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Tip: A few words about "begging"(and the local transportation system). There is little or none-begging that is! Occasionally a person may approach you and show you a letter or a prescription form. The person is asking for help in buying medicines for a family member. Some of these letters contain approval stamps from various government agencies adding "validity" to the appeal. If you think the need is genuine, and want to help, an offering of 200 to 500 B's (35-90 u.s.cents) is usually considered generous and will be graciously accepted. If you don't want to be bothered a reply of "no intiendo" will send the person on their way. They will not persist or "beg", and most will say: "gracias". They may be down and out, but most are proud. This is a great time to tour Venezuela. Our economy is poor and your presence is really appreciated. Recently in Mérida, the bus drivers have let "hawkers" on the buses. They ask the driver for permission, and if received, board the bus and proceed to pass out to the riders whatever they are "selling or hawking". Then they return to the front of the bus and give their most persuasive sales pitch which is quickly followed by collecting the money and any un-purchased items. They get off the bus, and on to the next bus and repeat their pitches....over and over. They do quite well! If you don't want to be bothered, simply do not accept whatever is passed to you. When you want to get off the bus look for a signal button and press it. Or if there is no button, loudly say: "la parada por favor". (la pa rah da poor fa vor) While on the subject of the local busses, called: por puestos: It is almost impossible for anyone, including the locals, to know about the routes. There are no signs at the buss stops. There are no route maps at the bus stops. Most bus stops are sheltered, but that is it....no information! There are colors on the busses, but unless you know what they mean (local knowledge) they are of no help. There are names of the destinations printed on the front windows, but again, unless you know the local naming system-they are useless. Also the printing is small and at night unlighted. This is another example of the bureaucrats not giving any attention to what is obviously a poor and frustrating system. Bureaucrats drive cars. What do they care about busses? However, there is a solution. Have the names of the locations that you want to visit, written down on pieces of paper. One location on one piece of paper. If you like, sequentially number them. If your Spanish is poor, show the paper to people waiting for the bus. They will help. Do not worry, and enjoy the experience. Busses usually run until about 10 p.m. and begin at 5:30 a.m. The normal in-and-around town cost is about 17 cents u.s. and equally reasonable when you venture out as many as 20-50 miles from Mérida. The busses generally run no more than 15 minutes apart, and often, every few minutes. If you have made a mistake-relax. The bus will return to your pick-up point. That is, unless your trip was the last run of the night? However, there is a solution. If you can't get back because the bus has stopped running for the night, have no fear. Take a taxi. They are very reasonable-usually no more than $4.00 any where within town. Relax and enjoy. Mérida has an excellent transportation system-even if you don't know where you are going! Speaking of "going". If the bus breaks down, there is no charge. We personally have experienced a brake down at our anticipated departure stop. Whoopie.....we just saved 17 cents! Mérida is great! Venezuelan made souvenirs of good quality, sweaters, crafts, handbags, shoes, and other leather goods are a bargain. Of course there are the specialty shops where you can buy things for your kitchen, bathroom, bed room, music room and stores that specialize in: fine clothing, cosmetic make-up, toys, computers, entertainment electronics, cellular and communications. The men will particularly enjoy visiting the hardware (ferreteria) and building supply centers where you will notice the difference in the articles, and their prices as compared with back home. Some of the downtown shops were once large homes which have been renovated into mini shopping centers compete with fine specialty shops, restaurants, coffee shops (café caliente Venezolano) pastry shops (panaderia), or, if you prefer, a cold beer (cervesa fria) or ice cream shops which are very popular in Mérida. Most all of the food type shops provide comfortable garden-like areas where it is easy to spend a few hours sitting, reading, eating and chatting with other customers. When your done with your: dinner, snack or coffee, you must ask for the check (la cuenta por favor) because if you don't, your waiter will let you sit in peace and quiet for as long as you like! You're not being ignored, your privacy is being respected. Scattered throughout town are posadas, similar to European guest houses,(but most do not include breakfast) and hotels, which making shopping an easy walking experience. Tip: If you have a old wind-up watch, that doesn't work, but you don't want to spend a kings ransom for repair bring it with you. For about 25% of U.S. prices, watchmakers here in Mérida can service your watches! Downtown Merida also contains the main offices of both the State of Mérida and the City of Mérida governments. Naturally, there are many banks, both Venezuelan and international. Tip: Banks in Latino countries can be frustrating and s l o w. Expect long lines. And when you are next to be waited on, do not be surprised if you find that you are behind a professional messenger who does banking for as many as 20-30 different clients! If you are using travelers checks, ask your hometown bank for the names of banks in Mérida which will honor them. The best place to change your money into the local currency (the Bólivar or "B's") is Italcambio at the airport. Visa and Mastercard are accepted at most restaurants and hotels. Check with the Home Pages here at andes.net for types of payment accepted. You can also get a cash advance using your credit cards at many Mérida banks. The typical commission of 3% is charged by your credit card company. Your cash advance at the Mérida bank is made in the local currency. Many businesses will gladly assist tourists and exchange dollars for B's. It is legal. Ask! A commission of between 1 and 3% is normal. Downtown is also the location of museums, book stores, travel and tour agencies, Spanish Schools, artists, More and more, Mérida is being recognized as Venezuela's Number One tourist destination based on: 1.Safety, 2. Food, 3. Friendliness and: 4. Cost/Benefit. Tourists not only visit the many attractions here in the State of Mérida, but use Mérida as a safe and comfortable "home base" from which they visit other areas such as Angle Falls, Margarita, etc. Nearly all of the places of lodging have a secure room where you can leave your belongings for days or weeks at a time in between your lodging stays.
Tip: The city has a law that all restaurants must provide public toilet facilities. Like many laws (worldwide), it is not enforced. So if you need to use a bathroom, ask your waiter if one is available, before you order! Also there are public restrooms at some of the parks, but for years, many have been locked. If the truth be told, many bureaucrats strongly resist any type of change, and seem intent upon doing as little as possible. Their most important function seems to be: protecting their own security and power, and they could care less about helping citizens, private businesses or even tourists! (Sounds like home-doesn't it?) This is all the more reason that you (and your money) are so much appreciated by Merideños and local private business people. What ever your shopping requirements....a special gift for a loved one back home, a fine piece of local art, a handmade item, or a special remembrance of your vacation in Merida, your sure to find what your looking for in and around Mérida. |
Every city has it’s super retail complex, and so does Merida.
It’s called Mercado Principal de Merida. Here, there are hundreds of stores
(tiendas) featuring such diverse offerings as fresh fruit, super-markets with wide
selections of local, as well as, imported foods, wines and cheeses. Typical candies
and cakes are offered along with the widest selection of craft items imaginable. You
can easily spend an entire day here......shop till you drop!!. 