Is it safe for a woman to travel alone to San Juan, PR?

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The Aviator

One of my friends asked me this recently and I will tell you what I told her. Depends on where you go but honestly- I wouldn't risk it. Tourists do become victims of crimes based on the fact they do not know everything the locals do. I live in Puerto Rico and I am not trying to sound biased in any way, shape or form but crime is high here and increasing.

Despite what any will say, CNN/ ABC/ and NBC had a special coverage because the Puerto Rican government has asked for national guards to come into San Juan to help with crime. Since the start of the New Year there has been over 50 crime related deaths.

If you remain in heavily populated areas you may be alright, but keep your purse shut. And always look around to make sure you are not being followed. Do not rent an expensive car either or wear fancy jewelry. Keep your cameras concealed and avoid carrying too much cash. Play it safe.

If you decide to go alone, please walk in well lit areas and stay in well known hotels. Not one part of the island is better than the other though various parts do seem to be safer unfortunately. As for what municipality might be safer- I cannot say with absolute certainty. Research as much as you can.

Good Luck

dragonwing

In San Juan there are plenty of places where there are police on every corner but my husband would suggest not traveling outside those safe areas. In Puerto Rico, crooks aren't really out there to mug travelers like in many US cities. Mostly someone might try sell you something for an inflated price or something that's not really genuine.

If you don't feel safe alone, check out some of the tour groups. You'll be able to buddy-up with someone and travel in a group on a bus, visiting many of the most interesting tourist attractions such as Camuy caves, the rain forest, Arecebo (world's largest single-dish radio telescope), El Moro (the fort in San Juan), Vieques and Culebra.

Lydia B

I think as long as you know where you are going and are smart about traveling alone, you should be fine. Any city/town can be dangerous for a woman or even man by themselves, but being street smart is the way to go. I'm jealous though, I wish I was going to San Juan soon! Have a great time, it's one of the best cities!!!

SANDRA Q

It's a safe place for all tourist.

OxOxAngelxOxO

I'am from San Juan,Yes it is,don't worry :)

ggcoralysp

I used to live in San Juan and it's totally safe to go out by yourself...

lilly_mom_pr

It depends on what San Juan are you'll be...

If you are referring to El Condado, which is the major tourist area, I think you'll be fine. Just know where you are and if you do need directions, ask in a Hotel or establishment, not to anybody on the street.

Enjoy the island!

just Reese

It is safe as long as use your common sense. I have traveled to San Juan, PR several times alone. I don't speak, read and barely understand Spanish and I got along fine. When traveling outside the tourist areas always travel in pairs and be careful.

cmabreu17

Yes it is safe, just have the normal caution you must have in any big city. I live in San Juan and havent had any problem in 38 years. Off course there is crime but 70% of murders are drug related and 15% are related to fights so if you are not into drugs or fighting with others then there is not problem. A better stat for you: no tourist has been murdered here since a decade or more, the last one was a man from Chicago looking for drug in a bad area.

Boricua_Baby

Girl, sure in PR we are having some problems because the music is turning it around (don't get me wrong I love reggaeton, but I dont do wat it sais like others) We are all a family basically I feel safe almost anywhere. You just need to learn wat and what not to say and wat and what not 2 do. If u learn that, u have notin to fear!! VIVA PUERTO RICO!!! WEPA!

randomwolf88

uh, no

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