To help put the situation in persective, I gathered some statistics from the recent 7th United Nations Survey of Crime Trend and Operations. I covered the biggies that most people are worried about, assault, rape, kidnapping, and robbery.
Assault: I found it interesting that worldwide, guess which countries rank # 6-10 for having the highest number of assaults? The US, then New Zealand, The UK, then Canada, finished off with Australia. You would probably have not much problem planning a vacation to Australia for your family…but might think twice about letting your teenage daughter do a study abroad in Colombia. Colombia ranked way down there at #35, and the only other South American countries that even made the cut were Uruguay at #27 and Chile at #16.
Rape: Hmmm…the US sadly ranked numero uno in this one, followed by Canada in the third position and Australia in #4. Peru ranked #12 and Argentina #16. Looks like your daughter may be safer at a nightclub in Buenos Aires than at a college party in your backyard in the States.
Kidnapping: So many people assume that Colombia has to top this category, right? According to the survey, the UK ranks #1, followed by Canada at #3. The closest South American countries were Peru at #6 and Chile at #18.
Robbery: Better be careful if you head to Spain, as they ranked number one in this category. Chile did manage to get the number two spot, but at levels only half of Spain’s, totalling only 6.9 robberies per 1000 people. Colombia came in #31, with only .57 robberies per 1000 people.
When it comes to theft, I have heard stories of a popular scam that is used throughout South America, especially in crowded, large cities. Someone “accidently” spills some ketchup or mustard or something on you, and when you are distracted and trying to clean it up, with this “nice” person trying to help you, another accomplice takes off with your bag which you probably just set down, or at least are not watching with your full attention.
As always,your safety is in large part determined by your actions. Pickpocketing and theft is prevelant in any tourist area, but if you go around with an expensive camera dangling around your neck, sparkly jewels on your fingers and a large designer handbag on your arm, talking loudly in English, you may be putting yourself much more at risk than if you kept a lower profile. At night, take a cab instead of walking, especially if you are not familiar with the area you are in. Walk in a group whenever possible. Consider carrying a small pocket sized can of pepper spray.
I can tell you from my own personal experience that as a mother, I would not put my kids in what I felt was a dangerous situation. I have never felt that my travels through South America have been any more dangerous than my travels throughout the US. At times, I even feel in this culture that I am looked after more being a woman and a mother. If I stop to ask for directions, it is not uncommon for the person to personally walk me 8 blocks to my destination to make sure that I find it okay. I have had cab drivers stop and give me rides for free when they saw that I was walking at dusk.
So if you are concerned about your safety in South America, rest easy. With some common sense on your part, your travels through this continent should be no more (and possibly less) dangerous than if you were to visit the UK, Australia, or another “first world” country. So now that you have that roadblock out of the way, what are you waiting for? Get packing!
By Cathy Brown - Editor of Expat Daily News - South America - The expat news site for anyone with a specific interest in what goes on in South America. Cathy would love to hear from you with your views and comments! Email her at cathy@expatdailynews.com.
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Could be that the crime stats are not collected with the same efficency in the third world.
ReplyDeleteNonsense !
ReplyDeleteHow accurate are these crime statistics ? !
Are these results audited and officially accepted ? !
Without that confirmed, your report should be assumed as not accurate and taken as your personal opinion.
This report should be taken with a BIG spoonful of SALT ! LOL......
This is taken from a United Nations Survey? They just voted to put Iran on the women rights council. Cuba is on the human rights council. You must be joking if you think this data is close to accurate.
ReplyDeleteholy crap you take cab rides for free? and what else? you walk for blocks with people? you're asking for trouble. but i guess you feel you can guage your situation. just... stay safe.
ReplyDeleteI really appreciate you trying to point out that South America isn't a death trap, and that if you use common sense and a little caution, you're likely to be fine.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I see a few flaws in your argument. First off, I think something that the statistics don't show is that in South America, whether you're a tourist or live there, if you 'look like a gringo' you're much more likely to get targeted, especially for robbery. People equate gringos with money, and if you're blond and blue-eyed, you stick out. So even if you're in some small 'safer' city in Latin America, versus a crime-ridden city in the 'developed' world, you are probably still more likely to be the victim of crime.
Also, I wonder if things are reported less in Latin America (hence the lower statistics) due to lots of red tape and bureaucracy.
That being said, I've traveled/lived in several countries in Latin America and loved it. I followed some basic common sense when it came to safety, and never had any problems (knock on wood) and very rarely felt unsafe. So I say go! Just be smart.
Lies, damned lies and statistics. My particular favourite was the U.K. as kidnapping capital of the world, with Canada in at #3. HILARIOUS!!
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting that there were no statistics for human trafficking of women and children, which is high in Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina and some other South American countries. So no one robs me, but they capture me and sell me into prostitution! What statistics do you have on that subject???? As an American living in one of these countries, do you avoid addressing that concern as you live in your gated communities, or is there some way to get involved addressing this very serious issue in the 21st century?
ReplyDeleteCathy, I appreciate your article. I live in the US, and we certainly have our own share of violent crime, even in good old Roanoke, VA! And in many large cities, "Home Invasion" is heard on news reports regularly. The US also has a huge human trafficking problem, which is, of course, documented regularly on a reality show that follows the special task forces as they do their job to put a dent in it.
ReplyDeleteRegarding South American safety for travelers/expats:
I am a fair-skinned, female American who traveled solo (backpacking-style) for 3-1/2 weeks in Central & South America (Costa Rica, Ecuador and Peru) in 2008. Despite the language barrier (Yo hablo MUY POQUITO español!) I had a great time and am looking forward to my next S.A. trip.
I had two experiences that may have upset some people, but I just chalked it up to being part of the pitfalls of travel.
1. I had something taken out of my daypack while walking in a crowded area in Cuenca, Ecuador. I should have worn the pack in the front when I got to the more crowded area, but didn't. My bad, because I knew better.
2. On an overnight bus ride from Lima, Peru to Chiclayo, Peru I had an interesting (to me) incident. I woke up around midnight to find the bus stopped and people not in their seats. I got up, went outside and realized that all of the traffic on the Pan American Hwy was stopped. It was like a big parking lot. Fortunately one person spoke enough broken English to let me know that the farmers were rioting and had blocked the road. Riot police were on their way to protect the travelers, and we "might" be there until "tomorrow night".
It was actually only about 4 hours before we were able to get on our way again. We drove between rows of riot police sporting full body shields and full riot gear. They were standing between the vehicles and angry farmers milling around glowing bonfires on both sides of the highway. At the time I thought it was cool because I was experiencing something that most Americans would never get to experience, and in my blog entry I wrote the following: "It’s a little surreal, like a scene out of a weird movie…not scary, just weird." (http://birdfamilychronicles.blogspot.com/2008/05/oh-stories-i-have-to-share.html)
As a nurse who has worked in many long-term care facilities, I have seen far too many people who end their lives full of regret over things left undone...places not visited...dreams unfulfilled. I made myself a promise long ago that I would live my life to the fullest and follow my dreams. Better to live a short but amazing life than to live a long but sheltered life haunted & taunted by what might have been.
Sandi--I loved your reply! You said it like it is, the way I would respond. I have lived in Mexico for 11 years now. I am a single white, blonde female, and yes, I do live in one of those fancy gated communities. But, we all need to go into the community daily, to the market, the bank, the doctor, restaurants, etc. I do not stay in the high end of town, I get out there and mingle with the Mexicans. In the USA, I have been molested, raped, robbed, and had a gun pulled on me. In Mexico, someone stole my billfold at the grocery store once. Oh, yes, I was short changed at the gas station, too. Also, I left my purse in the airport bathroom once, and a sweet lady came chasing me down to give it to me. I have had people show me the right direction, smiling the whole time. I have traveled to many places,India,China, Bali, Brazil, Peru,Haiti, many places, and normally, people are people where ever you go. Unless you are acting like the "Ugly American" Then, they rightfully feel justified! You learn how to watch your back, and totally take responsibility for yourself, where ever you are. Personally, I would NEVER want to live in the states again!
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