IS TRAVEL IN SOUTH AMERICA SAFE?

South America is the home of major touristic destinations that pull in many travellers each year. The home of the famous Christ the redeemer, Machu Picchu, Rio de Janeiro beaches, Buenos Aires, Patagonia, and Cartagena the continent attracts 37 million tourists each year. Historically certain parts of South America have had a bad rap due to political uprisings, terrorism and the notoriously violent illegal drug trade, in certain countries of South America, making them somewhat unsafe for touristic activities. But even countries such as Colombia, which were notorious for shady dealings, making them undesirable as a travel destination, has been able to reinvent itself in recent years.

Christ the redeemer

There are so many beautiful and interesting places to visit in South America if you pack a certain amount of common sense, and avoid certain regions and activities, your trip to South America can be a safe, inspiring and fulllflling adventure. When it comes to safety, South America is a large destination and we need to be careful treating it as one destination. Countries differ considerably, not only when it comes to natural and architectural beauty but also when it comes down to the safety of travellers. Here are some things to bear in mind, without being overly paranoid.

Iguazu falls

Petty Theft

Petty theft is an issue in South America, and you should be careful in larger cities with a high concentration of people. When you see locals wearing backpacks on their front, for example in Medellin, follow suit and do the same. It is also common that your bag can be snatched from your shoulder when walking on the street, either by people walking past you or drive by motorcycles, so it is always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings.

Common tricks

Keep belongings in sight

Robberies

Fortunately, robberies at gunpoint or with a knife are nowadays not that common, but if you happen to find yourself in a situation like this, bear a few things in mind. Never fight back, always cooperate, hand over what you are being asked for and patiently wait until the robbers make their exit. Generally, these types of robberies are for your valuables and not to cause you personal harm. Sometimes it’s a good idea to carry a few low denomination notes in your pocket to hand over as a distraction.

Avoid dark alleys

Keep your valuables in a hotel room or safe

Sometimes you may feel safer carrying your valuables with you, however the reality is that there is much less probability that something will be stolen from your hotel room. Higher end hotels may even have a safe in the room, but all hotels have a safe at the main desk and their insurance covers them for theft.
If you need your passport or ID, take a photo of it or a photocopy which in most cases is enough.  In South America, cash still rules so only take a credit card out if you need to.  

Hotel safe

Travelling by bus

Public transport in South America most of the time comfortable and safe. The best buses are without doubts in Chile, Argentina, and Brazil, are in excellent state of repair and are punctual.  In Bolivia, it is common that a bus company will double sell seats (usually the best seats on the bus, so the idea is to sit down and not move if you have been allocated your seat.  Buses in general in Bolivia are not in the best condition. By western standards, buses may seem to also go much quicker than what we are used to, so be prepared for a hairy ride! Especially in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia, always add one or two hours to the estimated time of arrival, as unexpected road works or delays often happen.

Colombia bus

Generally, the most undesirable situation when traveling by bus in South America can happen when you do not watch your valuables. Never leave your bags unattended, or on the overhead shelves where they can be easily reached. All be it somewhat uncomfortable, it is a good idea to keep day packs on your lap and bigger backpacks in the buses storage compartment and make sure you receive a ticket. 

City bus

Some cities have a worse reputation than others and you should pay extra attention when in big bus terminals, especially in the capital cities. Often the bigger bus companies in South America have their own bus terminals with their security, which makes for a much safer journey.

Health

Covid 19 is the latest travel health issue around the world, but is thankfully on the decrease in south America. Take precautions, wear a mask where it is the requirement, carry your vaccination card where it is asked for and maintain social distancing.
There are no serious threats health-wise which should at the moment put you off from traveling to South America. Zika virus is present but it is now more or less under control. Yellow fever vaccination is a good idea so visit your travel clinic back home before setting out. 

Airport protocols

When visiting Amazon, you should think off taking anti-malaria pills. Malaria is present in the jungle and medical facilities are generally scarce. 
Another threat on an everyday basis is stray dogs, of which there are a lot in South America. Even though they may be cute, the chance of catching rabies is pretty high, and also occasionally these animals can be aggressive, depending on how badly they have been treated. You should never leave home without decent travel insurance, even when you travel on a low budget

Mosquito

Food

When it comes to safety, you should always follow your instincts, and eat where it seems clean and fresh. A good rule of thumb is to find a restaurant with many locals inside which usually is a good indicator that the food should be decent and fresh.  Tourist restaurants, have higher prices, and fewer people, so the freshness of the ingredients can be questionable. Always buy or purify your water. 

Street seller Colombia

Money

South America is a continent where cash rules, except for more developed countries such as Brazil, Chile, and Argentina, where you will not have any issues paying with a credit card.
It is always better to withdraw money and keep some cash on you, the smaller the notes, the better as change can be an issue, especially in remote places. When taking out money from ATM, do so during daylight, find a bank with a security guard or at least an ATM machine where you can close the door behind you. Make sure no one is watching and head straight to your hostel to stash your cash.Brazil is renowned for ATM card cloning, so always memorize your pin and even a month or so after your departure from the country, keep an eye on your bank account and report all suspicious transactions.

ATM Brazil

Alcohol

Of course, parties are synonymous with South America, but be always careful when drinking alcohol, especially with strangers no matter how friendly they appear.  When going out, always take a cab from the party, do not walk alone, don’t take valuables with you and never leave your drink unattended. A common scam, especially in Colombia is to slip burundanga in you drink, which can black out a person for hours and even cause death.

Night out

Taking a taxi

When taking a taxi in South America follow these simple rules. Call a radio taxi wherever possible.  Outside Peru and Bolivia where collectivo taxis are a thing (shared taxis) always choose a private taxi service. Take an official taxi, which has a specific license plate or sticker on the window and usually the taxi companies name on a rooftop sign.

South American taxi

Always agree on the price in advance to avoid confusion and uncomfortable situations. 
It can sometimes happen that you do not have any other choice than stop a random taxi in the street, once more take precautions with your baggage and never fall asleep in a taxi.

Common Scams

Back packs up front

Research for up to date Information

Most of the countries in South America are more or less politically stable these days, and there are no inherent risks to visitors.

Protests, strikes and road blockades are common. In other words, always be prepared and have a backup plan in case your travels are affected by any unexpected situations.

Peruvian demonstration

Plan ahead

When you know, you will arrive in the city late at night or early in the morning, make sure you know how to get to the hotel and contact them in advance to make sure someone is waiting for you to open the door. 

Be extra careful in big cities

Capital cities, borders towns, and ports tend to be the be the hotspots when it comes to safety. There are usually too many people and too many dark streets for your liking!
Large cities are usually where you can see a lot of poverty and a lot of people turn to desperate actions as a survival method. In Lima, Quito, Bogota and other large cities, take extra safety precautions. It is better to pay a few dollars extra for a centrally located hostel than spend the night in a dodgy cheaper area.

Common scams

Dress appropriately

Shorts and t-shirts are perfectly fine to wear in South America, but especially in the case of solo female travellers, always keep in mind your personal safety and dress appropriately…. Try to fit in and not stand out.

Iguazu

Overall, it is hard to put South America into one generalized travel destination. There are some rules which are worth following wherever you go such as pay attention when in larger cities, not to wander alone in the dark alleys or be careful when taking a taxi. But the safety situation is very different when it comes to certain areas. While taking precautions, remember to enjoy the best of this amazing continent on your visit!