• Budget: US$10-25
  
• Mid-range: US$25-50
  
• Top-end: US$50 and upwards
  
  

Venezuela was a very cheap country to travel in during the period of the fixed exchange rates, provided you came with US dollars and changed them on the black market. Since the bolívar was freed, there has been a massive increase in prices of goods and services. Still, travelers on a budget can easily get by on US$30-40 a day; those looking for more comfort should expect to spend at least US$50, or more if taking a guided tour. US dollars and American Express travelers' checks are by far the most popular, so stick to them. Visa and MasterCard have the best coverage for both cash advances and for making payments in top-end hotels, restaurants and shops. You can change money at a bank or at a casa de cambio (authorized money-exchange office). Banks change cash and travelers' checks, but casas de cambio deal only in cash.

Beware that lines for ATMs can be very long, especially the first Monday of the month, when many banks are closed, and the day before holiday weekends, when machines are often cashed-out by midmorning.