Many solo female travelers have likely heard that South America is “dangerous” and that they should consider elsewhere for their solo ventures. Calling an entire continent “dangerous” is a generalization, and while it’s crucial to always practice certain safety tactics, exploring this vivid continent is indeed possible as a solo female traveler. Here are 10 tips for ladies looking to take a South American trip, party-of-one.
12. Hire Guides For Popular Tourist Spots
South America is home to many popular tourist spots, from Iguazu Falls in Argentina to Christ the Redeemer in Brazil to Machu Picchu in Peru. Popular tourist spots typically mean being an easy target for scams. Solo female travelers should consider hiring guides to minimize becoming a target for those looking to make a quick buck on tourists.
11. Learn Some Of The Language
The primary languages of South America are Spanish and Portuguese. While English might be spoken in some cities, it’s not as widely spoken as it is in other parts of the world. It is crucial to learn some of the languages, even if it’s just “hello,” “how are you,” “where is the bathroom,” and how to ask for a table for one person. It can also be helpful to learn numbers to ensure payments are swift and smooth.
10. Avoid Getting Drunk
While solo female travelers might want to imbibe, it is wisest to avoid getting intoxicated. While travelers might enjoy a few drinks here and there, drinking is, unfortunately, a common way to get roofied and a common way to lose general inhibitions. Play it on the safe side and limit alcohol intake when traveling alone.
9. Stay Vigilant
It goes without saying that being aware of surroundings at all times is a great way to detect if something might seem off. Solo female travelers should keep their belongings close, always know where their cell phones and wallet are, and, if possible, should place them in a spot where it will be more difficult for pickpocketers to snatch them quickly. There are many tips one might want to know before solo traveling to Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and more, but staying vigilant is one that applies across the board.
8. Don’t Go Out At Night
This is a frustrating prong to include because “Don’t go out at night” implies that if something is to happen to a solo female traveler after dark, they could have avoided it had they not “gone out at night.” Sadly, however, it is a theory that should be practiced when visiting South America as a solo female traveler. Play it safe instead of sorry, and try to avoid going out late at night, particularly when staying in an isolated part of town.
7. Buy A SIM Card
It is crucial to stay connected to family members and/or close friends when traveling alone. Even if it’s just a quick check-in to say, “Hello, I am okay.” The easiest way to stay connected abroad is by purchasing a local SIM Card. SIM Cards can be purchased in just about any country in the world. Make sure to hold onto the original SIM Card in your phone, however, because that contains your personal phone number.
6. Write Out Your Itinerary And Give It To A Close Friend Or Family Member
Writing out an itinerary with as many details as possible and emailing it to a friend or family member is a great way to ensure someone always knows where solo female travelers are. Include airlines, flight numbers, times, hotel name and addresses (and phone numbers), and any planned tour activities. That way, in case something goes awry, someone in the world knows where you are.
5. Make A Copy Of Your Passport
This tip is for all travelers. Getting a new passport abroad can be a real pain, but making a copy of one’s passport is a great way to ensure there’s something to declare one’s identity. It is recommended to make a photocopy and email it to one’s self to ensure a copy is always handy.
4. If Taking A Taxi, Take An Uber
Taxis in South America are generally affordable. However, taking a street taxi is almost a guaranteed way to get ripped off. Even worst, cab drivers can easily take advantage of people who appear to be vulnerable, and sadly, a woman traveling alone screams “vulnerability” to hungry taxi drivers. Uber works in most parts of South America, so it is wisest to order an Uber and share the ride with a close friend or family member. This avoids paying more than necessary and ensures someone knows where solo female travelers are. Uber also has a feature to require a 4-digit “PIN Code” when entering a car to ensure travelers get into the right vehicle, which is where learning a few numbers in the local language comes in handy.
3. Join A Meet-Up
For solo female travelers who are looking to make a few friends, look up local meet-ups with other travelers. There are many platforms out there to join travelers on the road, from Girls LOVE Travel Facebook Group to Couchsurfing to Bumble BFF. An even better way to make friends when traveling is by opting to stay in hostels, which often host happy hours, movie nights, and more.
2. Don’t Flash Valuables
Pickpocketing and general thievery are sadly common in South America. To avoid becoming a target, simply don’t walk around mindlessly on a cell phone, don’t carry a large camera (a GoPro is a great option for a small, compact camera when traveling), and don’t wear flashy jewelry. It is always advisable to do whatever one can to blend in with the locals.
1. Always Carry Cash, And Leave One Credit Card In Your Room
Having cash on hand will ensure one always has a way to pay for meals and services in case, for some reason, a card is either not accepted or not functioning. It is advisable to travel with at least two credit cards, to carry one throughout the day, and to leave one safely locked in a room. That way, if something happens when out and about, whether it’s losing a card or getting mugged or pickpocketed, there’s still a way to pay one’s way through the remainder of their trip from the card that is safely stowed in the room.
