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 | Where
is Margarita Island ? |
| How
do I get to Margarita ? |
| Can
I drink the water on Margarita ? |
| When
is the best time to come to Margarita Island ...weather wise ? |
| What
is Margarita's main spoken language and can I get by if I don't know enough ? |
| Is
it possible to retire on Margarita and living comfortably ? |
| How
do I ship my belongings to Margarita? |
| How
do I get a Tourist Visa ? how long is it valid for ? |
| Can
I buy Real Estate ? |
| Would
you recommend starting a business on the Island ? |
| What
is the crime rate like ? |
| What
about firearms on the Island ? |
| Is
there good internet service on the Island ? |
| Do
you have any maps of the Island ? |
| Should
I be worried about Hurricane's while visiting or living on the Island during Hurricane
Season? |
| What
is most accepted on the Island? US dollars, Travelers Checks, credit cards .. |
| What
can I do while on vacation in Margarita ? |
| What's
the shopping like on the Island ? |
| Is
it possible to bring my pet to Margarita ? |
| Do
we need any injections/vaccinations for a visit ? |
| I
want to get married on Margarita Island, I need more info ? |
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| Q. | Where
is Margarita Island ? |
| A. |
Margarita Island is in the
Caribbean and is part of the country of Venezuela. Margarita is situated 38 km
north east of the mainland of Venezuela. |
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| Q. | How
do I get to Margarita ? |
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A. |
Right now you can travel
by plane from any state of course the further you are away from Miami it will
be a little more expensive. From MIA airport to Caracas round trip for a little
over one week for one adult is $275.00. I just checked at Travelocity.com on Santa
Barbara Airlines. ( Its possible for this to change at anytime of course) This
is for a direct flight. For now you have to take a connecting flight to Margarita
once your in Caracas. But Santa Barbara has plans this year to make direct flights
from Miami straight to Margarita.  From
Caracas.... it is cheaper if you buy the ticket at the airport. The flight costs
about $56 as far as I understand- it is cheaper to book once you are there. Because
there are 3 airlines that make the trip to Margarita everyday, it's virtually
impossible to use a ticket booked on one airline with another. When you arrive
& clear customs in Caracas you will depart from the terminal.
You then head over to the domestic terminal, but if you have wheels on your luggage,
you really don't need a porter. Once you get there, get in the proper line of
the airline with the next flight leaving for Margarita. There is a departure tax
of 14,000 Bolivar's leaving from Caracas and 10,000 Bolivar's leaving from Porlamar.
It's about 87,000 leaving internationally but unless you're on a charter this
is usually included in the price of your ticket. Make sure to change sufficient
money ONLY to pay these taxes & ticket prices in Bolivar's if you can exchange
money. It is very easy to do and you can do it as soon as you arrive at the airport.
The current exchange rate is 2150bs per $1 US dollars. Becareful of 50,000Bs bills,
old warn bills, and anything that doesn't have the telltale "thread" just to be
on the safe side. |
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| Q. | Can
I drink the water on Margarita ? |
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A. | No
..the water is piped in from the mainland to the Island and bottled water is recommended.
Bottled water is cheapest in the supermarkets. You'll get more water for your
money there. In smaller local stores a small water is fairly cheap anywhere from
700 bs to 1,000 bs depending on the oz. size. |
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| Q. | When
is the best time to come to Margarita Island ...weather wise ? |
| A. | From
January to about April this year was very pleasant and cool. We did have a raining
season that lasted from October til January and it was the most wettest climate
'since' we've lived on this Island. Right now everyday is basically the same .....a
beautiful sunny day with a few wispy clouds and a nice gentle breeze. Summer does
get hot here about in the 90's and since we are closer to the equator the sun
is VERY strong here so please drink plenty of water and take precautions if you
tend to burn easily. If your from a colder climate then you will feel the humidity
more than someone who is from the southern states ..then it would just feel like
a typical summer. |
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| Q. | What
is Margarita's main spoken language and can I get by if I don't know enough ? |
| A. |
Margariteños all
speak spanish of course and usually at Resorts or hotels you will find a few people
who speak English or other languages sometimes. There are many Americans living
here, as well as Germans, French, Chinese, Dutch, Italians, Arabs, and other nationalities
that make up a large part of the island's population. The majority of these people
have just easily blended into the culture of Margarita. The
locals on the Island are generally quite friendly and do not mind at all any Americans
or tourists here on the Island. They will try their best to help you even if you
do not know much at all. Some of our American friends who live on the Island end
up trying their best and even gesturing when all else fails and with the help
of the person they are talking to ......get what they need across and it all works
out for the best. |
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| Q. | Is
it possible to retire on Margarita and living comfortably ? |
| A. | Venezuela
Immigration laws require an income of $1200 and proof of this income a month plus
$500 per month for each dependent. It is very possible to live comfortably on
$800 a month and maybe even less depending on the size of your family especially
if it consists of only one or two people. |
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| Q. | How
do I ship my belongings to Margarita? |
|
A. | You
need to have your belongings shipped on a large container from Miami. Cars are
not permitted to be shipped. You will need to purchase a used or new vehicle once
your here. Used cars will not be as cheap as what you could get one for in the
states. Remember this 'is' and Island everything must be shipped here and it takes
allot of money to do that for Venezuelans. They usually use their car til there
would be nothing left. You will find many old looking cars but of course the more
wealthier group that lives on the island have the latest newest cars. There are
several dealers on the Island like Toyota, Citroen
cars and more .....within this year there should be a BMW dealership
opening. It is currently still in construction. |
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| Q. | How
do I get a Tourist Visa ? how long is it valid for ? |
| A. | When
you are on the airplane on your way here the Airlines will give you the form to
fill out. It's a small piece of paper but it is valid for only 3 months. It is
stamped by immigration on arrival in Caracas. |
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| Q. | Can
I buy Real Estate ? |
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A. |
Yes !!! Of course you can
and now is the best time to buy ...Margarita Island is a hidden jewel in the Caribbean.
