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Central America<\/a> is where I started my nomadic life. To this day, it remains one of my favorite regions for backpacking. Flanked by the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, Central America connects Mexico to South America and is made up of seven countries.<\/p>\n It can be challenging to get around<\/a>, but the region offers incredible beauty, abundant nature, picturesque beaches, and affordable prices.<\/p>\n And while political upheaval and civil unrest have kept tourists at bay for a long time, these days the area has developed into something of a hotspot for travelers, surfers, and retirees.<\/p>\n Why?<\/p>\n Because Central America has something for everyone yet is still incredibly affordable to travel in<\/a>.<\/p>\n But is it safe?<\/p>\n In this post, I\u2019ll go over everything you need to know to stay safe and have an amazing trip in this incredibly diverse region!<\/p>\n Table of Contents<\/p>\n There are seven countries in Central America: <\/p>\n Click on the map for country guides: 1. Be aware of your surroundings<\/strong> \u2013 It can be easy to stop paying attention and let your guard down. But that\u2019s when disaster strikes. Always be aware of your surroundings. <\/li>\n 2. Avoid isolated areas<\/strong> \u2013 If you\u2019re somewhere isolated, you\u2019ll be at a greater risk for getting robbed, especially at night and in big cities. Try to stay where the crowds are. That\u2019s the best way to avoid being singled out by potential muggers.<\/li>\n 3. Don\u2019t wear flashy items<\/strong> \u2013 Do your best to blend in so you don\u2019t become a target for pickpockets. Remove any jewelry or watches, and don\u2019t wave your phone around. <\/li>\n 4. Separate your cash<\/strong> \u2013 Keep only the money that you need for the day on you. Keep the rest locked away safely at your accommodation. That way, if something happens you’ll still have some money tucked away.<\/li>\n 5. Download the Prey app<\/a> to your phone and laptop<\/strong> – If either device gets stolen, you\u2019ll be able to track it and remotely turn on your camera to photograph the thief (you can also wipe the data and message the thief too). It costs just $1.10\/month. <\/p>\n 6. Take taxis at night<\/strong> \u2013 If you need to get somewhere at night, take a taxi. It will be safer than public transportation. Have your accommodation call the taxi for you, so you can be sure you\u2019re getting a reputable driver.<\/li>\n 7. Be careful on public transit<\/strong> \u2013 If you have to take public transit, keep your valuables on you and keep them well secured, especially on chicken buses (the colorful, modified, and decorated buses that transport goods and people). Petty theft is common on night buses, so avoid them if you can.<\/li>\n 8. Don\u2019t do drugs<\/strong> \u2013 The cartels here have really made life difficult for the local population. Don\u2019t support them by buying their products. Drug penalties are also harsh in the region, and you don\u2019t want to end up in jail here!<\/li>\n 9. Stay away from animals<\/strong> \u2013 Stray dogs are common throughout the region, and they (as well as monkeys) often carry diseases, such as rabies (which can be fatal). To avoid getting bitten, don\u2019t pet stray dogs or touch any wild animals.<\/p>\n 10. Buy travel insurance<\/strong> \u2013 Travel insurance<\/a> keeps you protected if you get injured or ill, are a victim of theft, or have to deal with delayed or canceled flights. It\u2019s a worthwhile investment and can save you thousands of dollars. Don\u2019t risk traveling without it!<\/li>\n I recommend SafetyWing<\/a> for travelers under 70, while Insure My Trip<\/a> is the best choice for travelers over 70. <\/p>\n You can check out this widget to get a quote for SafetyWing: <\/p>\n\n\n
What Countries are in Central America?<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\n <\/p>\n10 Important Safety Tips for Central America<\/a><\/h3>\n
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\nWhile Central America is generally considered safe for traveling and backpacking, there\u2019s no denying that some precautions should be taken. Petty theft is the most common threat here, so you’ll want to always pay attention to your belongings and take precautions to avoid getting yourself into unwanted situations. <\/p>\n