How to Avoid Trouble With Local Police While Traveling

Avoid trouble with police and other officials by doing your homework about local culture and laws before departing, and acting with prudence after arriving.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Money Belts
• Travel Clothes
• Letters Of Introduction
• Local Guidebooks
• Passport Services

1. Research cultural mores and local laws before your departure, even if you are traveling in a country that seems similar to your own. Learn which behaviors are unacceptable, what's illegal, and the penalties if you break the law.

2. Investigate whether or not bribes are a part of police culture in your destination, and if so, what constitutes an appropriate bribe. If uncertain and you encounter trouble, try asking a police officer if it is customary to pay a "fine" on the spot rather than be hauled into a police station to pay.

3. Check with your country's embassy and find out when they can offer assistance for legal entanglements. Some embassies will not offer assistance in repatriating their citizens after particular kinds of crimes such as drug possession or drug dealing.

4. Pack and wear clothing that is culturally appropriate to the area. Bring along at least one set of modest or conservative clothing that you can wear when interacting with local authorities.

5. Carry appropriate identification and papers with you at all times in case you are stopped by a police officer. Know when your passport, visa or other permits expire and the appropriate means of renewing these before they become invalid.

6. Carry a letter of introduction from a person of social position (such as a business, university or government leader) when traveling in a country where such letters are used. This may be an important tool in keeping local police from harassing you.

7. Don't carry anything through a metal detector or onto a flight that may be interpreted as illegal or threatening. Tools such as sewing scissors and pocket knives are best kept in checked baggage.

8. Carry your ticket or a receipt for your ticket when traveling on a train or bus. In some countries you will be asked to show your ticket on exiting a railway station or to produce your ticket randomly when the conductor has time to check it.

9. Avoid confrontations or using disrespectful language when interacting with authority figures of any kind.

Tips & Warnings

• Stop your car in a populated and well-lit area if a police car signals you to pull over.
• Insist on speaking with a representative from your country's embassy or consulate if you are arrested.
• Avoid exchanging money on the black market, no matter how good the rates may seem. Black-market exchanges are always illegal and rip-offs are common. and Depending on the country you are in, these interactions may also be very dangerous.

on 11/22/2005 What you and I may think of as conservative may be embarrassingly trashy in another country. Definitely study the local mores. If you're a woman, bring a long skirt and a high-necked shirt (these will get you by in most countries), then shop locally for clothing that lets you blend in and deal with the local climate. Remember to declare your new purchases, even if you've worn them. Let the US Customs agents decide if you need to pay duty on it or not. You may be happily surprised upon your return (or a percentage of happy).