Useful tips on what to do & not to do
On this page
when travelling through Latin America
Do’s
Copy your passport/
ID / tickets
Carrying around a copy of your passport (the page with your photo and other important information) is a must when travelling abroad, just in case your passport is damaged or lost. Same for tickets
Put everything in clouds/
online storage
Use a cloud or external storage to save your photos, copy them daily
Charge everything
Keep all your batteries charged. You don’t want to miss that perfect shot because your camera isn’t charged
Acclimatize
In the Andes, take several days to acclimatize before serious hikes or climbing volcanoes.
You will feel the altitude even when walking around the cities
Use sunscreen
Always use sunscreen! (SPF50 or higher) and make sure is eco-friendly
Drink enough water
Carry bottled water with you, if possible in a reusable bottle and fill it up at water coolers
Be kind
Remember we are not all the same and you travel abroad you will encounter different customs and traditions different from yours.
Respect the locals and please, always ask before taking their photo
Wear a hat
anything to protect you from the sun
Carry enough change
Carry coins separately and easy for you to access
Wash everything
Peel it, boil it, cook it or forget it! (main rule for fruits and veggies)
Know your way
Always know the way back to your hotel
Use offline maps
Download offline maps (preferably google maps for the vast additional info on shops, ATMs, restaurants, opening hours etc…)
Turn your backpack into a “front pack”
Mostly on public transportation. Always keep your belongings in front of you
Have a secret pocket
It’s a good idea to have a secret compartment with some money
Only official taxis
Only take registered taxis with a number, also Uber and Cabify are great and safe options
Carry a lock
Carry a lock with you. Either to fixate your bag in the overhead compartment on a bus, or to secure your bag’s main compartment during travelling
Explore!
Seek new experiences. Try foods. Go places. Meet people!
Just ask
Ask before taking pictures of people and understand when they say no
Don’ts
Don’t do drugs!
The possession of drugs is a serious offence in most countries in South America. Even small amounts might get you into serious trouble. It’s not worth the risk.
Don’t wear jewellery
You don’t really need it and it would be a shame if you lose anything that is of great value to you
Don’t roam
Nothing is worse than returning home to see a cellphone bill that is astronomical. Be sure to either contact your provider for an overseas plan or only use it via WiFi
Don’t travel at night
Whether in your own car or on public transport, it’s not a good idea. In cities like Quito, just take a taxi or an Uber and avoid walking through dark areas
Don’t talk about politics
Not every country is the same, and not every society is tolerant of free speech. Have fun but keep politics out of your discussions while you travel
Don’t accept drinks from strangers
If you go to a bar to drink, don’t accept drinks from someone you do not know. Only take drinks you bought for yourself and if you leave your drink unattended, better get a new one. Luckily drinks are usually cheap in South America
Don’t throw toilet paper in the toilet
there will be a bin for that
Don’t drink tap water
There are cities that will be safe to do so, where the quality standards are high enough but it’s better to be safe than sorry
Don’t expect punctuality
It’s common and even expected to arrive a few minutes late to a gathering
Don’t go near wild animals
Keep some distance, don’t touch or stress them.
Of course, you can still take pictures
Don’t wave around money
Keep it as low down as possible
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