Is Porlamar Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Porlamar is a city in Venezuela’s Margarita Island.

The city was founded as Puerto de la Mar (now Porlamar) on the southeast coast in 1536, less than 40 years after Christopher Columbus first sailed through.

Porlamar attracts tourists for an island holiday.

There are several water parks and amusement parks – Waterland park and Parque El Agua Isla de Margarita.

Beautiful beaches with white sand attract beach lovers, for example, Playa La Caracola and El Farallon Isla Blanca.

There are also many markets and shopping centers for shoppers – Conejeros Market, Centro Comercial La Vela, Parque Costazul and others.

Navegando Venezuela offers a variety of boat and boat excursions.

Warnings & Dangers in Porlamar

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Due to the situation in the country, Porlamar is not a safe place to visit. However, if you follow enhanced security measures, you can be here without fear. You should not walk the streets of the city late at night, drink in bars and relax on the beaches after sunset.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM

Public transportation in Porlamar is not reliable. To getting around, it is better to use a taxi. However, before you get into the car, make sure that the driver has turned on the taximeter or discuss the price of the trip in advance. Use only licensed taxi services.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Pickpockets are a common problem in Porlamar. Your pockets can be cleaned in any crowded place, public transport or shopping centers. Always keep an eye on your pockets, do not carry a lot of valuables with you, and keep the original documents in the hotel safe.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

The hurricane season runs from around June to December and can affect parts of northern Venezuela. Keep an eye on weather reports on local TV and radio. Porlamar is also prone to tsunamis and typhoons of the Caribbean.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

Armed robberies and kidnappings happen in Porlamar. You should be especially careful in the dark. Avoid political demonstrations and don't get involved in political disputes. Leave your car in a secure parking lot and move around the city in the company, not alone.

TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM

Terrorist attacks in Venezuela can’t be ruled out. Due to political instability in the country and harassment of citizens, the risk of terrorism is quite high. Explore the region to keep abreast of the latest news before your trip here.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Most fraud is directed against tourists and is associated with incorrect currency conversion or fraud with your ATM cards. Withdraw money only at ATM in banks with guards and do not change money on hand. Use only official currency exchange points.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women traveling alone are advised to pay increased attention to their surroundings. Do not walk around Porlamar alone at night and use a taxi to get from the airport from the hotel or if you return home late.

So... How Safe Is Porlamar Really?

Porlamar is not a very safe city to travel to.

The crime index here is quite high.

Most of all, crimes are connected with thefts and hacking of houses, car thefts, attacks, vandalism.

Also, the city has a very high level of corruption and bribery.

In Porlamar, things are much more in keeping with a Caribbean vacation.

While you have to use your head (not wandering around drunk at 1 AM or wearing expensive jewelry) to stay safe.

Don’t change money on the streets, mall, or market as it can have dishonest people selling them and offering high rates to attract you.

Don’t change at the bank or Cambio as their rate is much lower, so it is better on the black market even though it is illegal.

Due to the generally unstable situation in Venezuela, civil protests and harassment in Porlamar, it is not safe to travel at present.

On the streets of even this resort town, you may not be safe and be a victim of a robbery.

Try to make your stay here as safe as possible.

Do not communicate with locals, avoid any demonstrations, and talk about politics.

Use a taxi to move or a rented car.

Securely lock your home.

Do not wear a lot of jewelry and precious things.

Carry a copy of your documents with you; it is better to leave the originals in the hotel safe.

How Does Porlamar Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Visitors to Venezuela must obtain a visa from one of the Venezuelan diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. Visitors not holding return/onward tickets could be refused entry. A valid passport is a must.

Currency

The main currency of Venezuela since 20 August 2018 has been the bolívar soberano (sovereign bolivar). It has a sign: Bs.S. or Bs. and a code: VES. Each bolívar is divided into 100 céntimos (cents).

Weather

The best times to visit Porlamar for ideal weather are mid-March to June. Average temperatures in Porlamar vary barely at all and the weather feels hot all year with a low chance of precipitation most of the year.

Airports

Santiago Mariño Caribbean International Airport is an airport 12 kilometers west-southwest of Porlamar, the largest city on Isla Margarita, an island in the state of Nueva Esparta in Venezuela.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Porlamar Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Venezuela - Safety by City