People who plan to go abroad will want to take special precautions while visiting foreign countries. Certain dangers are known to be more present in some locations, and taking the right precautions can help travelers stay out of harm’s way. Here are four tips for staying safe in a foreign country.
Know the Emergency Contact Phone Numbers
In the United States, 911 is the main emergency contact phone number, but this isn’t the case in other countries. Most other countries have their own simple codes that can be dialed to call for help from the police, fire department, or paramedics. For example, the emergency contact number in many European countries is 112. However, 911 can still be used to call for help in certain Central and South American countries and for some Caribbean island nations.
Avoid the Dangerous Areas
Some cities are known to be dangerous and are generally best to avoid, but even relatively safe cities can have dangerous neighborhoods that could put visitors in harm’s way. Some of the world’s most dangerous cities include Caracas in Venezuela, Acapulco in Mexico, and Cape Town in South Africa. Districts around Paris that have “Port de…” at the beginning of their names are often known to be less safe. Kabukicho, Roppongi, and Ueno are often considered to be among Tokyo’s most dangerous neighborhoods.
Don’t Withdraw Money from ATMs
ATMs are convenient and allow people to get fast cash, but using them in foreign countries could set tourists up to become the victims of scams. Some ATMs are fitted with skimming devices by fraudsters to try to obtain people’s bank card information to use to steal money from bank accounts. It’s best to go inside a bank and get cash from a teller if money is ever needed while traveling abroad.
Travel as Light as Possible
Bringing a lot of bags increases their chances of getting stolen during the trip. It’s best to pack as light as possible so that all bags and other travel items will be easier to keep an eye on while taking an international vacation. Rolling clothes instead of folding them can save a lot of room in suitcases and may help reduce the number of luggage pieces that need to be brought. Backpacks, duffle bags, and money belts are also lighter and can make storing certain items much easier.
Traveling internationally can be a safe experience if all the measures have been taken to limit exposure to certain dangers. Following these tips can help any international traveler enjoy a safer, more enjoyable trip.