Being in a foreign place, or on unfamiliar grounds, can make you an easy target for crime. Reduce your risk of being mugged by taking a few simple precautions. Here are some universal safety tips that you can apply anywhere in the world:
At the Airport:
- Watch out for staged mishaps– spilling a drink, someone bumping into you, etc. This tactic will divert your attention away from your valuables.
- Never ride non-airport taxis. Some taxis charge customers more than the actual fare and even take a longer route just to extort money from you.
- When seeking information or directions, always go to the marked counters.
At your Accommodation:
- Store your valuables in a safety deposit box
- Keep your room locked at all times
- Always make sure that your luggage is given to the bell staff
- If you want to dive in deeper about accommodation safety, this 2-minute read will help you!
- Ask your hotel manager or local tourist for information about different scams happening in that place.
At the Streets:
- Blend in the crowd and match your dress style with the locals. Avoid loud shirts and a camera hanging from your neck.
- Never bring large sums of money with you
- Practice awareness and notice people are taking a more passing interest in you for too long.
- Exchange your money at the bank or hotel; avoid doing this in the streets
- Consider having a “dummy” wallet holding a small amount of money. In that way, you can avoid further distress.
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