Comments on: Is Central America Safe to Visit?

By: Eddie Galdamez

Eddie Galdamez — Sun, 21 Jun 2020 15:58:56 +0000

I am a Salvadoran who has lived in the USA and Japan. I moved back to El Salvador in 2015.

I can definitely say that tourist destinations foreigners stay or go to are safe. Undoubtedly, you need to worry about petty teff and things like that. Additionally, the areas were most of the violent crime happens, tourists will never have a reason for being there.

I have seen female travelers in El Salvador taking public transportation, something that many locals don’t like to do. In short, El Salvador is safe to visit!

By: Chris

Chris — Thu, 26 Sep 2019 11:19:22 +0000

Just a comment on El Salvador. The beaches are generally considered to be safe. El Tunco, the most popular beach destination (especially among surfers), has its own police station. The ~10 times that I visited the beaches, never once did I feel unsafe. However, if you travel into the inner city of San Salvador, be more cautious. Generally tourists are not targeted for crime, but you will stand out a lot in the city if your traveling with fancy travel gear. Travel with at least one other person. Theft is common, especially on public busses. Take Uber. Taxis are ok in most cases in terms of safety, but they’ll charge you double for being foreign.

I’m a resident of El Salvador and have backpacked Central America numerous times. Overall, this article offers great advice. Thank you Matt!

By: Steve Cummings

Steve Cummings — Thu, 11 Jul 2019 00:09:41 +0000

I loved Central America. There were of course warnings from Hostel owners in parts of Guatemala to beware of. Besides the warnings, my wife and I felt quite safe. Even our El Salvadorian friend was quite amazed that we were on public transportation and had no issues. We were cautious. These tips are great! I think it also goes a long way to use some common sense while traveling as well.

By: Daniel

Daniel — Tue, 09 Jul 2019 19:35:33 +0000

Great tips. Talking to locals is extremely important. On a recent trip to Costa Rica I was advised by a local in Uvita to bury my flip-flops in the sand on the beach. I never imagined someone would want to steal them, but you never know.

In San Jose I also witnessed a car break-in, but this is a bigger city and crime should be expected.