South America For Two Young Women - Safe?

[robd]

Jnr#2 & her friend (both 20 y.o.) have decided on a 2 week trip to South America. Firstly, is it safe?

Secondly, I'm thinking that joining a tour group would be a good option. Can anyone provide recommendations for the must do's & dont's on travel to SA?

The only place they have mentioned is Rio (not sure they know exactly what's in that part of the world).

 

[Tortuga]

I have been living in Argentina for 4 years. South America like any place is as safe as you make it. Common sense prevails in 99% of cases. This means basics like knowing which areas are not safe, avoiding places with not a lot of people, not going to ATMs at night, not showing any valuables, having a basic understanding of the languages, I could go on and on. Rio is a dynamic city that has to be seen - although Brazil is extremely expensive these days. Buenos Aires is safer and more "European", then you have all the major tourist destinations (Machu Pichu, Iguazu, Buzios etc the list goes on). If it is their first time overseas I would be a bit cautious, if however they have done some travelling before (stayed in hostels etc) then just re-enforce the basics I talked about and they will be fine. If they end up in Argentina tell them to bring USD's because there is a black market there with a better exchange rate.

I have witnessed a few robberies, most of the time it was in a quiet area at night where the person was carrying a handbag or displaying some obvious signs they were a tourist with some money.

 

[casanovawa]

I lost/had my wallet stolen in Buenos Aries... Was a bummer on day 3 or a 2.5 month round the world trip and had to cancel all my credit cards and what a saga that turned out to be getting replacements!!! After that i always keep a credit/debit card or two separate to my wallet so i can't lose them all at one time... But as Tortuga says, its often as safe as you make these things and at least they have each other to cover their backs... There are a few scams that are well know in places so maybe they should read up on some of that sort of stuff, forewarned is forearmed...

Probably better if it wasn't their first trip abroad and yes a tour group might be safer and easier if their first time, but then it can be more expensive and you often get to see what the tour company wants to you see and the businesses who have paid them to bring their customers to them... I was actually in a walking tour when my wallet went as we had hopped on a crowded bus to go back to the hostel... But yes if they use common sense they should be ok, Rio might be the the place they have to be most careful of, and maybe BA, in places like La Paz, Lima, Iguassu, Machu Picchu etc i never really felt any sense of needing to be on the look out for scammers but it pays to keep your wits about you always...