TRAVELING SAFE
Travel Safety Tips In Europe and Abroad
Part
2 - Precautions - Laws - Scams - Theft
Learn Before
You Go
Government consular sites provide information and warnings for citizens of that country. They describe entry requirements, currency regulations, unusual health conditions, the crime and security situation, political disturbances, areas of instability, and special information about driving and road conditions. They also provide addresses and emergency telephone numbers for embassies and consulates.
Local Laws and Customs
When you travel abroad, you are subject to the laws of the country where you are. Before you go, learn as much as you can about the local laws and customs of the places you plan to visit. Good resources are your library, your travel agent, and the embassies, consulates or tourist bureaus of the countries you will visit. In addition, keep track of what is being reported in the media about recent developments in those countries.
Arrange Before You Leave
Legal Documents. Have your affairs at home in order. If you leave a current will, insurance documents, and power of attorney with your family or a friend, you can feel secure about traveling and will be prepared for any emergency that may arise while you are away. If you have minor children, consider making guardianship arrangements for them.
Credit. Make a note of the credit limit on each credit card that you bring. Make certain not to charge over that amount on your trip. Ask your credit card company how to report the loss of your card from abroad. 800 numbers do not work from abroad, but your company should have a number that you can call while you are overseas.
Insurance. Find out if your personal property insurance covers you for loss or theft abroad. More importantly, check on whether your health insurance covers you abroad. Medicare and Medicaid do not provide payment for medical care outside the U.S. Even if your health insurance will reimburse you for medical care that you pay for abroad, normal health insurance does not pay for medical evacuation from a remote area or from a country where medical facilities are inadequate. Consider purchasing one of the short-term health and emergency assistance policies designed for travelers. Also, make sure that the plan you purchase includes medical evacuation in the event of an accident or serious illness.
Precautions While Traveling
Safety on
the Street. Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would
at home. Be especially cautious in or avoid areas where
you are likely to be victimized. These include crowded subways, train
stations, elevators, tourist sites, market places, festivals and marginal
areas of cities.
Don't use short cuts, narrow alleys or poorly-lit streets. Try not to
travel alone at night. Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances.
Keep a low profile and avoid loud conversations or arguments. Do not
discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers.
Scam Artists
When using a public internet café beware of individuals watching over your shoulder to see passwords and codekeys. Watch your belongings and once signing off, take all your materials with you. At ATM’s beware of people trying to talk to you while making a transaction, they may be trying to read your pin. Be wary of strangers who approach you, offering bargains or to be your guide. Some can be legitimate but often scammers. You don’t have to be paranoid, but vigilant. Some tactics of pickpockets. An accomplice will jostle you, or try to distract you by creating a disturbance, or asking directions or to help them with something. can be scammers. Beware of pickpockets, always!
A child or even a woman carrying a baby can be a pickpocket. Beware
of groups of vagrant children who create a distraction while picking
your pocket. Wear the shoulder strap of your bag across your chest and
walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers.
Try to seem purposeful when you walk about. Be aware or your surroundings.
Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going. When possible,
ask directions only from individuals in authority. Know how to use a
pay telephone and have the proper change or token on hand.
Learn a few phrases in the local language so you can signal your need for help, the police, or a doctor. Make a note of emergency telephone numbers you may need: police, fire, your hotel, and the nearest embassy or consulate. If you are confronted, don't fight back. Give up your valuables. Your money and passport can be replaced, but you cannot.
Hotel Safety
Keep your hotel door locked at all times. Meet visitors in the lobby. Do not leave money and other valuables in your hotel room while you are out. Use the hotel safe. Let someone know when you expect to return if you are out late at night. If you are alone, do not get on an elevator if there is a suspicious-looking person inside. Read the fire safety instructions in your hotel room. Know how to report a fire. Be sure you know where the nearest fire exit and alternate exits are located. Count the doors between your room and the nearest exit. This could be a life saver if you have to crawl through a smoke-filled corridor.
Public Transportation
Taxis. Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings. Beware of unmarked cabs.
Trains. Train travel in most western Europe countries is pretty safe
and secure. In eastern Europe or southern, robbery of passengers on trains
along popular tourist routes can be a problem. It is more common at night
and especially on overnight trains. If you see your way being blocked
by a stranger and another person is very close to you from behind, move
away. This can happen in the corridor of the train or on the platform
or station.
Don't accept food or drink from strangers. Criminals have been known
to drug food or drink offered to passengers. Where possible, lock your
compartment. Keep valuables on your person and not in luggage. On night
trains with common couchettes, keep your valuables on your person, sleep
on top of them. Tie down your luggage, where possible. A bicycle style
cable lock can be useful to tie your luggage together.
Buses. Criminal activity found on trains can be found on public buses on popular tourist routes. Keep an eye on luggage when on bus tours.
Safety When You Drive
When you rent a car, don't go for the exotic; choose a type commonly available locally. Where possible, ask that markings that identify it as a rental car be removed. Make certain it is in good repair. If available, choose a car with universal door locks and power windows, features that give the driver better control of access to the car. An air conditioner, when available, is also a safety feature, allowing you to drive with windows closed. Thieves can and do snatch purses through open windows of moving cars. Keep car doors locked at all times. Wear seat belts.
Don't leave valuables in the car. If you must carry things with you, keep them out of sight, locked in the trunk. Try to avoid parking your car on the street overnight. If the hotel or municipality does not have a parking garage or other secure area, select a well-lit area.
Never pick up hitchhikers. Don't get out of the car if there are suspicious-looking individuals nearby.
Motorist Crime
In many places frequented by tourists, including areas of southern Europe, victimization of motorists has been refined to an art. In some area you may see warning signs of activity. Some rental car companies don’t allow cars in certain countries, or require extra insurance. Inquire when renting. You may also wish to ask your rental car agency for advice on avoiding robbery while visiting tourist destinations.
Carjackers and thieves operate at gas stations, parking lots, in city traffic and along the highway. Be suspicious of anyone who hails you or tries to get your attention when you are in or near your car. Criminals use ingenious ploys. They may pose as good Samaritans, offering help for tires that they claim are flat or that they have made flat. Or they may flag down a motorist, ask for assistance, and then steal the rescuer's luggage or car. Usually they work in groups, one person carrying on the pretense while the others rob you. Others get your attention with abuse, either trying to drive you off the road, or causing an "accident" by rear-ending you or creating a "fender bender." In some urban areas, thieves don't waste time on ploys, they simply smash car windows at traffic lights, grab your valuables or your car and get away. Keep luggage in the trunk or covered boot.
How to Handle Theft or Loss
If your possessions are lost or stolen, report the loss immediately to the local police. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance claims and as an explanation of your plight. After reporting missing items to the police, report the loss or theft of: travelers' checks to the nearest agent of the issuing company, credit cards to the issuing company, airline tickets to the airline or travel agent and passport to the nearest embassy or consulate.
Travel Safety Part 1- Money and Packing
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