Driving in Venezuela - The maximum velocity in most Venezuelan roads is 80 kmph (55mph), but speed limits are not widely enforced. Although most highways are in good condition, roads in the countryside may have potholes which can be dangerous at high speeds. Also, farm animals and wildlife cross roads frequently in these parts-- drive with caution. Venezuelans are known to make their own rules when they get behind the wheel. Most drivers consider the symbolic references of traffic lights as mere suggestions-- so be careful when crossing an intersection, even when your light is green! Always use taxis belonging to a legitimate Taxi company. PLEASE >>> Do not accept rides from people in unmarked vehicles using their cars for a taxi just to be on the safe side. Please use your seat belts, and remember to drive on the right-hand side of the road. The rule of thumb is that the right-of-way belongs to whoever gets their vehicle's 'nose' out in the intersection first.
You can also call Andres Patete from Margarita Mar Taxi service. Andres speaks English and some Italian. He is very familiar with the Island's history and you can also hire him for the day. Please inquire with Andres about an all day fee. His cell numbers are (0416) 495 1590 or (0414) 793 1422.
Don't be afraid to rent a car while you are on vacation on Margarita. The roads are clean and clear and there are gas station everywhere all over the island. They have BP, PDV and Texco gas stations. All you have to do show them the grade of gas you want and point to the one you want and say full. Or you can try saying sin plomo to the attendants it means unleaded and say full por favor. It's easy to pay since you can see it on the pump and give the attendant the correct amount of bolivars.
Renting a car is not essential, but it does make it easier around Margarita. Budget (tel. 0800/283-4381 or 0295/269-1047; www.budget.com.ve), Hertz ( www.hertz.com), and Margarita Rentals (tel. 0295/263-2711) all have offices at the airport. Also Losan Motors is a car dealership here on the island but also has car rentals. At the moment they are offering a small car for about bs 83,000 per day with insurance included. The more days you have the car rental for, the cheaper the total fee will be. Budget as of this month 04/2005 for a smaller Chevorlet is about bs 102,000 per day. Rental pick up can be as early as 7:00 am. Returns have to be at the same time the next day or on the day you decide to finish using the car. It costs $30 to $70 per day to rent a car.
Losan Motors- Isla de Margarita - Main Office Porlamar (0295) 263.9420 / 8:00 a.m.til 12:00 p.m. then from 2:00 p.m. til 6:00 p.m.
Aeropuerto Internac. Stgo. Mariño (0295) 269.1075 - 269.1175/ 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Several outfits around the island rent scooters and mopeds for between $20 to $35 per day. Excellency Rent a Car offers Scooters and Motorcycles. Scooters are about 45,000 bs per day, that's about $21.00 US. Porlamar: Hotel Dynasty Best Western - PB Costa Azul Tel: (0295) 262 6503 or 262 2955. Also they offer Car leases for 6 months up to a year.
Por puesto buses service most of the island. They are a very inexpensive and reliable way to get around, although the going can be slow, as they often stop to pick up and discharge passengers at maddeningly short intervals. Typical service hours are daily from 6 am to 8 pm. Fares range from 250Bs to 1000Bs (15¢-63¢). Taxis are also readily available. It will cost you around 10,000Bs ($6.25) to travel between the airport and Porlamar; 3,000Bs ($1.90) between Porlamar and Pampatar; 12,000Bs ($7.50) between Playa El Agua and either Porlamar or Pampatar; and 18,000Bs ($11) between Playa El Agua and the airport.
This site also has Margarita island maps: http://www.margaritaislandvacation.in...
