Circulating in Public

At home you generally circulate in public freely and with confidence. You are familiar with the environment and the society. Your sense of self preservation and protection functions almost subliminally and automatically. In foreign situations the environment and social context not familiar and your disorientation leads to vulnerability. Here are some ideas to sharpen your sensibility and avoid unwanted situations

Plan Ahead

Know what to expect; don't make hasty decisions.

Don't accept unsolicited help; find your own way.

Inform others of your plans.

Keep in a safe place emergency telephone numbers to phone home, the consulate or embassy, the credit-card company, medical assistance, etc..

Avoid Trouble

Be wary of the corners, doorways, parked cars, shadows. Stay near the curb.

Always be observant for an escape route and fire escapes in buildings and restaurants.

Always assume you're being watched.

Don't get distracted, isolated or stopped. Move way quickly, especially from accidents, arguments or street fights.

If you bump into someone, always excuse yourself, checked all your belongings, and move away quickly.

Be wary of anyone asking for help. Don't stop! If you think help is really needed continue to a reliable place, a store, a police or fire station or institution, and ask someone to call for help.

If anyone throws anything at you, or spills anything on you, refuse offers of assistance, move away quickly and arrange yourself in a secure place.

Watch for men ahead of you separating.

Avoid public bathrooms in big cities.

If detained, toss out business cards and ask people to call your consulate or embassy.

If accosted and you break away, exit the area quickly and loudly.

As for receipt if local authority demands payment of fines or tourist taxes.

Do not photograph military, police or government buildings or personnel.

Take your room keys in the water with you when bathing.