Tips on Having a Trouble-Free Trip to Central America
Tips on Having a Trouble-Free Trip to Central America
Central American countries have become some of the most popular tourist destinations. And just like traveling to other countries and cities, one needs enough information to be able to maximize the experience of staying in a Central America country.
Here are some tips to help one prepare for an exciting trip to one of the culturally-rich countries in Central America.
1. Learn the language. Spanish is the main language spoken in Central America. Although many residents can communicate in and understand English, Spanish is still the language spoken in commerce and most other things. Spanish is easy to learn and once one has been familiarized with sentence construction, he or she can go far just using an English/Spanish dictionary. Belize is the only country in Central America where English is the official language but Spanish is still very widely used.
2. Make sure you have an ID with a photo (such as a passport or a driver’s license) and your proof of citizenship. U.S. citizens must have a valid U.S. passport to travel to all Central American countries. You may also need to obtain a tourist card in some of the countries. These are the documents that need to be presented before entering Central America.
3. Depending on which Central American country you will be travelling to there are certain items than you can and cannot bring with you. Be sure to do your research and take note of the items that are allowed to be brought to Central America, particularly any specific Central American country you plan to travel to.
4. Before entering and exiting Central America, there may be forms that need to be filled out. It is better to prepare these in black pen. The types of forms will usually depend on which Central American country you are entering or exiting.
5. The U.S. dollar (USD) is the most widely accepted foreign currency in Central America. Still you will want to have local currency of the Central American country you are in. You will probably get the best rate for your dollars if you change them for local currency in the country you are in. Most international airports have a bank for currency exchange, and at the main land border crossings there will likely be a bank or moneychangers, who will give fair exchange rates. Credit cards, particularly, those with MasterCard, Visa and AmEx logo are also accepted most places. Bringing traveler’s checks are also preferred.
6. Food and waterborne diseases are the main cause of illness in Central America travelers. Drink bottled water or sufficiently boiled water. Never drink tap water even if the place in which you are staying claims to have a water purifying system. Before eating fruits and vegetables, wash these in a purifying solution, peel them and cook them.
7. In a location different from that of the originals, store photocopies of tickets and a list of traveler’s checks. Leave expensive jewelry, extra credit cards, cash, and any other unnecessary items at home.
With this information, your trip to Central America will be a safe and enjoyable one.
