Travel safety

Suggestions include:
 Keep your travel plans, including accommodation details, to yourself.
 Don't hitch hike.
 Try not to travel at night.
 Avoid 'seedier' areas of the cities you visit, especially at night.
 Ask your hotel manager for advice on 'safe' versus 'unsafe' local areas.
 As a general rule, city streets that include children and women suggest the area is safe for
families.
 Carry with you at all times the contact details of the Australian embassy. If your city doesn't
have an Australian embassy, find out which other country's embassy is available to help
you, such as the British embassy.
 Keep a photocopy of your passport and all other important documents in a safe place.
 Use ATMs during the day, when there are people around.
 Try to rely more on credit cards and travellers cheques than cash.
 If you are mugged, don't fight back. It is better to lose a few dollars and a wristwatch than
get injured.
 Avoid incidents such as fights, riots or civil disturbances at all times.

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Transport safety
Suggestions include:
 At the airport, watch for your suitcase as it appears on the carousel. Don't hang back and
wait for the crowds to disperse - you might find that someone else has already taken your
bag in the meantime.
 Avoid changing money at airports, as thieves could be watching you.
 Consult with your hotel manager or tourist information centre about the public transport in
your area. Make sure you know what official taxi cabs look like. A thief may pose as a taxi
driver to lure you into their car.
 Don't share taxis with strangers.
 Carjacking is a problem in some cities. When driving, keep all doors locked and windows up.
Make sure your boot is locked too.

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 Hotel safety
Suggestions include:
 If possible, choose accommodation that has unmarked 'swipe cards' rather than numbered
keys for each room. If you lose your swipe card or if it is stolen, the thief won't know which
room to rob.
 Take note of emergency exits, stairwells, fire escapes and emergency plans, just in case.
 Always lock your hotel door when retiring for the night. If there is a chain included, use it.
 When arranging to meet people you've never met before (such as business associates), wait
for them in the lobby. Don't ask them to come up to your room.

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Don't stand out in a crowd when travelling

Suggestions include:
 Even if you're not sure where you're going, walk like you've got a purpose.
 Match your dress style to that of the locals. Don't wear an obvious 'tourist' outfit like a loud
shirt with a camera slung around your neck.
 Be discreet when map reading.
 Notice the people around you. Be wary if someone seems to be taking more than a passing
interest.

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Don't make yourself an attractive target when

travelling
Suggestions include:
 Don't wear expensive jewellery on obvious display.
 Wear valuables (such as traveller's cheques and credit cards) on a belt worn under the
clothes and next to the skin.
 If feeling particularly vulnerable, wear your money belt somewhere other than around your
waist. Thieves know all about money belts too.
 Consider carrying a 'dummy' wallet holding a small amount of cash. If you are directly
confronted by a mugger, you can hand over the dummy wallet and avoid further distress.

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 Beware of scams when travelling
Thieves devise inventive ways to rob you. Some of these may include:
 Posing as a police officer and asking to check your money for counterfeit bills.
 Posing as a tour guide and offering to show you the sights of the city.
 Slipping sedative drugs into your food or drink.
 Thieves in different cities tend to favour different scams. Ask your hotel manager or local
tourist information officer for more information.

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Where to get help

 Travel agent
 Australian embassies
 Local police
 Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Tel. (03) 9221 5555

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Things to remember
 Research the safety of your intended destination with the Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade.
 Carry with you at all times the contact details of the Australian embassy.
 For up-to-date information on 'safe' and 'unsafe' areas of the city, consult with your hotel
manager or local tourist information officer.
 Try to blend in with the locals and avoid looking or acting like a tourist.
 If you are mugged, don't fight back. It is better to lose a few dollars and a wristwatch than
get injure
If You are Renting a Car
1. Make your reservation early and watch for deals! Most rental car companies
don't have any kind of penalty for canceling a reservation. If the rates go
down after you make the reservation, you can call the company and ask for
the lower rate -- but if the rates go up, you're locked in at a better price!
2. Don't assume the lower rates will be advertised! Ask about deals when you
make the reservation, and then follow up a few times before actually picking
up the car.
3. Watch out for surcharges. Paying for a 'basic rate' or an 'all-inclusive rate'
will save you time, but it may also cost you money in the form of little extras
you don't need.
4. Find out what your present insurance covers when renting a car, then you'll
be better informed about what, if any, additional insurance you may need.
5. If traveling by rental car, make sure to ask if it is possible to get one without
rental car markings (license plate frame/placard with the rental company
name etc.).
6. Some people will rent the cheaper, smaller car because there's a chance the
lot will be out of smaller cars and will offer a free upgrade. However, this is
not recommended because chances are very good that renting a car which
doesn't suit your needs will leave you with a car which doesn't suit your
needs.
7. Know your driving record. Some companies will refuse to rent to people with
any of the following convictions on their record: (a) three or more speeding
tickets (b) driving while intoxicated (c) reckless driving.
8. Always rent a car from a reliable company that provides 24 hour roadside
assistance.
9. Make sure you obtain instructions on what to do if your car breaks down.

