"Most visits to El Salvador are trouble free. However, despite the progress made in security, the risk of violent crime remains. El Salvador has until recently had one of the highest crime rates in Latin America so you should take extra care, particularly in downtown San Salvador, on roads outside major towns and cities, and at night. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery or displaying valuable items. Safeguard your passport, mobile phone and cash against pickpockets."
Not surprisingly this advise comes from mainstream media.
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I mean its good advice though dont flash jewelry seems obvious
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Is that violence toward tourists and expats or localized gang violence? These things are not the same.
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FWIW last time I was in El Salvador someone stole the phone of a friend I was with. Not too dramatic: they just grabbed it in a crowded area. But goes to show the crime there is definitely real.
That said, it is true that the crime rate (esp murder rate) has been massively reduced in El Salvador compared to what it used to be. They've arrested tens of thousands of gang members in a massive crackdown, and it's worked.
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