Venezuelans Are Paying a 100% Premium for Cash

It’s yet another frustration of living in an imploding economy.

A bus driver counts bolivar banknotes in Caracas.

Photographer: Wil Riera/Bloomberg

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Editor’s Note: There are few places as chaotic or dangerous as Venezuela. “Life in Caracas” is a new series of short stories that seeks to capture the surreal quality of living in a land in total disarray.

My most recent order arrived by motorcycle, a loaded, black trash bag tossed my way. “This is what’s available,” the courier said gruffly before zooming off. I nodded. There’s no begging in the bolivar business.