FOREIGN ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
All travelers need a passport that is valid for at least six more months beyond the date of arrival. Americans, Canadians, Germans, British, Japanese, and most people holding western European passports do not require a visa. A Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) will be issued to you and is valid for sixty days, though it can be extended for another sixty days.
EMBASSIES
(ALL LOCATED IN CARACAS)
Canada: (2) 951-6166, 951-6306
France: (2) 993-6666
Germany: (2) 261-0181
Netherlands: (2) 263-3387, 263-3622
United Kingdom: (2) 993-4111, 993-5280
United States: (2) 977-2011
Controls on the U.S. dollar were lifted in May of 1996, effectively wiping out the black market in currency. This means that, for the time being, you will not find a better exchange rate than the one offered by the banks. The standard unit of currency is the Bolivar, and prices are given in terms of Bolivares. English speakers commonly refer to them as "B's" (e.g., "It cost me 8000 B's"). You will have to make sure you have an adequate supply, as very few businesses accept credit cards in Adícora (Posada Kitzberger being an exception).
There are no banks in Adícora, and changing money at a bank in Punta Fijo or Coro can easily tie you up for more than an hour - and that's if they decide to change for you. The fastest and easiest way to change money is at one of the many currency counters at the international airport in Caracas. Theoretically, these counters will also buy back your Bolivares for dollars (at a slight profit) when you leave. Keep your receipt from the original transaction so as to better your chances that they will.
If you do run out of Bolivares while in Adícora, you may be able to buy some from someone you are doing business with, such as Alex at Windsurfing Adícora, Carlos at Carlos' Windsurfing, or the management at Posada Kitzberger, but they usually will not be able to give you as good a rate as the counter at the airport. Otherwise, you'll have to take a bus ride to Coro or Punta Fijo. Coro is easier, the Banco Mercantil on Calle Falcon is a good bet. They have a bank machine that has a tenuous connection to the Cirrus network, and sometimes you can use your credit card for a quick international withdrawal. Be sure you know the p.i.n. code of your card before you arrive in the country. If you go inside the bank, don't wait in line for a teller, but go to the first window all the way to the left and state your intention of buying Bolivares, either with cash or a credit card. Have your passport handy (in fact, always carry it when leaving town).