Security measures overseas (accumulation version): A practical guide to balance safety and fun [Overseas travel, business trips, study abroad]
Hi there, it's Minami.
Today I will summarize my own basic rules regarding "crime prevention measures overseas" and specific measures that will be useful for making decisions when traveling.
Those interested in "overseas," "crime prevention," "snap measures," "is it okay to go out at night?" and "just keeping local culture"! Please read this.
So here you go.
Table of Contents
Introduction: Crime prevention is not "to be afraid" but "to choose wisely"
My basic attitude is not to "prevent crime = solidify with fear," but to "accumulate wise choices."
Travel time is limited. That's why we identify risks, avoid anything that can be avoided, and take the necessary measures when necessary. As a result, I feel that I will be able to enjoy more time and mental space in the margins, and I will be able to carefully face the nature, culture, and encounter people on my travels.
From the perspective of sustainability, "safety" is a fundamental premise that allows travel to continue. The more trouble occurs, the less waste you can do, such as transporting an emergency, excessive travel, and repurchasing consumables. In other words, safety considerations are also a small action that can also help reduce the environmental impact.
Preparation before the trip: Decide how far you can walk at night
The simple but very effective way to "see people in the area that you can walk at night, or gather information on the Internet."
What I'm practicing is as follows:
- Observing the behavior of local people
Areas where many families and joggers from the evening are often relatively safe in areas where the shop is open late. On the other hand, streets where people suddenly become sparse and blocks where the store shutters close earlier are important to avoid going alone at night.
The key here is to "not decide based on impression." By comparing the surroundings in a few blocks, you can notice changes even in places where you are not familiar with the land. - Check the latest news online
It's useful to see tourism bureau and overseas diplomatic mission safety information, local news, and official public transport accounts. Snippet information on social media is convenient, but you always get into the habit of overcoming it with primary information (sent by public institutions and the management). The safety of your trip can be greatly changed with practical information, such as "Which stations are easy to pick up taxis and ride-hailing apps at night." - A word of research from the inn staff
It is also effective to ask the inn reception or hosts briefly specific questions such as, "What time is this area busy until at least?" and "If you're walking alone, should you avoid this street?" You may also be able to draw a line on the map.
Preparation for travel 2: What to bring and outfit is based on "not noticeable"
As I wrote in the draft, he looks as unobtrusive as possible. This is very important. The term "inconspicuous" here is not about fashion, but about behavior and silhouette.
- Avoid expensive watches, bags with large brand logos and flashy accessories
Eliminate the visual "reason for aiming". Items that are only taken out when taking photos are completely hidden while moving.
Let's use the three characteristics: "Don't show it," "Store it," and "Don't leave it out." However, of course, if you're with a guide who can act with peace of mind, you don't have to worry too much about them. It's just a time when you have to act on your own. - The only option for bags is "zippered"
Totes with the top left open are at a disadvantage when moving. Types that close the mouth, such as a zipper or flap + hidden magnet. It is easy to use by wearing a crossbody that can be turned in front of your body. When hanging it on the back of a chair, always put a strap through your legs to make it integrated with your body.- My friend also got his wallet from his toe and bag when he got off the train in Italy. I was surprised because the child was used to traveling! !
- Hold two wallets + distributed storage
As mentioned in the draft, I also prefer to have two wallets. One is a small amount that can be used daily and a transportation card, while the other is a copy of your passport, a spare card, and emergency cash. Store it in a place that cannot be removed immediately, such as the backpack or an inner pocket.
The placement that "doesn't convey what you have" is the shortest way to prevent crime. - The outfit will "assimilate to the local temperature."
The exposure, color and texture are adjusted to suit the outfit of the locals. Religious and public facilities may have rules such as exposing shoulders and knees, wearing hats, and handling shoes. If such locations are included in your itinerary, it's a good idea to include flexible equipment such as jackets and thin pants from the start.
For women, we recommend a bag from the brand of Kanana, a former mystery hunter who has "discovered the world's mysteries!" ! Really easy to use!
It can be used in formal occasions, so it's definitely useful when going abroad for work.
Thinking about Chile: A mindset in a country where pickpockets are likely to be talked about
As mentioned in the draft, I had the opportunity to hear about pickpockets and pull-offs in Chile. Not only in these areas, but in many cities around the world, "locations with high tourist density and prone to distractions" pose a certain amount of risk.
