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Shnyda · 07-13-2009, 01:42 AM

Straight from http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1059.html

THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY:Violent crime in Venezuela is pervasive, both in the capital, Caracas, and in the interior. The country’s overall per capita murder rate is cited as one of the highest in the world, and Caracas was listed as the murder capital of the world in the September 2008 Foreign Policy magazine. Kidnapping is another serious concern. The Venezuelan National Counter Kidnapping Commission was created in 2006, and since then, official statistics have shown an alarming 78 percent increase in the number of reported kidnappings. Surveys show that the overwhelming majority of kidnappings are not reported to the police. Armed robberies take place throughout the city, including areas generally presumed safe and frequented by tourists. Well-armed criminal gangs operate widely, often setting up fake police checkpoints. Only a very small percentage of crimes result in trials and convictions.

As beautiful as the country may be....I wouldn't chance it. US/Venezuelan relations arent exactly friendly in recent years.

07-13-2009, 01:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
Shnyda Senior Member Join Date: May 2008 Location: Gold Coast Villas Age: 33 Posts: 575	Straight from http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_p.../cis_1059.html THREATS TO SAFETY AND SECURITY:Violent crime in Venezuela is pervasive, both in the capital, Caracas, and in the interior. The country’s overall per capita murder rate is cited as one of the highest in the world, and Caracas was listed as the murder capital of the world in the September 2008 Foreign Policy magazine. Kidnapping is another serious concern. The Venezuelan National Counter Kidnapping Commission was created in 2006, and since then, official statistics have shown an alarming 78 percent increase in the number of reported kidnappings. Surveys show that the overwhelming majority of kidnappings are not reported to the police. Armed robberies take place throughout the city, including areas generally presumed safe and frequented by tourists. Well-armed criminal gangs operate widely, often setting up fake police checkpoints. Only a very small percentage of crimes result in trials and convictions. As beautiful as the country may be....I wouldn't chance it. US/Venezuelan relations arent exactly friendly in recent years.