Safety Tips for Digital Nomads in South America (2025 Guide)

South America is an incredible destination for digital nomads—vibrant cities, affordable living, and breathtaking landscapes. But let’s be real—safety is a concern if you’re not prepared. While most places are welcoming, being aware and informed makes all the difference. I’ve had my fair share of close calls and learned a lot along the way, but with the right precautions, you can avoid trouble and fully enjoy your experience. Whether you’re navigating busy streets on foot or taking a late-night Uber, these tips will help you stay safe while working remotely in South America.

Blending In – Don’t Look Like a Tourist

One of the best ways to stay safe is to blend in as much as possible. South America is full of bustling cities where people dress casually, so there’s no need to stand out.

• Skip the flashy accessories. Wearing expensive watches, gold chains, or carrying high-end designer bags is a surefire way to attract the wrong kind of attention.
• Dress like a local. I keep my outfits simple—neutral colors, comfortable shoes, and a nondescript bag. When walking around, I avoid wearing clothing with obvious logos that scream “foreigner.”
• Stay off your phone in public. It’s tempting to check maps or text while walking, but that’s exactly when pickpockets strike. I always step inside a shop or a café if I need to pull out my phone.  This is less important when you’re in malls and public spaces, but always keep a tab on your surroundings.

👉 What are your best tips for blending in when traveling?

Researching Neighborhoods – Where to Stay & Where to Avoid

Every city has safe zones and sketchy areas, so choosing the right neighborhood can make all the difference. Before booking an Airbnb, I research online communities and expat forums to get real reviews from other travelers

Safe digital nomad neighborhoods:

• Medellín: El Poblado, Laureles
• Buenos Aires: Palermo, Recoleta
• Quito: La Floresta, González Suárez, Cumbaya

I also use Google Street View before booking accommodation—if a street looks deserted or rundown, I skip it. Airbnb reviews are also key—if multiple guests mention sketchy activity nearby, I take it as a red flag.

👉 Have you ever booked a place in a neighborhood that turned out to be unsafe? What did you do?

Staying Aware – Avoiding Pickpockets & Scams

Petty theft is common in crowded areas, but a little awareness goes a long way.

• Keep your backpack zipped and in front of you. I never carry valuables in my back pocket or an easy-to-open bag.
• Use a dummy wallet. I carry a cheap wallet with a few small bills—if someone ever demands money, I hand that over instead of my real one.
• Watch for common scams:
  • The Mustard Scam (Buenos Aires): Someone “accidentally” spills something on you, distracting you while an accomplice robs you.
  • Fake Tour Operators (Cusco): Unlicensed guides offering too-good-to-be-true deals.
  • ATM Helpers: A “helpful” stranger offering to assist you while skimming your card.

👉 What’s the most clever scam you’ve come across while traveling?  Hopefully you don’t have one!

Transportation Safety – Getting Around Securely

I try to walk as much as possible during the day, which helps me get familiar with a new city while also keeping things safe. At night, though, I don’t take risks—I prefer to grab an Uber or Cabify instead of hailing a taxi, although in Quito, some cabs double as an Uber.

• Public transportation tips:
  • I felt incredibly safe on the Metro in Quito—it was modern, clean, and well-organized.
  • On buses, I keep my backpack in front of me and avoid falling asleep on long rides.
  • In taxis, I always double-check the driver’s details in the app before getting in.

***Pro Experience: Cruising around in a city can be an exciting adventure. Have you ever been within three inches of your life? While working in Mumbai, taking autorickshaws was super exciting- and potentially dangerous….but what a blast!

👉 Do you prefer using public transport or rideshares when traveling? Why?

Health & Safety – Stay Physically Prepared

• Vaccines: Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Yellow Fever are recommended for some areas.
• First aid kit: I always carry basic medical supplies—band-aids, ibuprofen, and any prescription meds.
• Water safety:
  • Tap water is safe in cities like Bogotá, Santiago, and Buenos Aires.  I drink the water in Quito without issue, but I have also eaten samosas made in a back alley in Gujarat, India.
  • In smaller towns, I stick to bottled or filtered water to avoid stomach issues.

**Pro Tip: Before you leave home, grab some Promethazine Hydrochloride tablets – trust me.  There’s nothing worse than being sidelined by Montezuma’s Revenge while on a Teams call, or having to get on a plane (insert groan here)

👉 Have you ever had a health emergency while traveling? How did you handle it?

Protecting Your Devices & Data

As a digital nomad, my laptop is my lifeline. Losing it would be a nightmare, so I take extra precautions.

• Use a VPN when logging into public WiFi. I personally use NordVPN. It’s been solid, easy to use, and allows me to watch shows and news from back home. Get a special deal on NordVPN here
• Back up important data to cloud storage.
• Work from safe locations—I avoid open-air cafés where someone could easily swipe my laptop.  Having said that, I’m writing this from one I trust called Jurgen Coruna near my apartment.  I am confident with this place.

**Pro Tip: Consider bringing another device as well.  I have acompact IBM Thinkpad as my backup, not only for theft, but just in case my main computer craps out.  The smaller IBM is also great when I don’t want to carry a lot.

👉 What’s your biggest fear when working remotely in public places?

Emergency Contacts & Having a Backup Plan

Before arriving in a new country, I make sure to:

• Save local emergency numbers on my phone.
• Share my location with a friend or family member.  I am fortunate to have a great network of friends and family that keep up on my whereabouts. 
• Locate the nearest hospital and embassy just in case.

**Pro Tip:  I also keep a paper copy of my passport and a list of emergency contacts—just in case my phone dies or gets stolen.  In these South American countries, you need an ID for lots of things, from getting a SIM card to going to the doctor.  A picture of it saved on your phone works just as well. 

👉 Do you have an emergency plan when traveling? What’s in your go-bag?

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Conclusion: Stay Safe, Stay Smart, and Enjoy the Adventure

Staying safe in South America doesn’t mean living in fear—it means being smart and prepared. Whether I’m exploring a new city on foot or hopping in an Uber at night, I make sure to stay aware and trust my instincts.

By blending in, avoiding common scams, and knowing my surroundings, I’ve been able to fully enjoy this experience without unnecessary stress. South America is full of amazing opportunities for digital nomads, and by following these safety tips, you’ll set yourself up for a stress-free, unforgettable journey.

✅ Have you worked remotely in South America or anywhere else? Share your safety tips and tricks in the comments!

Please remember to drop a like and a comment, and I’d love to see you as a subscriber! Thanks ~ Rik