Porlamar is the largest city in the state of Nueva Esparta in Venezuela, located in the southeastern part of Margarita Island, on the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. The city was founded in the southeastern part of the island in 1536, less than 40 years after Christopher Columbus visited it.
Warnings & Dangers in Porlamar
OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM
Porlamar is a popular resort, which, due to Venezuela's unstable political situation, loses the influx of tourists and becomes more dangerous to visit due to robberies and robberies. Visitors to Porlamar must always be on the alert.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : MEDIUM
Public transport to Porlamar is not safe. It's better to use a rented car or taxi. Taxis are safe if you use licensed transportation service.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH
Pickpockets are found almost at every turn. Tourists should be careful, avoid crowded places, always watch their bags and pockets. Use an anti-theft backpack and keep important documents and money in your breast pocket.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
The hurricane season runs from around June to December and can affect parts of northern Venezuela. Keep an eye on weather reports on local TV and radio. Porlamar is also prone to tsunamis and typhoons of the Caribbean.
MUGGING RISK : HIGH
Unfortunately, serious robberies and attacks are not uncommon in Porlamar. Due to the difficult political situation and poverty in the country, kidnappings also occur here. Do not walk alone, especially at night, and avoid poorly lit streets.
TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM
Terrorist attacks are possible in Porlamar. Avoid political and religious meetings and demonstrations. Follow the news in the region.
SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM
Most often, fraud in Porlamar involves attempting to cheat in currency conversions, counterfeiting goods, and scamming credit cards. Travelers should double-check everything.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : MEDIUM
Women can travel to Martinique safely if they adhere to the rules: do not go out at night, do not go to bars alone, avoid socializing with local men, wear modest clothes, and do not draw attention to themselves with their behavior.
How Safe Is Porlamar for Tourists?
Porlamar is not a safe city for travel.
The crime index is quite high here.
The main problems are related to the theft of things, house burglaries, attacks, violent crimes.
People come to Porlamar to rest.
As part of the Caribbean, this city is popular with tourists.
Most of the dangers can be avoided by staying vigilant and careful.
The most important thing is not to go out late at night, especially on the city’s beach or remote areas.
It is dangerous to sit in bars and argue with strangers.
Never get involved in drunken fights. You risk getting hurt and left without a wallet.
Don’t carry a lot of cash and jewelry with you.
Keep important documents in the hotel safe and carry copies with you.
Due to the generally unstable situation in Venezuela, civil protests, and harassment in Porlamar, it is not safe to travel.
On the streets of even this resort town, you may not be safe and be a victim of a robbery.
For currency exchange, use only large banks in the city center, with security and cameras.
Bank card fraud is very common.
Don’t trust anyone who asks or offers help.
Usually, these people are criminals trying to deceive you.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit Porlamar?
Visitors to Venezuela must obtain a visa from one of the Venezuelan diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. Visitors not holding return/onward tickets could be refused entry. A valid passport is a must.
Which Currency Is Used in Porlamar?
The main currency of Venezuela since 20 August 2018 has been the bolívar soberano (sovereign bolivar). It has a sign: Bs.S. or Bs. and a code: VES. Each bolívar is divided into 100 céntimos (cents).
How's the Weather like in Porlamar?
The best times to visit Porlamar for ideal weather are mid-March to June. The climate in Porlamar is hot, oppressive, windy, and mostly cloudy.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in Porlamar?
Santiago Mariño Caribbean International Airport is an airport 12 kilometers west-southwest of Porlamar, the largest city on Isla Margarita, an island in the state of Nueva Esparta in Venezuela.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey. The customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in Porlamar?
Porlamar is the commercial center of Margarita Island with plenty of restaurants, shops, beaches, and nightlife that draws tourists (especially youths) from the different European and American countries.
Is the Water in Porlamar Safe to Drink?
Drinking the tap water in Venezuela is not safe. Use bottled water.
Is Uber Safe in Porlamar?
There is no taxi Uber in Porlamar. You can use any other taxi in this city.
