Acclimation

Having just arrived in VZ, the first thing to deal with is the currency. The official rate is 1950 VB (bolivars)to the dollar, but because this is an artificial rate created by the government, there are many who will buy dollars at rates as high as 2850 VB to the dollar. I think it is fairly safe to do so, but certainly be cautious because Caracas does have it's share of crime too.

Also it always amazes me how the streets are packed with vendors selling all the current movie and cds which are obviously pirated...it is the same around the world, but I have yet to see a crackdown from the media conglomerates on that yet!