Money in Venezuela
I tried to change money in San Cristobal, Venezuela, near Cucuta, but was told at the banks that they are not allowed to do it, bec. of new government regulations. Only casas de cambio can do it legally. And there is none in San Cristobal. Tried to use debit cards, no success for same reason. I left, for I had some bolivares when changing my leftover pesos in Cucuta. But very few. So I bit the bullett and was going to get a cash advance on my Visa, or MC, which is possible. One of the employees of the Banco de Venezuela stopped me and offered to change my US$$ privately at the official rate. I agreed. So, my suggestion: Change your money for Bolivares in Cucuta at one of the many Casas de cambio, which offer a good rate. Keep some pesos for the taxi which will take you to the airport. Life is cheap in Venezuela. A fill-up for my Exxon Valdez (Acerbis) tank costs one buck US for the 95 octane sin plomo. Food and hotel are cheap as well. So don't change too much. If you still have some pesos left after the taxi, you can change them with the dozens of freelancers just before the border.
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