Pack Light for Margarita Island
Rarely does a person need all the clothing they pack on a vacation, and this is especially true on Margarita Island. A pair of good waterproof hiking sandals, a bathing suit or two, a few pair of shorts and a couple light weight shirts are all you will really need to pack. It is a good idea to pack a pair of long pants and something a little dressy for dining out, but shorts are acceptable everywhere on Margarita Island.
Venezuela's climate lacks hot and cold extremes resulting in a great year round climate for beach goers and sightseers. In wet months it is common to have a little rain each day, but there is always plenty of sunshine for tourist activities. We each brought light weight waterproof jackets, but have yet to use them on the Island. If you are backpacking in the Andes, it could be freezing at night and hot during the day, you will need rainwear and multiple layers of clothes. You won't find warm sweaters here, so if you think you may visit the Andes, bring your own.
The hottest and wettest months are usually April and August and November to April are the coolest and driest, but the climate variation is no more that ten degrees between seasons and the average year round daytime temperature is 85 degrees.
Sports or Hobby Gear
Whether you stay on Margarita Island or head off to Venezuela's exotic interior, you may want to bring your favorite sports gear with you, however, keep in mind that airlines allow only two bags of 50 lbs. each on international flights. Depending on your favorite activity, high quality gear may or may not be available on the Island. There are well stocked sporting goods shops on Margarita Island where you can purchase sports gear, but the prices are higher than those is the U.S. and the selection more limited. A small digital camera is always a good idea. If you like to snorkel, very high quality diving masks may be difficult to come by here.
Money
U.S. currency and American Express Travelers Cheques are easily converted to Bolivar on Margarita Island at the local cambio; usually located in major shopping centers and near areas frequented by tourists. You will need your passport to exchange currency or cheques. The current official exchange rate is now 2.60 Bolivars to the dollar. Notes come in denominations of BsF100, Bs.F50, Bs.F20, Bs.F10, Bs.F5 and the Bs.F2.
In January 2008, by Presidential decree, three zeros were eliminated from each currency denomination. The official rate of 2.15 Bolivars to the Dollar was established and the new currency was named the “Strong Bolivar” (Bolivar Fuerte), abbreviated as Bs.F. On January 9, 2010 the official rate was raised from 2.15 to 4.30 to combat the black market.