If you have had to leave Venezuelayou probably already know what it means send a consignment. But not everyone really knows what is a consignment and all that it represents. It's not just about money going from one country to another; it's a way of being present, of continuing to care for your loved ones, even when you're far away.
Over the last few years, millions of Venezuelans have made the remittances an essential part of their lives. It is that transfer that you make with effort, thinking of your parents, your children, your siblings... It is that gesture that, although it may seem small, has an important giant impact on those who receive it.
In this article we will explain what a remittance is, how it works and why it is so important in the Venezuelan context. And we will do so from our own experience as Venezuelans abroad, with our hearts in the same place as you: Venezuela.
What is a consignment?
A consignment is basically the money a person sends from abroad to his or her family or friends in their home country.
In the case of us Venezuelans living abroad, it is the support we send home to help with the essentials: food, medicines, services, studies or any other day-to-day need.
But even if in practical terms it is a money transfer, A remittance is much more than that. It is a token of affection, commitment and the desire to be present despite the distance. In other words: you work hard in another country and, even so, you make room in your budget to support your loved ones. That is extremely valuable.
There are different types of remittances. The most common is the economic, i.e. the money that is transferred. But there are also the social and emotional remittances: that message, that phone call, that "I miss you, I'm sending you something to make you feel better" that accompanies each consignment. Because yes, remittances too travel with affection.
Today, thanks to technology, sending a consignment is much easier and faster. There are apps such as Curiara that allow you to do it safely, without having to complicate yourself with long processes or abusive commissions. Everything has been thought out by Venezuelans, for Venezuelans.
Why are remittances so important in Venezuela?
Venezuela has been living for more than a decade in a very complex social and economic situation. The crisis has driven millions of people to leave the country in search of a better life.
Many have settled in neighbouring countries such as Colombiaand also in places such as Spainwhich today is one of the top destinations for Venezuelan families who decide to start afresh.
In the midst of this scenario, the remittances have become an essential support for those who remain in the Venezuela. Most of those who migrate send money regularly to their relatives, who have not had the opportunity to leave and continue to face day-to-day difficulties.
This is not a new dynamic: it has been common in many countries with high emigrationwhere those who leave help to support those who stay.
Today, around 35 % of Venezuelan households receive remittances frequently or occasionallyThis shows the great impact they have. The average amount sent each month is 65 dollarsThe total amount of remittances sent to the country reaches 3 billion per year.
To give you an idea of how much this phenomenon has grown: in 2020 were only 1.300 million. This means that in only four years, remittances increased more than 120 %.
Spain's role in sending remittances to Venezuela
Spain plays a key role in this reality. Only in the first six months of 2024, arrived in the country 44,000 Venezuelan citizens, and as of today, there are already more than 390,000 Venezuelans living in Spanish territory.
One out of three have chosen to settle in Madrid. This migration reflects not only the search for stability, but also the desire of many to help from the outside. And the remittances are part of the constant, silent and valuable help that is sent every month.
How do I send remittances from abroad?
Today, sending a remittance from abroad is much easier than it was a few years ago. There are different channels to do this, and choosing the right one can make all the difference in the world. security, speed and savings.
Among the most common options are the digital platforms, mobile apps and bank transfers.
Formal channels are usually safer and more transparentalthough they may sometimes have higher fees if the platform is not well chosen. On the other hand, the informal channelssuch as sending cash through third parties, may seem quicker or cheaper, but they involve many risks, such as fraud, loss of money or lack of back-up if something goes wrong.
It is always advisable to use authorised and reputable platforms, that provide clarity in the commissions and exchange rates, as well as good customer support.
In this sense, Curiara has been designed by Venezuelans for Venezuelans, thinking precisely of those of us who live abroad, but continue to support from afar. The app is intuitive and easy to usewith a fixed commission and competitive rates, which allows you to know exactly how much you will send and how much your family will receive.
You can do this from your mobile, by downloading the application at Google Play y App Storeor from the web, depending on what is most comfortable for you. They are also backed by the Bank of Spain as authorised payment institutionwhich provides extra peace of mind.
And if you have any doubts, you are not alone: the support team is available by WhatsApp 24/7, ready to help you whenever you need it. Because, in the end, every shipment is more than just money, it's a act of love and commitment to those we love the most.
The emotional impact of sending money to Venezuela
Send a consignment is not just about moving money from one country to another. For many of us, it is a way of saying "here I am, even if I am far away". It is an act charged with love, commitment and hope. Each consignment carries much more than banknotes: it carries peace of mind, it carries a breath of fresh air, it carries that hug we couldn't give in person.
Who we send money to Venezuela We often do so with a mixture of emotions. There is the responsibility to help, of course, but there are also times when the guilt for being on the outside, for having a little more while our people are still there facing so many difficulties. And there is also that reliefThe knowledge that we can at least contribute something that makes a difference.
A user of the Curiara told us that, every time he gets a message from his mother saying "Daughter, I've already bought the medicines"tears come to her eyes. Not because of the money, but because of the feeling of being able to care, to continue to be present.
Because in the end, that is what a remittance is: a way to stay connected, to stay caring, to stay close.even if we are thousands of kilometres away.
In short, the remittances are much more than economic figures. They are the way in which millions of Venezuelans abroad continue to be part of the lives of their loved ones.
Each shipment is a gesture of love, resistance and hope. In a country where so many challenges are experienced on a daily basis, that money that travels from afar carries with it something even more valuable: the knowledge that they are not alone.. Because no matter how many kilometres separate us, we are still united by the most important thing: the desire to move forward together.
Curiara, uniting families.
