Is it okay to use ATMs late in the evening in Venezuela or should I stick to daytime withdrawals only? I am a single woman travelling so want to be safe.
ATMs in Venezuela often limit withdrawals due to inflation. I used one successfully late in the evening, but it only gave the equivalent of a few dollars. Locals prefer Zelle or in-person exchanges, and most foreigners avoid cash withdrawals altogether when possible.
In Valencia, I walked past several ATMs that were either offline or had lines. Eventually found a working one, but there was no guard or lighting. I kept my bag close and withdrew quickly. There were no issues, but I stayed alert throughout.
I was staying in Merida and needed cash after 8 PM. Found a working ATM inside a pharmacy. The area was quiet but didn’t feel hostile. That said, most people use point-of-sale apps or USD in small bills - bolívar withdrawals were tricky.
In Caracas, I withdrew cash from a Banesco ATM inside a shopping mall during evening hours. Security guards were present, and the machine worked - but I used a low-limit card just in case. The city felt tense after sunset, even in commercial zones.