Safety Tips for Travelers to Foreign Countries

You arrive at the airport, a nice man asks if he can give you a ride to your hotel, the next thing you know, you’re stranded somewhere with your luggage and all your money stolen. Sounds like something that would never happen to you? Don’t be so sure. People who con others for a living are always on the lookout for unsuspecting tourists whom they can “help”. A tip to the wise: don’t accept offers from anyone approaching you, whether it’s to help you find your way to the hotel or whether it’s to sell you products upon your arrival. Don’t assume that if someone is selling in a large place, such as an airport or outside of a mall, that they are legitimate. Hail a cab outside or have pre-arranged a car or ride to your lodgings.

Those who run con games or sell drugs can spot the tourist from a mile away. Make sure your kids are safe by not letting them walk the streets alone. Even if only going to the corner store it’s important to never let kids walk without adults. Of course, some areas of a particular city are more dangerous than others, but unless you know the area well, it’s best to always accompany your kids. The best way to avoid dangers of this kind is to refuse any offerings of someone on the streets, other than a market place-type setting, and even then, be very careful.

Watch how much you drink. If you’re stumbling around out in public while drunk you’re an easier target for con people, drug dealers and prostitutes. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that these types of things don’t go on in the neighborhood where you are. Crimes take place in all neighborhoods and the local criminals know which hotels are popular with the tourists and often target these areas.

Prostitution, legal or not, is found in most major cities. Sometimes prostitutes will go to great lengths to get a customer, even pretending to be a woman in distress. Do not pick up strangers while traveling no matter how much they seem to need you! Do not stop for a man or a woman who approaches your vehicle. For that matter, unless it’s obvious that he or she is hurt, do not stop for a child that approaches you. In some countries a child is taught from early childhood how to con, fake, pretend, or trick in order to get money and other goods from tourists. The child could ask for help while their family members wait in hiding for the right moment to offend.

If you feel as though you need to go to the police for a particular reason – reconsider. In many countries it’s better to go to your particular embassy rather than dealing with the local police. Some countries are notorious for having police forces that also take advantage of tourists. Or, the police will automatically believe the local offender over the innocent tourist, causing even more trouble.

Follow the laws of the country you’re visiting. Nothing is worse than going to jail except going to jail in a foreign country. In the U.S. you may only get a ticket for speeding but in some countries it’s mandatory that you spend the night in jail. And, in some countries, you must carry your passport on you at all times or risk being incarcerated. Or, upon arrival in certain places, you must notify the officials of your lodging, your home land, and the length of your stay. Know the laws of the land and follow them.

During election time in some countries there can be much violence and mayhem. Make sure you do a quick check to see if there will be elections during your stay, particularly if it is an area of the world where violence and politics run together.

When staying at a hotel in some countries you’ll quickly find out that your American appliances do not fit the European outlets. Don’t try to force the connection or alter the appliance in any way to make it fit. Instead, purchase appliances locally or ask the staff if there are blow dryers or electric razors that you can borrow. Or you can bring along or purchase adapters or converters so that you can use your appliances from home.

Finally, learn as much as you can about the city or region before taking the trip, to assure that you’re comfortable with their monies, language and etiquette. A natural hand movement in your country can be offensive in some countries, and quickly make you an outcast. Confirm all reservations and try to attain a map of the area where you’ll be visiting and of the hotel and its grounds. You’ll have a nice trip to any part of the world if you follow certain rules and know where you are.