Staying Safe Abroad: Airports, Transport, Scams and Emergencies

Most trips abroad pass without any trouble at all, and the risks for travelers are usually small, everyday ones such as pickpocketing, scams and getting lost, rather than anything dramatic. Feeling confident in an unfamiliar place comes from knowing what to expect in the situations travelers most often find themselves in. Here is how to stay safe in each, from the moment you arrive to the unlikely event of an emergency.

Before you leave

• Check official advice. Government travel advisory sites, such as the US State Department's travel.state.gov or the UK Foreign Office's travel advice pages, list safety concerns, entry requirements and local laws.
• Register your trip. US citizens can enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, or STEP, to receive alerts and help the embassy contact them in an emergency.
• Make copies. Keep photos of your passport, visas and insurance documents in secure cloud storage, and leave a copy of your itinerary with someone at home.
• Get insurance. Travel insurance with medical coverage is especially important in countries where your health insurance doesn't apply.

Arriving at the airport

Arrivals halls are where travelers are most likely to be tired, distracted and carrying everything they own. Use official taxi ranks, pre-booked transfers or reputable ride-hailing apps rather than accepting offers from people approaching you. Withdraw cash from ATMs inside banks or the airport terminal rather than standalone machines, and shield your PIN. If possible, plan to arrive in daylight.

Getting around

Crowded public transport and busy tourist sites are prime areas for pickpockets. Keep valuables in front pockets or a cross-body bag that zips, and be alert when crowds suddenly press close. On ride-hailing apps, check that the license plate and driver match the app before getting in. When walking, look confident, and step into a shop or café to check a map rather than stopping on the street. Ask accommodation staff which areas to avoid at night.

At your accommodation

Use the safe for passports, spare cash and valuables. Keep the door locked, use the security latch, and don't open the door to unexpected visitors without checking with reception. Note the emergency exits. When booking, check reviews for comments about safety and location, and consider staying in well-lit, central areas.

Common scams

• The friendship bracelet or petition: someone ties a bracelet on your wrist or asks you to sign a petition, then demands money or picks your pocket while you are distracted.
• The closed attraction: a friendly stranger says the site you are heading to is closed and offers to take you somewhere else, often a shop paying commission.
• The spilled drink or bird droppings: someone "helps" clean your clothes while an accomplice takes your wallet.
• Fake police: people claiming to be officers ask to inspect your wallet. Real police rarely ask this; offer to go to the nearest police station instead.
• Unmetered taxis: agree on a fare in advance or insist on the meter.

A polite but firm "no, thank you" and walking away is usually enough.

Nights out

Stay with people you know, keep an eye on your drink, and know how you will get back to your accommodation before going out. Drink spiking is a risk in many countries, so never leave drinks unattended, and seek help immediately if you or a friend suddenly feels unwell. Alcohol makes travelers easier targets, so moderation is part of staying safe.

Using technology wisely

Avoid logging into banking on public Wi-Fi, or use a VPN. Share your live location with a trusted friend or family member. Keep your phone charged and carry a power bank, since your phone is your map, translator and lifeline. Write down your hotel address in the local language in case your phone dies.

Respecting local laws

Laws vary widely, and ignorance isn't a defense. Some countries have strict rules on drugs, alcohol, dress, photography of government buildings, public behavior and certain medications. Check whether your prescription medicines are legal at your destination, and carry them in original packaging with a copy of the prescription.

If something goes wrong

• Know emergency numbers: 112 works across the European Union and many other countries, 911 in the United States and Canada, 999 in the United Kingdom and 000 in Australia.
• Lost passport: report it to local police and contact your country's embassy or consulate for an emergency travel document.
• Stolen cards: freeze or cancel them through your bank's app or hotline immediately.
• Medical problems: contact your travel insurer's emergency line, which can direct you to suitable hospitals.

Keep a little emergency cash and a backup card in a separate place from your main wallet so a single theft doesn't leave you stranded.

Trust your instincts

If a situation, place or person feels wrong, leave. Being cautious may occasionally mean missing out on something, but it rarely ruins a trip. With sensible preparation, most travelers find unfamiliar destinations far safer and more welcoming than they expected.