Personal Safety Suggestions

From Bonnie Hamre, former About.com Guide

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Drugs and Unlawful Substances:

Don't! The penalties for possession of/or trafficking in drugs in some countries can include long prison sentences or even death.

Check out these Hard Facts.

Cameras:

Take it with you. Use it, and put it away, out of sight. Something that doesn't look like a camera case is useful.

Don't hang it around your neck.

Take some film with you. It's readily available in most places.

Personal Behavior:

Please try not to look and act like a tourist. Be a traveler, a visitor, but not an unwary tourist.

Wear appropriate clothing for the locale and situation. Dress like the locals as much as possible. Don't flaunt your affluent status. Even if you are not wealthy, to the poorer people, or con and scam artists, you are a target.

Respect local taboos, traditions and customs.

Study ahead. Know your destination. Study your local map and guidebook before you head out on a tour, either alone or with a group.

Know your way back to your hotel.

Walk with a purpose. Know where you are going.

Do not walk alone at night, particularly down dark streets.

When in a bar or nightclub, do not accept drinks from strangers. Do not leave your drink unattended. If you must leave it, order a fresh drink. Do not take a chance with any of the "date rape" drugs. Keep your hand over your glass. It is very easy for someone to drop something in.

If you smoke, do not accept cigarettes or food from strangers. These may also be drugged.

Intimacy with a hot-blooded Latin lover, of either sex, may be on your agenda, but take precautions.

Criminal Activity:

Be aware of your surroundings at all times. Stay alert to what is going on around you when you are out in public.

Muggers look for people who look unaware.

Keep your money, passport in a hidden bag next to your skin.

Pickpockets often work in pairs, or groups. One or more will distract you while the pickpocket does his or her job.

Larn and practice the Spanish words for assistance in Spanish and/or Portuguese. In an emergency, you might not have time to consult your phrasebook or dictinary.

Learn the laws and regulations of the area you're visiting. Ignorance of the law is never an acceptable excuse.

Whatever you've heard about bribing your way out of trouble or police custody, forget it.

Be especially aware of unmarked or otherwise suspicious motorcycles. Motorcycle robbers approach from behind on unlicensed or unamrked motorcycles, snatch your purse or other valuables and disappear into traffic.

If confronted with an attempted robbery, do not resist. Remember that possessions can be replaced, but lives cannot.

Women Travelers:

Don't be a victim! Use your street smarts.

Walk with a purpose. Know where you are going. Confident and aware people are less a target for muggers and pickpockets.

If you are attracting unwelcome male attention, conceal your knowledge of Spanish or Portuguese.

Wear a "wedding" ring if you are single.

Have a picture of your "husband" ready to display.

Sit with or near other women travelers on public transportation.

Walk with or near other women in public markets, on the streets, etc.

Don't give out the name of your hotel, your room number, or display your room key.

Political Issues:

Be aware that in many countries of Latin America, US citizens may be welcome even while political stress exists.

Don't allow yourself to be caught up in political demonstrations.

Stay out of riots and large massed gatherings.

Be cautious. Before you travel, find out what's been happening where you're going.

Read or watch the news.

Talk to other travelers. Share your own experiences.

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