The convention also impressed upon the business houses in both countries, and demonstrated the fact, that commercial travelers are the criterion by which concerns and countries are judged in foreign countries. Representation in overseas commerce requires men of skill and character and without these two qualities no traveler can ever succeed.
Venezuela is one of the best fields in South America for commercial travelers, as the nation is very rich and has a high standing in the financial world. The natural resources are innumerable and rich, as can be readily realized from the number of countries competing for investments and monopolies at the present time. The large amount of money in circulation and the importance of Venezuelan markets in the export trade has encouraged export houses throughout the world to send representatives to study conditions and eventually place their products in that market.
In order for commercial travelers to rightfully represent their principals they must be fully acquainted with climatic, political and legal conditions in Venezuela. The legal requirements for commercial travelers are few and by far less stringent than the laws of other Latin-American countries. Commercial travelers coming to Venezuela are not required by law to present any document other than their passports. No power of attorney is necessary, but it is advisable to have it in case it should be required in business transactions. A letter from the home office of the traveler or from some well established exporting or importing house is not necessary but advisable as a medium of introduction to the prospective buyers.
The recent convention signed between the United States of Venezuela and the United States of America has slightly changed previous customs. The object of the convention was that both countries might encourage commercial relations and increase business by facilitating the activities of commercial travelers. The convention provided for a license in both countries but as yet that provision of the convention has not been complied with and the prospects are that the old custom requiring no licenses will remain in effect.
There are no baggage restrictions, but, as the means of travel are limited in some parts of the country, it is advisable that the traveler confine his baggage to as small a trunk as possible.
In customs treatment of samples it is necessary to follow the provisions of the recent convention:
1. All samples which have no commercial value shall be admitted free of duty.
2. All samples shall be considered without value when they are stamped or rendered unusable.
3. Merchandise having commercial value shall be admitted provisionally, security having first been given for the customs duties and with the understanding that they leave the county within a period of six months.
4. Duties shall be paid on that part which shall not be exported.