Hi all,

After reading a lot of reports on the US State Department website about robberies on the street in Latin American countries, I've realized that most tourists who get robbed are usually let go without any trouble.

Howevever, in cases where the tourists do not have enough money to please the thieves, they usually fall victim to violence by the angry or confused thieves for the perceived lack of cooperation.

So my question is -- isn't it safer to carry more cash around with you in latin america, rather than less? I mean, maybe at least $50 or $100, so the thieves will be satisfied and send you on your way.

Doesn't that sound logical?

no, not really.

if that's your thinking, why not carry $1000 and make their day?

I don't think this is a logical response, just a way to lose more money. Did any of the reports indicate more serious harm to those who had nothing to rob? If you have $100 and meet the wrong sort, they will be mad that you don't have more. Be smart about your travel, be confident, try staying under the radar -- when you can, carry nothing, look like you have nothing, thus there will be no interest in you or you will be robbed of less.

I am going to Ecuador on Sat. and last time I was there was robbed by a gang of young children in Quito in broad daylight who had been following us, but luckily if was only $20-$25.

Interesting first post.

To answer your question, no.

Yes, it is interesting. I've spoken with people who profess to do that very thing. . .always carry a moderate amount of cash (as you say, $50-$100, something). I think it is too dependent on the mood and temperment of the robber--and who can predict that?

Wouldn't a smart crook make you go to an ATM and make a withdrawl?

100% of the tourists who get robbed on the street are, well, on the street.

It's more practical, sensible, and prudent to avoid situations where you might get robbed. Take taxis or refrain from walking alone at night. Don't leave stuff around. The ideal criminal act from your point of view might not be the same as that of the thug who may be on drugs or otherwise psychotic.

The original question about the relative safety of carrying more cash than less is interesting but distracting because it ignores a far greater factor in protection from crime, i.e., prevention.

I think its always a crap shoot what might happen. In years of travel to Latin America my only experience with robbery was walking with three others in Teguchigalpa right after Hurricane Mitch. I guy ran up ripped a gold necklace off one of our groups neck, shoved her hard and took off so fast we hardly even saw it. This would have been prevented if we were more alert and she wasn't wearing the necklace. In Latin America I always secure my stuff somewhere then just carry my wallet with some ID and some cash. A thief can certainly have that. Unfortunately I think each situation is unique and reasonable caution and common sense are your best defense.

I think all you can do is try to take precuations to prevent anything from happening in the first place. If something does happen, do your best to remain calm, don't fight back, and don't try to be a hero. Your life is far more important than any possessions.

I myself was the vicitim of quite a violent mugging in Caracas five years ago. It left me unconscious. I'll tell you from first-hand experience that these things can happen very quickly and without any warning. I was in what I thought was a safe neighborhood. In fact, it happened on the sidewalk in front of the hotel where I was staying. I've relived that evening in my mind many times and asked myself what should I have done differently. My answer is: I don't know what I could have done differently. Maybe not have gone to Caracas at that time. I almost wish I could attribute what happened to "risky" behavior on my part, because then I would have learned something from the experience. That wasn't the case.