Travel safe
By Sheila Lim
Published: January 23 2008,
CATS Classified in The Straits Times
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Some countries that are well known for being crime-infested are also highly popular tourist destinations. If you intend to visit them, these tips can help you keep yourself, and your belongings, unscathed and intact during the trip.
Be more wary when travelling on a bus or train, or walking through crowded areas where there are plenty of opportunities for pickpockets to strike. Keep your valuables in places where they are out of reach from even the nimblest fingers.
Dress discreetly – try to blend in with the locals as much as possible. Use a body/belt wallet, don’t wear jewellery or go around toting pricey electronic gadgets.
If you plan on staying out late somewhere, try to make prior transport arrangements to take you back to your place of accommodation.
Use only licensed taxis. When you arrive at your destination, make sure you get the correct change (if any) before you alight.
If you should ever feel that your safety is threatened, quickly pop into a crowded place like a restaurant or shopping centre, or hop into a taxi.
A phone card is a good item to have, even if you have a mobile phone. Should your phone and/or wallet get stolen, you will be able to make a quick call to a taxi company or your hotel to arrange for transport, or get in touch with anyone who may be able to help.
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