Safety Tips For Business Travelers Abroad

By Author: Ray Davidson
Total Articles: 3764
Comment this article

Every year business men and woman are the target of criminals when in foreign countries. They add to the ever growing list of recorded crimes committed overseas. Are business people a soft target, as they are likely to have money and give in easily or is it that they make themselves more vulnerable to criminals. Here are some simple tips for business people reduce the chance of criminal activity happening to them:

Luggage
Thieves scour airports, bus terminals, train stations, taxi ranks, looking for travelers juggling several pieces of luggage. Since the travelers attention is focused on the luggage they are more vulnerable to crime because they are less likely to notice one or two pieces of missing luggage until it is long gone. Take digital snapshots of luggage just before a trip to use for quick identification. Lock all luggage securely. This will help to discourage opportunists from targeting your items.

Carrying Money
Men should keep their wallets close to their body, preferably at the front. Don't be afraid to carry a decoy wallet, which contains nothing of value. Women should keep their purse ...
... close to the body. Wrap the purse over one shoulder across the body and under the other arm. Never leave your bag open or swing it freely as this will just attract unnecessary attention.

Out and About
Walk with extra confidence. Hold your head high and be constantly aware of your surroundings. Make eye contact with the people around you. This is especially important for business women who are travelling alone. The National Crime Commission found that women normally do not look people in the eye as often as males traveling alone. Thieves target women demonstrating this passive behavior.

Credit Cards and Important Papers
Think carefully about which your credit cards, debit cards, or social security cards you need to take with you on a business trip, you don't need all of them. If a thief gets control of these cards they could easily empty your account.

Stay in Contact
Carry a fully charged phone with you when on business trips. Keep the it on your person when visiting unfamiliar areas. Make sure friends, family, business contacts know your phone number. If a dangerous situation arises help could be just a quick call away. Always inform friends and family about your business trip. Make sure everyone knows your agenda. Tell them where you will be staying, how long you will stay there, where you will travel to and from. This is important if someone has to contact you in an emergency situation.

Use these important business travel tips and you will experience a safer experience on your business travels.