel with a trusted local or stay indoors at night.

Public transportation in Venezuela presents a number of safety concerns, especially for solo female travelers. There's a high incidence of crime, including robberies on buses and taxis. In addition, there could also be instances of political unrest that may interfere with transportation services. It's recommended for travelers to always be vigilant and take extra precautionary measures, particularly at night. Booking through trusted transportation companies and avoiding non-official taxis are advised. The metro in Caracas is generally safe during daylight hours, but caution should be exercised. Public transportation is also often crowded and can be unreliable due to a lack of scheduled service.

In Venezuela, as a solo female traveler, one might experience a higher level of street harassment compared to other countries. Unsolicited comments, catcalling, or lewd gestures can be encountered from time to time, especially in crowded urban areas. It is advised to adopt a confident demeanor and avoid unwanted attention. Maintain vigilance, especially when out in public spaces after dark.

Venezuela has a reasonably high occurrence of petty crimes such as pickpocketing, purse-snatching, and theft from unattended vehicles or hotel rooms. Always be vigilant, especially in crowded areas like markets, bus stops, and tourist sites. Avoid carrying large sums of money and flashy jewelry. It is also advisable to use hotel safes for your valuables and important documents.

Drinking tap water in Venezuela is generally not recommended. The country has dealt with a series of issues related to water contamination in recent years, which poses a risk to health. It's advisable to stick to bottled water, which is easily available across the country. Do ensure the seal is intact to confirm it hasn't been refilled from a tap. Also consider using tap water only for washing and bathing.

The United States Government advises not to travel to Venezuela due to crime, civil unrest, kidnapping, and the arbitrary enforcement of local laws. It is also advised to reconsider travel due to wrongful detentions, terrorism, and a poor health infrastructure. Check the full travel advisory.

The Canadian Government advises avoiding all travel to Venezuela due to the significant level of violent crime, the unstable political and economic situations, and the decline in basic living conditions. This includes shortages of medication, gasoline, and water. Check the full travel advisory.

The Australian government advises against traveling to Venezuela due to the precarious security situation. Further risks include shortages of food, water, medicine, and petrol, as well as the threat of violent crime. Check the full travel advisory.