Earn Here, Spend ThereHow far does your money go?

KOOpen app

Travel difficulty in the Americas 2026

100 cities in the Americas, from the easiest first trip to the hardest. The trickiest factor across the region is getting around (average 2.5/5).

Easiest first 100

1. 🇨🇦 BanffCanadaVery easy1.4/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 1
   Getting around 3 · No Uber; airport shuttles from YYC and Roam buses locally
2. 🇨🇦 Quebec CityCanadaVery easy1.4/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 2 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 1
   Open with 'Bonjour' — staff usually switch to English for you
3. 🇺🇸 BostonUnited StatesVery easy1.4/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
   From Logan, the SL1 bus is free to board and runs straight to South Station
4. 🇨🇦 CalgaryCanadaVery easy1.4/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
   Heading to Banff? Book an airport shuttle — there's no Uber in Banff
5. 🇺🇸 ChicagoUnited StatesVery easy1.4/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
   Take the 24-hour Blue Line from O'Hare — beats traffic and costs far less than a cab
6. 🇨🇦 HalifaxCanadaVery easy1.4/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
   No bus to Peggy's Cove — take a tour, rent a car or use Uber
7. 🇺🇸 MinneapolisUnited StatesVery easy1.4/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
   In winter use the downtown Skyway network — street temperatures get brutal
8. 🇨🇦 OttawaCanadaVery easy1.4/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
   Taxis are pricey — ride O-Train Line 4 from YOW and change at South Keys
9. 🇺🇸 PhiladelphiaUnited StatesVery easy1.4/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
   Avoid the Market-Frankford El through Kensington at night — take Uber instead
10. 🇺🇸 Salt Lake CityUnited StatesVery easy1.4/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Downtown works on TRAX, but national parks and ski areas need a car or shuttle
11. 🇺🇸 San DiegoUnited StatesVery easy1.4/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    The airport is close — MTS bus 992 or Uber beats a taxi to downtown
12. 🇨🇦 TorontoCanadaVery easy1.4/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    UP Express beats a taxi from Pearson — just tap your credit card
13. 🇨🇦 VancouverCanadaVery easy1.4/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Take the Canada Line from YVR and never leave valuables visible in a parked car
14. 🇨🇦 VictoriaCanadaVery easy1.4/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    BC Ferries plus a bus to Vancouver costs far less than a floatplane
15. 🇺🇸 Washington, D.C.United StatesVery easy1.4/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo are free — never pay for "entry tickets"
16. 🇺🇸 AnchorageUnited StatesEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · Downtown by bus/foot; day trips need a rental car or tour
17. 🇺🇸 AtlantaUnited StatesEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · MARTA links airport, Downtown, Midtown, Buckhead; else drive
18. 🇺🇸 CharlotteUnited StatesEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · LYNX Blue Line serves Uptown; elsewhere Uber or a car
19. 🇺🇸 DallasUnited StatesEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · DART Orange Line from DFW; otherwise very car-centric
20. 🇨🇦 EdmontonCanadaEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · Airport is 30 km out: bus 747 to Century Park, then the LRT
21. 🇺🇸 HoustonUnited StatesEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · Extremely car-dependent; long distances and thin transit
22. 🇺🇸 Kansas CityUnited StatesEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · Free streetcar runs downtown to UMKC; otherwise drive
23. 🇨🇦 KelownaCanadaEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · Car-oriented; the airport bus doesn't run evenings or weekends
24. 🇨🇦 MontrealCanadaEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 2 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Buy the 747 fare at the airport machine by card — it's also a 24-hour transit pass
25. 🇺🇸 PhoenixUnited StatesEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · Sky Train + light rail to downtown; elsewhere car or Waymo
26. 🇺🇸 PittsburghUnited StatesEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · 28X bus links airport and downtown; hills make a car handy
27. 🇺🇸 RaleighUnited StatesEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · Car-oriented; GoRaleigh buses exist but Uber/Lyft is practical
28. 🇺🇸 SacramentoUnited StatesEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · Light rail downtown; airport by bus or Uber; mostly car-centric
29. 🇺🇸 TampaUnited StatesEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · Car-centric; free TECO streetcar links Ybor City and downtown
