Originally Posted by
ChocolateFactory
Thanks.
So you’re saying that the main idea is to not stand out as a valuable target? Losing my credit card wouldn’t be that much of a problem, I could just call and get it blocked - I was more worried about them forcing me to hand out my PIN or withdraw money for them etc.
Is Amex widely accepted? If so, I could use my Platinum card because they can deactivate cash withdrawals. But then again, a Platinum card would probably make me even more interesting as a victim (if they force me to empty my pockets and see the card)? I get that it’s not extremely likely we will be mugged, but I’d like to be prepared in case it does happen.
What about a DSLR camera when going to the typical sights etc.? Best to bring a cheap camera instead? iPhone selfies would probably be a bad idea?
(And by the way, I guess Iguaçu/Iguazu, Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile and Lima will all be safer than Rio?)
Forget about the possibility of any criminals asking to see your cards to judge if you are a worthy target… we are talking very uneducated people here, who likely can’t tell the difference between Amex and Visa, much less if your card is platinum, black or even that there are different tiers of credit cards. My point about only taking 1-2 cards with you and leaving the rest in your room would be more about convenience (i.e. it would take a few days to get a card back when you are abroad, which is more complicated if you are going to several places).
Even with the recent upseing in street crime, instances of flash kidnappings among locals are much less frequent today than they were, say, 10 years ago. When it comes to a tourist, I can’t recall it ever happening (the language barrier would be enough to deter a criminal from going beyond just relieving you of the items in your possession and call it a day).
With regards to a DSLR camera, it’s fine to take it to tourist spots which would involve transportation there and back (Christ, Sugar Loaf, Vista Chinesa), but for the tourist activities which involve walking around (downtown like Praça Maua, sunset at Arpoador, beachfront, etc) I would suggest using your iPhone or a point and shoot which would fit in your pockets. Again, iPhone selfies are fine, just make sure you know who's around you before pulling it out, and don't spent 10 mins doing it, especially if it's crowded at Arpoador, for instance. Speaking of pockets, you may prefer cargo pants/shorts where you can fit everything you need, forget a backpack: you can buy bottled water anywhere, and there’s no need to be lugging bags around (again, women’s handbags when going around at night, at a shopping mall fine, but walking around sightseeing is best avoided).
Santiago, Lima, Iguazu and BsAs are obviously safer than Rio, but still require more care than your average 1st world city. Buenos Aires has a few famous hotspots for muggings (the streets around the Caminito in Boca, the “no man’s land between Centro and Puerto Madero, and the railroad crossings between Paloermo Soho and Palermo Hollywood).
Again, don’t freak out and enjoy your holidays!