Personal Security

Most travellers do not expect to encounter trouble while away. However, incidents can occur whether you are in your home country or if you are travelling abroad. As with other aspects of safety, being prepared and aware of potential risks are the keys to a safe trip in your home country or elsewhere in the world.

 

Travellers, as they are often in unfamiliar locations and social contexts, can be especially vulnerable to theft and other crime. By taking some simple precautionary measures and reviewing some of the most common risks, you can help make travelling safer and hassle-free.

 

Travellers Dos and Don’ts for Personal Security[1]  

  • Ask people who have been to that country for information about their experience with safety, customs, and the culture.
  • Have your travel agent tell you about the customs and culture of the area(s) where you will be travelling or read more about them.
  • Find out where to contact your government’s offices abroad (e.g., check list above)
  • Make photocopies of your passport and visa and keep separate from your passport and other travel documents. Also keep a record of credit or bank card numbers along with contact telephone numbers if lost or stolen. Leave copies of these documents and numbers at home or work as well carrying a copy with you.
  • Store your passport (if you do not need to carry it while in that country), airline tickets, extra money and other documents in the hotel safe.
  • Use a money belt when you need to carry your passport, travel documents, money, credit cards, etc.
  • Use your business address on your luggage and carry-on bag instead of your home address.
  • Never carry parcels or packages for strangers.

In your destination [2]    

 

Things to do  

  • Select a hotel in a safe location
  • Make arrangements to arrive before dark whenever possible.
  • Make sure your hotel reservations are guaranteed if you are arriving late
  • Keep your name or home information private - give the check-in clerk a business card or use your first initials.
  • Select a hotel that takes extra measures to ensure your security Request a room with a peephole, dead bolt and chain lock
  • Leave instructions with the hotel not to give your room number or name to anyone.
  • Request a room change immediately if the clerk accidentally announces your room number out loud.
  • Obtain a recommendation on a safe taxi-cab company.
  • Make sure your contacts at home or work know your schedule and know how to reach you. Use an established check-in procedure.
  • Call your pre-arranged contact (home or office) when you arrive at your destination to report that you have arrived safely.
  • Be sure your office knows not to tell others you are away.
  • Keep some money in an outside pocket to avoid fumbling through your purse or wallet for tips and other small expenses.
  • Read or work while you travel, but remain aware of your surroundings. You look less vulnerable when you are busy.
  • Ask at the hotel for safe areas to visit or walk through in the neighbourhood. They will be able to make recommendations of areas not to visit.
  • Consider carrying a second "dummy" wallet to "give up" if necessary. It should contain some local currency, a small amount of US dollars, a few old receipts, and expired credit cards to make it look real.

 

Things to avoid  

  • Do not draw attention to yourself by displaying large amounts of cash, expensive jewellery or electronic equipment.
  • Do not carry large amounts of cash. Use credit cards or travellers’ cheques instead.
  • Do not allow your travel plans to be given out to strangers.

 

 

Other tips include  

  • Check your room immediately for any damage. Be sure the locks and telephone work. Report any concerns to reception.
  • Keep your hotel key with you. Dropping off the key at reception is an easy way for others to know when your room is not occupied.
  • Close the door securely whenever you enter or exit the room. Check that any sliding glass doors, windows and connection doors are locked every time you return to your room.
  • Immediately request a security check if you notice a suspicious change in your room when you return.
  • Report any suspicious activity to the hotel management.

 

Do Not

  • Do not answer the door without verifying who is there.
  • Do not enter the room if you suspect someone is in there, if you are being followed or if someone is lingering near your door.
  • Do not invite strangers or acquaintances into your room or accept invitations to others' rooms. Arrange to meet in a public location such as the hotel lobby or restaurant.