South Carolina blends antebellum grandeur with pristine Atlantic coastline, Lowcountry marsh landscapes, and vibrant culinary traditions. From the cobblestone streets of historic Charleston to the sprawling Grand Strand beaches of Myrtle Beach, the lush Blue Ridge foothills of the Upstate, and the primeval cypress swamps of Congaree National Park, the Palmetto State offers an extraordinary range of experiences anchored by legendary Southern hospitality.
South Carolina is welcoming and safe for the vast majority of visitors. Tourist areas in Charleston, Hilton Head, and Myrtle Beach maintain low crime levels. Parts of Columbia and some neighborhoods in Charleston and North Charleston have higher crime rates — travelers should stay aware of their surroundings outside the main tourist zones. The biggest natural risks are hurricanes (June-November), summer heat and humidity, alligators in freshwater areas, and rip currents at beaches.
Current safety advisory
Moderate — Generally Safe For Tourists In Major Travel Areas; Exercise Standard Urban Precautions
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Keep copies of important documents (passport, insurance) in separate locations.
Stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and tourist hotspots.
Use registered taxis or rideshare apps. Avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides.
Trust your instincts — if a situation feels wrong, remove yourself from it.
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
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- Tap Water
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- Tap water is safe to drink throughout South Carolina.
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- Mosquitoes
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- Common in warmer months (March-October), especially in coastal marshes and swamp areas. West Nile virus is present in the state; use EPA-registered insect repellent (DEET 30%+). Congaree National Park can have extreme mosquito density May-June — pack strong repellent.
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- No Shots Required
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- No vaccinations are required for travel to South Carolina from within the United States. International visitors should ensure routine immunizations are up to date.
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- Sun Exposure
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- UV index is 'Very High' to 'Extreme' from May to September. Apply SPF 30+ sunscreen every 2 hours, wear a hat and sunglasses, and seek shade during peak hours (10 AM - 2 PM).
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- Jellyfish
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- Sea nettles and moon jellyfish are common in coastal waters in late summer (July-September). Stings cause localized pain and itching; rinse with sea water and apply hydrocortisone cream.
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- Healthcare Access
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- Major hospitals are in Charleston, Columbia, Greenville, and Myrtle Beach. Rural areas and Sea Islands may have limited medical facilities — stock basic first aid supplies when visiting remote parks or islands.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
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