Is it safe to travel to Central America

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Central America's Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama are in a wondrous region that entices many travellers. Some of these countries are a tourists haven whilst others are known hot-spots, having a turbulent history and some hostility exists today throughout the region. Be sure to check the current travel warnings on your government website to try to avoid  if planning to venture into this region.

Tourists are often distracted, caught up and in awe of the destination they are visiting, often not noticing other things or people around them. Here we share common tactics and travel scams that travellers should be aware of, so hopefully you will read the scams and recognise them if approached by a scammer so you can avoid them. You may not encounter any of them or you may encounter some of them, this list helps prepare you should a scammer target you.

Some of the most common travel scams are seen throughout many countries around the world in similar or various forms. Most are fairly harmless besides putting a dent in your wallet and your pride from being scammed! Some scams are more serious and quite dangerous, know how to recognise the signs to help avoid them.

Visit your government’s travel warning website for more information.

The good people of our world far outweigh those scammers, so be aware, stay safe, but most of all ENJOY!

Emergency – Police (and Tourist Police) 911, Firefighting and rescue services 911 or 118, Medical emergencies 911 or 128.

Be Cautious in – San Jose, San Jose airport,  Tamarindo, Jaco, Quepos, Manuel Antonio and Tarcoles River on the  Pacific Coast and Puerto Viejo and Cahuita.

Pick-Pockets – You are at  greater risk of pick-pocketing and bag snatching in crowded areas,  public transport, cafes, markets and in resort areas.

Transport

Taxi – Taxi drivers overcharge unsuspecting tourists  unaware of the costs when arriving in a new country. Ask a local the  estimate cost of the ride or if available use the local registered  taxis, especially from the airport.

Taxi – Only use licensed taxis that are painted red with a yellow triangle medallion and numbers inside painted on the side.

Taxi – Use the official airport taxis, the prepaid  vouchers can be purchased from the booth in front of the San Jose  airport terminal. The airport taxis are painted orange.

Taxi – To save the possibility of being cheated make sure you ask the taxi driver to turn the meter on. Do not negotiate a fare.

Taxi – Do not sit in the front passenger seat with a taxi driver and make sure the door handles are working for increased security.

Bus/Train – Buses and Trains are also targeted by  thieves, helping themselves to your valuables. Keep valuables on your  lap, do not place on the floor or in the storage rack above.

Bus – You may see someone struggling to place their  bags in the overhead storage on the bus. If you choose to help them make  sure you have a good grip on your own luggage so it doesn’t get taken  while you are distracted.

Smash and Grab – The targets of smash and grab  robberies are motorists who are stuck in traffic or stopped at a light  especially Catania, Sicily.  Keep widows up and valuables out of sight  as thieves will smash windows to access valuables.

Car hire – Car hire companies will try to charge you  for ‘mandatory’ compulsory insurance which in some cases equates to  double the quotes car hire rate. Try to book and pay for your car hire  in full prior to arriving in the country.

Car – Do not leave valuables in cars as they are a prime target for thieves.

Car – Park in secure carpark’s for your own security and to help prevent break-ins.

Flat Tyre – You may have assistance to help you  change a tyre, make sure that the help does not help themselves to the  valuables in your car and make sure you place any bags from the  boot/trunk in the car cabin rather than beside your car when removing  the spare tyre from the boot/trunk.

Car – Accidents are staged with the intention to rob  tourists. If you are involved in an accident do not pull over, if you  are in an isolated place continue driving to a garage or other public  place with many people around.

Carjackings – More serious than a scam but you should be aware carjackings do occur. Keep doors locked and windows closed.

Contact us if you know of an accommodation scam travellers should be aware of. 

Counterfeit goods – Fake designer goods and pirated  material may be illegal to carry back to your home country and you may  be breaking local laws purchasing fake goods.

Visa Card – Tourist are being overcharged on their  Visa transactions, check the amount is correct before signing or tapping  payment on paywave.

Contact us if you know of an entertainment scam travellers should be aware of.

Contact us if you know of a social scam travellers should be aware of.  

If you have current information with regard to a scam or any content on this site please contact us to review and revise or add information. 

