SAFETY

When visiting a foreign country, you may be enchanted by your surroundings and engage in behavior that is not typical of you. This may cause you to let your guard down and be susceptible to crime. Experience has shown that the single most important factor in assuring a safe experience abroad is the sensible and cautious behavior of the travelers themselves. When traveling abroad, you should exercise additional caution until you become familiar with your new surroundings. Always remain alert to what is going on around you, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation. You should be careful about what you do and where you go, just as you would in any major city in the world.

Follow these general rules:

• Tourists are common targets for pickpockets. Don't flaunt your cash or bank cards. Keep your money safely away, perhaps in a money belt, a pocket that buttons or zips, or in a purse held close to your body.
• Never put all your money in one place.
• Carry only the amount of money you need and keep extra cash, jewelry, and other valuables in a hotel safe, if possible.
• Never have the PIN numbers for your credit, debit, or ATM cards on or near the cards themselves.
• Don't carry your passport with you unless necessary.
• As noted earlier, keep a photocopy of your passport in a separate place. This will speed up the process of replacing your documents should they be lost or stolen.
• If you are the victim of a pickpocket, or if something is stolen, file a report with the local authorities. A copy of the report may be required in order to file an insurance claim.
• Always remember that you are more likely to be a victim of crime if you have been drinking alcohol.