30. 🇺🇸 DenverUnited StatesEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Take the A Line from DEN and just tap your card — airport fare and day cap apply
31. 🇺🇸 HonoluluUnited StatesEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Rough surf and currents are the real danger — swim only at lifeguarded beaches
32. 🇺🇸 Las VegasUnited StatesEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Airport cabs to the Strip use flat zone fares — refuse a metered detour via the tunnel
33. 🇺🇸 New YorkUnited StatesEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Costumed characters in Times Square expect a tip for photos — skip them if you won't pay
34. 🇨🇦 Niagara FallsCanadaEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    'DMF'/'TIF' charges on hotel or restaurant bills aren't taxes — you can ask to remove them
35. 🇺🇸 SeattleUnited StatesEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Skip the cab from SEA — Link light rail goes straight downtown with no traffic
36. 🇺🇸 PortlandUnited StatesEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 3
    Safety 3 · Downtown/Old Town has visible drug use — take care at night
37. 🇺🇸 San FranciscoUnited StatesEasy1.6/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 3
    Safety 3 · Avoid the Tenderloin and SoMa at night — open drug use
38. 🇺🇸 AustinUnited StatesEasy1.8/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · Car-centric; downtown walkable, otherwise Uber/Lyft or Waymo
39. 🇺🇸 MauiUnited StatesEasy1.8/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · Uber/Lyft cover the airport, West and South Maui; Hana needs a car
40. 🇺🇸 MiamiUnited StatesEasy1.8/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · Metrorail links airport and downtown; Miami Beach by bus/Uber
41. 🇺🇸 NashvilleUnited StatesEasy1.8/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · Downtown is walkable; elsewhere you need Uber/Lyft or a car
42. 🇺🇸 OrlandoUnited StatesEasy1.8/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · Parks are far apart — need a car, Uber or hotel shuttles
43. 🇺🇸 San AntonioUnited StatesEasy1.8/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Getting around 3 · River Walk and Alamo walkable; missions need bus, bike or car
44. 🇵🇷 San JuanPuerto RicoEasy1.8/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 2 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 2
    Ask for the Taxi Turístico flat-rate chart for airport and tourist-zone rides
45. 🇨🇦 WinnipegCanadaEasy1.8/5 · Rip-offs 1 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 3
    Getting around 3 · No rail transit: buses and Uber only; brutal winter cold
46. 🇺🇸 New OrleansUnited StatesEasy1.8/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 1 · Transport 2 · Payments 1 · Safety 3
    Safety 3 · Avoid empty side streets off Bourbon at night — muggings occur
47. 🇺🇸 Los AngelesUnited StatesEasy2.0/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 1 · Transport 3 · Payments 1 · Safety 3
    Getting around 3 · Sprawling and car-centric with heavy traffic; rely on Uber/Lyft
48. 🇲🇽 QuerétaroMexicoModerate2.2/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 3 · Transport 2 · Payments 2 · Safety 2
    Language 3 · Little English outside hotels; a translator app helps
49. 🇺🇸 SaipanUnited StatesModerate2.2/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 1 · Transport 4 · Payments 2 · Safety 2
    Getting around 4 · Almost no public transit — a rental car is close to essential
50. 🇦🇷 BarilocheArgentinaModerate2.4/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 3 · Transport 3 · Payments 2 · Safety 2
    Language 3 · Basic English in tourism jobs; Spanish elsewhere
51. 🇪🇨 CuencaEcuadorModerate2.4/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 3 · Transport 2 · Payments 3 · Safety 2
    Language 3 · Many US retirees, so some English in cafés and services
52. 🇦🇷 El CalafateArgentinaModerate2.4/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 3 · Transport 3 · Payments 2 · Safety 2
    Language 3 · English in tourism businesses; Spanish elsewhere
53. 🇨🇱 Puerto NatalesChileModerate2.4/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 3 · Transport 3 · Payments 2 · Safety 2
    Language 3 · Agencies and lodgings work in English; Spanish elsewhere
54. 🇦🇷 UshuaiaArgentinaModerate2.4/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 3 · Transport 3 · Payments 2 · Safety 2
    Language 3 · English in tourism businesses; Spanish elsewhere
55. 🇲🇽 MonterreyMexicoModerate2.4/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 3 · Transport 2 · Payments 2 · Safety 3
    Language 3 · Mexico's best English (EF), but daily life is in Spanish
56. 🇺🇾 MontevideoUruguayModerate2.4/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 3 · Transport 2 · Payments 2 · Safety 3