However, rather than being scared more than necessary, it is more realistic to accumulate "parts that you can control through your own actions."
- Be careful when talking to people
While there will be more fresh conversations on the road, conversations will distribute your attention. Even when you concentrate on the dialogue, one hand is on top of the bag and the mouth is closed. Be especially aware when your hands are blocked, such as when taking photos or paying. - "Line, get on, get off" is the most vigilant time
The elevators, escalators, ticket gates, bus and subway entrances and adjoining entrances and adjoining entrances and outskirts increase and physically approach. When people continue to be close to the back, remove the line and get through. Hold your luggage in front of you. Don't leave your smartphone in your hand just before you get off the train. These small habits work.- We recommend that you always be aware of the zipper position of your luggage.
- How to use cafes and markets
It's convenient to charge and work with a PC at a cafe, but don't leave your smartphone on the table. When you're obsessed with shopping at the market, you can habitually trace your bag with your fingers to see if the mouth is closed. If you remember that a package you take your eyes off is synonymous with "not exist," your behavior will change.
Tips for doing alone: The true meaning of "don't go out as much as possible"
The draft states that "I won't go out as much as possible on my own." This term does not mean "don't go outside," but rather "avoiding time periods and conductors where risk increases."
- Avoid long walks at night and complete the journey while it is light
In the evening, check the hotel's nearest station, bus stop, and taxi stand. Finding a restaurant in the daytime that will allow you to eat at night within a 5-10-minute walk will help prevent you from wandering around the night. - Sharing destinations and return schedules
Share a rough timeline with the hotel's front desk, family, and trusted friends. If you're going to get late, make early choices to secure your foot, such as a ride-hailing app or a taxi.
Transforming "not going out" into "preparing before going out" reduces the psychological burden.
Cultural confirmation: Sometimes you can protect local habits by simply being "closing"
The drafts of "confirm culture" and "confirm the people around you and follow the habits of the local people as much as possible" include not only assimilating your appearance, but also matching your behavior.
- Payment etiquette and voice volume
The way cash is handed over, how you present your card, tipping practices, and how loudly you speak will vary greatly depending on where you are. The behavior unique to tourists is not bad in itself, but by reducing the amount of factors that convey the word "were tourists" from afar, it will not attract unnecessary attention. - Photography consideration
Filming in a civic life is sometimes perceived in some places without respect. In markets, residential areas, or religious facilities, first take a breather and check the atmosphere around you, and then ask if necessary. Always follow the rules where the rules are posted. This is also a preventative measure for problems. - Public transport etiquette
The positions of boarding and disembarking, the way they line up, and the culture of priority seats vary from region to region. If you keep up with the local trends, you will be less likely to get caught in the eyes, which is safer.
Digital security: Make smartphone and payment settings on your side
In modern travel, smartphones are as important as passports. Please make sure to set the digital settings before you leave.
- Screen lock and biometric authentication
It's a hassle to unlock it multiple times, but locking is a must. Set your backup PIN and passcode so that it works in dark places and when wearing a mask. Increase the number of digits for your passcode, and avoid birthdays and simple consecutive numbers. - Remote operation when lost
Enable the Find Device function ("Find" on iOS and Find Android devices). Leave your login information in the password manager and set up two-step authentication. If you keep the backup code separately for your main accounts, it will be easier to recover.
Avoid public Wi-Fi as much as possible, and use tethering and reliable eSIM if necessary. When using public Wi-Fi, it is safe to do not operate financial or identity verification. - Diversification of payment methods
Credit cards are distributed across international brands, and contactless payments and mobile wallets are also available. If you have multiple measures, your itinerary will not stop even if one of the issues arises. Carry the physical card with you as little as you need, and the rest is in the safe box at the hotel.
Basics at your accommodation: "Don't show" or "Don't leave it alone" even in the room
The accommodation is a safe base, but you should never let your guard down.
- Check the surrounding conductors at check-in
Understand the route to the emergency exit, elevator hall and front desk. If you're wearing late at night, it's a good idea to check the manned time at the front desk. - How to place it indoors
Suitcases are locked, and valuables are distributed not all at once. When you go out, close the curtains so you don't see inside the room from outside. Opening and closing windows and locking balconies has become a habit.
Indoor safes are convenient, but when traveling alone without a companion, it is also effective to use notes written on the door and reminders on your smartphone to help you "don't forget you put them in."
