Five Precautions To Take While Using Public Transportation This Summer

Don’t rent cars that brand you as a visitor! 

• When renting a car, choose a type commonly available locally. 
• Where possible, ask that markings identifying it as a rental car be removed. 
• An air conditioner, when available, is also a safety feature, allowing you to drive with windows closed. Thieves can and do snatch purses through open windows of moving cars.

Don’t fall asleep on buses. 

•  Stay alert while on buses and in bus stations. Tourists have been drugged and robbed while sleeping on a bus or while in a bus station. If you must sleep, take turns sleeping in shifts with your traveling companions.

Don’t get in unmarked taxis. 

• Be aware of unmarked taxis, and take only taxis that are officially marked.

Don’t take train safety for granted.

• Don’t accept food or drink from strangers. Criminals have been known to drug food or drink offered to passengers. 
• Be sure to lock your compartment, if possible. Criminals may spray sleeping gas in train compartments. 
• While sleeping, tie down your luggage, strap valuables to you, and sleep on top of them as much as possible.

Don’t act too much like a tourist.

• Try to seem purposeful when you move about. Act as if you know where you’re going even if you’re lost. 
• Learn a few phrases in the local language so you can signal for help, or speak to the police or a doctor, if needed. 
• Ask for directions only from individuals in authority, when possible. 
• Avoid scam artists who may approach you offering to be your tour guide. 
• Do not discuss travel plans or other personal matters with strangers. 
• Avoid using poorly lit streets, narrow alleys and short cuts. 
• Try not to travel alone at night. 
• Beware of pickpockets.