Visiting Captains have asked many good questions over the years, so we are posting some of the most popular ones and their answers here. Please email any other questions you may have to Marina Portofino and we will do our best to reply on this page. Thanks for reading!
How do I get there?
According to the old Northstar on the Courtesan, the Caraballeda entrance is at 10 degrees, 37.39 minutes North and 66 degrees 50.88 minutes West.
How do I open a bank account?
First you need to get a "cedula", which is the I.D. card every Venezuelan (citizen or resident alien) must carry at all times. Cedulas are issued by DIEX, and the line usually begins at the door to the office and frequently winds several blocks down the street. So we recommend you use an agent who will get the ball rolling for you (for a fee of $200-$300 dollars, we would guess).
Once your application is ready to process, you must go with your agent to the DIEX office (there is one in Maiquetia, so you do not have to go to Caracas) and sign the form and have your picture and thumbprints taken. DIEX will immediately issue you a temporary cedula (without the photo), which you then take to the bank, along with your valid passport, to open the acccount.
Elapsed time – probably 1-2 weeks.
How long does it take to get a U.S. check cleared?
Usually about two weeks. If you like, you can have "the boss" wire transfer U.S. dollars into the Marina Portofino account in Curaçao, and we can arrange to pay the money over to you here in bolivars. We cannot give you U.S. dollars, because we do not have them and it would be illegal.
How do I get a U.S. Visa for my Venezuelan mate?
The short form answer is that you don't. It is possible, but the U.S. Embassy seems to go through "phases" when visas are issued and then other phases when visas are not being issued. We can introduce you to several people who may be able to help, but the process is very long and complicated, and usually proves fruitless.
Please keep the questions coming!
