Caracas - The Business Traveler's Guide to Latin America |
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All oil boom fuels good times as investors and business once again look to Venezuela. Overview Venezuela is on the rebound as it recovers from a severe recession sparked by the 1998 oil price crash and political uncertainty With oil prices reaching 30-year highs, the country's main industry and top export is in fine shape, leading the way for growth in the rest of the economy. Caracas is fast-paced and tropical, the country's business, government and cultural center. The city sprawls across a valley, separated from the coast by Mt. Avila. Caracas' skyline is the result of the 1970s oilboom, which sacrificed much charm for the trappings of modernity Still, the population is friendly and the weather -- at 3,000 ft. above sea level -- is ideal. However, crime after dark remains a serious problem. Currency 1 US dollar: 702 bolivares Airlines Avensa (58-212-8002-8367), Aeropostal (58-212-708-6211) and Aserca (58-212-951-3887) serve local and regional destinations. American Airlines (58-212-209-8111) has seven daily flights to/from Miami (5), New York (1) and Dallas (1); fares from US$494 economy to US$2,224 business. Continental (58-212-953-3107) has two flights daily, one each from Houston and Newark, NJ., with fares US$691-US$1,580 business, Delta (58-212-958-1000) has one daily departure from Atlanta, with fares US$461-US$2,038. United (58-212-278-4545) has one daily departure from Miami, fares US$471-US$2,038. Bars/Afterhours Juan Sebastian Bar Avda. Venezuela, El Rosal Tel: 58-212-951-5575 * Live jazz, drinks and dinner. Citron Cafe Avda. Libertador, Chacao Tel: 58-212-263-8183 * Meeting place for the in-crowd. Dining Options Le Petit Bistrot de Jacques Avda. San Felipe, La Castellana Tel: 58-212-263-8695 * Serves the mainstays of French cuisine. Ara Avda. Francisco de Miranda Centro Commercial Lido, El Rosal Tel: 58-212-953-3270 * Reputedly the city's most expensive restaurant, and gastronomically its most adventuresome. Lee Hamilton Avda. San Felipe, La Casrellana Tel: 58-212-261-3469 * Steakhouse featuring American cuts, a favorite for power lunch. Key Business Groups Venezuelan-American Chamber of Commerce 2da Avda, Campo Alegre Torre Credival, Piso 10, Planta Libre Tel: 58-212-263-0833 Fax: 58-212-263-1829 Investment Promotion Council (Conapri) Avda Francisco de Miranda, Piso 12, Centro Empresarial Parque del Este, La Carlota Tel: 58-212-237-5486 Fax: 58-212-237-6028 |
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