My best friend and I are backpacking across central america for 3-4 months how much should we each budget?

Question

Were either leaving from Dallas probably the first week in july in flying or busing overland into Mexico. I will have about 5000 do you think thats enough for if I spend less that would be great.

Answer 1

by the time you go backpacking you may end up with nothing. those countries you are going to you will be an easy target with all that money.

Answer 2

Yes,having done it myself both solo and with a companion on several occasions over the years that amount should be adequate for 3-4 months.I usually budget $50 US a day for travel and typically end up spending, on average,no more than $30 a day.



My best advice is to carry only a modest amount of cash with you using a combination of American Express travelers checks and a Visa debit card from your bank to replenish your cash every few days.(Most banks will charge a small ATM transaction fee) Try to change only the very minimum amount of money needed with the money changers when crossing the border(s) or the Casa de Cambios in the airports and elsewhere.The best exchange rate will always be at the larger banks or from a bank ATM. Even though many places throughout Latin America will offer to accept US dollars or travelers checks for payment of goods and services you will invariably receive a exchange rate that will 'always' favor the merchant and 'never' you.

A backpack is particularly vulnerable to petty thieves in Mexico and especially in Central America.They are very skilled and very fast.  and I don't carry one anymore for that reason. However, if you are going to I would strongly suggest looking into some of the excellent anti slash/anti theft products offered by Pacsafe and others.

Have a great trip! If you have any other questions or concerns feel free to email me. Buena suerte y bien viaje.... juan23

Answer 3

I would not reccommend carrying that much money on you at one time. 2 or 3 months backpacking, chance are you will be robbed once or twice....you will need to take precautions......good luck...