Tips on Isla Margarita Warnings and Dangers – Stay Safe!

Isla Margarita Warnings and Dangers

The Island of Margarita is off the northern most coast of Venezuela, just west of Trinidad. It is a beautiful and tropical island paradise. However, with any paradise comes warnings and dangers. Read on to keep your family and yourself safe while on vacation here.

ATMs vs. Cash

Travelers recommend bringing cash instead of relying on having access to an ATM. There are some banks in Porlamar and Jaungriego, but if you’re staying in a hotel, this can be up to a 30 minute cab ride away. Reportedly, there are no ATMs in Playa el Agua and even if there were they may not work some or most of the time.

One woman says, “I tried several times to get money out but to no avail. After you put your card in and enter your pin number they ask for another security number, which we wasn’t sure about. It then asked you for the amount you wanted (giving you prompts), it then said that this was an invalid amount – no matter how much you entered”.

Daytime Muggings and Pick Pockets

Many travelers recommend that you take the shuttle from the hotel to the beach and other places no matter where you are on the island. No matter how temping and safe it seems to walk through this area, there have been recently reported daytime muggings of tourists. Don’t make yourself a target by walking off alone. You are completely safe in groups. It is also reported that things go missing off the beach when left unattended or next to a sleeping person, just another reason to stay around people you know.

Many people report being pick pocketed while in town at the market. A great trick is to keep $20 in your pocket and the rest of your money safe in your sock or bra. Some clothing even contains hidden pockets. This way, if you do get robbed, you can hand off the $20 and turn out your pockets, saving the rest of your stash.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about Isla Margarita Warnings and Dangers.