I travel to South America next year, are the main cities as dangerous as news etc say?

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Bebe

I have spent several months living in San Salvador, which is up there with Colombia and Jamaica for Crime/homicide rates.

They are dangerous cities, at least in parts, but then most cities like Washington DC and MAnchester England have parts with really high crime rates. If you are there as a tourist you avoid those parts.

I found most people in San salvador really friendly. As a blond I did stand out but I didn't get too much hassle. Some people Salvadoran and Gringo got robbed while i was there but I didnt.

As long as youre sensible, dont dress with jewellery, even big cheap jewellery attracts attention and dont show your cell phone in public. you will be safer.

If you are female be careful about making friends with guys, going out for coffee with a guy (generally) is pretty much a date to Latin American guys. They dont really do seeing a woman they have just met as friends. (I made that mistake a few times)

Also don't take over night coaches even if it saves money.
Dont eat food from areas that don't look clean unless you have a cast iron stomach.

The main problem you will have is a bad stomach after about a month.

Also take two cash cards. I lost one and it took two months for me to replace.

There were so many guns around in San Salvador, especially as i come from UK where i had never seen one before. But after two days i was oblivious to it.

So yes there are dangers, but it is a wonderful continent with friendly people, good food, lovely scenery and amazing wonderful cities.

Big city life is big city life.

Have a great time.

Fredric MD boy

Big cities are OK. Countryside can be dicey depending what country.

Argentina, Peru, Costa Rica, Paraguy are very safe. Buenos Aires is like Europe with only petty crime like pickpockets. Lots of Americans wandering around. Same with Peru -- Cuzco, Machu Pichu. Venezuela was fine last year but appears to be getting worse.

Can't speak for Brazil. Never been there

Latin Techie

Rio De Janeiro-Night time around Tourist areas are high risk, otherwise its a really great city. Cant help with Argentina never been there.

Tinkerbell

i went to Quito, Ecuador for a few days and it wasnt dangerous at all and i thought it would be kinda scary cause im a blonde and wen i went to mexico wierd guys would shout after me but in ecudor ppl were really polite and it was a fun town to see.

elid1979

every city , especially the capitals have parts you should definately not approach.
i heard caracas is a mess, been there about a year ago and it wasnt that bad(economy is recovering there)
lima by some parts is really bad, but some districts like miraflores are safe enough
Santiago de chile is the safest you can get in south america
Rio has really scary parts
dont save money , go where most turists go, and you will be fine

#125

I went to Venezuela on december and it wasn't as dangerous as what the news were talking about. However, if you ever go over there to the capital Caracas, just don't go to downtown. Go to east caracas which is a lot safer. Dont trust any taxi cabs, always take private ones from companies. Always try to go with someone that knows the city. Don't wear any jewerly

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