International Travel: Third-World Travel Risks

You're on a business trip to a third-world country for the first time. Naturally, you're intimidated by the unfamiliar surroundings and culture. Walking down the street, you sense you're being followed. For more than a few minutes, someone has been closely dogging your steps. Are you being paranoid? Or, do you have reason to fear?

Corporate Travel Safety has developed strategies for dealing with such situations. This U.S.-based consulting organization assists companies and associations with their travel plans and policies, particularly for employees traveling to third-world countries. What follows is some basic advice the company developed.

On the Street
First of all, if you think you’re being followed, don't slow down. Your suspicions are reasonable. When you slow down, you're an easy target. Your shadow probably has an accomplice, and one of them may try and distract you, to steal your wallet. So, when on the street, walk fast all of the time. Don’t stop to browse or take a picture. Avoid crowds that would slow you down.

Be suspicious of overly friendly strangers. In most countries, it's inappropriate to approach strangers. So be on guard. Many times, that person is trying to make money off of you -- either "by hook or by crook" (that is, by scam or by robbery). Strangers like to take advantage of Americans' inherently friendly disposition. Be especially suspicious of anyone who approaches and offers to change dollars at good rates. It's a common scam. They will show you a roll of money and then cleverly switch it with a worthless roll.

Try not to carry big luggage while walking. This makes you more visible and vulnerable. If you take a taxi, only use one recommended by someone at your hotel.

In a Car
If you're using an automobile and get lost in what appears to be an unsafe neighborhood, don’t stop. Consult your map as you drive.

Never make it evident that you are lost. Try and appear as if you know what you're doing. Don't rely on public telephones. Chances are, in bad neighborhoods, they won’t work.

Your best protection is prevention. Know where you're going before you start driving. Make sure your luggage isn't showing.

Victimized
What do you do if you're robbed or attacked? If you were robbed of your wallet while distracted, do not chase the thief. Criminals usually have an accomplice. If you think someone distracted you to abet the thief, follow that person until you see a police officer. Such accomplices are usually women and children well known by local authorities.

If you're attacked, don't panic. Generally, thieves will only want your belongings. In most countries, murdering a foreigner is a major crime. The typical street criminal doesn't want summon the wrath of his country's entire police force.

Never resort to violence unless it’s absolutely necessary. Otherwise, it's too great a risk. Your attacker will have more experience than you.

A word about law enforcement: On the street, don't automatically trust someone with a badge or in uniform. These may be criminals in disguise. If you're stopped and asked to be searched, always insist that you be taken to the nearest police station.

Here are some more safety tips:

• Carry a decoy wallet to distract thieves from the real thing
• Always ask for receipts at hotels when paying in advance
• Don't wear expensive clothes or jewelry
• Try to dress like the natives
• Don't accept food or drinks offered in public by strangers; they may be drugged