Traveling to a foreign country can be a daunting affair, and depending on the country being traveled to may come with some additional safety and security risks. Often the situation is made worse by stories and various myths that exist surrounding crime that occurs in other countries. For the purpose of this article, we are going to assume that you are a traveler, moving from a richer nation to a poorer nation for a holiday and some of the things that you can do to protect yourself from possible scams.

Airport Taxis

The first place you will encounter attempts to fleece you are at the Airports when you try to get a taxi to your hotel or guest house. There are people known as touts who are often well dressed and even carry official looking identifications suggesting they are taxi drivers. The reality is these are more like limousine services, and will charge accordingly (even if the car is not a proper limousine). Almost all countries have regulated and metered cab services. Insist that you travel by metered cab, otherwise you may end up paying 2-3 or more times as much.

Referrals

This is one to be careful for and again mainly involves taxi drivers and other service personnel. Doing your research on hotel rooms and other services before purchasing them is very important. One of the worst things you can do overseas is to ask a taxi driver to find you a hotel. Invariably this will wind up with an expensive ride, and an overpriced room. Always know exactly where you are going, what you are doing and don’t let strangers decide this for you.

Valuables against your body

Some travelers will carry small backpacks with them wherever they go. This is fine, however it is not the place to store your wallet, passport, credit cards and other valuables. Backpacks and handbags are easier targets for pickpockets and back snatchers as they can be tampered with while you are completely unaware of what is happening.

Carrying valuables

There is no need to carry a full wallet in a foreign country (or even at home for that reason). Carrying all your credit cards, money and passport together at one time is a recipe for a small personal crisis if you do get robbed. The best solution, is to leave the passport in the hotel safe (all hotels have a safe) and to carry only some cash and maybe one credit card on you when doing things. If you are carrying a wallet, make sure it is in a deep pocket or one of those undershirt cash holders. If you are carrying it in a pocket, put a rubber band around it, and this will stop is easily slipping out. Be aware of people coming too close to you or approaching you rapidly on a motorbike.

Relax

Often stories about pickpockets and scams are over exaggerated, but it is a good idea to be a little more careful than usual if you are a foreigner in a poorer nation. Don’t let it ruin your fun though, carry small amounts of cash and in the small chance you do get dipped, simply go and get some more (with the credit card you left at the hotel) and continue your fun.

This article is provided by Tim White, a writer for a business in all manner of bathroom renovations including showers, vanities and bathroom tiles