City guide article

Driving Tips

It is better to avoid the roads unless you are, or have, a really skillful and very patient driver. Caracas roads are plagued by traffic jams, which makes journey by road rather slow. Also, drivers are not very strict adherents to road regulations. Seat belts are usually not available in most rental cars, or taxis for that matter, so make sure you drive your car like a car and not the Bat-mobile. Roads under repair, open manholes, and other such hazards are usually marked only by a bunch of twigs hanging out of the crevice, or a few bricks or rocks lying around the site. Make sure you watch out for these “signs”. Always carry your passport, driver’s license, and insurance papers around. Your vehicle may be subject to a random search by the National Guard. Driving in Caracas is not recommended for gentlemen. If you cannot bring yourself to be a little discourteous on the road, you will most probably get pushed into the slow lane. Word of advice: travel by cab for the first few days to observe how the road system works, and then take out your own car!

City guideTransportation

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Transportation

Metro

The metro in Caracas is a very efficient, reliable, and safe means of public transport. It was constructed by a French company and started operating in 1983. Well maintained, air-conditioned, and with stations flaunting charming works of contemporary art by upcoming local artists, the Metro makes for a pleasant ride around the city. The main line, Line 1, runs east to west along the major linear axis of the city, and you can get off at any of the conveniently located stations. Line 2 runs southwest from the city centre. Two other, smaller lines also service remote parts of the city. From the station, if you want to go north or south into some neighborhood, there is a very handy metro-bus shuttle service that takes passengers into the suburbs, where the metro does not go itself. A one-ride ticket is around 0.5 VEF. You can also purchase a “Multi abono” ticket, which permits 10 rides for 4.5 VEF. This allows you to avoid queuing up in front of the ticket booth before every journey. One word of caution though – the metro can get really crowded during peak hours, so be sure to keep your valuables in safe sight. Incidents of pick pocketing are not uncommon. Also, during peak hours you might not be able to get into the first train that approaches, let alone get a seat. But trains come in quick succession during rush hours, and it will be a matter of minutes before the next one arrives. The metro operates from 530am to 11pm.

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Transportation

Taxi

Taxis are the best option for travel after dusk sets in. The metro is generally considered unsafe for tourists in the late hours of the evening. Any vehicle in Caracas can be operated as a taxi by its owner, but why take the chances. Try to go for the yellow and black colored taxis. These are officially registered as commercial vehicles, so provide a secure means of travel. A rather exciting form of taxi is the motorcycle taxi. These are also registered, and they are much quicker than a car. Put on a helmet, snuggle in behind the driver, and do Steve McQueen impersonations as you speed through the clogged roads – and onto sidewalks! Word of caution: taxis usually do not have meters, so negotiate the fare before you get in. Also, taxis are permitted to charge a 20-30% higher rate during late hours. Of course, the safest, and most expensive, form of taxis is the one controlled by centralized cab companies. Some reliable companies are: 1. Taxitur (794-1264) 2. Móvil-Enlace (577-3344) 3. Teletaxi (753-4155)

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Transportation

Car for hire

Rather than book a taxi for the entire day, try renting out a car. Yes, cars can be pretty slow, as traffic jams are an everyday norm in Caracas, but they are safer, cheaper, and more convenient for families and group travelers with light luggage. Some reliable companies are: 1. Budget Car Rental: Address: Maiquetia, Caracas A variety of small cars, ideal for families and student groups. As the name suggests, the prices and packages are quite affordable. 2. AVIS: Address: Centro Comercial Ciudad Tamanaco Phone: 959 5822 Fax: 959 4811 Timings: Mondays to Fridays 7am to 9pm, Saturdays and Sundays 8am to 4pm Part of the international AVIS chain. A variety of larger vehicles, with competitive prices and complimentary pick and drop services. Multilingual service. 3. Amigos Car Central: Address: Chacaito, Urb. El Bosque, Av. El Parque, Edf. El Parque, Planta Baja Phone: 0416 606 1548, Reservations: 0500 2277671 Website: www.amigoscarental.com Timings: Mondays to Fridays 7am to 8pm, Saturdays 8am to 2pm Low prices, large vehicles, including jeeps and SUVs, in addition to smaller ones, like Chevrolets. 4. Aco: Address: 1era Av. Sur Altamira, Urb. El Dorado, Edif. San Luis. P.B. Chacao. Caracas Phone: (58) 212-2650289, Reservations: 0800 RENT ACO (0-800-7368226) Fax: (58) 212-2668576 / 2614119 E-Mail: Timings: Mondays to Fridays 7am to 8pm, Saturdays 8am to 3pm, Sundays 9am to 4pm US-based company, offers an online reservation service in English. A large collection of vehicles, from small economic 4-seaters to pickups, mini vans and cargo trucks. 5. Auno: Address: Alvenida Francisco de Miranda, Locales Chacao Phone: 212 265 1645 Fax: 212 267 0652 E-Mail: [email protected] Smaller company, Spanish service.

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