Are Rideshare Apps Safe in South America?

Chauffeur Services Versus Rideshare

Are rideshare apps safe in South America? Great question.T

raveling in South America comes with incredible security risks that must always be addressed proactively rather than reactively. Even the most experienced business traveler faces the potential of kidnapping and violent crime when utilizing well-known rideshare apps in South America. Chauffeur services, such as the protective driver offerings of AFIMAC Global, address the challenges employers face when providing safe work arrangements, even if the job site calls for visiting places like Bogota, Mexico City, or Sao Paulo.

Work to actively mitigate the possibility of security risks against executives by bringing together intelligence gathering, threat monitoring, close protection, and protective drivers available upon arrival. AFIMAC continues to serve North American executives visiting not only South America’s most well-known destinations but also rural locations where risks are most prominent. 

Why Avoid Rideshare in South America?

South America is home to a highly competitive rideshare industry that includes well-known brands, along with new competitors that are not yet available in North America. With many South American cities becoming increasingly crowded, locals have taken advantage of these services that have claimed to be safer, less costly, and free from common scams, including what is known as “express kidnapping.” One American DEA agent was murdered after being extorted for money by just jumping into a cab after a late-night dinner in Bogota.

Rideshare emerged as a safer alternative to local cab companies across Mexico and the rest of South America. The truth, however, is that many popular rideshare applications operate in regulatory loopholes despite being banned in certain countries like Columbia. 

Regulatory Rideshare Standards in South America

The constantly shifting landscape of regulations and restrictions creates uncertainty for all visiting executive travelers. Many rideshare services in North America have rigorously held their drivers to high standards, often subjecting them to regular criminal background checks and regulatory screening that are simply not as consistent in South America. Jumping into a shared vehicle could expose foreigners to locals who have failed to meet licensing requirements, have a criminal history, or are just not trained to respond to unexpected events. 

Many major cities across South America regularly experience political unrest, “flash protests,” or organized crime that target executives specifically. Issues of violence, kidnapping, sexual misconduct, and robbery persist within the South American rideshare sector. More recently, these issues have prompted one company to offer in-app audio recordings of their trip as a means of deterring crime against its riders.

The Value of Protective Drivers

The safest alternative for executives visiting South America is to avoid using rideshare apps entirely. Employers can lean on a security company that can facilitate safe travel arrangements the moment a member of their team lands, ensuring their safe movements between job sites, accommodations, and even dinner arrangements. AFIMAC maintains security resources across South America, with private drivers who are subject to incredibly strict personal and professional standards, with training that includes response to unexpected political unrest.

AFIMAC protective drivers are also highly familiar with your destinations and capable of pivoting travel arrangements when the unexpected occurs. With these offerings, employers can be certain that their executives focus on business rather than travel risks.

Executive Travel Solutions from AFIMAC Global

As an international security company, AFIMAC provides full-service travel protection services to address the challenges of duty of care during international travel. Employers have a moral and legal responsibility to take reasonable measures to prevent harm to their staff, even during business travel. 

Our solutions are intended to protect not only the workforce traveling to Mexico and South America but also to show an employer’s dedication to duty of care. Explore full-service duty of care solutions and manage security risks with security resources with intelligence tools that actively monitor threats. The moment the risk of kidnap or political protest emerges, our agents can respond in an instant, adjust travel arrangements, and ensure the safety of clients even in rural parts of South America.

Fill out the form below to learn more about the available solutions to employers who call upon their staff to travel to South America. Contact us today.