Useful tips for safe international travel

The holiday season is a favourite time for Indians to travel abroad. It’s also a favourite time for pickpockets, purse-snatchers, hotel burglars and other petty thieves whose business booms with the influx of unsuspecting and unprepared Indian tourists.

With more Indians traveling within India and internationally today than ever before, and many of them for the first time, it’s likely that more non-seasoned travellers can become victims of petty crime.

Most of the petty crime involving Indians traveling internationally is preventable, according to American Express, but it takes planning before the trip and then following precautions during the trip.

If a traveller should find him or herself a victim of crime, these safety steps can turn a potentially disastrous situation into a minor inconvenience. Safety while traveling should be top-of-mind for any traveller.

But international trips require a few more precautions because travellers are unfamiliar with language, surroundings and customs. It’s easy to get lost, or at least distracted, as you’re trying to find your way. Unfortunately, this behaviour attracts the attention of pickpockets and other criminals.

Travellers can minimize their risks by carrying only a small amount of cash, Cash is muggable money. What’s more, just like a poorly-lit ATM at night is not a safe place to get cash in India, it is even riskier in a foreign land.

Most often, the petty crimes are not random; victims are targeted by experienced, organized, career criminals because of their dress, actions or inattentiveness. Criminals congregate where travellers congregate, so tourist attractions in major foreign cities are prime spots for petty theft.

The following are some tips that will help make your international trip safe and free from any hindrances:

Before departure

Leave copies of passport, travel documents and travellers cheques serial numbers in case of a problem at home with someone you trust. Don’t bring expensive jewellery which isn’t needed.

Take along only the charge cards you really need; a driver’s license with photo for identification; and “in case of emergency” card with medical information; extra prescriptions and eyeglasses; travellers cheques in several denominations; and a small amount of the appropriate foreign currency.

At the airport

Never leave luggage unattended. Be wary of impostor porters. Don’t share a taxi with anyone you don’t know.

At your hotel

Keep all valuables in the hotel’s main safe deposit box. Don’t display the sign requesting room cleaning service; it identifies the room as unoccupied. Don’t let strangers overhear your sightseeing plans or other schedules.

On the street

Never wear expensive-looking jewellery. Carry only the cash and travellers cheques you need while away from your hotel. Carry wallets in front pockets or keep pockets securely fastened, with a pin or velcro if necessary. Wear handbags with the opening next the your body.

Avoid ATMs which are not well-lit and secure and quickly put cash out of sight, and be aware of “distraction thefts” by criminals working in twos or threes.

When crime happens

Do not to resist a robber (what you are carrying isn’t worth your life). Scream, yell and get help.

Get assistance from the hotel manager in contacting the police.

Get a copy of the police report for verification with insurance.

Contact the bank immediately for replacement of the lost or stolen Card and Travellers Cheques. Replacement can be made usually by the end of the next day.

Use copies of passports and airline tickets to obtain replacements quickly. Don’t look or act like a ‘ready’ victim and the thieves are likely to move on to someone else.

Carry a variety of payment methods

Travelers should carry a variety of payment methods that include travellers cheques (TCs), credit cards, an ATM card, foreign currency and a small amount of cash, for maximum security against any type of loss, theft or emergency situation.

TCs are almost as good as currency, as they are accepted virtually in every part of the world. They offer a key advantage over cash, if stolen or lost, they can actually be refunded.

One can use TCs virtually anywhere, whereas the card can be used only at registered establishments of the card issuing company. (In more mature markets though, one is asked to provide a card number to confirm a hotel reservation or at the time of check in)

The card is useful for unplanned big ticket shopping or paying large bills. The TCs offer flexibility to the traveler as it allows them to shop around and negotiate for best exchange rates. ATMs are convenient but the ATM card if lost or stolen is unlikely to be replaced while travelling.

ATMs can also be difficult to find in remote destinations or outside major metropolitan areas, while TCs can be used virtually like cash nearly everywhere. Usage of TCs is not subject to telecommunications breakdowns, computer failures or ATM availability.

Safety tips for TCs

Sign each cheque immediately and as soon as possible, have your travel companion do the same. Keep cheque serial numbers separate from the cheques. Countersign only upon purchase and in the presence of a witness.

Travellers cheques are usable like cash. We ask that our customers treat them like they would a like amount of cash, meaning recognize their value and handle them carefully and safely.

In case TCs are lost or stolen

Contact the local police to report the theft. Ask for a copy of the police report. Call up the issuing bank as soon as possible. Describe the circumstances surrounding the loss or theft. Provide serial numbers of lost or stolen cheques to expedite the refund process.

The above tips and precaution will help make international travel a fruitful and pleasurable experience for business as well as leisure travellers.