It's a traveler's nightmare that unfortunately can happen to anyone. While it's not common, getting mugged while traveling can mean losing money, important documents, other valuables or worse. Follow these steps to avoid being a target, and find out what you can do if it happens.
Research your destination beforehand for laws and any potential issues you may encounter. Know some of the local language, as well as local customs - some gestures have different meanings abroad (for example, the thumbs up in Iran is akin to the middle finger here).
Also learn the local dress, even if you are not in an area where a dress-code in enforced, like the Middle East, you can attract unwanted attention and even harassment with the wrong clothes.
Don’t look super touristy - leave the fanny pack at home and try to blend. Avoid wearing expensive looking jewelry and flashing electronic equipment around (phones, laptops).
Make copies of all your important documents. You will hear this over and over but that is because it is so important. Store the copies in a different place from the originals.
Get the addresses and phone numbers of your embassy and any military bases before your arrival.
When checking-in to a hotel or hostel, get a room that is not on the ground floor and away from any elevators or stairs. Use a chair or rubber door wedge under the door when you go to bed. Keep valuables out of sight, and store them in a locker or safe.
Be aware of your surroundings. You want to sightsee but be conscious of what is going on around you, particularly on public transportation and in crowded areas.
Don’t put yourself in a position where you are vulnerable. Stay with a buddy or in a group, and stick to public, well-lit places. Be especially careful at night. Stay sober enough to make smart decisions. Keep a careful eye on your drink so you don’t get drugged.
When you walk, stand up straight and confidant, and look like you know where you’re going. Walk with a phone on you. I’ve even pretended to have fake phone conversations to look like someone was expecting me.
Don’t carry a lot of valuables on you. If possible, store stuff in your hotel or hostel locker. Keep small amounts of cash on you, and carry the photocopy of your passport instead of the original when you can.
Keep your money in different places - hidden wallets, pockets in clothing and bags, shoes, etc.
Carry a dummy wallet - a cheap one or one that you make yourself. Put some money and maybe an expired credit card. It can give potential thieves enough to keep them from further harassing you.
If you are being mugged - especially if there is a weapon involved - give them what they want. It is not worth being a hero if you get seriously injured. All of these things ultimately can be replaced - you can’t.
NEVER get in a car with someone trying to abduct you. Chances are if they are going to hurt you they will do it anyway - scream, run in a erratic pattern, fight back.
As a foreigner it can be frustrating to be in a country where you are not only unfamiliar with the legal system but are unable to find someone to help you understand. Write down the details of your crime - where you were, what time was it, and what was taken.
Then, get in touch with your nearest Embassy or Consulate to ensure your rights and well-being are taken care of. The Embassy will help you contact the appropriate law enforcement so that you can potentially recover your property. If you need medical attention the Embassy will help you find a qualified doctor, hospital, or clinic, and help you inform the authorities that you were robbed and physically assaulted. They can also help get money wired to you if you need it.
Get in touch with the Embassy immediately if your passport has been stolen.
Don’t feel bad! Hopefully you’ve gotten away unscathed, and while being the victim of theft is demoralizing it is not the end of the world. Do not blame yourself too much - remember you were the victim - and don’t let it ruin your entire trip.
| Tweet |