Local travel and food: fun, but reasonably priced
- Public Transportation
For first-time routes or at night, choose a conductor line with a lot of people inside the station, and board the train near the conductor or at a bright spot. If you use a ride-hailing app, make sure to check the vehicle information and the number before boarding.
When you verbally communicate your destination, you do not show your smartphone screen at a wide angle. Maps are displayed quickly only in the required situations, and then left them out. - meal
The food stalls and markets are fun to travel. Payment is divided into small pieces to make it easier to take out coins. Do not place your smartphone or passport directly on the table or counter. Don't concentrate too much on photography.
Alcohol is at your own pace. The more you control your drinking style, the more you will be able to make judgments and the safety of your return journey.- Let's take a look at the locals. If you have your belongings on your lap, try to imitate them and never place your valuables under the floor or anything else!
Minimal Emergency Procedures: Three Principles of "Safety Priority" in case of doubt
- Move to a place with traffic and light
- Contact a trusted person (hotel, local public counter, credit card company) early
- Above all, protect your body (I don't chase, don't confront, try to get it back)
If you are victimized, first ensure your body safety, then calmly proceed with procedures such as stopping your card or remotely locking your device. The important thing is not to fall into self-deprecation. No matter how much you take measures, there are times when coincidences overlap. It is best to focus on actions that prevent the spread of damage and move on to the recovery process.
Learn from Japanese cases: Don't rely on safety myths, but thoroughly follow the basics
Even in Japan, there are no cases of pick-ups and pick-ups in tourist spots, large event venues, and busy transportation.
The belief that "it's okay because it's Japan" leads to letting you lose your guard. Just like overseas, the shortest route is to carefully follow the basics, such as keeping your bags closed in front of your body, and not locking your luggage on the hooks of your seat or stroller.
In addition, information and lighting are available at Japanese stations and large commercial facilities. If you have any problems, feel free to contact the staff. Japan's strength is that safety nets such as police boxes and station staffing rooms are intimately present, and in the same way, at airports and stations overseas, it is also helpful to "first go to the operational and public counters."
A small trick to "change conversation and photography time safely"
On travel, we talk to people, take pictures, laugh, eat, and move around again. Just a little bit of security perspective will last longer.
- During conversation, you become unconscious of the movement of "one hand = touching the bag"
- When taking photos, shorten the "positioning → taking → taking"
- When making payment, the order is fixed: "Take out your wallet → Pay → Put your wallet → touch the opening of your luggage to confirm that it is closed."
Automating these three will allow you to concentrate on the scenery and conversation without draining your attention. The shorter the behavior, the less unnecessary stays and reflections will be, and in turn, the more steps and waiting time will be saved. If travel is smoother, public transport will improve your transfers, and your CO2 emissions will also be slightly lowered. It's a small accumulation, but I feel that sustainable travel will grow from this point.
Make your journey "light": The minimal design of your belongings is also effective in preventing crime
The lighter the luggage, the more attention it becomes. This is a very strong sense of experience. Here is an example of a minimal design.
- The day bag is about 10-15L, with few pockets and simple construction
- Two wallets + small zippered bags to temporarily store coins and transportation cards
- Smartphone + mobile battery (Cable is short)
- Thin rain jackets and stoles (both swords for temperature differences and religious facilities)
- Foldable eco bag (sack measures in the market and supermarket. It also helps to take environmental consideration)
The more pouches you add, the more complicated the "where you put it" and the more attention it becomes. The faster the removal operation and the more you have to set the place to return it, the more effective it becomes.
Markets, festivals, natural parks: key points by scene
- Market
Don't concentrate too much on price negotiations. When stopping to sample or invite people, first trace the bag with your fingers to check if it closes. Shopping is fun, but there's even a set of things that involves putting the change back into your wallet after payment. - Festivals and live performances
The waves of entry and exit become more dense. The photo is in a place with ample space, a little away from the stage. I can't hold my drink and my smartphone at the same time. If there is a cloakroom or locker, use it actively. - Natural parks and observation spots
He is obsessed with the scenery and tends to leave his bags on rocks or benches. If you place the camera on a tripod, the bag will connect to your body. The more time you concentrate on filming, the more minimal your belongings will be.
Things to keep in mind when traveling with children and seniors
- Roles division
One of the adults should be the "payment manager" and the other should be the "circumference and luggage manager." Turning on a shift will disperse fatigue. - The rhythm of the break
When your physical strength decreases, your judgment will be weaker. Maintain quality of your actions with frequent hydration and short breaks. As a result, travel is not delayed and you can reduce the time you spend on the roads at night.
