On my travels solo around South America I have never had any safety problems.

Please do not read this section and be 'spooked' from the joys of travelling. South America is a relatively safe place to travel - remember that petty tourist crime is an annoyance the world over. You just have to take the same precautions as you would travelling in your own country.

Enjoy your travels, but be safe! Here are some Safety Tips to keep in mind:

First arrival to South America

Whichever destination you initially arrive at in South America I suggest you pre-book accommodation prior to your arrival. You don't need the stress of searching for accommodation options after a long international flight. If possible pre-book accommodation which includes airport pick-up. I find airport pick-up services particularly useful.

When travelling by buses try to arrive at destinations in daylight hours

I try to always arrive at a new destination in daylight hours. Particularly where I have not pre-booked accommodation in small towns. Daylight hours provides better security with more people on the streets - much better than walking down an empty street at night! If you arrive at your destination during the night ALWAYS get a taxi to your accommodation.

Blending into the crowd

If possible try and avoid 'advertising' yourself as a tourist (especially in you are travelling solo). This is often unavoidable in more remote areas. But in cities and large towns you should try and blend into the local environment. Dress appropriately (see what-to-pack section).

Nicks Travel Notes: In Buenos Aires I purchased a 'Boca' Soccer Shirt. Not only as a souvenir but to make me look like yet another local wearing his Boca t-shirt. BUT this was a bad idea. I was continually approached by locals who saw my t-shirt and assumed I wanted to chat all-things soccer. This was friendly enough, but opposition fans became quite annoying. I decided to leave the t-shirt in my bag. Certainly get yourself some souvenir t-shirts; maybe it's not the best idea to wear the soccer shirts in South America... doing so will definitely get the attention of locals!

Travelling Documents

A USB Memory Stick / Traveldrive is an excellent idea. Scan all your important documents before you travel and put the data on your usb memory stick. Also you can keep copies of your CV & References if you are looking for work.
USB memory stick - buy.com

If you don't take a usb memory stick, another suggestion is to obtain a free web based e-mail address (e.g. hotmail address). Then e-mail these scanned documents to yourself so that they are available on the internet. Access to computers and the internet in South America is now excellent with Internet Cafes in all tourist towns /cities.

I suggest before you travel you scan / copy these documents

Drivers licence
Airline tickets
Student Card
Glasses / contact lens prescription
Any medical prescriptions
Medical Vaccinations Certificates
Passport number and date issued
Serial numbers of travellers cheques
Serial numbers of valuables e.g. camera
International Youth Hostel (and other) membership
All insurance details and any emergency contact numbers
Credit card numbers and emergency number to report theft

Money Belts

Compare money belts here (click link: use search word "Money Belt")

I prefer the 'waist' money belt which I wear under my clothing. It is so thin that it is not noticeable. Do not wear money belts outside your clothing... yes I have seen this done! waist money belt - buy.com

Avoid disclosing the presence of your money belt in public. If possible leave your passport in your hotel / hostel safety deposit box. Keep some spending money separate in a secure pocket or small wallet.

Another back-up option is to also have an 'ankle' money belt. A good idea for emergency money.

Day-to-Day spending needs

Carry separately (from your money belt) only enough money for your day-to-day spending needs.

Carry this money where you feel comfortable. Ideas:

A travel wallet in a secure pocket (zip preferred)
A money clip kept in a secure pocket (zip preferred)
An internal zip pocket / pouch which you have sewn as a flap attachment to the front of your trousers (hanging on the inside of your trousers out of view)

Walk with confidence

When walking with your main backpack (this will usually be short walks between hostels and bus terminals) never let your guard down. Don't let anything or anyone distract you. Walk with confidence and never look like you are lost! If you are lost try and get off the street and into a shop to ask for directions or to check your map.

Dark Sunglasses

I wore sunglasses which had a very dark shading so that my eyes were not visible to others on the street. Wearing dark glasses is a bit like a Poker Player who tactically shields their eyes from opponents. A would be tourist scammer who is unable to make eye contact with you may look for another target.

Three well known tourist scams

Tourist scams occur world-wide and are not unique to South America. Many tourist-scam stories you read are likely to be rare isolated incidents. But it does you no harm to read some of these stories to have a 'healthy paranoia'.

Bird Droppings. I read about this scam before I first travelled to South America. The scam involves squeezing a liquid substance (which looks like bird droppings) onto the clothing of an unsuspecting tourist. The tourist is approached by a bystander who offers a hankerchief and bottle of water to clean the substance off. Whilst cleaning the subtance off the tourist is pick-pocketed or forcedly robbed. In Buenos Aires I met an American tourist who told me he was confronted with this exact scenario - he was wise to the scam and ran to a nearby taxi for assistance.

Razor Blades pickpocketers. This involves external pockets of pants and backpacks being slashed with razor blades. I suggest you don't carry any valuables in cargo pant pockets - especially money! I'd also suggest you purchase a cheap carry bag with a shoulder strap which you can wear diagonally across you body when walking the streets (the bag will hang at your side or front). This will deter anyone wishing to tamper with you bag pockets. I did see some tourists who wore their day-backpacks on the front of their bodies like a baby carrier - this is an effective technique but will certainly advertise yourself as a tourist!

Bag Thieves on buses. Try and get a receipt for any bags carried in the main storage compartment of a bus - most of the larger bus companies provide this service. I suggest you don't put any carry-on bags in the overhead storage (if you can avoid it). On night buses if you want to sleep make sure your carry-on bag is looped around one of your legs. If you are awake when a bus makes scheduled stops keep an eye on passengers departing and retrieving luggage - make sure they are not walking off with your backpack!

The Gringo Trail

I'll finish this section on a positive note. South America is now a hugely popular tourist destination. You will not feel isolated as a tourist. The infrastructure in most towns and cities is tourist friendly - internet cafes exist everywhere. The tourist trail (gringo trail) is a well worn route from north, south, east to west. Don't stray too far from the popular tourist locations and your trip will be a breeze!

2007 South America Travel Advice