You’ve saved for years. You’ve planned for months. You are in the midst of a life-changing dream trip. In a matter of seconds all the planning and passion is erased. A pick-pocket in a busy bus terminal, a robbery in the hotel, snatch theft, a mugging, and it’s gone.

Not exactly part of the plan, though no doubt you’ve thought about it. You’ve read newspapers and tour books. Talked to friends who all thought you were crazy to be going to such an ‘exotic destination’. It was in the back of your mind but you probably thought, ‘it won’t happen to me’ but it did and now you’re stuck.

What now?

It is an essential part of planning a trip abroad (or anywhere for that matter) to have a back-up plan in case the worst should occur. It is also important to consider ahead of time ways to avoid problems and complications. In this article we will look at both.

Passport protection

Depending on your country of origin, these quick suggestions can keep your documents safe and if necessary, expedite the process of passport replacement.

• Make several photocopies of your passport, and any other document associated with your stay such as a visa, and keep them in separate locations. You can also store them in a pdf online.
• Whenever possible, keep your passport locked away, either in a safety deposit box or at an expatriate service.
• When travelling with your passport, keep it hidden somewhere secure such as a money belt or sock compartment. While it won’t stay hidden from someone searching you, it makes it difficult for snatch thieves/pickpockets to steal.

Money

Knowing the financial situation of your destination ahead of time can easily prepare and defend your cash and credit cards.

• Money belts and hidden compartments in socks or hats, while making you feel like a bumpkin, are actually very practical. Many companies now offer attractive ways to keep your valuables safe.
• Whenever possible, try to change large bills for smaller ones. Do this at a bank or large grocery store. Carry only enough cash as you will need and leave the rest in the hotel safe or somewhere secure.
• Learn to identify the currency you are using and what any counterfeit bill may look like. There are many places in the world where counterfeiting is big business and it spills over into other countries.

Credit Cards

The world is increasingly becoming globalised. Many places that as little as a few years ago couldn’t accept electronic payments, now have that technology.

• Credit cards make it possible to travel with less cash on hand. Obviously the danger is that someone may steal the number and use it. While it is difficult to prevent a clerk from doing so, checking your account frequently, either by phone or online can dampen any damage.
• Tell your bank about your trip before you leave home. If possible, supply them with a rough itinerary. Any unauthorised charges will then be more easily identified and stopped. Notifying the bank of your travel plans may also prevent your bank from freezing your account when you are using the card legitimately because the card is being used in an unexpected location.
• Choose a card that will be your primary card throughout the trip and stick to that one. Transfer cash between savings and the primary card as often as necessary as this will minimise any losses should they occur. Make copies of your cards front and back, blacking out the name and expiration date, and keep the copies separate from the cards themselves.

Scams

No amount of planning can completely shelter you. Things happen. Yet, there are ways in which to protect yourself if you do run into trouble.The first rule to remember: all scams and thefts need to keep things simple and without focusing attention back on them.

• Distraction Scam. You’re walking along the street, carrying your bag or backpack, when suddenly you feel something wet hit your neck. Turning (in disgust) to see what vile person did this, leaves you exposed to snatch theft. Other distractions include someone spilling something on you, children falling or playing in front of you, or someone dropping a bag on the ground so that money spills out.
• Confusion scam. You have just left your hotel, ready to explore the streets of this new city. A man pulls up in a car and says that he is from your hotel (he knows the name) and that your luggage has been stolen from your room. Without thinking you jump into the car and away you go. After a few blocks, he pulls over and points a gun at you, relieves you of cash and valuables and orders you out of the car.
• Slash scam. This opportunistic crime usually happens in heavily populated areas or on public conveyances, such as buses and trains. When your guard is down, a thief using a razor blade will slash open your backpack, purse or luggage. A good deterrent is to keep your bag with you at all times and to stay aware.

A scam artist or thief knows that time is working against them. This means that time is on your side, so use it. Stay in control of the situation by slowing things down. Ask for their name. Ask for identification. Ask where the local police station is. The slower you are in doing what they ask, the less persistent the perpetrator will become, until finally giving up all together.

Remember, never allow yourself to be led anywhere or hand any documents over without first thinking things through.

In general, adapting a streetwise attitude and trying to blend in are the best deterrents to any crime. You don’t want to be so worried about problems that you can’t even enjoy your trip. Odds are, you will spend your entire trip without ever feeling threatened, especially if you follow the above-mentioned safety tips.

Buena Suerte!

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This article was written by C. Edward Anable

C. Edward Anable is a freelance writer working in Peru. He currently works for the non-profit group, South American Explorers Club, based in Lima. He is always ready to help the independent traveler with advice and loves getting feedback.