    Language 3 · Basic English in hotels/tourism; Spanish in ordinary shops
57. 🇲🇽 San Miguel de AllendeMexicoModerate2.4/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 2 · Transport 3 · Payments 2 · Safety 3
    Getting around 3 · Walkable but hilly cobblestones; airports are 1–1.5 h away
58. 🇨🇱 SantiagoChileModerate2.4/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 3 · Transport 2 · Payments 2 · Safety 3
    Language 3 · Basic English in hotels/tourist spots; fast Chilean Spanish
59. 🇨🇱 ValparaísoChileModerate2.4/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 3 · Transport 2 · Payments 2 · Safety 3
    Language 3 · Basic English in guesthouses and cafés; Spanish elsewhere
60. 🇦🇷 Buenos AiresArgentinaModerate2.4/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 2 · Transport 2 · Payments 2 · Safety 3
    Rip-offs & haggling 3 · Taxi drivers swap in fake bills; 'mustard spill' distraction thefts
61. 🇲🇽 Playa del CarmenMexicoModerate2.4/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 2 · Transport 2 · Payments 2 · Safety 3
    Rip-offs & haggling 3 · 5th Ave touts and fake cigars; fix taxi fares before you ride
62. 🇲🇽 Puerto VallartaMexicoModerate2.4/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 2 · Transport 2 · Payments 2 · Safety 3
    Rip-offs & haggling 3 · Timeshare touts at the airport and Malecón; airport taxis pricey
63. 🇵🇾 AsunciónParaguayModerate2.6/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 4 · Transport 2 · Payments 3 · Safety 2
    Language 4 · Little English; Spanish and Guaraní are spoken
64. 🇨🇱 San Pedro de AtacamaChileModerate2.6/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 3 · Transport 3 · Payments 3 · Safety 2
    Language 3 · Agencies and hotels work in English; Spanish elsewhere
65. 🇵🇪 ArequipaPeruModerate2.6/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 3 · Transport 2 · Payments 3 · Safety 2
    Rip-offs & haggling 3 · Unmetered taxis — agree fares; compare Colca tour offers
66. 🇨🇷 La FortunaCosta RicaModerate2.6/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 3 · Transport 3 · Payments 2 · Safety 2
    Rip-offs & haggling 3 · 'Tourist info' offices are mostly tour agents with padded prices
67. 🇲🇽 MéridaMexicoModerate2.6/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 3 · Transport 2 · Payments 3 · Safety 2
    Rip-offs & haggling 3 · Plaza Grande touts steer you to commission shops (hammocks)
68. 🇲🇽 GuadalajaraMexicoModerate2.6/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 3 · Transport 2 · Payments 3 · Safety 3
    Language 3 · Limited English outside hotels; a translator app helps
69. 🇦🇷 MendozaArgentinaModerate2.6/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 3 · Transport 3 · Payments 2 · Safety 3
    Language 3 · English at wineries and hotels; Spanish in town
70. 🇵🇦 Panama CityPanamaModerate2.6/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 3 · Transport 2 · Payments 2 · Safety 3
    Rip-offs & haggling 3 · Unmetered zone taxis overcharge foreigners; use apps
71. 🇨🇷 San JoséCosta RicaModerate2.6/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 3 · Transport 2 · Payments 2 · Safety 3
    Rip-offs & haggling 3 · Make red taxis run the meter ('la maría'); skip unmarked cabs
72. 🇲🇽 CancúnMexicoModerate2.6/5 · Rip-offs 4 · Language 2 · Transport 2 · Payments 2 · Safety 3
    Rip-offs & haggling 4 · Zone-fare taxis overcharge; timeshare touts work the airport
73. 🇧🇷 Foz do IguaçuBrazilModerate2.6/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 3 · Transport 2 · Payments 2 · Safety 4
    Safety 4 · US/Canada warn on the border zone (park exempt); bridge robberies
74. 🇧🇷 São PauloBrazilModerate2.6/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 3 · Transport 2 · Payments 2 · Safety 4
    Safety 4 · Motorbike phone snatching is common; avoid Centro/Luz at night
75. 🇪🇨 GalápagosEcuadorModerate2.8/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 3 · Transport 3 · Payments 4 · Safety 2
    Payments 4 · Cash-based; few ATMs that run dry on weekends; card surcharges
76. 🇲🇽 OaxacaMexicoModerate2.8/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 3 · Transport 3 · Payments 3 · Safety 2
    Rip-offs & haggling 3 · Taxis have no meters — settle the fare before getting in
77. 🇧🇷 FlorianópolisBrazilModerate2.8/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 4 · Transport 3 · Payments 2 · Safety 3
    Language 4 · Little English; Spanish (many Argentine visitors) helps more
78. 🇬🇹 Antigua GuatemalaGuatemalaModerate2.8/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 3 · Transport 2 · Payments 3 · Safety 3
    Rip-offs & haggling 3 · Tuk-tuks are unmetered — agree the fare; compare tour prices
79. 🇲🇽 Mexico CityMexicoModerate2.8/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 3 · Transport 2 · Payments 3 · Safety 3
