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Avoid unwanted trouble
- Be security conscious and take sensible precautions
- Be alert to unattended baggage in public places
- Look out for people acting suspiciously near ‘Western’
institutions or gatherings
- Avoid political and other demonstrations or gatherings
- Check cars and other vehicles thoroughly for explosive
devices before use; especially if the vehicle has been left unguarded
for any time
- Vary your route if making regular journeys
- Avoid unlit streets at night
- Carry only the minimum amount of cash that you
need for the day
- Leave your valuables and spare cash in the hotel
safe or other secure place
- Do not flaunt your (relative) wealth
- Never resist violent theft
- Check your guidebook, with your hotel or tour guide
for warnings on local scams
- Should you lose your Hotel Room Key Card, bear
in mind that information stored on it may include your name, partial
home address, hotel room number, check in and check out dates and
credit card number and expiry date.
- Keep abreast of the local and regional political
scene in the media
The Law
- Find out about local laws and customs.
- Remember that the laws and procedures which apply
are those of the country you are in, not the UK’s. However,
in the case of sexual offences against children, extra territorial
legislation can be used to prosecute offenders in the UK, under
UK law, even when the sexual offence has been committed overseas.
For further information on combating Child Sex Tourism see ECPAT
UK and World Vision UK websites.
- Do not overstay your visa. You can extend your
visa in most places; if you do not you can be imprisoned or fined.
- Do not work illegally. You can be deported, fined
and imprisoned if you do. You may also be prevented from entering
the country again in the future.
- Hobbies that involve the use of cameras and binoculars
(like bird watching and train or plane spotting) can be misunderstood
(particularly near military sites). If you are not sure, don't do
it – it is not worth the risk of being wrongly arrested for
spying.
- Try to be aware of any locally endangered animals
and plants within your destination. Be careful when buying wildlife
souvenirs so that you don’t unwittingly purchase souvenirs
made from endangered plants or animals in which trade may be regulated
or banned.
Illegal Drugs
- Some countries carry the death penalty
for drug use.
- Do not get involved in drugs.
- Penalties for drug possession/use can be severe.
These include massive fines, long prison sentences in horrible conditions
and yes, some countries carry the death penalty for drug usage.
Your embassy can't help you in these circumstances.
- NEVER carry packages through Customs for other
people.
- Do not sit in anyone else's vehicle when going
through Customs or crossing a border – always get out and
walk.
- Always pack your own baggage and never leave it
unattended.
- If driving do not lend your vehicle to anyone else.
- Do not give medicines prescribed for you by a doctor
to people you meet on your travels.
Alcohol
- Alcohol is a drug, and local laws may vary
from your own for alcohol usage.
- Do not attempt to import alchol into countries
where it is banned. If you're caught, penalties are severe.
- Public drunkenness is unacceptable everywhere around
the world.
Driving
- Some countries require you to own an IDP (International
driving permit) alongside your own license.
- In advance, find out about driving laws, license
requirements and road conditions - they may not be what you expect!
- Some countries carry 'on the spot' fines for driving
offences.
- Check license requirements if you're planning on
staying in a country for a length of time.
In case a disaster happens
- Contact family and friends to let them know you're
safe. Even if you're a long distance away, they may still worry
- so let them know anyway.
If you have anything stolen
- Contact local police - you will need a police statement
to claim off your insurance
- Theft of money: contact your bank to transfer money,
or call your credit card emergency number.
- Theft of travellers cheques, contact the issuing
agent
- Theft of tickets, contact your tour operator or
airline agent
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