By Ruthann Sprague, National Coordinator, Refuse To Be A Victim®

Summer is a wonderful time to head off to new locales. To be safe while traveling overseas, here are some ideas from Refuse To Be A Victim®:

1. Avoid carrying excessive amounts of cash. Today the easiest and safest option is to have a debit card, credit card, or ideally, a virtual credit card with a PIN number that can be used in the country you are traveling to. You can withdraw cash on an as needed basis. Another option is travelers’ checks. Talk to your bank for details.
2. Purchase a guidebook and translation dictionary prior to departure. Learn a few key words and phrases to get help if necessary. Phrases such as, “Call the police,” “I need assistance,” and “Please help me,” can be valuable if you find yourself in a crisis situation.
3. Purchase a complete and current map of your destination. Note the location of nearby hospitals and police stations. If an American embassy or consulate is located in your destination city, note its location.
4. Learn about your destination’s culture. Certain clothing and behavior accepted in American society may be improper, or even illegal, in the country you are visiting.
5. Learn about your destination’s laws. Some personal protection devices which are legal in your home town may be prohibited under the laws of your destination.
6. Research the crime statistics of your destination. Find out if there are specific places you should avoid or be cautious when visiting. Look at Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts for your destination. Go to www.travel.state.gov or call 202-647-5225 for the most current information.
7. Check with your mobile phone service to see if they operate in the location you are traveling to. If they do not have coverage there, consider purchasing a pre-paid phone for that location.
8. When you arrive, learn how the phone system operates. If you need to call the police, an ambulance, or a hospital, you won’t waste time.
9. Before leaving home, find out the emergency numbers for the area you are visiting.
10. Check with your health insurance carrier on your coverage outside the United States. If you are not covered, consider purchasing a rider for coverage while you are traveling.