Ranking of The 15 Most Dangerous Cities in The World

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Are you planning a trip around the world? Before you embark on your next adventure, it’s essential to know which cities are safer and which ones to steer clear of. In this article, we’ll explore 15 of the most dangerous cities in the world based on Numbeo’s database, which focuses on the quality of life (both in economic terms and security).

Why Should You Know?

While common sense should always be present when traveling, knowing ahead of time which destinations to avoid can help minimize at least part of the risk. The safety and well-being of individuals is always the top priority.

The Top 15 Most Dangerous Cities

1. Memphis, Tennessee, USA

Factors contributing to its danger: high crime rate, poverty, and criminality for profit.
Why it’s dangerous: thefts, burglaries, carjackings, extortion kidnappings, and more.
Safety tips: Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night, and avoid walking alone in deserted areas.

2. Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago

Factors contributing to its danger: drug trade, pickpocketing, aggression, theft, robbery, and financial scams.
Why it’s dangerous: unlit and unmarked streets, infiltration into rented apartments and houses.
Safety tips: Be cautious when using ATMs, avoid displaying signs of wealth, and stay in well-lit areas.

3. Kabul, Afghanistan

Factors contributing to its danger: ongoing wars and terrorist attacks, economic instability, poverty, and kidnappings.
Why it’s dangerous: murders, thefts, robberies, and extortion just to extort money.
Safety tips: Avoid all non-essential travel, stay informed about local conditions, and be prepared for emergencies. Consider hiring a reputable security firm.

4. Porto Alegre, Brazil

Factors contributing to its danger: theft, pickpocketing, armed robberies, and police corruption.
Why it’s dangerous: historic center and main streets are the safest areas.
Safety tips: Be aware of your surroundings, avoid carrying large amounts of cash, and stay in well-lit areas.

5. Recife, Brazil

Factors contributing to its danger: thefts, pickpocketing, aggression, armed robberies, and prostitution.
Why it’s dangerous: vendors on the street, children selling items, and prostitutes.
Safety tips: Avoid walking alone at night, stay in well-lit areas, and be cautious of aggressive panhandlers.

6. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Factors contributing to its danger: poverty, criminality, and violent crimes like kidnapping and robbery.
Why it’s dangerous: nighttime hours are when you’re most at risk.
Safety tips: Avoid walking alone at night, stay in well-lit areas, and use reputable taxi services.

7. San Pedro Sula, Honduras

Factors contributing to its danger: wars between gangs, kidnappings, murders, illegal drug and arms trafficking.
Why it’s dangerous: police corruption and instability in politics.
Safety tips: Avoid all non-essential travel, stay informed about local conditions, and be prepared for emergencies. Consider hiring a reputable security firm.

8. Johannesburg, South Africa

Factors contributing to its danger: poverty, crime, and corruption of law enforcement officials.
Why it’s dangerous: aggressions, armed robberies, thefts, and carjackings.
Safety tips: Be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone in deserted areas, and use reputable taxi services.

9. Durban, South Africa

Factors contributing to its danger: high levels of corruption among law enforcement officials.
Why it’s dangerous: aggressions, armed robberies, home invasions, vandalism.
Safety tips: Avoid walking alone at night, stay in well-lit areas, and use reputable security firms.

10. Pretoria, South Africa

Factors contributing to its danger: corruption, poor application of law, and violent crimes like rape and kidnapping.
Why it’s dangerous: fear of home break-ins with violent aggression.
Safety tips: Be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone in deserted areas, and use reputable security firms.

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11. Pietermaritzburg, South Africa

Factors contributing to its danger: high levels of crime, including murder, rape, armed robbery, and home invasions.
Why it’s dangerous: no notable police controls.
Safety tips: Avoid walking alone at night, stay in well-lit areas, and use reputable security firms.

12. Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea

Factors contributing to its danger: poverty, unemployment, crime, and gangs like Raskol.
Why it’s dangerous: thefts, home invasions, burglaries, and street violence.
Safety tips: Avoid walking alone at night, stay in well-lit areas, and use reputable security firms.

13. Caracas, Venezuela

Factors contributing to its danger: economic instability, drug trafficking, murders, rapes, and robberies.
Why it’s dangerous: many cases remain unsolved, while others are filed away as normal.
Safety tips: Avoid all non-essential travel, stay informed about local conditions, and be prepared for emergencies. Consider hiring a reputable security firm.

14. Manila, Philippines

Factors contributing to its danger: traffic accidents, pickpocketing, scams, and crime.
Why it’s dangerous: crowded streets, inadequate public transportation, and petty thefts.
Safety tips: Be aware of your surroundings, use reputable taxi services, and avoid displaying signs of wealth.

15. Lagos, Nigeria

Factors contributing to its danger: poverty, crime, and corruption of law enforcement officials.
Why it’s dangerous: traffic accidents, pickpocketing, scams, and robbery.
Safety tips: Avoid walking alone at night, stay in well-lit areas, and use reputable taxi services.

Conclusion

Traveling can be a wonderful experience, but knowing which cities to avoid is crucial for your safety and well-being. By understanding the factors contributing to each city’s danger level, you’ll be better equipped to plan your trip and minimize risks.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the most dangerous city in the world?
A: Caracas, Venezuela, due to its high crime rate, economic instability, and violent crimes like drug trafficking and murder.
Q: Why should I avoid Memphis, Tennessee?
A: High crime rate, poverty, and criminality for profit make it one of the most dangerous cities in the world.
Q: Is Port of Spain safe for tourists?
A: No, due to pickpocketing, aggression, theft, robbery, and financial scams.
Q: What are some tips for visiting Kabul, Afghanistan?
A: Avoid all non-essential travel, stay informed about local conditions, and be prepared for emergencies.
Q: Can I visit Recife, Brazil safely?
A: No, due to thefts, pickpocketing, aggression, armed robberies, and prostitution.
Q: Is Rio de Janeiro a safe city for tourists?
A: No, especially at night, due to high levels of crime and violent crimes like kidnapping and robbery.
Q: What should I do if I’m traveling to San Pedro Sula, Honduras?
A: Avoid all non-essential travel, stay informed about local conditions, and be prepared for emergencies.
Q: Can you recommend a safe area to stay in Johannesburg, South Africa?
A: Yes, consider staying in the city center or reputable areas like Sandton or Rosebank.
Q: Is it safe to drink tap water in Durban, South Africa?
A: No, due to high levels of contamination and health risks associated with drinking tap water.
Q: How can I stay safe while using ATMs in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea?
A: Use reputable ATM machines, avoid displaying signs of wealth, and be aware of your surroundings.

By following these safety tips and guidelines, you’ll be better equipped to navigate the world’s most dangerous cities and enjoy a safe and memorable travel experience.