A perspective to help you never forget to have fun: crime prevention increases the freedom of travel
Crime prevention talk tends to be heavy at times. However, in my own experience, the more I take measures to make it a lifestyle, the more time I feel that "worrying" will disappear locally and that I will have more time to enjoy.
A moment when you stop by casual shopping at the market or a musician on the street. In such situations, the hand touching the bag automatically moves and is quickly discolored once you take a photo. If you safely reach the level where you "we've finished by the time you notice" rather than "take care", your journey will be surprisingly lighter.
Checklist: Things I actually see before and at the site
- Before departure
Have you mixed in your itinerary with long night travel?
Pin pick-up points for the nearest station, bus stop, and ride-hailing app to the hotel on a map
Two-step authentication for smartphone lock, remote functions, and major accounts
Diversification of payment methods (cards, small cash, mobile payments)
Assimilation of clothing and accessories (exposure and color, logo, accessories) - onsite
At night, people and brightness are prioritized, and you can get your way home early.
The bag zips closed → Turn forward → The strap passes through the body
Routine conversation, photography and payment
Rest before fatigue builds up, don't fill up your schedule
If you still have trouble: Choose "The courage to not do it"
Travel is free. That's why when a small sense of discomfort arises in your mind, you have the courage to choose not to go or not.
"Somehow scary" is a great sensor. The more you are honest with your senses, the longer the journey will last. And the margins created by "stop it today" often lead to unexpected encounters. Security does not reduce travel, but rather increases freedom and options.
Global perspective: Always back up information with "primary information"
Travel safety information changes every moment. The stories you've learned on social media and videos are helpful, but the final decision is always based on primary information.
Notices from parties, such as the Tourism Bureau, overseas diplomatic missions, transportation, event organizers, accommodation facilities, etc., are updated quickly and are guaranteed to be responsible for the purposes of expressing their own actions.
By setting the set of "see local people" and "check primary information", you can draw a moderate line that is not too timid or reckless.
Summary: By adjusting your "protectiveness" you will be more free to travel
None of the things I've written so far are special skills.
"Come without showing it," "Close and turn it forward," "Short conversation, filming, and payment."
Just making these three habits a reality for crime prevention.
And the accumulation of actions reduces waste in travel, reduces repurchase and redoing, and as a result, the burden on the environment gradually decreases. I feel that "safety" and "sustainer" are actually facing in the same direction.
Traveling is something to enjoy. That's why we should quietly hone our preparations and actions, and immerse ourselves in the scenery as hard as we can on the day.
For other information on overseas travel and language learning, please seeClicking here.
Well then!
Appendix: Mini FAQ (answers to my frequently asked questions)
- "Do you really need two wallets?"
Although it is not necessary, the ability to save one side for emergency use has a great psychological and practical advantage. Dispersion is a physical backup and a spare battery for the mind. - "What if you really need to walk at night?"
Prioritize "bright and bustling routes" over the shortest routes. Pre-save pickup points for the ride-hailing app on a map. I don't use my smartphone while walking. Avoid calling while walking, and shorten the requirements for conversations. - "I really want to take a photo."
Decide where to take a photo, take a photo, and then quickly put it in. If possible, take photos that will help you stay longer, such as tripods or long exposures, in places with people during the day. When taking photos of night views, it's safe to choose a place where there are many people, such as two or more people, or an event venue.
Reference link
Below is an example of general primary information that can be useful when planning your trip or checking it on site. Please be sure to check each official page for the latest information.
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs Overseas Safety Website (Danger Information for each country and region, wide-area Information, Terrorism and Kidnapping Information, Safety Guide for Japanese People)
- Foreign diplomatic missions in Japan (You can check safety information, lifestyle information, and emergency contact information on the foreign diplomatic missions page of each country)
- Official tourism websites of national tourism bureaus and local governments (events, evening area information, seasonal notices)
- Official websites and SNS of major public transport (announcements of suspension, delays, security systems, etc.)
- Official websites of airlines and airports (there may be a warning regarding local arrival lines, late-night transportation access, and public safety notices)
I believe that combining local observations and primary information is the strongest way to judge things like "how far can I walk at night" and "which area is bustling." Travel safety is more about quiet preparation and small movements than flashy gadgets. I hope that what I wrote today will lead to a relaxed time on my next trip.
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