Please contact Jon
for more info or questions you many have. We do not recommend any real estate
agents at this time. But Jon is more of a consultant and is 'very fair' and will
look out for your best interests and help in any way that he can with the Legal
documents all the way to the closing of your Property. You cannot get title insurance
at this time but you do get an Escrita (Deed) for your real estate buy. |
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| Q. | Would
you recommend starting a business on the Island ? |
| A. | Strongly
yes ! more than 35% of business on the island are foreign owned from private Investors
or people moving to the Island from another country or the U.S. |
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| Q. | What
is the crime rate like ? |
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A. | Crime
happens everywhere ... we all take buses and marked company taxi's. It is safe
but if you remember to always be aware of what's going around you at all times
while out in town .....I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to keep your eyes peeled and
use common sense to keep you safer... and that goes for living anywhere even in
the states! Oh if you do plan on owning a car here be aware that if you get smashed
people can't really afford insurance here. Some have it but most don't. And they
have their own way of driving here too..... grin ... |
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| Q. | What
about firearms on the Island ? |
| A. | Firearms
...you can buy them here. You do need to have an ID and not sure what all else
... I know they do not want AMERICANS bringing them into the Island but I know
its possible once you are here to buy one if you feel the need for it. (Actually
I think its illegal for us to do that...bring firearms here..again not 100% sure)
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| Q. | Is
there good internet service on the Island ? |
| A. | Yes
there are internet Cafe's everywhere even off the beaches like Playa El Agua and
so on. Most internet cafe's in or at the Resorts will charge you higher fee's
but if your in town in Porlamar it is allot cheaper. Also if your looking to move
here and would like internet service for your home .....there is Broadband in
Porlamar and it is available from several sources. One of the most convenient
is from Venezuela's phone company (CANTV). They call it "banda ancha". Good download
speed (basic service) and reasonable upload. It can be installed with a modem
or router ... not sure if they give you a choice they may. You must pay for the
initial equipment and self install if you know how to or they'll do it for you.
All you need is a credit card to bill to and they will add it to your phone bill.
Great tech service when needed. |
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| Q. | Do
you have any maps of the Island ? |
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A. | We
only have one street map available from this
link for now but suggest you see this site
for more maps of the Island. |
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| Q. | Should
I be worried about Hurricane's while visiting or living on the Island during Hurricane
Season? |
| A. | We
are south of the hurricane belt thankfully and have very few tropical storms during
Hurricane season. |
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| Q. | What
is most accepted on the Island? US dollars, Travelers Checks, credit cards .. |
| A. |
 Pretty
much anywhere they'll give you the official rate of 2150 bs only per US dollar.
Travelers check are accepted but not everywhere... and if you exchange them for
dollars you will have to do it at a local bank and there is a fee as well. Not
sure on the fee, I've never had to use Travelers checks also you'll only get the
2150 bs rate as well. They prefer them to be signed but not dated... and that
it what I've heard.. like hearsay. Travelers checks on the black market have to
signed but not dated or they will not accept them ....that is very true. You
will get the best exchange rate with dollars than with Travelers checks. Credit
cards can be used but do let your credit card company know that you will be traveling
and to not flag your card when they see it being used in Venezuela. Bolivar's
out of the ATM is fine and its best to do it at the Mall. There are many here
just in the one Sambil mall. Its just safer and there are plenty of people around.
