How to Avoid Travel Scams Abroad

Travel abroad safely and avoid common travel scams. Travel scams target tourists abroad, and include muggings, pickpockets, swindlers, and other street crimes of opportunity. Living abroad, I follow these rules in order to avoid trouble and keep myself and my belongings safe. Avoid these common travel scams, and stay safe on your next trip abroad.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• over-the-shoulder bag or backpack
• photocopy of your passport
• key phrases in the country's foreign language
• your common sense

1. 

   When traveling abroad, try to blend in and attract as little attention as possible. Do not wear flashy jewelry or carry an expensive camera around your neck. The less you stand out as a tourist, the better.

2. 

   Muggers look for easy targets. So, the key to avoiding a mugging is to make yourself a difficult one. Be aware of your surroundings. Do not get distracted by the chaos around you. Check the map ahead of time, and know where you are going. Taking out your map is not only a red flag; it is also an opportunity to rob you while you are distracted.

3. 

   To prevent pickpockets, always carry a cross-body shoulder bag or a backpack worn in the front. A backpack in the back is hard for you to control, and easy to open without you realizing. Similarly, a purse worn over only one shoulder is easy to snatch. Your bag should be visible to you at all times, and as difficult as possible for someone else to remove from your body. In crowded areas, keep your hand over the zipper and hold on to the strap.

4. 

   Carry only cash, not bank cards. A common street crime where I live is to take a victim to an ATM and demand that they withdraw money. If you're not carrying an ATM card, this can't happen to you. Also, don't carry around your passport. Many places will accept a photocopy of your passport in lieu of the original. Remember, robbers can't steal what you're not carrying.

5. 

   Divide your money and carry it separately. I often carry half my money in my bag, half in my front pocket, and an emergency bill in my shoe. It's unlikely for a robber to reach all 3 places.

6. 

   Even if you follow these steps, you may find yourself in a mugging situation. If so, keep your wits about you. A friend was recently approached by a man claiming to be a plain-clothes police officer, who demanded she show her passport, enter a taxi and go to the police station with him. She hadn't done anything wrong, but wasn't sure about defying authority in a foreign country. Her response was to ask to go by foot. The "police officer" lost interest.

7. 

   Likewise, if something strange happens in the street, consider that it may be an attempt to distract you. If someone drops a lot of change at your feet, spits on you, throws ketchup on your clothes, or asks your for help, you are likely being robbed. No one asks a tourist for directions!

Tips & Warnings

• Keep your wits about you.
• Don't carry expensive or valuable items with you.
• Don't open your bag or map in the middle of the street. Find a store or quiet place.
• If you do find yourself in the middle of a mugging, don't argue with the robbers!!! Turn over your valuables and cooperate. Remember, your life and safety are much more valuable than your wallet or camera.

Resources

• Avoid Travel Scams

[FrazzledNanny]

on 3/16/2009 Well written advice. Thanks for the smart tips. 5*

[Cherrie]

on 1/30/2009 Very valuable tips from someone who has experience, but also partially valuable in your own country.Thanks.

[Pillain]

on 1/26/2009 These are eye opening tips from someone with experience. Thanks.

[miasavc]

on 1/22/2009 Very wise & smart tips on staying safe while traveling abroad!It's true, the less you attract attention, the more safer you are. 5 stars!