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Prior to Leaving
 1. Plan to have the post office suspend your mail and newspaper deliveries, or
have them collected by a neighbor.
2. Leave a car parked in your driveway.
3. Ensure you schedule regular gardening or snow removal.
4. Keep a list of credit card and travelers check numbers and a photocopy of
your passport with a business associate, relative or friend in case your wallet
or cards are stolen.
5. Never carry large amounts of cash: use traveler's checks. If you must carry
large sums of money, do not display it openly.
6. Have the telephone numbers to call in case your checks or credit cards are
lost or stolen.

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When Traveling by Car

1. Let someone know your route before you leave.
2. Check your vehicle's fluid levels and make sure the tires, including the
spare, are in good condition and properly inflated.
3. Have your route well-planned in advance. Keep a map handy.
4. When approaching the car be aware of your surroundings. Put extraneous
thoughts out of your mind for the moment.
5. Don't take precious time fumbling for keys when you try to unlock the door.
This gives an attacker the perfect opportunity to strike. Prior to entering a
parking lot or ramp, take a few seconds to position your door key between
your thumb and forefinger. Make sure the key is protruding so you can use it
as a weapon if you are attacked.
6. Before you enter your car, take a glance of the interior to make sure
someone is not hiding inside. Once inside the car, immediately lock the
doors and do not roll down your windows.
7. Carry emergency items in your car including a flashlight with fresh batteries,
blankets, jumper cables and a flare or reflective triangle.
8. If driving in cold weather, travel with an abrasive material such as sand or
non-clumping cat litter, an ice scraper and a small shovel.
9. If you become sleepy while driving, find a safe place to park for a short nap.
Caffeine-containing beverages may improve alertness, but only for a short
time.
 10. You should always allow yourself a quarter-tank of gas or more.
11. Remember, traveling in a strange area can be confusing. Plan and double-
check your route. If you are lost, go to a well-lighted area with human activity
such as a convenience store, gas station or police station.
12. When passing an exit, repeat the name of the exit showing on the sign. This
will help you to remember the proximity of the nearest crossroad if you need
to call for help. The easier you make it for the police or an emergency road
service to find you the less time you leave yourself vulnerable.
13. A foremost recommendation for anyone traveling alone is to have a cellular
phone with you.

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If You Break Down on the Road

1. Do not get out of your car.
2. If you have a cell phone, call for assistance immediately.
3. Lock your doors and keep your windows closed.
4. If you do not have a cell phone, place a "Call Police" sign in one of your car
windows.
5. If someone does stop and offer assistance, only roll down your window
approximately 1 inch to speak. More than this gives a potential attacker an
opportunity to attempt entry. If you must roll a window down for fresh air, be
alert. If you see someone approaching your car, immediately roll up the
window.