You will be charged depending on your bank NON ATM fee's per transactions. For
example I get charged $2.00 per non Wachovia bank ATM withdrawal. You should check
or ask your bank how much your NON -ATM bank fee is. You are allowed to take out
150,000 bs per ATM transactions which is about $69.96 everytime you take out 150,000
bs. |
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| Q. | What
can I do while on vacation in Margarita ? |
| A. | First
of all r-e-l-a-x- your on vacation :)... Swim with the Dolphins at Margarita's
amusement park Diverland,
Water
Park Parque El Agua, Scuba Diving, Jet Ski's, Adult
entertainment, plenty of Casinos, Jeep Tours, Surfing, Fine Dining, Ultra-light
Plane Rides, La
Restinga National Park, and plenty of more things to do
! |
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| Q. | What's
the shopping like on the Island ? |
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A. |
Lots of places to go to
and choose from but word to the wise if you see it here and the price is right
BUY it on the spot because tomorrow it will be gone never to be found here
again. Seriously :) Sambil's
mall was built and completed in 2001. Very large and beautiful mall with a Movie
Cinema inside too. Margarita's Sigo just added another grocery store right outside
the mall. So you can go shopping and then pick up a few groceries at one of the
best supermarkets on the Island. By far Sigo has the lowest prices on food than
the other two leading supermarkets ...CM Central Madeirense and Unicasa.
Rattan Plaza also is like a mini mall with lots of stores and a food court upstairs
on the top floor with Bowling, Pool Tables, and a video arcade place. Conejeros
Flea Market is currently getting a huge face lift and is still open to the public
but heavy construction in still underway at this current time. Sigo the main Supermarket
on Avenida Juan Bautista Arismendi is like an all in one place to shop. You can
buy groceries, liquor, cloths, jewelry and even an electronics store and more!
Rattan HyperMarket on Avenida 4 de Mayo is also a great store for groceries, toy,
home essentials and upstairs is a furniture store. This supermarket tends to have
allot more imported food items than the others mentioned. You may find that certain
food that you couldn't find in the other grocery stores on the Island. For further
info and pictures please see our Food
shopping &
Cloths
Shopping pages on our site. |
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| Q. | Is
it possible to bring my pet to Margarita ? |
| A. | Yes
you can but you need your Veterinarian to complete some forms that you can obtain
from the Venezuelan Consulate. You will need to also check with your airlines
that your traveling on for their rules and regulations on shipping live animals. |
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| Q. | Do
we need any injections/vaccinations for a visit ? |
| A. | I
constantly get asked if it's necessary to get shots before coming here. I have
to say it's not necessary. I personally have 4 kids whom one of them was born
here on Margarita Island and the other 3 never once nor myself ever got shots
before we came. We never did get any shots in all the years we've lived here already
either. You're not coming to the jungle here and more than likely your not going
to the Amazonas in the mainland. Margarita is much more modern than I think most
people can imagine. You'll be quite surprised by how nice and well taken care
of this island really is. |
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| Q. | I
want to get married on Margarita Island, I need more info ? |
| A. |
Here is a great site and
I know the staff here will be able to help you with your needs. Many people have
had their weddings here on Margarita Island, Venezuela. Here is some info from
their site: "Margarita
Island Weddings" Isla de Margarita, is the first company
in Margarita Island that offers all the services you will ever need to organize
and coordinate your perfect wedding. Margarita Weddings is comprised by a team
of professionals with ample experience in the field; who will always bring forward
true personalized service and a true sense of responsibility. Our objective is
to simplify your life; all you need to do is tell us about your desires and the
budget you have available for the event; and everything else is left to us to
bring to reality for you to enjoy in the perfect setting Margarita Island offers.
Tour our website, choose your plan or simply tell us in full detail about the
wedding of your dreams; and we will be more than happy to make it all come true.
Margarita Island
Weddings, Centro Comercial Jumbo Nivel Ciudad, Local 22, Porlamar Margarita Island
- Venezuela Telf:58-295-263-8918/58-295-264-3051- Fax: 58-295-264-7682 
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| Venezuelan
Bolivar (VEB) to US Dollar (USD) | |
Cheat
Sheet | | VEB | USD | |
VEB | USD |
| 1,000
= | $
0.46 |
|
20,000
= |
$
9.30 |
| 2,000
= | $
0.93 |
|
30,000
= |
$
13.95 |
| 3,000
= | $
1.39 |
|
40,000
= |
$
18.60 |
| 4,000
= | $
1.86 |
|
50,000
= |
$
23.25 |
| 5,000
= | $
2.32 |
|
60,000
= |
$
27.90 |
| 6,000
= | $
2.79 |
|
80,000
= |
$
37.20 |
| 7,000
= | $
3.25 |
|
100,000
= |
$
45.61 |
| 8,000
= | $
3.72 |
|
200,000
= |
$
93.02 |
|
9,000 = |
$ 4.18
|
|
500,000
= |
$
232.55 |
| 10,000
= |
$ 4.65
|
|
700,000
= |
$
325.58 |
| 15,000
= | $
6.97 | |
1,000,000
= | $
465.11 | | |
New
! - If you're traveling to Margarita Island, we now offer a Rental Cell
Phone service. Free Drop-off and Pick-Up upon your departure while at Santiago
Mariņo International Airport. Please
see here for more info and prices. 
| NEW
! Margarita
Island Travel Ebook & also in Print! | |
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