Staying safe

From Wikitravel

This article is a travel topic.

There are some near-universal things you can do to stay safe in urban environments.

[edit] General

• Avoid looking like a rich target, don't flash wads of cash or wear massive amounts of jewelry.
• Keep your eyes open, if the area is heavily vandalized and there are groups of young people hanging around, perhaps it's not the best place to stop.
• Try not to get too drunk - if you have had too much get a taxi home.
• Do not act big. Scammers react unpredictable, sometimes even violent. So take care that you call attention unobviously, when you want to tell people that a fraud happens. See also common scams and pickpockets
• Use a condom
• Have copies of the datapage of your passport so that you can leave the passport at the hotel and take only the copy with you (prevents theft) and you have less trouble replacing your passport if it does get stolen
• Have at least 3 wallets distributed over you and your luggage. Split everything up in such a way that if one wallet gets stolen you can still enjoy the trip.

[edit] Auto

When using a private car it vitally important to:

• Keep the boot or trunk locked - in some areas thieves open the boot and snatch bags at the traffic lights.
• Keep mobile phones, valuables out of sight - this goes double when you park the car.
• Park in well lit places with no cover around the car - if there are bushes etc. thieves can work on the locks out of sight.
• It's worth extending your insurance to cover all costs of window/windscreen replacement; it's not uncommon for thieves to just smash the glass to get in.

[edit] Public transportation

When on public transport:

• Buses and trains: Stay near the driver/conductor when getting on
• Taxis: Use licensed cabs, rather than private taxis (gypsy cabs), even though they might be slightly more expensive. When riding alone in a taxi, sit behind the driver where it is more difficult for him to threaten or harm you.