Safety
Tips and Passport Protection
Protect
Your Passport
Your
passport is the most valuable document that you will carry abroad.
Please guard it carefully. Do not use it as collateral for a loan
or lend it to anyone. It is your best form of identification.
You will need it when you pick up mail or check into hotels. When
entering some countries or registering at hotels, you may be asked
to fill out a police card listing your name, passport number,
destination, local address, and reason for travel. You may be
required to leave your passport at the hotel reception desk overnight
so that it may be checked by local police officials. These are
normal procedures required by local laws. If your passport is
not returned the following morning, immediately report the impoundment
to local police authorities and to the nearest embassy or consulate.
Carelessness
is the main cause for losing a passport or having it stolen. You
may find that you have to carry your passport with you because
you need to show it when you cash traveler's checks or the country
that you are visiting requires you to carry it as an identity
document. When you must carry your passport, hide it securely
on your person. Do not leave it in a handbag. Whenever possible,
leave your passport in the hotel safe, not in an empty hotel room,
and not packed in your luggage. One family member should not carry
all the passports for the entire family.
Guard
Against Thieves
Coat
pockets, handbags, and hip pockets are particularly susceptible
to theft. Thieves will use all kinds of ploys to divert your attention
just long enough to pick your pocket and grab your purse or wallet.
These ploys include creating a disturbance, spilling something
on your clothing, or even handing you a baby to hold! You can
try to prevent theft by carrying your belongings in a secure manner.
For example, consider not carrying a purse or wallet when going
along crowded streets. Women who carry a shoulder bag should keep
it tucked under the arm and held securely by the strap. Men should
put their wallets in their front trouser pockets or use money
belts instead of hip pockets. A wallet wrapped in rubber bands
is more difficult to remove without notice. Be especially cautious
in a large crowd, subway, on buses, at the marketplace, at a festival,
or if surrounded by groups of vagrant children. Do not make it
easy for thieves!
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