Personal safety while traveling.

[PhilosophiX]

As a seasoned traveler I thought that some of what I have learned in the past might benefit others, so by reading this you might pick up some ideas which should allow you to avoid some of the pitfalls of traveling and therefore aid personal safety.
Wallets kept in front trouser pockets are not as easy to steal as those in back pockets and inside jacket pockets. While traveling, especially if I am in a place where a lot of pickpockets in operation (most of Malaysia), I tend to keep my thumb in my pocket as much as possible, to make it even harder. At the very least I feel for it regularly.

While abroad, travelers cheques are best, however if you must take cash then consider exchanging some money to US dollars as an emergency backup fund; while exchanging the rest to the local currency. This means that if you run out of money, you have a backup, and you know that you’re running out when you have to change.

Carry a separate photocopy of your passport, other identification, tickets and reservations. This facilitates replacement if the worst should happen.

If you are in a city with lots of ‘dodgy’ areas (Bangkok is a good example) then stick to areas where there are a lot of tourists, you will be safer, feel safer and have a much better time.

Consider carrying a separate wallet, with some money in it which you can offer if held up. If pertinent, throw it and run. This decoy may give you time enough to flee, while the muggers check through it.

Carry some emergency money in your shoe along with a note of emergency phone numbers.

Whenever entering a parked vehicle, always check the rear seat area in case there is an intruder.

Plan in advance what you will do if a situation arises, this helps stop panic and spur of the moment decisions.

Follow local news reports, particularly if the region you are visiting is unstable, since this can alert you to potential problems.

Learn how to use the telephones – in most countries the procedures for certain things such as reversing the call, and dialing the operator are all different.

[brian]

Some great tips there - thanks for that.

I especially like the second wallet and document copy suggestions - very good.

[ninikins]

I hate general;ising but are there any people who can give me some advice on travelling /safety in Japan and mainly tokyo? I'd love to go there but wonder about safer/not so safe areas

[OneofaKind]

You could add secutity when driving to this.

Two things that immediately come to mind:

1. Don't hold your keys in your hand when walking towards your car

2. Lock the door as soon as you get in.

Does anyone have anything to add to this?

[vicki2]

I've stopped carrying traveler's checks because I ran into so much trouble using them in Asia. With the invent of international ATM machines, I prefer to deal with smaller amounts of cash that way.

[Belson17]

Originally Posted by OneofaKind

You could add secutity when driving to this.

Two things that immediately come to mind:

1. Don't hold your keys in your hand when walking towards your car

2. Lock the door as soon as you get in.

Does anyone have anything to add to this?

Aren't you supposed to have your keys ready when you get to you car? How can you do that without holding them in your hand?

[Security]

I guess he means from longer distances?

[OneofaKind]

Thanks Security - that's precisely what I mean.

While , I wouldn't recommend standing by a car and searching a bag, holding them from a distant isn't the best either.

If you've got a pocket, put them in your pocket

[vicki2]

One of the habits I picked up living in Manhattan for years was that I didn't carry a handbag at all unless I couldn't avoid it ...like going to the office. When out shopping, I always keep my wallet in a secure pocket.
It means buying clothes accordingly, but it's a habit I still have here in Scotland!

[OneofaKind]

That's a habit that I've picked up as well. It also means that I have less to carry.