Tips for safer travel overseas

AgExporter, Dec, 1998 by Steve Huete

Today's headlines highlight terrorist acts, street crime and civil unrest. You, the exporter, need to travel overseas to build your business. Yet the reality of danger abroad may make you rethink your plans to visit your foreign business partners. Your problem: how to build your export business while assuring your personal safety.

Your solution: an action plan to assess and manage your risks.

Assess the Risk

In the first place, don't let the headlines scare you. The overwhelming majority of travelers return safely from their overseas destinations with no problem. Terrorist and criminal acts make headlines precisely because they are the exception. The odds of a safe trip are overwhelmingly in your favor.

However, this does not mean that there are no risks at all. Traveling to a foreign country does involve the risk of danger, just as there are risks in living in American cities and traveling on U.S. roads.You, the traveler, need accurate information to properly assess that risk and take the right steps to minimize it.

Before You Go

Before you go, take the time to learn about any special security situations you may encounter. Ask your overseas partner if there is anything to be aware of.

A good source of information is the U.S. State Department. Travel advisories are updated whenever the security situation in a country changes - posted on the World Wide Web: http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings. html

These advisories are packed with useful current information, including the address and telephone number of the U.S. Embassy in country.

Other questions on travel safety can be directed to the Office of American Citizens Services at 202-647-5225.

Clean out your wallet. Travel with a minimum of credit and identification cards. If your wallet is lost or stolen, you will have difficulty replacing them.

Keep a record of your passport number and credit card numbers on a separate sheet of paper away from your wallet. If you lose your wallet, this list will make it easier to cancel credit cards and replace your passport.

Leave an itinerary with the name and telephone number of hotels, contacts and the U.S. Embassy at your home or office.

When You Travel

Be aware of your surroundings - keep your eyes open for anything that may be suspicious. Know where exits are.

In airport terminals, avoid untended baggage. If you see untended baggage, alert airline personnel.

Be inconspicuous. Avoid loud clothes or clothing that might make you stand out as an American. Do not wear flashy jewelry, which is a temptation to thieves.

Keep your passport, tickets and travel documents with you at all times in a secure place, never in checked luggage or in an outside pocket of your coat or bag.

At Your Destination

Check in with the U.S. Embassy. The consulate section maintains a register of Americans visiting the country. This enables them to contact you in case of an emergency. It takes only a little time to visit the consulate and register.

Depending on the circumstances in the country you are visiting, you may wish to consider keeping your passport, tickets and documents locked in your hotel. Most hotels provide safe deposit boxes. Use them. In most cases, a photocopy of the picture page of your passport is all you need for traveling around town.

Be aware of your surroundings. Is someone following you? If you think so, return to the hotel or go to a secure place. Is there a large crowd gathering? It's good to avoid them; you don't know ira peaceful gathering has potential to turn ugly.

In your hotel, familiarize yourself with emergency and fire exits. In case of a fire or emergency, lights may go out, so it is important to know beforehand where the exits are.

If You Are a Victim

If you are mugged, remain calm and do what the robber says. Do not try to subdue the thief; many muggers are armed or have armed accomplices nearby. Be ready to give up your wallet or jewelry. Remember: your wallet is not worth your life.Your watch can be replaced; you can't.

If you are a victim, call the U.S. Embassy as soon as possible. Consular officers will provide assistance and guidance in dealing with local officials. All embassies have duty officers available after hours to assist American citizens in distress.

Enjoy Your Trip

Travel, whether across town or across the ocean, has always had an element of risk. In today's world, we are more aware of these risks, yet we should not let them paralyze us with fear. The steps listed above can help you reduce the risks of international travel.

Steve Huete is the Area Officer for South Asia, Southeast Asia, Russia and Poland in the USDA-FAS Foreign Agricultural Affairs Division. Tel.: (202) 720-03080; Fax: (202) 720-8316; E-mail: huetes@fas.usda.gov