“Guatemala – Is it Safe 4 Travel? (4 Safety Tips)”
In this blog I will address specifically about how crime does happen in Guatemala, but how that is no reason to stop you from traveling to this beautiful Central American country. I will discuss 4 tips on what you need to know before you go to ensure you have a fun and safe experience.
- Pickpocketing
- ATM and credit card crime in Guatemala
- Car crime
- Armed robbery
It has been no secret to travelers and visitors that Guatemala has a high rate of crime – mostly due to corruption in the government and political instability as a result.
However, someone may ask just how dangerous is Guatemala for tourists, and is it safe for people to travel?
While crimes do and can happen to travelers, there is no cause for them to alarm, just keep understand and apply these tips before you go to stay safe in Guatemala.
1. Pickpocketing in Guatemala
The markets, public transport, and public processions that occur frequently all attract crowds, and with crowds come easy targets for those skilled pickpockets in the area. One of these times is during Holy Week in Antigua when pickpocketing is a common result. The famous markets of Chimaltenango are also known for theft, with travelers reporting having several pockets razored discreetly until the wallet locket was discovered. Another traveler recalled how he was pickpocketed at the Sololá markets, even with his pockets buttoned shut. Thieves will take advantage of any time your attention is diverted so they can strike.
The US Embassy in Guatemala reports US tourists have been pickpocketed exiting the Aurora International Airport, while riding on buses from Guatemala City to Antigua, and while out shopping and sightseeing. The best way to avoid becoming a victim Keep your belongings close, or do not carry expensive items with you when you are out. It is also best to avoid showing any wealth, so dress down to blend in, leave the jewelry and expensive watch at home. Avoid traveling around night which can make you an easy target for criminals especially in major cities and towns.
2. ATM and credit card crime in Guatemala
Bank card scam and bank account phishing is a common crime in Guatemala. After using ATMs in Antigua's Central Plaza, travelers will have reported seeing fraudulent charges on their accounts. These frauds have also occurred in ATMs in Antigua grocery stores. Credit card cloning is frequently reported in Guatemala City. The best way to avoid this is to use cash and carry only as much of the local currency as you think you will need for the day. Leave valuables back in your hotel locked in the safe (if there is one). It is also a clever idea to let your bank know when you will be in the country in case you get some unauthorized transactions once you leave or arrive home.
3. Car crime in Guatemala
Cars may seem like a secure place to store your valuables, but Guatemala has its fair share of car break-ins as an unfortunate crime that occurs. A traveler once reported having their car broken into while parked at the gas station. Inside was their computer, wallet and credit cards. Incidents like these are especially popular in the Guatemala City territories, but you should take caution whenever important items are left unattended in a vehicle. Always keep valuables out of sight or better take them with you instead.
4. Armed robbery in Guatemala
Many travelers will visit Guatemala without any trouble involving theft and robbery, but it's sadly a potential situation where armed robbery does sometimes occur. This could involve the threat of weapons, such as guns, knives and even military grade weapons like grenades or explosives. Avoid the known crime hotspots in Guatemala City which are: Zones 1, 3, 6, 18 and 21. The reason why these are hotspots are because they have the most traffic when it comes to tourists trying to explore the initial parts of the country and it is not police by law enforcement heavily because of the fast pace moving streets and highways nearby.
Several tourists have also reported being robbed at gunpoint while climbing the different various volcanoes the country has such as Volcan de Agua and on walking tracks throughout the country. Tourist buses where you travel with other groups as well as shuttle buses from airports or other nearby cities are occasionally robbed at gunpoint. These incidents will most likely occur if the vehicle was in the wrong place at the wrong time or if the thieves and driver were conspiring together. Typically, an incident like this specifically involves the driver of a private shuttle going off-track or traveling to a remote location, where several masked men rob travelers of their belongings. By exercising some common sense, you can minimize your risk of being robbed by doing some of the following:
- Talk to locals; they will know where the sketchy spots are or if an area/street is a bit of a crime hotspot
- Avoid traveling at night on any public transportation. Always try to leave and arrive during daylight hours
- Taking first-class bus services when traveling between cities
- Use licensed radio-dispatched taxis, such as Taxi Amarillo and Taxi Blanco y Azul
- Don't flash jewelry, cash or cards around, or any items that draw attention like electronics.
- Use ATMs inside hotels or banks rather than on the street
- It's also handy to keep a fake wallet with a small amount of cash that you will be happy to hand over if robbed.
Podcast about travel and safety https://www.worldnomads.com/explore/central-america/guatemala/the-world-nomads-podcast-guatemala
Article about government corruption https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/aug/28/guatemala-corruption-mafia-coalition-jimmy-morales