Emergency - 911 Police 104

Be Cautious in - Panama City are Cabo Verde, Curundu, El Chorrillo, Madden Dam Overlook, Rio Abajo, San Miguel, Santa Ana, Veracruz Beach, Santa Librada, San Miguelito, Panama Viejo, Colon, and Chiriqui. Avoid completely the “Mosquito Coast” (Panama north coast, from Boca de Rio Chiriquí to Coclé Del Norte and inland for five kilometres). Darién and San Blas Provinces are also very volatile areas.

Pick-Pockets - You are at greater risk of pick-pocketing and bag snatching in crowded areas, public transport, cafes, markets and in resort areas.

Taxi - Do not allow the taxi driver to pick up any other passenger. Taxis may pick up a ‘passenger’, their accomplice on route and rob you or worse. Tell the driver NOT to pick up any passengers.

Taxi – Only use yellow coloured, licensed and registered Taxis. The number on the side of the taxi must match the number/license plate number.

Taxi – Major hotels have ‘tourist taxis’ that have a different appearance to regular taxis. Only take them from the front of well-known hotels. If you are unsure ask the concierge.

Taxi – Do not allow anyone to hail a taxi for you or direct you to a taxi stand, the risk is travellers take the taxi and are robbed, etc.

Smash and Grab - The targets of smash and grab robberies are motorists who are stuck in traffic or stopped at a light especially Catania, Sicily.  Keep widows up and valuables out of sight as thieves will smash windows to access valuables.

Vehicles - Do not leave any valuables (including coins/change) in sight in any parked vehicle, even for the shortest time, it will tempt any petty thief.

Contact us if you know of an accommodation scam travellers should be aware of.

ATM – ATM tampering include fake covers that swallow or jamb your card in the machine or scan your card cloning it. If your card is swallowed and the bank is open have someone go into the bank and get a bank staff member to report it to, do not leave the ATM. If the bank is closed and it is not possible to retrieve your card call your credit card company/ debit card provider immediately.

Counterfeit Goods – Fake designer goods and pirated material may be illegal to carry back to your home country and you may be breaking local laws purchasing fake goods.

Contact us if you know of an entertainment scam travellers should be aware of.

Boaties – Do not pick up any floating packages from the water or on beaches, the drug trade is rife and you do not want to be accused of trying to steal or trafficking anything! Boaties should also see their government’s website for other dangers/warnings for these waters.

Express kidnappings - A person is held short-term (sometimes in remote locations) to allow accomplices to empty your bank account with your ATM/cash cards. Release usually comes soon after their objectives have been met (emptying your bank account). You may be taken from the street using an ATM, drugged at a bar, diverted to another place or vehicle when taking a taxi, etc.  and held until your daily limits are exhausted. Money and possessions are replaceable, this is what the scammers are after do not resist, people have been killed.

If you have current information with regard to a scam or any content on this site please contact us to review and revise or add information. 

Be Cautious in - Managua, Oriental and Huembes Markets, Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, Ticabus bus terminal, areas surrounding upmarket hotels and malls such as, Galerias Mall, Las Colinas, Santo Domingo, Zona Hippos. Also Masaya, San Juan del Sur, San Jorge, Granada, Puerto Cabezas, Bluefields, Corn Islands and Island of Ometepe.

Pick-Pockets - You are at greater risk of pick-pocketing and bag snatching in crowded areas, public transport, cafes, markets areas.

Pick-pockets – Pick-pockets are active on crowded buses, bus stops/stations and markets such as Oriental and Huembes Markets.

Smash and Grab - The targets of smash and grab robberies are motorists who are stuck in traffic or stopped at a light especially Catania, Sicily.  Keep widows up and valuables out of sight as thieves will smash windows to access valuables.

Taxi Kidnapping – Do not allow anyone to hail a taxi for you, travellers have taken the taxi, been threatened with a gun/knife, robbed and/or taken to ATMs to drain their accounts and released in remote locations. Taxis may pick up a ‘passenger’, their accomplice on route. Occured in San Juan del Sur, San Jorge, Granada, Managua, Masaya but possible any location.