    Rip-offs & haggling 3 · Street-hailed taxis overcharge; use airport prepaid taxis or apps
80. 🇪🇨 QuitoEcuadorModerate2.8/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 3 · Transport 2 · Payments 3 · Safety 3
    Rip-offs & haggling 3 · Street taxis claim a 'broken meter'; ride apps avoid it
81. 🇲🇽 Los CabosMexicoModerate2.8/5 · Rip-offs 4 · Language 2 · Transport 3 · Payments 2 · Safety 3
    Rip-offs & haggling 4 · Airport 'Shark Tank' timeshare touts; taxis are notoriously pricey
82. 🇩🇴 Punta CanaDominican RepublicModerate2.8/5 · Rip-offs 4 · Language 2 · Transport 3 · Payments 2 · Safety 3
    Rip-offs & haggling 4 · Unmetered, pricey taxis; beach vendors and timeshare pitches
83. 🇲🇽 TulumMexicoModerate2.8/5 · Rip-offs 4 · Language 2 · Transport 3 · Payments 2 · Safety 3
    Rip-offs & haggling 4 · Taxi union monopoly: steep fares even for short rides
84. 🇧🇷 RecifeBrazilModerate2.8/5 · Rip-offs 2 · Language 4 · Transport 2 · Payments 2 · Safety 4
    Language 4 · Very little English outside big hotels; translator needed
85. 🇧🇷 Rio de JaneiroBrazilModerate2.8/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 3 · Transport 2 · Payments 2 · Safety 4
    Safety 4 · Beach theft and arrastão swarms; never enter favelas or night beaches
86. 🇵🇪 Machu PicchuPeruHard3.0/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 3 · Transport 4 · Payments 3 · Safety 2
    Getting around 4 · Train-only access; Consettur bus up to the ruins; timed entry slots
87. 🇵🇪 LimaPeruHard3.0/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 3 · Transport 3 · Payments 3 · Safety 3
    Rip-offs & haggling 3 · Street taxis are unmetered — haggle; fake airport cabs rob tourists
88. 🇲🇽 Puerto EscondidoMexicoHard3.0/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 3 · Transport 3 · Payments 3 · Safety 3
    Rip-offs & haggling 3 · Unmetered taxis quote tourist prices — negotiate first
89. 🇲🇽 San Cristóbal de las CasasMexicoHard3.0/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 3 · Transport 3 · Payments 3 · Safety 3
    Rip-offs & haggling 3 · Taxis have no meters — agree the fare first; haggle at markets
90. 🇨🇴 MedellínColombiaHard3.0/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 3 · Transport 2 · Payments 3 · Safety 4
    Safety 4 · Dating-app dates drug and rob foreigners; avoid Centro at night
91. 🇧🇷 SalvadorBrazilHard3.0/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 4 · Transport 2 · Payments 2 · Safety 4
    Language 4 · Very little English, even around Pelourinho; translator essential
92. 🇵🇪 PunoPeruHard3.2/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 3 · Transport 4 · Payments 3 · Safety 3
    Getting around 4 · Juliaca airport is 45 km out; ride apps unreliable — book a shuttle
93. 🇨🇴 CartagenaColombiaHard3.2/5 · Rip-offs 4 · Language 3 · Transport 3 · Payments 3 · Safety 3
    Rip-offs & haggling 4 · Beach 'free' massages and gifts get billed; taxis have no meters
94. 🇵🇪 CuscoPeruHard3.2/5 · Rip-offs 4 · Language 3 · Transport 3 · Payments 3 · Safety 3
    Rip-offs & haggling 4 · Pushy Plaza de Armas touts for massages/tours; paid llama photos
95. 🇨🇴 BogotáColombiaHard3.2/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 3 · Transport 3 · Payments 3 · Safety 4
    Safety 4 · Armed robberies in La Candelaria; avoid the south and Centro at night
96. 🇧🇴 La PazBoliviaHard3.4/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 4 · Transport 3 · Payments 4 · Safety 3
    Language 4 · Very little English; Spanish or a translator needed
97. 🇨🇴 CaliColombiaHard3.4/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 4 · Transport 3 · Payments 3 · Safety 4
    Language 4 · Very little English, even in salsa bars; translator essential
98. 🇨🇴 Santa MartaColombiaHard3.4/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 4 · Transport 3 · Payments 3 · Safety 4
    Language 4 · Little English outside hostels and tour agencies
99. 🇧🇴 UyuniBoliviaVery hard3.6/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 4 · Transport 4 · Payments 4 · Safety 3
    Language 4 · Little English; request an English-speaking driver-guide in advance
100. 🇪🇨 GuayaquilEcuadorVery hard3.6/5 · Rip-offs 3 · Language 4 · Transport 3 · Payments 3 · Safety 5
     Safety 5 · US advisory: Level 4 in the south, Level 3 elsewhere; gang violence

By country

Before you go: prices in your moneyPick a city in the app to see difficulty and fair prices together

›

FAQ

Scores run from 1 (easy) to 5 (hard) for rip-offs, language, getting around, payments and safety, based on government travel advisories, Wikivoyage, the EF English index and official transport pages (as of 2026-10-05). Advisories change often — check your government's latest advice before you go. All 502 cities ranked ›