Will I be safe when I travel to El Salvador?

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SarahMaria

El Salvador has a somewhat bad reputation, mostly because of civil wars there in the 1980s. Now, the country is beloved by surfers and backpackers, and so long as you remain aware and vigilant, and stick close to your group, you should be fine - in that sense, it's like traveling to any other country. There are no ongoing wars, but there is a high crime rate, but it sounds as if you'll be in a rather safe situation inside schools. You should check out this Wiki guide (it has a section on safety)
http://wikitravel.org/en/El_Salvador
and also consult the US Dept. of State Travel page for safety alerts and more detailed safety information:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1109.html

kma

You posted this question twice so you must be really worried.
You should have no problems with safety.
I have been going to El Salvador since 2001.
Five of those years with a faith based relief group.
Have driven many, many miles all over the country and never had a problem. Churches are not going to put you in areas with a potential for danger.
For the most part the people of El Salvador are some of the kindest, most generous people you will ever meet.
You may be surprised to learn that there are several sate of the art malls in El Salvador.
It is true that there are areas that are not safe but really don't think you will be going there.
As long as you dress appropriately and don't wear a ton of jewelry and leave your expensive toys at home you will be fine. How can you get in touch with the local culture if you got your Ipod blasting away?
Do bring a decent pocket camera and memory cards to take lots of photos of your adventures. You can get cds burned and prints made at photo kiosks in the malls cheap.
I remember one person brought a polaroid camera and a bunch of film and took instant photos people and gave it to that person, was a big hit.
Bring lots of candy for the kids or buy it there to hand out Tootsie rolls always seem to be popular and don't melt.

For your personal safety and comfort
Don't walk around alone.
Don't travel at night if possible.
Hydrate! drink lots of water! I can't telll you how many people get sick from lack of water. It's cheap.
If you get diahrea lets someone in charge know so you can get help it, isn't funny and I know of a few cases where kids got really sick.
Remember their gut bugs are different than yours.
Don't eat the fruit from a street vendor without washing first.
Anything cooked should be ok.
Take sun blocker and sun glasses.
Benadryl and an epi pen if you are alleric to bug bites/stings.
Remember that the availability of medical care isn't what it is in the U.S.
Take toilet paper with you when you travel lots of restrooms don't have any.
I have been in charge of more groups of people than I can remember and other than a bus or two breaking down or somebody running off on their own, never had a serious problem.
Prepaid phones are super cheap there like $12.00 and you can get them at the malls and larger grocery store and minutes to call the U.S. are cheap.

Do try pupusas, pollo compero,ice cream from Pops,paletas,
tres leches, flan, pan con gallina, elote.

So relax and enjoy have a great time.
Hope you fall in love with the country like I did.

Ro!503

Hi Erin! Well, I live in El Savador and I can tell you that I'm 20 years old and I have never been victim of robbery or violence, thanks God! I would like to help you, maybe you can tell me what town they say you're going and I can be more specific with my advice, because it depends on where you're going. By the way, in my university we usually see lots of american boys ang girls (church groups) and they seem to be having a really good time! lol Just send me a message and I'll be delighted to help you, trust me! I looove traveling around the world!

J K

I suggest you don't wear any jewelry that looks flashy/expensive. Stick with your group and you will be ok. As long as you don't look like a gang member you are good, specially being a girl you won't have a problem there. I've gone there many times and i'm still alive so that says it all. Just make sure you buy water don't drink any of the tap 'cuz you will get the runs. Have fun and enjoy it for me.

nkk0719

Stick to your group and dont wear alot of jewelry,try to look alright not all rich lookin...Its not a bad place but theres people that just cause ure wearin certain type of clothes and jewelry they think ure rich

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