Taxi – Only take registered, Radio Dispatched taxis, these have license plates have clear numbers and a red stripe on the top and bottom of the plate. The taxi should be properly marked with the company name and logo. Do not allow the taxi driver to pick up any other passenger. Tell the driver NOT to pick up any passengers.

Taxi – Make sure you have small change to pay the driver as the often do not have change or offer change. You do not want to leave your gear/bags in the taxi and seek change from a local shop etc. use your bags with the taxi may disappear.

Taxi – Do not allow anyone to hail a taxi for you, travellers have taken these taxis and been robbed.

Hitchhiking – You may be offered a ride at the bus terminal or border crossing, do not accept these offers, there is a great danger that you are set up to be a mule (drug carrier), or a decoy. You may be dragged into a situation with serious consequences just by being present. Do not place yourself in that position.

Contact us if you know of an accommodation scam travellers should be aware of.

Counterfeit goods - Fake designer goods and pirated material may be illegal to carry back to your home country and you may be breaking local laws purchasing fake goods.

Tour Guides - Thieves are posing as tour guides, especially on the Island of Ometepe. Only use reputable companies or recommended guides.

Beaches – Be careful, do not visit or walk alone on any beach, robberies and rape have occurred.

Fake police – Fake Police pull over vehicles (mostly in the cover of darkness), including hotel transfers, from airports, on major roads and roads leading to major tourist attractions usually armed and demanding valuables. Do not resist.

Bandits/Roadblocks – Road blocks can be set up by unscrupulous bandits mostly in rural areas blocking roads using rocks and tree branches over the road, bandits come out from the bushes and rob passengers at knife or gun point. Both locals and tourists alike are demanded for ‘donations’ to the cause or your valuables taken.

If you have current information with regard to a scam or any content on this site please contact us to review and revise or add information. 

Emergency -  Police 112    Fire 198   Red Cross 195  Tourist police units in Tela,Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, and Roatan.

Be Cautious in - The Basilica of Suyapa in Tegucigalpa, La Ceiba, San Pedro Sula and aware in Copan, Roatan/Bay Islands and avoid Coxen Hole after dark. Possibly avoid Olancho, Colon, and Gracias a Dios due to high drug crime etc. Road San Pedro Sula and Siguatepeque, lake area of Potrerillos and Pito Solo and the road to Copan. Those sailing the waters around Honduras are also in risk of attack or robbery including the area of Puerto Cortes.

Pickpockets - You are at greater risk of pick-pocketing and bag snatching in crowded areas, public transport, cafes and markets.

Pickpockets – Pickpockets and criminals target travellers at the Airport.

Pickpockets – Pickpockets come in all forms, little old lady/man, mother with child, children, the well-dressed businessman and everyone in between so just make sure you have all your valuables and documents secured and preferably in a wallet/pouch under your clothes.

Pickpockets - Pickpockets and criminals target travellers at hotels. Alter your daily movements, do not become predictable, for example the time you leave your hotel, do not go to the same café, walk the same roads to and from your hotel, etc. In countries of high risk seek professional and latest information and advice.

Mobile Phone - Mobile phones/handy/cells have been snatched when in use on the street especially in tourist areas.

Robbery – Walking alone at night on isolated streets makes you a prime target. Take a taxi or at the very least walk in a group if you only have to go a short distance.

Robbery - Do not resist if you are robbed, people have been killed.

Smash and Grab - The targets of smash and grab robberies are motorists who are stuck in traffic or stopped at a light.  Keep widows up and valuables out of sight as thieves will smash windows to access valuables.

Buses – Avoid travel on budget local bus networks as travellers can be targets of all forms of robberies on these. First class conveyances/services are available.

Bus – Overnight buses are also targeted by thieves, helping themselves to your valuables while you sleep. Keep valuables on your lap, do not place on the floor or in the storage rack above.

Airport – Make sure you do not disclose or discuss your plans for others to hear as this information has been gathered and provided to others to target travellers once they leave the airport.

Taxi – Note the driver’s name and license number, when taking a taxi.  Tell the driver not to pick up other passengers. This has resulted in travellers being robbed by the driver and these other passengers.

Taxi – Make sure you have small change to pay the driver as the often do not have change or offer change. You do not want to leave your gear/bags in the taxi and seek change from a local shop etc. use your bags with the taxi may disappear.

