When traveling internationally do not wear clothes that scream “tourist”. Try to fit in with your clothing and your behavior. Do not put cash or your wallet in your back pocket. If you bring a purse carry it across your body. Make color copies of your passports and carry those instead of your actual passport. Store it in the hotel safe. If your passport is lost or stolen go to the U.S. Embassy, they will help you get another one.
If you have to get cash it is better to go to a bank or the hotel front desk. Use ATM’s as your very last resort. Do not use debit cards, you are much safer using credit cards. Always try to keep your credit card in your sight when using it to pay for things. Before you leave make sure that your credit card has the new chip in it. In Europe and many Asian countries they do not accept cards without the chip. You should keep all your credit card numbers either in your locked cell phone or locked up in a safe. If your cards are lost or stolen those numbers make it much easier to get things sorted out.
When checking into your hotel, you should ask for a room on the 3-5 floors. Also ask the front desk clerk for a hotel business card with the hotel contact information in the language of the country you are in. This helps when you need to get a cab to get back to your hotel. Above all the hotel should give you a feeling of safety, if not find another hotel.
The most important safety items that you have is you. You should be aware of your surroundings and if your “gut” tells you something listen to it and respond. Awareness will be your most important tool for international travel security.
George Uliano is a security professional with years of law enforcement and security experience. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice and Business graduating with honors. George holds three U.S. patents on different locking principles. This combination gives George and His Company Locking Systems International Inc the unique ability to provide its customers with the correct security at an affordable price.