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Venezuelan Bolívar (VES)

Venezuelan Bolívar · Bs · Official currency of Venezuela

History

The Venezuelan bolívar (Bs) is named after independence hero Simón Bolívar. Due to severe hyperinflation, it has undergone three currency reforms dropping zeros — in 2008, 2018, and 2021.

Banknote Denominations

Under the current 'Bolívar Soberano' system, denominations such as Bs20, Bs50, Bs100, Bs200, and Bs500 circulate, though because inflation remains extremely high, circulating denominations and values change frequently.

Traveler Tips

Given the extreme hyperinflation, exchange rates and prices can change very quickly, so it's especially important to check the latest rate right up until your visit. The US dollar effectively circulates alongside the bolívar in daily life, with small purchases often paid in local currency and larger ones in dollars. International sanctions and banking system constraints can make foreign cards hard to use, so it's safer to plan around cash.

Issuing authority
Banco Central de Venezuela
Introduced
Founded 1939
Sub-unit
1 bolívar = 100 céntimos (effectively unused today)

You can view the real banknote designs on the Banco Central de Venezuela's official page.

See Venezuelan Bolívar banknotes at today's exchange rate →