rfgrinnell
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That would be like asking if you will get robbed New York City or Miami? In the wrong place and the wrong time, of course! Solution in all locations: check in with the locals and find out where and when the safe places are. Also, don't flash cash or credit cards and dress down. Some understanding of Spanish is always desirable.
Don't let the thieves keep you from living your life, tho. Guat has many magnificent places to visit and can be a pleasure, if done smartly. |
AnswerGuy.
 |
Buddy, in any country, place or city you will have the possibility to get rob. Guatemala is beautiful and it is safe but still it is unsafe, the only recommendation i will give is to take care of your stuff and enjoy the trip, it is amazing |
mari
 |
Just watch your stuff carefully, and you'll be fine. Buy a waist belt (I'm not sure what it's called exactly) -- it's basically a flat fanny pack that goes around your waist, under your shirt, and you can put your passport, money, ID, etc in it. In theory, the bad guys won't know that you have your money stored there, and it'll be less likely to be stolen.
I have a few tips for you:
1) Make a "dummy wallet" that has a few dollars (or the local currency in it), and keep it somewhere that's easily accessible when you go out. That way, if someone does rob you, you can just give them your dummy wallet, not your stash of cash.
2) Keep your money in multiple places. Possible places are in a waist belt, in your shoe, in a zippered pocket.
3) Don't walk around with your passport or large amounts of cash if at all possible. Make a copy of your passport (or a couple of copies) and carry that with you, and leave your real passport at the hotel when you check in. Many hotels will have safes where you can put your valuables, or you could hide it under the hotel mattress or something. Do bring at least a copy of your passport when you go out though, because you may need it if you are asked to show ID.
4) If you are standing up on a crowded bus or train, wear your backpack (assuming it's a small daypack) on the front. It will look dumb, but that way it will be less likely that someone will take something out of your bag.
5) Be aware that sometimes thieves will bypass zippers totally and just slice your backpack, purse, or pocket open in order to get to your stuff, so keep an eye on your belongings.
6) If you are in a public place, like a restaurant, bus terminal, airport, etc, never (ever!) leave your belongings unattended, even for a second. If I am eating in a restaurant, I will put my backpack under my chair, and put one of the chair legs through the straps so no one can snatch it and run.
As the others have said, don't wear flashy jewelry. Don't worry too much, these tips aren't meant to scare you, just to make you aware of the fact that you have to watch your belongings closely. More often than not, the people who are robbed are those who are not paying any attention to what is happening around them, or where their belongings are. |
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