Tourism in Asia
So you are planning that special holiday in Asia? Please have
fun and please also take precautions so you can have a good time and be safe.
Safety abroad is being aware of a few simple things
a) Where you are and
b) those around you
It's not rocket science; it's common sense.
Too many people are looking for the money on the floor; not making eye contact;
being distracted; looking lost; or just assuming that are at home. I live in
London and I wouldn't dream of walking down the road texting my friend as I
stroll along. It's just inviting yourself to be mugged or have your phone
stolen. I wouldn't use a cash machine without knowing who was standing nearby. I
go to great lengths in very crowded places to make myself some space. I try to
ensure I know who is close and who isn't; who is watching/following/sharing my
personal space. If someone is behaving slightly eratic or appears to be paying
me too much attention - I move away.
I am BEING AWARE.
You should be too - no matter where you are in
the world - even at home!
Here's some simple safety precautions
They should be instinctive when travelling or
considered as a matter of practice. They are not, however, foolproof.
A determined thief or mugger will get what he/she wants anyway. The opportunist
will think twice.
But if you ARE AWARE then you'll feel
safer and more comfortable. Those with you will feel likewise.
Leave the expensive jewellry,
watches etc at home. They are an open incentive for any potential mugger.
Everyone knows about concealed
valuable wallets. They are usually uncomfortable to wear and it's very obvious
when you want to take something from them in public. Most hotels provide safes
for personal belongings. Use them.
In the UK we don't have ID Cards
(yet). In almost every other country in the world they do and it's basically the
only way to prove you are who you say you are. Leave the passport at the hotel
but carry a photocopy of the information page about you with you. It's not
perfect but it will do!
Carry only the amount of money you
will need with you for the day. Leave the rest at the hotel. Carry your credit
card incase you need that bit extra but make sure that any contact numbers to
report a stolen card are in a safe place in case the unfortunate happens and you
get mugged or loose the card.
In some countries there is still a
viable black market in hard currency (usually US dollars). Using this source for
money transactions is dodgy to say the least. The only real profit to be made is
to change large amounts and most travellers don't change large amounts. Leave
them alone. Use official exchange establishments. It's safer; you're less likely
to be mugged, robbed or, in some cases, killed; and you won't attract the
attention of the police who, in countries where a black market in foreign
currency usually exists, are as corrupt as the money dealers themselves are are
often in cohouts with the dealers in a number of money scams.
Beware a man offering gifts,
guidance, a drink or anything else. There are some overly friendly people in the
world who usually have alterior motives (Oh! and they exist in the UK too).
Avoid being out very late at night
in less well policed countries. If you are, travel back to the hotel in a taxi.
Don't get seriously bladdered in a
foreign country. Enjoy yourself by all means but remain sober enough to find
your way home and avoid any trouble along the way.
Women never, ever, travel alone.
This is not sexist, it's common sense. Travel in a group for safety.
Be respectful of foreign cultures,
religions and customs. There's enough advice written about this in books but
no-one seems to take any notice. Causing offence is asking for trouble.
Never take anything, for anyone,
anywhere unless you personally know them and have done so for a long time.
Don't deal in drugs. The quick
profits to be made are far outwayed by the consequences if you are caught. The
dealer will not be around to take the rap, just to collect from you at the other
end. In most Third World countries jails are a health hazzard; the sentences can
be extremely harsh (Thailand used to execute grug trafficers by machine gun -
it's very undignified being tied to a post and there isn't a lot left to bury
when 100 bullets have torn you apart. You will feel most of them before you
actually die).
A positive attitude and an awareness
of what's going on about you will lead to an enjoyable experience no matter
where you travel in the world.
