Is El Salvador safe for black Americans to visit?

Question

I am a black american and my boyfriend would like for me to go to El Salvador for The Holidays (November - December). i've heard about the gangs and just the raw realness in El Salvador. I wanted to know if El Salvador is safe for black americans to visit because I will surely stick out. His family lives in rural parts of El Salvador although he has a house in San Salvador. Any info is helpful

Answer 1

thats kinda like asking if its safe for a white male to go to Compton, the answer yes depending on how you carry yourself. i am a white male, and i have been to a number of supposed "dont go there if your white areas" and i have never had a problem, im not racist and i dont try to act like im better than anyone cause im white and i think that comes across cause i have never had any problems in any "Ghetto" areas.

Answer 2

I can't say Salvadorans are racist but I can tell you that  THERE ARE NOT BLACKS IN EL SALVADOR...

Can you imagine how much racism there is in there. In USA there are blacks and they are racist, Can you imagine how's the situation for blacks in El Salvador...

Look at this quote from Wikipedia.

El Salvador is the only Central American country that has no  African population.In addition, General Maximiliano Hernandez Martinez instituted race laws in 1930 that prohibited blacks from entering the country

Answer 3

Latin American countries are not racists maninly because the population in latin America is composed of a mixture of races. Whites came from Europe, Indians lived there to begin with, african slaves were brought to some countries, Chinese culies were also brought as workers, so in El Salvador, there may not be much blacks living and visiting but it's not a dangerous place for black people.

Stick to what other people say about good neighbourhoods and just take care as you would in any other country in the world.

Answer 4

It's not safe for Americans to travel to any foreign countries. There's always a risk.

Answer 5

I've heard there aren't any blacks in El Salvador but also that Salvadorans are friendly

Answer 6

There are black people in El Salvador, just not that many.  I think the rural parts of ES are much safer than the cities, and the people there are extremely friendly.  If you are with your boyfriend, whom I assume is Salvadoran, then you are almost family to his family and will be welcomed.  There are parts of San Salvador that are unsafe for ANYBODY white, latino, black, asian, whatever, but especially so for foreigners.  That said, there isn't really a reason for you to go to that n'hood, so I wouldn't sweat it.  

You will probably get some funny looks, just because you will stand out a certain amount.  People in Central America are a bit more...well..blunt about questions and things than most Americans.  People will come up to you and say, hey, nice car.  How much did you pay for it?  Or similar things, so expect some random questions about your color, or hair or something.  Its almost allways just good-humored curiosity.  I'm 6'4 and white, with fair skin and green eyes, and I got some kinda bizarre personal questions (does it hurt to be so tall?) from strangers, but they generally don't mean anything malicious about it.

I would say go and have a good time, its a nice country with very friendly people.

Answer 7

San Salvador is beautiful! I satyed there! and yes it is safe 4 u to visit but just stick to someone you know that is pure Salvi!Like anyother country there are safe places and non safe places. I recommend San Salvador, Sonsonate and Suchitoto!  OK? cus if they c u r from here they'll charge u wayyy more! The gangs won't bother u in San Salvador that's for sure.. Don't worry on the news they make El Salvador seem really bad but its not! I walked into the streets when the cars were passing I didn't get ran over. And girl u r sooooo lucky 2 b going in December for the holidays! It is the best! I got burned sure but i had fun! Just b caredul and on New Years cover you r ears at exactly 12 midnight! I put 2 pillows over each ear and it helped - NOT! LOL i hope i was of any help..

Answer 8

I'm from El Salvador and just like any country I can tell you it has it's safe places and it's not so safe places. If you're going to the rural areas you should be find you'll find that many Salvadorians welcome Americans with open arms. I'm from San Salvador, last time I was there it was pretty safe but some areas are really run down because of gangs. Other areas are flourishing and really beautiful. I hate to tell you that there is no visible black population in El Salvador so occasionally people will stare, but don't worry nobody will say anything. You'll find the people to be very humble and polite and will welcome you too, I can assure you of this.

You have to go to the beaches BTW you'll love them. If you go let me recommend Playa La Libertad. If you want to look at some pictures of the country go to this site

http://www.4elsalvador.com/index.html.

I hope you enjoy you're trip.

Answer 9

There is a very small population of Blacks. But people are getting used to it. Specially with many foreign Soccer players now in the league. We even had a Brazilian nationalized to play in the national team.

Tourist areas where there is more security are best to be at. Zona Rosa in san salvador has restaurants and clubs to go to.

I always go to Costa del Sol. This is an area with many beaches and hotels. You can rent boats to take you deep sea fishing here as well.

In December make sure to have a light sweater because it gets cool.

Fire Crackers are awesome. I think i am a natural Pyromaniac. One thing to worry about is like it was said before is that at midnight on new years it gets very loud and very physical. cause everyone hugs for new years.

I dont sleep at all new years from the partying.

Answer 10

El Salvador is composed of many ethnic backgrounds, including blacks from Africa and the Caribbean, so don't worry you won't stick out like a sore thumb just because you are a Black American.

You should keep in mind that you are visiting a foreign nation, and that the culture is a lot different than what you are used to.  Dress modestly but not too extravagant.  Flashy jewelry just screams out rich tourist.  

Ultimately, if you treat people with respect and kindness, they will welcome you with open arms.

Best of luck on your trip.  Sounds like you'll have a great time!  

BTW - if you are there for Christmas or New Years, you better be ready for firecrackers!

Please ignore the ignorance of the poster below.  It clearly shows that he has never visited the country, much less lived in it.  

Below is the full quote.  Unfortunately, the poster below chose to revise it to put his own personal racist spin on it.

"El Salvador is the only Central American country that has no visible African population because of its relative inaccessibility to the Atlantic slave trade.  However, Salvadorans with African heritage are present, most notably in San Salvador, the capital".