1) When traveling in South America, carry an old school ID rather than a passport or driver's license to avoid sharing sensitive personal information. 2) Be aware of your surroundings and avoid potentially dangerous areas like dark streets with gangs or stray dogs. 3) Interacting with locals can make you feel more welcome in the region.

1. Tips for Traveling in South America
1) Carry your old school ID. Don't carry your passport or drivers license. In this case, anyone who
needs to identify you will be able to based on your name and state, not sensitive identifying
numbers.
2) Take a look a few blocks ahead. If you see a gang, or pack of stray dogs, or it's really dark, or
you just don't have a good feeling – DON'T GO THERE!
3) Get to know the locals. If anything you will feel more welcome.
4) Tell everyone you are volunteering on a local project. Even if this is not true, you will appear
poor and devoted to helping others, both will display the image of “humble gringo”, something
you rather be.
5) DO NOT EVER TELL ANYBODY YOU HAVE, OR HAVE ACCESS, TO ANY AMOUNT
OF MONEY. JUST DON'T DO IT.
6) Never ware a wrist watch, carry an expensive cell phone, or ware really nice cloths. If you have
money just make sure nobody knows.
7) Smile a lot and don't look at people in the face and don't appear like you are very interested in
anything. This will help you blend in as a S. American. If you are amazed by the street fight or
other ridiculous things going on, you stick out. Don't stick out.
8) Have fun and pretend like you have lived in S. America for 50 years. The image you portray
from beneath, how you really feel, is what people will pick up on. You are a go-happy, not
interested, quick, poor, and elusive, whiter person :)