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If Traveling by Air
1. Travel with a photo identification card at all times. Have it handy in case
you're asked.
2. Reconfirm your flight directly with the airline 24 to 48 hours prior to
departure.
3. Use public transportation or arrange to have someone drive you to the
airport to avoid traffic and parking delays (unless you are traveling at a non-
peak time of day.)
 4. If you must drive, consider off-airport, park-and-ride arrangements that may
be provided by the hotel, airport, or a private company.
5. Plan to arrive at the airport at least an hour to an hour-and-a-half prior to
departure for domestic flights; at least two hours ahead for international
flights.
6. Keep your carry-on baggage to a minimum. Most airlines allow two carry-on
bags. Heavy passenger volume during holidays or peak travel days may limit
overhead bin and underseat storage capacity.
7. Use luggage tags to clearly identify your bags. Use only your surname, first
initial and business address and phone number.
8. Don't pack valuables in checked luggage. Always carry valuables along with
some overnight necessities in a carry-on bag.
9. Never leave your luggage unattended. Not only can they be stolen; bombs,
drugs and other items can be placed in them making you an unwitting
courier and placing you in grave danger.
10. Watch out for "staged" distractions in the airport, e.g., people arguing,
people asking you questions, jostling, etc. These distractions create
opportunities for pickpockets.

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When Using Taxis

1. Use only designated licensed taxis.
2. Make sure your taxi driver is the person pictured on the license.
3. Inquire about the fare prior to embarking to your destination.

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If Traveling Abroad
1. Check out State Department travel advisories before deciding on your
vacation. These advisories and other valuable information can be found on
the web at: http://travel.state.gov/This information can also be obtained by
calling the Office of Overseas Citizens Services (202/647-5225).
2. To apply locally for a passport contact the Circuit Court Clerk (Dunn Co),
800 Wilson Ave.
 3. If you are in a foreign country, please familiarize yourself with the location
and telephone number of the nearest U.S. Embassy (or Embassy of your
Country of Origin).
4. Make two photocopies of the first two pages of your passport: one to carry
with you and one for your luggage. Some countries require you to carry your
passport with you, but most police departments will accept a copy until you
can retrieve the original. Keep it in the hotel safe.
5. Use travelers checks whenever possible. Carry only a small amount of local
currency for taxis, gratuities and local purchases.
6. Be especially careful in "well-to-do-areas". Thieves know that's where you're
most likely to let down your guard.
7. Ask the hotel concierge which parts of the city should be avoided,
particularly after daylight hours.

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When at Your Hotel

1. Use the valet or bellhop service. It will save you from carrying your luggage
from a parking lot. Have a bellhop or room security check your room for
intruders before you enter.
2. Check your room phone to ensure it is working.
3. Use a travel door alarm. If someone knocks on your door, and claims to be
maintenance, housekeeping or security, do not open your door. Call the
hotel desk to verify the person's business.
4. Be sure you know two fire exit locations from your floor in the event you
need to escape in an emergency.
5. Never leave valuables in your car or the trunk, always take them with you.
6. When parking in an underground parking lot, park as close as possible to an
elevator. Be sure to park in well-lit areas. Park where there are numerous
other vehicles.
7. Use valet parking when available.
8. If you lose your key, please notify the front desk immediately. Requests for a
new key may require you to produce identification.
9. Ensure that all windows and sliding doors are locked. And always close your
drapes at night.
 10. When alone, do not enter elevators with strangers if you do not feel
comfortable. Wait for another elevator.
11. Never announce your hotel room number or invite strangers to your room.
12. Do not leave cash or valuables in your room. Safety deposit boxes are often
provided at the front desk.
13. Unpack and place belongings in the closet and dresser. Arrange your things
so you'll know if anything is missing. Consider locking any electrical
appliances (blow dryers, electric shavers, etc.) in your luggage. (Suitcases
should always be locked so they cannot be used to carry your property out
of your room).
14. Report any lost or stolen items to the hotel/motel management and to the
police.
15. Report to the management any suspicious movements in the corridors or
rooms.

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When Sightseeing
1. Ask for directions at a hotel/motel on how to get to those attractions you
want to visit.
2. Select tour guides carefully.
3. Ask if there are any areas in town you should avoid. Stick to well-lighted
main streets and public areas.
4. Do not advertise that you are a tourist. Place maps and travel brochures in
the glove compartment.
5. Looking lost (stopping and looking at addresses or staring at street signs)
may make you look like an easy target for crime. If you do get lost, find an
open business and ask for directions.
6. Only carry with you the cash you will need, and only in small denominations.

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Arriving Home Home

1. Remember to take safety precautions on your way back and after you arrive.
2. If there is any sign of a forced entry into your home or room upon arrival, do
not enter. Go directly to a neighbor, call the police and wait for their arrival.

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