How Safe Is Charleston for Travel?

Charleston is a seaport city in the state of South Carolina in the United States of America.

Its historic downtown is on a peninsula formed by two rivers, Ashley and Cooper, flowing into the Atlantic, and protected from the open ocean by surrounding islands.

The current downtown skyline, with practically no tall buildings due to the city’s height restriction ordinance, is dominated by church steeples and the stunning Arthur Ravenel cable-stay bridge completed in 2005 over the Cooper River.

The city is a major port on the eastern seaboard of the US and a popular destination for domestic and international tourists.

Warnings & Dangers in Charleston

OVERALL RISK : MEDIUM

There are no safe areas in the city that should be avoided at any time of the day or night. In general, Charleston can be travel-safe if you follow certain safety precautions. Walking alone at night is not recommended. If traveling by car, carefully close it and park in a guarded parking lot.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK : LOW

City buses and trolleys are available too, as are taxis. You'll find a handful of taxis stationed at the airport and scattered throughout Charleston's downtown area. But cabs aren't as comfortable to come by outside city limits; plan to call ahead to book a metered taxi if you're not staying downtown. Every transport is safe.

PICKPOCKETS RISK : MEDIUM

Market Street often has pickpockets. This is a place where usually there are always a lot of tourists. You should be very careful here and keep track of your pockets and personal belongings. Watch your surroundings.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK : HIGH

The Charleston area faces a genuine risk of fire, flooding, hurricanes, lightning, high winds, and earthquakes. Make sure and avoid the hurricane season during your trip to this city. Since there is a clearly defined hurricane season and it spares no one.

MUGGING RISK : MEDIUM

The risk of severe robberies in the city is often found in disadvantaged areas. In central tourist places, this rarely happens. Therefore avoid dangerous streets and move around the city after sunset only in a group of like-minded people.

TERRORISM RISK : HIGH

The risk of terrorism in Charleston is likely. In the past, the city was subjected to terrorist attacks. Explore the surroundings before your visit to the town. Avoid mass demonstrations, religious and political gatherings. Be careful with suspicious objects and people.

SCAMS RISK : MEDIUM

Most often, the fraud here occurs via SMS and phone calls. When third parties try out to find out your personal information, usually, this does not apply to tourists, but you should be careful in any case.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK : LOW

Charleston is safe enough for women traveling alone. However, walking alone late at night is not recommended. In bars, it is also better not to stay too long. Show maximum vigilance when traveling by car alone.

So... How Safe Is Charleston Really?

Charleston is a small town with crime rates ranging from low to medium.

The main problems are related to the theft of goods, car theft, vandalism, and drug problems.

Meet the street between Interstate 26 and the visitor center should be avoided after dark, as bandits often visit this area.

Here you are often threatened with a gun to lure money.

Nassau Street and America Street are especially bad, and you will want to stay away at any time of the day or night.

This area is well known as a stash for drug dealers and violent criminals.

Many parts of North Charleston are also quite dangerous, especially around the former Navy base.

Charleston can get the brunt of hurricane season some years.

Watch the weather conditions before you take your trip to Charleston, and know you could find yourself evacuating in the middle of your vacation if you choose to visit during hurricane season.

There have been rapes and sometimes murders and carjacking all over Charleston.

Some people pose as police officers.

Be very careful and prudent in this city, especially at night.

Take a taxi and in groups for more excellent safety.

How Does Charleston Compare?

Useful Information

• Visas - Visitors to the United States must obtain a visa from one of the United States diplomatic missions unless they come from one of the visa-exempt countries or Visa Waiver Program countries. A valid passport is a must.
• Currency - The United States dollar is the official currency of the United States. It has a sign: $ and a code: USD. Also, it abbreviated US$. One dollar is divided into 100 cents (Symbol: ¢).
• Weather - The best times to visit Charleston for ideal weather are March to June. Average temperatures in Charleston vary greatly, and the weather feels nice some year, but often too hot in the summer and cold in the winter with a chance of rain or snow throughout most of the year.
• Airports - Charleston International Airport is a joint civil-military airport located in North Charleston, South Carolina. It is South Carolina's most significant and busiest airport. The airport is located in North Charleston and is approximately 19 km northwest of downtown Charleston.
• Travel Insurance - The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Charleston Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature