BGB  World Travel

Travel safety guide for trips abroad
1. Before you go
1.1 Research your destination
•    Official advice: Check government travel advisories and entry requirements.
•    Local norms: Learn basic laws, dress codes, tipping, and cultural sensitivities.
•    Neighbourhoods: Identify safe areas to stay and places to avoid, especially at night.
1.2 Plan and share your itinerary
•    Itinerary: Keep a simple document with flights, accommodation, transfers, and key bookings.
•    Share: Give a copy to a trusted contact at home and agree how often you’ll check in.
•    Backups: Store copies in secure cloud storage you can access from any device.
1.3 Documents and backups
•    Essentials: Passport, visas, insurance policy, vaccination proof, driving licence, emergency contacts.
•    Copies:
o    Paper copies stored separately from originals
o    Digital copies (PDF/photos) in secure cloud storage
•    Expiry dates: Ensure passport and visas meet minimum validity rules for entry.
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2. Travel insurance and health
2.1 Travel insurance
•    Must-have cover:
o    Emergency medical treatment and repatriation
o    Trip cancellation/curtailment
o    Lost/stolen baggage and valuables
o    Personal liability
•    Check exclusions: Adventure sports, pre-existing conditions, motorbike hire, alcohol-related incidents.
2.2 Health preparation
•    Vaccinations: Check recommended vaccines and any mandatory requirements.
•    Medication:
o    Bring enough for the whole trip plus extra
o    Keep in original packaging with prescriptions
o    Pack in hand luggage, not checked bags
•    Health kit: Painkillers, plasters, antiseptic, rehydration salts, motion sickness tablets, any regular meds.
2.3 Fitness to travel
•    Assess risks: Long flights, extreme heat/cold, altitude, strenuous activities.
•    Consult a professional: If pregnant, have a medical condition, or recent surgery.
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3. Money and valuables
3.1 Managing money safely
•    Mix of methods: One main card, one backup card, and some local currency.
•    Separation: Keep cards and cash in different places (e.g. wallet + hotel safe).
•    Notify bank: Let them know you’re travelling to reduce card blocks.
3.2 Avoiding theft and fraud
•    Cards: Use ATMs inside banks or malls; shield your PIN.
•    Scams: Be wary of “helpful” strangers at ATMs, fake officials, and high-pressure sales.
•    Receipts: Check bills for added items you didn’t order.
3.3 Handling valuables
•    Minimal carry: Take only what you need each day.
•    Storage: Use hotel safes for passports, spare cards, and large amounts of cash.
•    Discreet: Avoid displaying jewellery, expensive cameras, or large wads of cash.
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4. Accommodation safety
4.1 Choosing a safe place to stay
•    Location: Well-lit, central areas with good transport links.
•    Reviews: Look for consistent comments about safety and security.
•    Security features: 24-hour reception, secure entry, room safes, smoke detectors.
4.2 On arrival
•    Room check:
o    Test door and window locks
o    Locate emergency exits and stairwells
o    Find the nearest fire extinguisher
•    Key cards: Don’t display your room number in public; keep spare key separate if possible.
4.3 While staying
•    Doors and windows: Keep locked, especially at night or on ground floors.
•    Housekeeping: Don’t leave valuables in plain sight.
•    If you feel unsafe: Request a room change, speak to management, or move property if necessary.
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5. Getting around safely
5.1 Taxis and rideshares
•    Booking: Use official taxi ranks, hotel-booked taxis, or reputable apps.
•    Verification: Check car registration and driver details match the app.
•    In the car: Sit in the back, wear a seatbelt, and avoid sharing rides with strangers you don’t know.
5.2 Public transport
•    Crowded areas: Keep bags zipped and in front of you; avoid back pockets.
•    Night travel: Prefer well-lit, busy routes; avoid empty carriages or isolated stops.
•    Tickets: Buy from official counters or machines to avoid scams.
5.3 Walking around
•    Awareness: Stay alert, avoid walking while glued to your phone or wearing both earbuds.
•    Routes: Stick to main streets; avoid poorly lit alleys or parks at night.
•    Maps: Download offline maps so you’re not obviously lost.
5.4 Driving abroad
•    Licence: Check if you need an International Driving Permit.
•    Rules: Learn local road laws, speed limits, and drink-driving rules.
•    Car hire: Inspect the vehicle, photograph existing damage, and understand insurance excess.

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6. Personal safety and scams
6.1 General personal safety
•    Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong, leave.
•    Alcohol: Drink in moderation; keep your drink in sight and never accept unsealed drinks from strangers.
•    Groups: When possible, stay with companions at night.
6.2 Common scams
•    Distraction theft: Someone bumps you while another takes your wallet/phone.
•    Overcharging: Taxis without meters, “no price” menus, or surprise “service fees”.
•    Fake officials: Ask for ID and, if unsure, move to a public place or contact your hotel.
6.3 Protecting your belongings
•    Day-to-day: Use a cross-body bag with zips; keep it in front of you.
•    Crowds: Be extra cautious at markets, stations, and tourist attractions.
•    Phones: Hold firmly when using maps or taking photos near roads.
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7. Digital and communication safety
7.1 Phones and connectivity
•    SIM/eSIM: Consider a local SIM or roaming plan so you can call and use maps.
•    Emergency numbers: Save local emergency services and your embassy/consulate.
•    Location sharing: Share your live location with a trusted contact when out late or travelling alone.


7.2 Online security
•    Wi-Fi: Avoid public Wi-Fi for banking or sensitive logins; use mobile data or a reputable VPN.
•    Passwords: Use strong, unique passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
•    Backups: Back up your phone before travelling in case it’s lost or damaged.
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8. Solo travellers, women, and families
8.1 Solo travellers
•    Check-ins: Agree regular check-in times with someone at home.
•    Social media: Avoid posting real-time location details.
•    New friends: Meet in public places; arrange your own transport home.
8.2 Women travellers
•    Dress: Consider local norms to avoid unwanted attention.
•    Transport: Sit near other women or families when possible; avoid empty carriages.
•    Boundaries: Be firm and clear; it’s okay to say no and walk away.
8.3 Families with children
•    ID: Give children a card with your name, local number, and hotel details.
•    Meeting point: Agree a clear spot to go to if you get separated.
•    Photos: Take a quick photo each morning so you have an up-to-date image of what they’re wearing.

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9. Emergencies and what to do
9.1 If you lose your passport
•    Report: Notify local police and get a report if possible.
•    Embassy/consulate: Contact them for an emergency travel document or replacement.
•    Copies: Use your digital/paper copies to speed up the process.
9.2 If your cards are lost or stolen
•    Block immediately: Use your banking app or call your bank’s emergency number.
•    Backup funds: Use your spare card or emergency cash.
•    Insurance: Check if your policy covers stolen money or cards.
9.3 Medical emergencies
•    Emergency services: Call the local emergency number.
•    Insurance: Contact your insurer’s emergency assistance line as soon as possible.
•    Hospital choice: Where possible, use hospitals recommended by your insurer or embassy.
9.4 Crime or assault
•    Safety first: Get to a safe, public place.
•    Police: Report the incident as soon as you can.
•    Support: Contact your embassy/consulate and ask about local support services.
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10. Quick pre-departure checklist
Documents
•    Passport (valid for required period)
•    Visas (if needed)
•    Travel insurance policy
•    Copies of all key documents (paper + digital)
Health
•    Recommended vaccinations
•    Sufficient medication + prescriptions
•    Basic travel health kit
Money
•    Main and backup bank cards
•    Some local currency
•    Bank notified of travel
Safety & tech
•    Emergency numbers saved
•    Offline maps downloaded
•    Phone backed up and locked with PIN/biometrics