Complain about a product or service

Be a Traveler, Not a Target

A Road-Weary Veteran's Tips for Traveling Safely Nearly Anywhere

By Tom Glaister
ConsumerAffairs.com

April 10, 2006

• Be a Traveler, Not a Target • Money Solutions for the Traveler • Travel News

Let's face it: when you're travelling abroad you're an easy target - wandering around with a guide book in your hands, ignorant of the local language and unsure how to get along, you exude all the body language that keeps thousands of hustlers, pickpockets and scammers in business the world over.

I've been robbed, scammed and hassled in more than 35 countries and have learned the ropes the hard way. It's not that people are any less honest abroad but rather that tourists make for such easy pickings. Still, follow the tips in this article and you'll see the scammers coming a mile away.

General Precautions

• Try not to dress like an obvious tourist. If the locals don't wear baggy shorts, baseball caps and cameras around their necks, then neither should you. Even if it's hard to blend in you don't want to look like you just stepped off the plane.

• Leave most of your money back at the hotel. That way pickpockets won't be able to take much and neither will you be talked into buying the sapphire ring of your dreams.

Pickpockets

Ask any thief how he chooses his target and he'll most likely answer "body language." Just as a predator chooses his prey from the lost, weak-looking animals in the flock, so too, pickpockets and thieves target those who look like they don't know where they're going.

So it's as well to walk with a purpose and a confident stride but it's also important to keep your valuables close.

I lived in Brazil for a year and it was a regular sight to witness tourists shedding tears on the beach. Arriving in Rio de Janeiro they headed to the beach and left their cameras and passports with their towels when they went for a swim - the moment their backs were turned teams of juvenile bag snatchers dashed across to grab their valuables and make a fast exit.

To avoid being robbed:

• Don't wear conspicuous money belts around your waist that an enterprising thief could detach in moments. The same goes for carrying all that you own in a handbag that could be snatched away.

• Be careful in crowds. When in a queue or a crowded place like a subway train, keep one hand on your pocket or bag. That way even if you can't see all that's going on you'll be able to feel it if anyone tries to rob you.

• Thieves often work in teams. One of them might spill something on you to distract your attention while his partner grabs your bag or camera from the other side.

• If the place you're visiting has a reputation for being a little dangerous, don't walk down dark streets at night. Keep to brightly lit areas and take taxis when it gets late.

• And if you are unfortunate enough to get mugged, just hand your money over without a fight. No price can be put on your health or your life.

Retail scams

I was living in Bangkok a few years ago and one afternoon I met a young American girl who was smiling from ear to ear. I asked her what she was so happy about.

"I can't believe my luck!" She grinned, "I just arrived in Thailand this morning and already I found a great way to travel and make money." With a sinking heart I knew what was coming next.

"You see, I met this businessman today and apparently there's a special fair on right now where I can buy precious stones half price -- I'll make a killing back home!"

Fortunately, she hadn't actually parted with any money yet and was on her way to the bank when we met and I was able to save her a few thousand bucks. This scam is pulled on tourists all the time and the emeralds she'd be sold would be worthless back home -- they might even only be colored glass.

So remember:

• No matter how friendly a salesperson might be, at the end of the day they want your money. Not all of them are that scrupulous how they get it or what they give you in exchange.

• There are plenty of bargains to be had abroad and you may want to bring some souvenirs home with you. But unless you really know the business it's unlikely that you'll stumble onto some get-rich-quick scheme. Making money in the import/export business takes many years of expertise and experience.

• If you want to buy something expensive check prices and qualities in a few different stores. You don't owe anything to the first shopkeeper who invites you in -- even if he does bring you coffee!

Drug scams

For some travellers the adventure of going abroad may be mixed with the inclination to score themselves a little weed to help relax. If you do choose to indulge yourself remember that:

• Most drugs are just as illegal elsewhere as back home. In developing countries the police may be eager to catch you with marijuana so that they can extort some cash: "$500 Gringo -- or ten years in jail!"

• The people who sell drugs often make some extra money by acting as informants to the police. Don't wander into the shady area of town to get something to smoke as you'll stand out a mile. Plus you might get robbed on the way.

Chase the Lady

The classic three-card trick involves some sharpster dealing two ten and one queen face down on a make-shift table in the street. He invites you to bet a few bucks on the card that you think is the queen. He lets you win time and time again and it seems such easy money!

But the hustler has studied his art for many years and you can believe he makes a living at it. The moment he invites you to bet big money he'll give an extra slight of hand that leaves you turning up a ten.

The Shoe Shine Scam

This often happened to me in India. I'd be walking along and some guy would tug me by the elbow to tell me that I'd managed to get some dog poop on my shoe. Looking down I'd see he was right and what a coincidence that he made his living as a shoe shiner! Cursing him, I always walked away to find someone honest to clean my footwear.

The Millionaire's Ride

This one is particularly common in Colombia and Mexico City. The name of the scam is pure Latin irony as, instead of driving you to your destination, the driver takes you to some deserted area where his accomplices are waiting to rob you.

In these kinds of places you're best off asking the hotel or restaurant to call a cab for you from an authorised taxi firm.

But Don't Get Paranoid!

You have to be careful when abroad, that's clear but at the same time your fears can stop you from enjoying yourself and meeting the people you've travelled so far to see. The majority of people in the world are friendly and helpful, wanting nothing from you other than to be of assistance. If you arrive with a head full of fears though it's easy to attribute sinister motives to the most innocent of gestures or actions.

I remember hitchhiking in Turkey when my driver suddenly veered off the road and drove off to a small shack in the countryside. I didn't understand any Turkish and could only smile while an old man and his sons came out to make the traditional tea ceremony.

At the first sip of tea I began to feel light-headed and was convinced I'd been drugged! It was only after I didn't pass out that I remembered that I was just very tired after a long day on the road. My new Turkish friends were simply curious and delighted to have the opportunity to welcome a Western tourist.

So keep your wits about you when you're abroad but don't let fear of getting ripped off take away the pleasure of discovering a new country.

Tom Glaister is the founder and editor of www.roadjunky.com - The Online Travel Guide for the Free and Funky Traveller.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Share		Follow us on Twitter.

Back to the top |