We've all seen them. Tourists, that stick out like sore thumbs. Yet when we travel, we forget about the tourists we've seen and make the same mistakes. Blending in isn't just for tourists. There are plenty of foreigners who live and work in foreign countries and forget how important it is to adapt to the host country. Not looking like a tourist has many advantages. Below you will find some tips on how to blend in while in Latin America.
Why Blend In?
For starters, it's safer to look like a local than a tourist. Tourists are often targeted by thieves and pick-pockets. And given the special tourist prices, which are higher than the normal prices. Second, dressing like a tourist can be disrespectful at times. For example, when entering churches or cathedrals in Latin America, you shouldn't wear sleeveless shirts, shorts or flip-flops. Third, you won't get stared at or pointed at for being a gringo.
Blending in is two parts, physically and socially. Physically involves what you look like and socially involves how you act. While there are somethings that you can't change, there is plenty that you can. Taking Latin American cultures and customs into consideration is that polite thing to do and will help you will enjoy your time here.
Blending in Physically
While there are plenty of blond haired, blue eyed Latin Americas, there are far more dark haired and dark eyed ones. And on the whole, Latin Americas are shorter than their American or European counterparts. And although they aren't super thin, they are not very heavy either, but rather in between.
Obviously there's not much that you can do about your height. And apart from dying your hair or wearing contacts, you probably can't change those features either. However, your physical appearance is more than just this and your clothes and accessories that you use can either help you blend in or cause you to stand out.
Let's start with clothing. For the most part, cargo pants aren't used by most Latin Americans. So if you're wearing them, it's a sure sign that you're a tourist. Shorts are mainly used for the beach, although some women do wear them in the city. Be aware that showing your legs is an open invitation to whistles, stares and kisses being blown at you. Both men and women use jeans and they tend to be tighter than the jeans worn in places such as the USA. In the summer, women can wear skirts and men shorts.
Shoes are also an easy way for people to tell if you're a tourist or not. Ditch the flip flops, they're beachwear, and Birkenstocks and opt for comfy dress shoes. Thousands of Latin Americans walk all over the place in dress shoes, so you can too.
Although there are tons of wonderful shirts that have the city or country that you've visited written on the front, save those for when you get home. Button down shirts or t-shirts for both guys and gals should be fine. Just keep in mind that clothing is worn a bit tighter than what you may be used to, so leave the baggy clothes at home.
Keep in mind that seasons are the opposite here than what they are in the northern hemisphere. And although it may be pretty cold where you are in March, it's actually the end of the summer and the beginning of fall. Locals start wearing fall clothing around that time, so if you show up in shorts and a tank, people will know that you're not from around here. In the summer months, January to March, it does get warm. But depends on where you are, it might not be as warm as what you're used to. Twelve hours of daylight mean that there's less sun and less heat. It tends to cool off at night, so be sure to bring a jacket with you.
Lastly, ditch the hats and sunglasses. Sombreros really aren't worn by the majority of the people here. Sunglasses are more of a fashion statement than anything. If you are going to wear sunglasses, make sure it's sunny. There's really no reason to wear sunglasses here in the middle of winter. And it should go without saying that walking around with a guidebook under your arm and a camera around your neck won't make you look like a local. Try copying the necessary pages of your guidebook and taking those with you. Stick your camera in a backpack or purse. As for money, and ID cards, just take what you need. If you're going out for coffee, you won't need 100 dollars. ID, passports, credit cards and the like should never be with you while you're out on the town. Carry a copy if necessary, but leave the originals in a safe place.
Sharon de Hinojosa (naturegirl321) has lived and worked (mainly teaching English) in the US, Scotland, Spain, the Czech Republic, China, Korea, and Peru. And taught short-term in Venezuela and Taiwan. Her work has been featured in Transitions Abroad, Viva Travel Guides, TEFL News, and ELT World.
She has created The LA Job List http://www.thelajoblist.blogspot.com which lists schools, institutes and universities in 19 Latin American countries which offer English teaching positions.
Since living in Peru since August 2006, she wrote The Ultimate Peru List http://www.theultimateperulist.blogspot.com . With 50 pages and updated monthly it's a comprehensive guide for those living in or moving to Peru.
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