Bandits/Roadblocks – Road blocks can be set up by unscrupulous bandits mostly in rural areas blocking roads using rocks and tree branches over the road, bandits come out from the bushes and rob passengers at knife or gun point. Both locals and tourists alike are demanded for ‘donations’ to the cause or your valuables taken.

Contact us if you know of a accommodation scam travellers should be aware of.

ATM skimming - Devices can be attached to legitimate bank ATMs that capture account information by scan/skimming your card cloning it. They are becoming more sophisticated and more difficult to recognise, try and use ATMs inside banks and shopping centres.

Express kidnappings - A person is held short-term (sometimes in remote locations) to allow accomplices to empty your bank account with your ATM/cash cards. Release usually comes soon after their objectives have been met (emptying your bank account). You may be taken from the street using an ATM, drugged at a bar, diverted to another place or vehicle when taking a taxi, etc. and held until your daily limits are exhausted. Money and possessions are replaceable, this is what the scammers are after do not resist, people have been killed.

Nightspots – Travellers are targeted, especially those who have been drinking. You may be befriended encourage to get drunk or are drugged and then escorted away and robbed or raped.

Snatch and Run – In cafes and restaurants especially those outdoors don’t place your phone or wallet on the table or your bag beside, under or hanging on the side of your chair because of the risk of thieves running and past and snatching them. You should place them on your lap. Turn on your Mobile phone GPS tracker and have an access password.

Hiking – Do not walk/hike on tracks alone and take advice from locals whether the tracks are safe. Robberies can occur along these paths including at beaches and historic ruins.

If you have current information with regard to a scam or any content on this site please contact us to review and revise or add information. 

Emergency - 110 /120 Fire 122 / 123 Tourist Police (POLITUR) 1500 or (502) 2421-2810

PROATUR is the INGUAT (the Guatemalan Tourism Institute) division has 24-hour/seven days per week direct telephone numbers for tourist assistance and emergencies. You may call them at (502) 2421-2810

Be Cautious in - Central market and Zone 1 in Guatemala City Roads close to the borders of Mexico and El Salvador and for boaties, Rio Dulce and Livingston.

Pick-Pockets - You are at greater risk of pick-pocketing and bag snatching in crowded areas, public transport, cafes, markets and in resort areas.

Mobile Phone - Mobile phones/handy/cells have been snatched when in use on the street especially in tourist areas.

Robbery - Do not resist if you are robbed, people have been killed.

Airport - Use only registered taxis to/from the airport, vehicle attacks to/from the airport occur.

Bus - Avoid low-priced intra- and inter-city public buses (Chicken bus/old USA school buses) these are sometimes targeted by robbers who may armed. Robberies have also occurred on first class buses close to the borders of Mexico and El Salvador.

Taxis – Use only radio-dispatched taxis (Taxi Amarillo) or those at hotels, do not hail taxis’ on the street.

Bandits/Roadblocks – Road blocks can be set up by unscrupulous bandits mostly in rural areas blocking roads using rocks and tree branches over the road, bandits come out from the bushes and rob passengers at knife or gun point. Both locals and tourists alike are demanded for ‘donations’ to the cause or your valuables taken.

Contact us if you know of an accommodation scam travellers should be aware of.

ATM skimming - Devices can be attached to legitimate bank ATMs that capture account information by scan/skimming your card cloning it. They are becoming more sophisticated and more difficult to recognise, try and use ATMs inside banks and shopping centres.

Counterfeit goods - Fake designer goods and pirated material may be illegal to carry back to your home country and you may be breaking local laws purchasing fake goods.

Contact us if you know of an entertainment scam travellers should be aware of.

Fake police – ‘Plain clothed police’ ask to check your documents or cash, they will either steel your passport or tell you that your money is counterfeit and take it from your for ‘evidence’. If someone does stop you, just walk away. If they persist ask for ID, and if they do show ID to you (could also be fake) and tell them to have a uniformed officer attend. They should back off, if not, just walk away.

