Security: Walking Abroad

Bring along a personal alarm or whistle, but never active protective devices such as weapons, mace or pepper spray. These devices, if not used properly, may further antagonize a criminal and increase your risk of harm.

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"Travelers overseas are particularly vulnerable to becoming victims of crime while walking".

It is very difficult for a foreigner to blend in with the local populace. Many things can give you away as a tourist, including, your physical appearance, habits, clothing, manner of walk or speech, even your smell.

In most countries worldwide, tourists are assumed to be wealthier than the average local citizen and not savvy to local threats. This makes them attractive to thieves and other criminals.

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Before Venturing on Foot:

Purchase Insurance.

Buy a good map and a hand held GPS. Mark key points on the map, and in the GPS such as embassies, police stations and your hotel. Study the map and make a mental note of alternative routes to your hotel or other local lodging.

Learn how to use the local telephone system and keep the proper change, token or telephone card on hand. Carry the emergency telephone numbers you might need, such as police, firefighters, your hotel, a local contact and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.

Learn a few key expressions in the local language so that you can signal your need for help and be clearly understood. Alternatively, carry such phrases with you, written by a local person.

Every morning, before departing your hotel, check the local situation with World Watch Advisory, ™ televised international and local networks, the hotel's concierge, and local newspapers.

Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers. If planning a tour, hire a reputable guide recommended or arranged for you by vacationtechnician.

Try not to go out alone. Let someone at your home base know where you are going and when you plan to return.

Dress conservatively and comfortably: Leave expensive jewelry at home or in the hotel safe; avoid wearing imitation expensive jewelry (a thief may assume it is authentic); do not wear logo apparel marking you as an American (white nike sneakers), such as college T-shirts or ball caps; avoid using identifiable luggage, such as a backpack with an embroidered U.S. flag.

Place all necessary loose items, such as a purse, camera, map and snacks in a sturdy and non-descript bag.

Leave the fanny pack or tummy pack behind; those only advertise that you have something of value to protect. Disperse your cash and documents among various pockets.
Know where you are going before you leave the hotel.

While Out Walking

Be constantly aware of your surroundings and of those around you throughout the day.

Look up and down the street before exiting a building. At intersections and when preparing to cross a street, use the opportunity to scan your surroundings.

Avoid bringing unwanted official attention to yourself. Follow all local rules and regulations. Keep as low a profile as possible and avoid loud conversations or arguments.

Avoid reviewing your map in public places; it marks you as a disoriented tourist.

When walking, try to remain on wide, well-lighted streets and try to walk against the normal flow of vehicular traffic so that you can observe cars, motor cycles, scooters and bicycles approaching you.

Be especially cautious in or avoid areas where you are more likely to be victimized. These areas include crowded subways, train and bus stations, elevators, tourist sites, market places, packed bars, sports stadiums, festivals and marginal areas of cities.

Do not use short cuts or walk in narrow alleys or on poorly lit streets. Avoid passing close to shrubbery, dark doorways or through construction sites. Do not walk alone at night and never walk in isolated or deserted area such as lonely beaches or empty parks.

Avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances; leave the area immediately.

Even if you are lost, act as if you know where you are going. Enter a hotel, public building, bank, or police station to be redirected. Walk confidently and with your eyes off the ground. Know where you are going before you begin the next segment of your walk.

Stay alert for signs denoting restricted areas and change direction to avoid them.

Avoid scam artists. If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. Beware of strangers who approach you offering bargains, to be your guide, or to bring you to special places that most tourists do not have access to.

Beware of pickpockets. They frequently have an accomplice who will jostle you, ask you for directions or the time, point to something spilled on your clothing, accuse you of inappropriate or illegal behavior or distract you by creating a disturbance.

Beware of groups of vagrant children who create a distraction or surround you in order to immobilize you and pick your pocket. Try to keep walking or walk through them. If you stop, you will probably be victimized.

If you are confronted and feel threatened, do not fight back. Give up your valuables one small portion at a time until the thief is satisfied. Often, a little for you is a lot to the thief. Your money, jewelry, valuables and passport can be replaced, but you cannot.

Use your personal alarm or whistle, especially if the assailant does not exhibit a firearm and you are not in a deserted spot but within earshot of others.

Wear the shoulder strap of any bag or purse over a shoulder, but never around your neck. Walk with the bag away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse-snatchers.

When you stop for a meal or drink, keep your purse or bag on your lap, or near you with the strap around your chair leg. Do not place it unsecured on the floor, on another seat or on the back of a chair.

Avoid using ATMs except for those in banks, hotels or exchange facilities. Never count your money at an ATM or leave with your wallet or cash exposed.

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