Summary
- Affordable but risky destinations like Mexico City offer rich cultural experiences, but one must also be aware of the high crime rate.
- Tourists visiting Cairo can discover historical wonders at low cost, but must beware of street crime and political instability.
- Rio de Janeiro attracts visitors with its gorgeous beaches and carnival scene, but has a significant crime rate, making the city a dangerous yet affordable destination.
When visiting a new place, tourists should be aware that safety and affordability are not always synonymous. Many places are considered inexpensive, but are actually dangerous destinations. As someone who has visited the Caribbean islands with the highest crime rates, I understand what it is like to travel to a dangerous place. Yet, many of these places are also very affordable to visit or live in, either short or long term.
Dangerous but affordable destinations appeal to travelers who don’t mind exploring new places, even if there is a risk of crime. These candidates are some of the best examples of those who are fascinated by cheap but dangerous destinations. No matter where you travel, knowing and understanding the local culture goes a long way in keeping you safe.
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8 Mexico City, Mexico
Living culture, but be careful where you step
Mexico City offers a rich cultural experience at a low cost, making it a popular destination for budget travelers. This bustling metropolis is known for its vibrant culture, delicious street food, and historical sites. However, tourists should be aware of the high crime rate, including theft, assault, and kidnapping, making the city one of the most popular cheap but dangerous destinations for visitors.
It is important to remain vigilant and avoid certain areas, especially at night. Despite these dangers, the city’s affordability continues to attract budget-conscious travelers. It is quite dangerous, but still not one of the most dangerous cities in Mexico to visit.
|
Costs per week of visit |
458 to 1,156 USD |
|---|---|
|
Known dangers |
High crime rate (theft, assault, kidnapping) |
|
Crime Index |
67.75 |
7 Cairo, Egypt
Historical miracles in the ups and downs of modern chaos
A treasure trove of ancient history, Cairo offers visitors plenty to see, but also presents modern risks. With its impressive pyramids and rich history, this city is a dream destination for many. The low cost of living makes the city an attractive option for budget travelers.
However, travelers must be wary of street crime, including pickpocketing and other common scams that tourists often fall victim to. In addition, political instability can lead to sudden unrest, making certain areas unsafe.
When traveling in the city, it is safer to use reputable transportation services such as registered taxis or ride-sharing apps. Avoid hailing random taxis on the street to reduce the risk of fraud or overcharging.
|
Costs per week of visit |
684 to 1,461 USD |
|---|---|
|
Known dangers |
Street crime (pickpocketing, fraud), political unrest |
|
Crime Index |
50.67 |
6 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Beaches and beauty with a pinch of danger
Rio de Janeiro is famous for its beautiful beaches and carnival scene, but also for its crime.
Rio attracts tourists with its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife and famous Christ the Redeemer statue. Despite its appeal, however, the city has a high crime rate, including theft, robberies and violent crimes. Tourists are advised to stay in densely populated areas and not to venture out alone, especially after dark.
|
Costs per week of visit |
790 to 2,085 USD |
|---|---|
|
Known dangers |
High crime rate (theft, robberies, violent crimes) |
|
Crime Index |
77.39 |
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5 Manila, Philippines
An affordable adventure with hidden risks
Most people don’t expect Manila to appear on a list of dangerous travel destinations, but that’s not the case. The safe to visit.
The capital of the Philippines is a vibrant city with a mix of modern attractions and historical sites. There is always something for visitors to explore in Manila. The city is known for its affordable prices, making it a popular destination for budget travelers. However, the city has a high crime rate, including theft and drug-related crime.
Tourists should be cautious and avoid poorly lit areas and unlicensed transportation services.
When you get into a taxi in Manila, always make sure the driver turns on the meter before starting the journey. If the driver refuses or does not turn it on, get out and find another taxi. A common tourist scam is to significantly overcharge tourists in taxis without meters.
|
Costs per week of visit |
$649 – $1,712 |
|---|---|
|
Known dangers |
Theft, car theft, drug crime |
|
Crime Index |
64.49 |
4 Johannesburg, South Africa
Cultural wealth with high crime rate
Cheap but dangerous would be a good description for this culturally vibrant city. Johannesburg offers a rich cultural offering with numerous museums, galleries and historical sites. The city is also relatively affordable for tourists.
However, the city is known for its high crime rate, including car thefts, armed robberies and assaults. Visitors should take precautions such as not traveling alone at night and using reputable transportation services.
Keep valuables such as jewelry, cameras and wallets out of sight. Use hotel safes for passports and other important documents and do not display your assets to minimize the risk of theft. Being aware of your surroundings is a crucial factor in staying safe in Johannesburg.
|
Costs per week of visit |
704 to 1,757 USD |
|---|---|
|
Known dangers |
Car thefts, armed robberies, assaults |
|
Crime Index |
80.83 |
3 New Delhi, India
Unsafe but extremely affordable
New Delhi is a city rich in history with many monuments, temples and markets to explore. It is also quite affordable for travelers. A visit to the Red Fort is a must for many tourists.
However, the crime rate in the city is high, including theft, harassment and fraud. Tourists, especially women, should be cautious and avoid walking alone at night.
|
Costs per week of visit |
590 to 1,544 USD |
|---|---|
|
Known dangers |
Theft, harassment, fraud |
|
Crime Index |
58.99 |
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2 Nairobi, Kenya
Safari adventure with risk factor
Nairobi is the gateway to some of the best safaris and wildlife experiences in the world and is also known for being relatively affordable for travelers.
However, there are security issues in the city. Crime rates are high, including muggings, car thefts and theft. Visitors should remain vigilant, avoid displaying valuables and stay in known areas.
|
Costs per week of visit |
342 to 652 US dollars |
|---|---|
|
Known dangers |
Robberies, car thefts, theft |
|
Crime Index |
59.46 |
1 Caracas, Venezuela
Beautiful landscapes face a bleak future due to economic turmoil
Once the jewel of Venezuela, Caracas has experienced a significant decline in recent years and has become a dangerous destination. Surrounded by beautiful landscapes and rich in culture, this city can be a very affordable destination for travelers, but it suffers from extreme economic turmoil that leads to high crime rates, including robbery, assault and kidnapping.
Tourists should exercise extreme caution and stay informed of local news and travel advisories.
|
Costs per week of visit |
582 to 1,365 USD |
|---|---|
|
Known dangers |
Robbery, assault, kidnapping |
|
Crime Index |
81.78 |