Virtual Kidnapping - A traveller journeys to a remote area with no mobile coverage, someone will contact their family telling them their loved one has been kidnapped, in an accident, found with drugs and in jail, or any other dramatic scenario, and ask for money to be sent by Western Union and/or demand a ransom. If you receive such an Email or phone call try to contact the person or their friends and family to find out first hand where they are and what their movements were. When calls are made the unrecognisable voice is explained away as a cold/flu/etc. and the friend/family members are told not to tell other members of the family. Often grandparents are targeted and information is gleaned from social media such a facebook or blogs. Try to substantiate the call by contacting other family members, friends, or the persons travelling partners before agreeing to send any money. If you cannot gain contact, or clearly substantiate the situation contact your government’s foreign affairs department in your country. Often referred to as the ‘Grandparent scam’.

Note: Some sites may be considered sacred in the Mayan Culture make sure you are aware of these sites, ask locals and respect these sites to avoid any issues with locals.

If you have current information with regard to a scam or any content on this site please contact us to review and revise or add information. 

Emergency - Tourist police (POLITUR) in tourist areas. Police 911

Be Cautious in - San Salvador, around touristed volcanoes and national parks. Unmarked landmines and unexploded ordnance remain a danger in rural areas, especially in the regions of Chalatenango and Morazán.

Pick-Pockets - You are at greater risk of pick-pocketing and bag snatching in crowded areas, public transport, cafes and markets.

Pick-pockets – Pick pockets come in all forms, little old lady/man, mother with child, children, the well-dressed businessman and everyone in between so just make sure you have all your valuables and documents secured and preferably in a wallet/pouch under your clothes.

Robbery - Do not resist if you are robbed, people have been killed.

Bus/Train – Buses and Trains are also targeted by thieves, helping themselves to your valuables. Keep valuables on your lap, do not place on the floor or in the storage rack above.

Bus – Use only reputable tour/bus companies. Ask your accommodation or at the larger hotels for recommendations.

Taxi Meter – Ask if they have a meter and if so ask them to turn it on. If not ask for a fixed price but before you agree a fixed price ask a local approximately how much it should cost. Don’t pay the driver until you get to your destination and are sure this is where you are meant to be. If there is more than one person travelling, make sure the price is for the whole taxi and not per person.

Smash and Grab - The targets of smash and grab robberies are motorists who are stuck in traffic or stopped at a light.  Keep widows up and valuables out of sight as thieves will smash windows to access valuables.

Bandits/Roadblocks – Road blocks can be set up by unscrupulous bandits mostly in rural areas blocking roads using rocks and tree branches over the road, bandits come out from the bushes and rob passengers at knife or gun point. Both locals and tourists alike are demanded for ‘donations’ to the cause or your valuables taken.

Contact us if you know of an accommodation scam travellers should be aware of.

ATM skimming - Devices can be attached to legitimate bank ATMs that capture account information by scan/skimming your card cloning it. They are becoming more sophisticated and more difficult to recognise, try and use ATMs inside banks and shopping centres.

Credit Cards – Whenever you use your credit card for payment make sure you keep it in sight at all times. Do not allow them to take it to another room or process it under the desk, watch them if they have to so you can clearly see the machine (going behind the counter if need be).

Counterfeit goods - Fake designer goods and pirated material may be illegal to carry back to your home country and you may be breaking local laws purchasing fake goods.

Express kidnappings - A person is held short-term (sometimes in remote locations) to allow accomplices to empty your bank account with your ATM/cash cards. Release usually comes soon after their objectives have been met (emptying your bank account). You may be taken from the street using an ATM, drugged at a bar, diverted to another place or vehicle when taking a taxi, etc. and held until your daily limits are exhausted. Money and possessions are replaceable, this is what the scammers are after do not resist, people have been killed. You are at risk at banks, restaurants, clubs, petrol/gas stations, shopping centres and parking lots.

Contact us if you know of an entertainment scam travellers should be aware of.

Virtual kidnappings - A traveller journeys to a remote area with no mobile coverage, someone will contact their family telling them their loved one has been kidnapped, found with drugs and in jail and demand a ransom. If you get such an Email try to contact the person or their friends and family to find out first hand where they are and what their movements were. If you cannot gain contact, contact the government foreign affairs department in your country.

If you have current information with regard to a scam or any content on this site please contact us to review and revise or add information.