These are the secrets of how to travel and avoid becoming a victim of crime.
Want to be a good target for crime? Wear your expensive looking jewelry and look naïve enough to be a soft touch.
Do NOT carry a large amount of cash. Pay for purchases with a credit card or use your ATM card when you need money. Flashing cash is a signal, TARGET HERE, TARGET HERE.
Carry your wallet in a front pocket, or at least carry your cash there. Use money clip. Carrying your wallet in a back pocket can be an invitation to pickpockets.
To keep your passport safe, leave it in the hotel safe and only carry a photocopy of the first inside page with you. Always make a copy of your passport, some countries and/or some overseas hotels may require you surrender your passport during your stay.
A money belt is a great idea for carrying cash and makes much more sense than carrying large amounts in your wallet. Keep large bills or a large amount of bills separate from the amount of cash you expect to use that day to avoid flashing it.
A great alternative to a money belt is simply an ace bandage. A small one concealed under a sock can hold quite a few bills. A larger one wrapped around your leg or ankle can hold a large number of bills and is virtually undetectable unless you are carefully searched (unlikely).
If you carry a purse, carry it over your shoulder but in front of you and be sure you keep it latched and closed. Try to only carry easily replaceable items in your purse (makeup, sunglasses etc.,) and carry your money, credit cards and identification in a front pocket or even a fanny pack if possible.
If you get mugged or robbed, DO NOT RESIST. You can replace valuables, but neither you nor cats have more than one life. Be careful and calm, the robber may be more afraid than you are. You don't want to do something that will agitate or frighten him or her.
Know the law where you travel. Mace or pepper spray is illegal in some countries. Since 9/11, even seemingly innocent items may cause a problem. Your best bet is to carry a loud whistle around your neck or a portable siren in your hand or pocket. Never, ever carry a Taser or stun gun. Not only will you probably be arrested, but any sort of weapon can be turned against you.
When walking, try and stride down the middle of the sidewalk. Walking to close to a building or road can make you a better target. Also be careful when approaching curbs waiting for traffic or traffic lights to change. Some thieves practice their art by stealing from bicycles or motorcycles as they speed by. Always stand back a few feet so that a passing cyclist can't reach you.
Purchase a movement alarm that can attach to your doorknob in your hotel. Do NOT hide valuables in your room. Every hiding place you can think of is already known to a thief.
Secure your laptop with a cable lock or leave it with the front desk when going out.
Always carry your essentials such as passport, jewelry, medication, tickets, laptops, cameras etc., in one bag that you carry yourself. This will protect you if your bags are lost. Also be aware that some baggage handlers really aren't, especially when traveling abroad. Trust your instincts and be careful who you turn your bags over to.
When you use your credit card, ALWAYS check to be sure that your credit card is returned to you. A common trick is a credit card swap where you are given a stolen or expired card back instead of your own. Always be aware.
Currency exchange can be tricky and you need to be aware that some people will offer a very favorable rate to tourists right on the street. Problem is, this is illegal almost everywhere and there are other risks as well. From counterfeiting to bogus counts. Use your ATM card for currency exchange or a legitimate currency exchange service if necessary.
In many countries, you will want to ask the taxi driver how much it will cost to go to your destination. Try to ask a local beforehand what it should cost so you will know or at least have and idea about how much it should be. Be especially wary of taxis with "broken meters." Know before you go. - 56 Views - View Comments (0)
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