San Pedro Sula is the second-largest city in Honduras after Tegucigalpa. The administrative center of the Department of Cortes and the municipality of the same name. The name of the city is translated as “St. Peter’s Valley”. The city of San Pedro Sula is the most dangerous inhabited on Earth: for every 100 thousand population, there are 171 murders a year.
Warnings & Dangers in San Pedro Sula
OVERALL RISK : HIGH
You need to take special precautions in this city, watch out for your belongings and surroundings, and do not walk alone late at night.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : HIGH
Public transport is not well developed. Traffic on the roads can be hectic and unsafe. Pickpockets are common on buses. Use only licensed taxi services.
PICKPOCKETS RISK : HIGH
Pickpocketing occurs in San Pedro Sula at every turn, so wear an anti-theft backpack, look after your belongings, and don't leave your phones and wallets unattended. In crowded places, keep an eye on your surroundings.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : MEDIUM
San Pedro Sula is prone to floods and landslides. However, this does not often happen. To stay up to date, study the weather conditions in the city in advance.
MUGGING RISK : HIGH
There is a risk of armed attacks or kidnapping in San Pedro Sula, and the common goal of robbers is to get your money and valuables. Therefore, if you are attacked, give the robbers what they ask of you to save your life.
TERRORISM RISK : MEDIUM
The risk of terrorism is low in this city. The global risk of terrorist attacks in public areas exists worldwide, so tourists should be vigilant.
SCAMS RISK : HIGH
Fraud is commonly associated with street vendors offering counterfeit goods to tourists. Don't buy them even if the price is very attractive. Also, only withdraw money from ATMs at banks with cameras to avoid skimming your card.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : HIGH
Women are not advised to travel to this city alone; it can be hazardous. You also need to be quiet and wear modest clothing.
How Safe Is San Pedro Sula for Tourists?
San Pedro Sula is not a safe place to travel, with a high crime rate.
The main problems are related to corruption, robbery, and vandalism.
Although many tourists come to this city, there is a high crime rate, which is worth remembering when planning a trip to this city.
Most often, pickpocketing and theft of bags and wallets occur here.
Remember this and never leave personal belongings unattended.
Don’t trust strangers who ask or offer you help.
Leave valuables and large sums of money in the hotel safe.
Carry a minimum of cash with you and if you are attacked, give the intruders what they ask for to save their lives.
Do not walk alone in the city streets and do not stay in poorly lit streets after sunset.
Take a taxi if you return to the hotel late at night.
Use only licensed taxi services – remember that here taxi drivers often cheat, and an unlicensed taxi can cost 3-4 times more.
Violent crime is a serious problem throughout the country, including kidnapping, rape, assault, and murder.
Do not contact drug dealers – it can be dangerous for your life and threaten you with imprisonment.
Do I Need a Visa to Visit San Pedro Sula?
Visitors to Honduras must obtain a visa from one of the Honduran diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries. All visitors must hold a passport valid for 3 months. A valid passport is a must.
Which Currency Is Used in San Pedro Sula?
The lempira is the currency of Honduras. It is subdivided into 100 centavos.
How's the Weather like in San Pedro Sula?
In San Pedro Sula, the summers are short, hot, and overcast; the winters are short, warm, wet, and mostly clear; and it is oppressive year-round. The best months for good weather in San Pedro Sula are March and April.
What Do I Need to Know about Airports in San Pedro Sula?
Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport, also known as La Mesa International Airport, is located 11 km southeast of the city of San Pedro Sula, in the department of Cortez, Honduras. The airport is named after Ramon Villeda Morales, who served as President of Honduras from 1957 to 1963.
Should I Get Travel Insurance for My Travels?
A travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country or city. Make sure you got it before starting your journey; the customs officer may ask for it.
What Are Some Things to Do in San Pedro Sula?
San Pedro Sula is a city in the north of Honduras, one of the main transport hubs of the country, located in the Sula Valley. The Museum of Anthropology and History houses exhibits related to the region’s history and spanning the period from the pre-Columbian era to the present day. To the west of the city, in the Merendon Mountains, is the Kusuko National Park. Hiking trails in this park run through tropical rainforests with abundant wildlife. It is home to many species of bats and the rare quetzal bird.
Is the Water in San Pedro Sula Safe to Drink?
Tap water is not potable. You can use bottled water or boil tap water.
Is Uber Safe in San Pedro Sula?
There is no Uber taxi in San Pedro Sula. You can use any other local taxi services.
