Safe Travel Abroad: A Few Tips

* Use common sense abroad, just as you would at home.
* Learn about local rules and obey them.
* Carry travelers checks instead of cash.
* Do not flash large amounts of money when paying bills.
* Be sure your credit card is given back to you after each transaction.
* Be sure you receive a "claim check" for each piece of luggage you check-in.
* Conceal your money, travelers checks, passport, and other valuables in several places to prevent easy theft. Keep in other hand-luggage, on person, or in hotel safety-deposit box. Do not leave them in your room while out.
* Do not leave bags unattended in public places. Traveling light will help.
* Women should carry handbags in a secure manner to prevent snatch theft. To avoid motorcycle thieves, walk on the inside of sidewalks and carry your purse on the side away from the street. Putting rubber bands around your wallet or keeping it in a zipped portion of a handbag makes it more difficult for a pick- pocket to remove.
* Be wary of con artists. They exist around the world.
* Keep hotel and car keys with you.
* Be alert to street gangs in big cities abroad.
* If confronted by a superior force, don't fight attackers.....give up valuables.
* Report any loss or theft to the police or other appropriate authorities. Keep a copy of the police report for insurance purposes.
* Report loss of passport to the nearest U.S. Embassy or consulate.
* Keep a low profile. Dress and behave conservatively, avoiding flashy dress, jewelry, luggage, rental cars, etc., to draw attention to you as a wealthy foreigner.
* Be polite and low-key. Avoid loud conversations an arguments.
* Let someone know when you expect to return, especially if out at night.
* Do not give out your room number to persons you do not know well. Meet visitors in the lobby.
* Remember you are in a foreign country and are subject to the laws. You are not protected by the U.S. constitution overseas. Penalties for drug violations including possession of small amounts of marijuana or cocaine, are severe in many foreign countries and rigorously enforced.
* Deal with only authorized agents when you exchange money, buy airline tickets, or purchase souvenirs. Avoid exchanging currency with the black market.
* Avoid taking pictures of police, military personnel, and military installations.
* If possible, book a hotel room between the second and seventh floors - above ground level to prevent easy entrance from outside and low enough for fire equipment to reach.
* Read the fire safety instructions in your hotel room, know how to report a fire, and make sure you know where the nearest fire exit is. Count the doors between your room and the nearest exit - this could be a life saver if you have to crawl through a smoke filled corridor.
* Learn some of the local language, so you can obtain help if needed.
* Contact the nearest U.S. Consulate office if you have been arrested. Consular offices can not get you out of jail, but they can assist and advise you, and provide a list of local attorneys to help you.
* Become familiar with the U.S customs rules and decalration policies. The booklet titled "Know Before You go" is very helpful in knowing about those items that are not allowed in the U.S. or those that are taxed. Oral declarations are the usual procedure, but a written declaration form may be required. The above booklet can be found in he Federal "Passport" offices. ---- Reference: U.S. State Department
Information provided by: CSA International

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Travel Health

Center For Disease Control
The international travelers hotline, voice, and fax: (404) 639-2572
   (Vaccination information, health recommendations, disease out-breaks, published materials and information on AIDS when traveling abroad)
Toll Free voice and fax line: 1-888-232-3228
   (Disease and health risks information)
Travel recommendations by voice and fax: (404) 332-4559
Website: http://www.cdc.gov/
   (info on health and safety)

International Society of Travel Medicine
Phone: (770) 736-7060
Fax: (770) 736-6732
E-Mail: bcbistm@aol.com
Website: http://www.istm.org/

Travel Medicine, Inc.
(Products for safe travel - worldwide)
Phone: 1-800-872-8633
Fax: (413) 584-6656
Website: http://www.travmed.com/

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Safety Resources

U.S. State Department's Bureau of Consular Affairs
(Emergency assistance, travel safety and warnings)
Overseas Citizens Services, voice, and fax:(202) 647-5225
Website: http://travel.state.gov/

Association for Safe International Road Travel
(Information on hazardous road conditions in foreign countries and selected road travel reports)
Phone: (301) 983-5252
Fax: (301) 983-3663
E-Mail: asirt@erols.com
Website: http://www.asirt.org/

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