Health and Safety

Health:
Although tap water is generally safe, most tourists accustomed to Western standards should prefer bottled water. What should be avoided at all costs, however, are salads, meat dishes, and other edible items at open-air street stalls.

The healthcare system is quite simple in Caracas. You do not usually need a health insurance plan for minor ailments. Just go over to the local pharmacy (called “farmacias”, there are quite a few in each neighborhood), describe your symptoms, and get a reliable course of medication. “De turno” pharmacies, marked by flashing neon signs, are open until late hours of the night.
Two popular pharmacies are:
1.    Farmarebajas:
Address: Avenue Ávila, corner of Avenue José Félix Sosa, Altamira district
Phone: 261 2337

2.    Farmatodo:
Address: Boulevard de Sabana Grande, Plaza Venezuela
Phone: 761 4812

For more serious problems, head to a local doctor. Private clinics, as well as government run hospitals, offer a surprisingly pleasant service compared to the healthcare in other Latin American countries, with quite hospitable staff, many of whom are fluent in English. Well-equipped, economical, and with satisfactory sanitary conditions, these healthcare facilities are sure to get you up and running for the next day of adventuring in the city.
Some reliable service providers are:
1.    Hospital de Clínicas Caracas:
Address: Avenue Panteón at Avenue Alameda, San Bernadino
Phone: 508 6111

2.    Clínica Instituto Médico La Floresta:
Address: Avenue Principal de la Floresta at Calle Santa Ana, Altamira district
Phone: 286 3856

3.    Clínica El Ávila:
Address: Avenue San Juan Bosco at 6a Transversal, Altamira district
Phone: 276 1111

4.    Policlínica Metropolitana:
Address: Calle A-1, Urbanización Caurimare
Phone: 908 0100

5.    Centro Médico de Caracas:
Address: Plaza El Estanque, Avenue Eraso, San Bernardino
Phone: 552 2222

Safety:

Just like any city undergoing extensive development to transformation into a modern urban center, Caracas also has its own security issues. Since the 1980’s, the disparity between the rich and poor classes has grown and as such the city has become somewhat dangerous for foreigners. A few wealthier neighborhoods, including Chacao, Altamira, and Las Mercedes, are generally considered crime free, but the rest of the city is prone to incidents of violent crime. The historic city center and the Sabana Grande area should be avoided after 9pm, as reports of armed robberies of tourists have started coming in.

Avoid attracting attention to yourself, or doing anything that makes you stand out as a tourist – in other words, a potential target. Dress like the locals; always travel with a group, preferably containing a local or two; do not go up to police officers to ask for assistance unless you are really at a dilemma, as police personnel sometimes hassle tourists about passports and documents. Do carry your passport around with you when you are out, but keep it in a secure place.

Valuables such as cameras, cell phones, jewelry, and cash should better be left at the place you are staying at if you plan to stay out during late hours. If you have a car, be sure to lock the doors and roll up the windows at any time you park it for a long time.

When crossing a road, do not look for red signal lights for the vehicles to stop. As a general rule, follow the vehicles, not the lights. Try to cross over with a group of other pedestrians rather than barging into a volley of oncoming traffic alone. When on sidewalks, watch out for speeding motorcycles – yes, they often mount the pavements to get through a jammed road.

Additionally, avoid traveling alone. When you enter a taxi, make sure there is only the driver present inside. Prefer the registered black and yellow cabs over private taxis.

When dealing with money, make sure you do it at authentic money changer outlets and banks. Sometimes, a total stranger will approach you and offer to get you a good price for the dollars you carry, but resist the tempting rates.

When at an ATM, do the dealing yourself, and politely decline any offers for help by another local. You can directly consult the bank if there is something you cannot figure out.

Lastly, in the unfortunate case of an armed assault, do not try to repel off the attacker. If the mugger has a weapon, there is no reason he wouldn’t use it!