Shopping in Venezuela

Shopping is one of the highlights of any visit to Venezuela. The diversity of the country's people and the blessing of abundant natural resources contribute to the exciting and diverse shopping experience. Local artefacts and handicrafts are best bought from small markets and from the specialist shops. In contrast downtown Caracas provides the best opportunity for luxury shopping especially jewellery and precious gems. Isla de Margarita is the best place to buy imported goods as the island is a unique free-trade zone with discounted tariffs.

Local markets and artisan fairs are a great place to pick up ethnic arts and crafts, with the bonus being that the money goes straight to the local people!

This Venezuela Shopping Guide gives some ideas of souvenirs and gifts that you may wish to pick up whilst in Venezuela. Our Venezuela Restaurant Guide is also worth a look, and it tells you all you need to know about the cuisine of the country. Detailed city shopping information can be found by going to our individual city sites below:

- Canaima National Park
- Los Roques

Venezuela Shopping Guide

Local Artefacts and Handicrafts

Although only 5% of the population is classed as indigenous, Venezuela is known the world over for producing traditional indigenous products. A recent exhibition at the Venezuelan embassy in London presenting indigenous products achieved record numbers of visitors to the embassy. Popular products include dark wooden handicrafts, pottery, ceramic ware, bows, arrows, pipes and mats. Dark wooden Venezuelan handicrafts often are small and easy to export. Some of the best are shaped as small bowls and ashtrays and are therefore practical to use.

Chinchorros", a local Indian word, describes a range of tribal items such as bows, arrows and pipes that have special significance to tribes such as the Wayuu. These artefacts make great ornament presents and memories of a visit to Venezuela. In addition simple footwear and mats may provide a practical use within Venezuela as part of a wider journey.

Tribal products may vary from region to region. The Falcón state in Venezuela is famous for glazed pottery and ceramic ware. Often these designs are dramatic and keenly designed. In contrast the Andes region is famous for its wool products such as headwear and traditional dress. Some of these products may be available in larger shops in Venezuela or urban centres although nothing can beat the experience of purchasing indigenous products at source in the villages themselves.

Jewellery

Shopping in Venezuela for Jewellery is a must for visitors in Venezuela. There are several types and styles of jewellery on sale. Costal resorts such as Isla de Margarita sell necklaces of dark coral and often with small crustacean shells. Necklaces are also sold by indigenous groups often with wooden beads and intricate designs. These necklaces can be bought at specialist shops throughout Venezuela. At the major shopping malls and downtown Caracas there are many jewellery stores selling a wide range of items. Precious metalwear such as bracelets and pearl studded earrings can be bought at a fraction of European and North American prices. A  particular favourite worth purchasing are reed necklaces which may be bought at a discounted price.

A recommended place to go shopping for jewellery and boutiques is the San Ignacio shopping mall in Caracas, a winner of the Latin American architecture award of 1998. It is just one of the many new malls that have sprung up as a consequence of the petrodollar boom and the growing middle class. While prices of jewellery remain much lower than London or Paris, a visit to the mall is well worth it if only to people watch.

Tobacco and Chocolate

A small secret of Venezuela is that like its Cuban cousin, the country produces excellent tobacco and cigars. Some of the famous Venezuelan brands include Cripin Patino and Don Quixote. Purchasing cigars is an excellent buy and easy to bring home. Chocolate is another excellent gift. Cocoa is native to Venezuela and there are several delicious dark brands of Venezuelan chocolate including Bucare, Mijao and El Rey. All three chocolates have different cocoa content and different tastes. Bucare is described as semisweet while Mijao is described as bitter. In contrast El Rey with the highest cocoa content has a very bitter taste.