Venezuela Travel Forum

hello
I heard that venezuela has a "new" currency. I am not sure since when or if its true.I am traveling soon and have some "old" currency, by old I mean from about 4 years ago..Will they still take it? do I have to exchange it at the bank for the new kind?

thanks for any help

ursula

The bolívar fuerte (abbreviated as Bs. F) is the new currency of Venezuela since January 1, 2008. It is subdivided into 100 céntimos.

The bolívar fuerte replaced the bolívar (abbreviated as Bs.) at the rate of 1 Bs.F = 1000 Bs. due to inflation.

As of February 2008, the black market value of the bolívar fuerte hovers at around 5.2 to the U.S. dollar, less than half of the fixed exchange rate of 2.15. This statistic is illegal to publish in Venezuela.

suerte
SAM

hello
thanks for the information...but could I still use my old ones??:-) or sure I just make a nice bonfire:-)

ursula

Just back from Venezuela, 2 weeks ago. The old currency is still in use but , as I heard, will soon be obsolete.

hello
ok, thanks

U..

By the way, my experience: apart from having difficulties getting money from cash machines (my Visa card), it is much better to change cash ¨on the street¨ as the difference is around 50% more which you will get for your USD or Euro.

Hi ursula,

Yes, you can bring you old currency and anywhere will be taken, since we still are in the process change on the new currency, then you will find the two currency going on (it is crazy but it is that way) these will continue until December. you can check on my page of venezuela i have pictures of new currency and the old one.

As the friend before said, we have exchange control, and the rate for the dolars it is 3,3 Bolivares fuertes (new currency) i do not recommend taking money from the atm it is not so safe. take with you cash and you can exchange in any store or at the hotel.

please fell free to contact me any cuestion
kelly Ezagury