MasterCard, Visa and American Express are accepted in the main cities and tourist centres. However, some outlets may have difficulty accepting foreign cards. Venezuela is a cash-dominated society and you may be better off with dollars in most instances.

Most major banks have ATMs, and they are available throughout all major cities. If you’re heading to the Amazon basin, or rural areas where access to cashpoints will be limited, be sure to stockpile some cash beforehand.

These used to be widely accepted, but as their usage declines, there are fewer places accepting them and the places that do, may ask you to produce a receipt of purchase. American Express is the standard; other types of traveller's cheques may not be accepted. A commission of 3% or more is charged. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, take traveller's cheques in US Dollars.

Mon-Fri 0830-1530.