How to keep safe in central and south america?

Question

I will be backpacking through central and south america, taking buses etc. Has anybody done this, and if so do you have any tips for keeping safe, not getting my stuff stolen. I am especially worried about having my stuff stolen If I leave it in the hold of a bus

Answer 1

Hello!

I lived in South America for a year and I traveled a lot during that time. I got robbed twice. The first time, it was my own fault: I took my camera out in a really poor neighborhood. The second time, I couldn't help it. I was carjacked and taken a hostage for a couple of minutes. Luckily I wasn't harmed in any way.
My sister lived in Peru and was never robbed. Her blond friend who lived with her 4 times.
I don't mean to scare you, but keep in mind that a lot of things can happen.

I can only advice you to carry very very few valuable things or cash... Only what you need. Keep your money on various spots. Some in your pocket, some in your wallet, maybe even some in your shoes... (That's when I did when I carried more than 100 dollars)
Always keep an eye on your stuff. Don't sleep on buses. Often it's really simple... By example: wearing a bag on your other shoulder (over your head), or put your foot in the leash of your bag when you're in a restaurant and have your bag standing next to you.
I always carried a copy of my pasport to show and I left my real passport at home, where it was save. I wouldn't advice you to let it in the hotel, though...
If you arrive in a new place, first drop off your backpack at the hotel. Beware of things that make you look like a tourist, like sandals, shorts, camera's, sunglasses, new hiking clothes, expensive jewelry...
I always wore my old handbag and the same clothes I wear in the city here in Europe...

People will be friendlier if you speak a little spanish. A lot of people I met didn't speak a word of english. And it's always nice to know people who live in the places where you go. They will look after you.
Don't be afraid. People can almost smell fear. And if you have a funny feeling about a place or about some people for some reason, than get out of there!
If you do get robbed, just give them whatever they ask. You don't want to get yourself killed for a camera or a little money.
Don't worry about it too much. It's just stuff. Almost everything can be replaced. If it can't, it's better not to take it with you.

South America is beautiful! Enjoy your trip to the fullest!

Answer 2

I haven't traveled South America, but have Central America by bus, etc. Don't take anything valuable or that might appear valuable to people with probably much less than you have. Keep your passport and money on your person, in a neck pocket or money belt. When luggage is removed from bus along the way, watch what is taken. You can do that by sitting on right hand side of bus. It's more likely to be stolen at a busy bus station or on the street than from the bus hold.

Answer 3

Although I do agree very much with many of the answers here I still wish to press home the fact of how much of an amazing place South America is.
Some of my best friends and most awesome adventures have taken place in SA.
Yes you must practise caution but this same caution has to be used in so many places around the world ----- You want to hear some horror stories of the USA -

The world is an amazing place and in my experience I have had less problems in the supposed bad country’s than in the meant to be safer places.

After India, SA, South East Asia it took Australia to relieve me of my Ruck Sack containing everything!!

Give the places everyone wants to see a break, most of the problems are western propaganda.

With that said please do hear the advice given from the contributors of this question (except the idiot that told you to carry a machete)

Ps. The best piece of advice I can give is be a confident traveller, know the language of the country you are visiting more than just a few phrases. Telling some one to ^*$^@@ off in there own tongue and a few phrases to let people know you are not some dumb Caucasian you will be much much safer and enjoy your adventures oh so much more.

Take care and happy backpacking

Answer 4

Yeah,
DO NOT hitch hike!!!! DO NOT pack a giant back pack. Those people are calle Mochileros. They are the first people that get robbed. Gringos stick out like a sore thumb, so don't try to look like a tourist. Stay in a reputable hotel, and research your travel route before you leave. Be Careful!!! Don't take out your wallet to see how much money you have in it. Keep all doccuments passport etc. on your person. Don't carry lots of cash or cell phones. Learn enough Spanish to get along by yourself in case you get lost. Talk to someone who has gone and done the same thing before. Get advice from people who are from the country you want to visit. Take a tour. Be careful, there is a lot of poverty in Central America and lots of people who don't care if you live or die. They will kill you for a $5 watch, and not even look back. I know what I am talkin about. I am a school teacher living in Honduras. But this is a beautiful part of the world and more people should see it. Just take care of yourself.

Answer 5

OK, I havent take a bus all over central and south america but i have a friends that have done that and also Im from Panama. So im at the middle of your trip.

Ok, You can come from al over central America until Panama. You can come in a bus from Mexico, Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and then you will finish in Panama, because by bus is dangerous to go to Colombia, so i recommend you, when you come to Panama, you take an airplane to Colombia and then continue your traveling.

Why not bus in Panama to Colombia, because the Colombian Coast is very dangerous. So when you come to Panama, there are a lot of places you can visit and the good of us and Costa Rica is that we are a democratic government that means that you can walk and visit places in the country, obviously there are some dangerous places that you can get robbed, but those places are not important for you to visit. But talking of my country, you can move perfect in some places with no problem. if you come many days to Panama, you can contact me at [e-mail] and i cant help you to move in here, also the money in Panama is the Dollar, so i think it will be perfect for you. Ok continuing of South america, You can move perfect to Brasil, Argentina and Chile by bus with no problem.

Answer 6

Just like any other place in the world... if you blink... it'll be gone.

Don't take anything you can't loose or replace. Enjoy, stay away from dark areas.

Stick with crowds of people when possible. Have fun and if you due get held up by a thief... just like in Los Angeles or New York... don't try to be a hero. Let it go.

Most importantly, be respectful, enjoy and meet lots of interesting people!!

Answer 7

i would not worry much about my stuff... Try to not let them get you.... I dont know what nationality are you from but i can tell you if you look anything near to a blonde, blue eyed, caucasian ... you know , something like that... you better tint your hair black and tan as much as you can. Dont use expensive clothing. Try to keep a very low profile...That's the best way to avoid "them" from picking on you. And try to pranctice swering in spanish... if someone you dont trust in goes near you, tell him to f*** off and they'll go away.... GOOD LUCK

Answer 8

stay out of the dark what i mean is dont travel at night the rest of the answers a right but unless you are hispanic or look like one and can speak spanish you shouldnt be out at night be careful and always know who and what is around you

Answer 9

buy a machete and carry it around like everybody else does