personal safety in dangerous countries

[Sebastian the Ibis]

Simple avoid those situations:

Don't get drunk
Don't go to bad places at night (avoid night buses)
Don't hang out with jackasses (even if American)
Don't show up at the I hate America Rally

If you are really concerned, stop by the local youth hostel and chat with the western tourists and the proprietor. The proprietor would not be in business if he did not know about every local scam artist and robber. The backpackers will know about where you are going next.

I have completely filled two passports following these rules in the ass ends of the world and never had too many problems.

 

[The Lone Haranguer]

It would take a military posting to get me to go to any "dangerous" country.

Bring along a handgun to the country you plan to visit?

Handguns are forbidden in most or all of these countries.

 

[txgunsuscg]

Well, considering it has taken State Department intervention to keep me from getting arrested with only red training weapons when entering some countries (on a planned visit, with an official passport, to train their own police forces), I would say bringing your favorite pistol is a very bad idea.

The ideas posted above are good:

Do research (www.osac.gov, travel.state.gov)

Register with the Embassy when you get there, ask whoever you talk to for any information they have regarding traffic procedures, local customs, etc. Attempt to speak the local language (it goes a long way shedding the Ugly American image).

Don't flash money, wear obvious clothes, or be obnoxious. Stay in a safe hotel, travel during daylight hours, beware of walking into a "locals bar." Be careful when someone knocks on your door, use only official taxis.

Hope an earthquake doesn't hit.

I've traveled to 5 of the 7 continents, and most people I have met were very gracious and welcoming if you treated them the way you want to be treated.

 

[razorback2003]

I would hate to use a handgun in self defense as a gringo in South America, even if legal. You'd be better off hiring local and legal armed security in those places so they deal with La Policia if something bad happens.

You have to realize if an American messes up or even appears to mess up in a 3rd World country you will be all over the media portrayed as the trouble maker. They give their own people a pass but not Americans. Totally different systems than what we have in America.

 

[mgkdrgn]

I have never been to the Middle East, but I've spent some time in Central America and was amazed at how lawless it was and how brazen the muggers were. Got mugged twice at gunpoint and did not resist, got out OK. What do those on this forum do in these situations? Bring along a handgun to the country you plan to visit?

I think you will find being a victim of a mugging MUCH preferable to spending a few years in one of their jails. Most places don't allow their own citizens to have handguns, much less allow foreigners to carry them in public.

 

[PT92]

The problem with a thread like this (invariably) is that one can no longer seem to address 'sensitive' matters absent running into Politically Correct like ramifications or even blatant stereotyping. Personally, no one that I know of wishes to be ethnocentric (if they do it should be immediately flagged). However, and that being said, I still maintain that it's not safe for Americans to travel absent absolute meticulous planning/preparations for all eventualities as well as an understanding of the potential for adversity (of all types). Honestly, I do not worry about people like those found here @THR as we are cognizant individuals entirely aware of current events and the overall tone of the worldwide political environment. Conversely, I worry about people who travel absent even a fundamental understanding of the potential for danger and hence do no planning whatsoever--I would argue that there are far more people than one might believe who have no idea of what is going on outside of 'American Idol' if you will.

-Cheers

 

[razorback2003]

I wouldn't even drive in a foreign country as a visitor because of the risk of a car accident and being blamed for destroying property, hurting, or killing someone. I ride cabs and put that risk on the local cab driver. He will be in a much better position to deal with a car accident than I would be, whether or not I am at fault.

 

[joecil]

In the early 80's I worked as private security world wide from the government to private corporations. I was in the course of 4 years in 92 countries many of them really dangerous including such garden spots as the Middle Easts to parts of Africa. All I can say is I wouldn't take the job today even if I was the age I was then now. Even then I have gunshot, knife and other injuries gained in doing a job. Luckily I've come to realize I am mortal and at 66 years old don't push my luck any more.

 

[AlexanderA]

I have a lot of experience traveling in Greece, and it's "dangerous enough" now -- and will get a lot more dangerous in the near future.

I was mugged there a few years ago (by a gang of pickpockets) and since then I've learned to observe the following precautions:

1. Don't look like a tourist. Look around you and dress like the natives. Maintain a low profile at all times. Never flash money.
2. Don't speak English publically. If you can't speak the local language, try to keep quiet.
3. Don't go into known dangerous areas. Especially at night.
4. Don't travel in groups, particularly groups with small children or others who are less mobile. You'll be distracted watching each other rather than watching for threats.
5. Situational awareness is everything. Maintain distance between yourself and anyone, particularly anyone who seems to be following you.
6. Don't leave valuables in your hotel room, even if it has a safe.
7. Being armed won't do you much good, even if it's legal. It may even make you a target. But keep hasty improvised weapons in mind.
8. "Keep low and keep moving."

 

[Skribs]

The problem with a thread like this (invariably) is that one can no longer seem to address 'sensitive' matters absent running into Politically Correct like ramifications or even blatant stereotyping. Personally, no one that I know of wishes to be ethnocentric (if they do it should be immediately flagged). However, and that being said, I still maintain that it's not safe for Americans to travel absent absolute meticulous planning/preparations for all eventualities as well as an understanding of the potential for adversity (of all types). Honestly, I do not worry about people like those found here @THR as we are cognizant individuals entirely aware of current events and the overall tone of the worldwide political environment. Conversely, I worry about people who travel absent even a fundamental understanding of the potential for danger and hence do no planning whatsoever--I would argue that there are far more people than one might believe who have no idea of what is going on outside of 'American Idol' if you will.

There's a difference between sayings like "All Mexicans are violent drug-traffickers" and "There are drug traffickers that are causing a lot of violence in Mexico." No, I don't assume that everyone south of the border is evil; most of them are probably very nice. But the instability of the area is what puts me off. That instability is related to a few drug dealers and their peons, and the government. This isn't a stereotype - it is specific people that have the issue.

It would be just like me saying "I don't want to visit NY City because of their gun laws and reported crime rates." I don't think everyone from NYC is a hooligan. I just don't like their laws and don't trust the laws to protect me in a timely fashion.