YOUR SAFETY Safety Guide & Travel Tips Personal Safety Personal Safety and welfare issues form a large part of the ethos and thinking of Travellers and these issues are dealt with extensively throughout our literature. We take your safety very seriously and we urge you to read this booklet carefully to ensure that you are as prepared as possible for your travelling experience. You ll find that some of the information contained within this booklet is pure common sense, but some of it will surprise you and you ll think, Oh, wow, I hadn t thought of that!. It s amazing what we forget to do (or not do) when we go travelling. We have compiled these safety notes to help you prepare for as many situations as possible. However, this guide is not the font of all knowledge on travelling safety; we can suggest the most sensible precautions to take, but ultimately it is up to you to research safety issues while travelling. Familiarising yourself with the safety guidance given here, together with your own research into travel safety in general and safety in your particular destination country, will go a long way to decreasing risks while you're travelling. When deciding to travel to a country with a different culture, please keep the following in mind: If you have any resentment against a particular religion or race then please DO NOT go. Our organisers are very hospitable, approachable and work very hard to look after your welfare needs, as do the families with whom you stay, but remember it is not home from home. It s a new culture, a new experience, and very different to what you re used to but then, that s part of the excitement! Contents Before You Go:... 2 Planning a Safe Trip:... 3 Health & Medical Preparation:... 3 When You are There:... 4 Fire Safety:... 8 Female Travellers:... 9 Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender:... 10 Money:... 10 Independent Travel Before or After Placement... 11 What Your Embassy Can and Can t Do!... 11 Mobile Phone Tips... 12 Acknowledgements and Thanks... 13 We Need Your Help... 13 Please see Country Fact File for specific safety information for the destnation you are visiting. This includeds details of the the British Embassy / Consular services. For volunteers that not from the UK, we suggest you make a note of your own embassies details before leaving your home country. Much of the advice in our documentaion has been taken from the British Foreign Commonwealth Office. For more advice select Travel Advice and then the country you are visiting. If you have and questions or concerns please don t hesitate to contact the UK office before departure. Change History Issue Date Initials Pages Pages Changed and Reasons for Change 6 14-02-17 AK 13 New layout and content changes throughout documents 7 10-02-17 AK 12 All Specific country moved to Country Fact-file 6 18-10-16 KH 20 Destinations added, removed and deleted 5 15-04-15 KH 22 Updated Brazil and India 2A Caravelle House, 17/19 Goring Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN12 4AP, UK Tel: +44 (0)1903 502595 - Fax: +44 (0)1903 708179 Email: info@travellersworldwide.com TravelQuest Ltd t/a Travellers registered in England & Wales, Registered Office: 7 Mulberry Close, Ferring, West Sussex, BN12 5HY, Reg No. 3072191. VAT registration: 786540201
Travellers Safety Guide and Travel Tips Page 2 of 13 Before You Go: Personal Safety begins before you leave. You should begin by carefully researching the country that you are visiting: Read all the information documents which we have prepared for you. Look at the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) country Travel Advice and Travel Aware (www.gov.uk/travelaware )for important country specific advice. If you are not from the UK please look at the foreign advice provided by you government. Get a good guide book Make sure you know about local laws especially relating to alcohol and drugs. Make sure you know about local culture especially relating to dress codes and accepted customs and pack and behave accordingly following these rules will help ensure that you blend into the culture more easily. Leave copies of your passport, insurance policy (plus the insurer s 24-hour emergency number), ticket details, your itinerary and contact details with us and your next to kin. Currency: The more familiar you are with the currency concerned, the more confident you will be in handling it, which means you ll be less of a target. Check local exchange rates to see what value you are getting for your money (try www.xe.com ). Language: If you are totally unfamiliar with the language, it is always good to learn a few essential words and phrases beforehand to ensure that you feel more comfortable when you arrive. Our organisers all speak good English, but we recommend that you take a good phrase book with you for whenever you go elsewhere and need to ask more detailed questions. Religion: This can be a defining part of your day-to-day life in your host country and an understanding of the religious requirements and respected conventions can prevent you causing offence in any way. Get Adequate Travel Insurance: Make sure it includes comprehensive medical and repatriation cover. Make sure it provides cover for your whole trip (from departing home country to return). Make sure you are covered for all activities, including hazardous sports if you are planning to do these. Disclose pre-existing medical conditions to your insurance company. Take your policy number and the 24-hour emergency number with you and keep these in a safe place. If you have any doubts about your cover, check with your insurer. Ensure You Have A Valid Passport And The Necessary Visas: Make sure your passport is valid for a minimum of six months as of the date that you intend to return some countries won t allow you entry if your passport is within this expiration period. Write the full details of your next of kin in your passport. Make sure you have valid visas. Remember that overstaying your visa is a very serious matter in almost all countries penalties can include fines, imprisonment and deportation. Take another form of ID with you (preferably with a photo). Make Copies Of Important Information: A copy of your passport and details of your next of kin. A copy of your insurance document plus the 24-hour emergency number. A copy of your ticket details. A copy of your itinerary A copy of your driving licence and International Driving Permit A copy of your medical vaccination certificate Leave copies with your next of kin and take copies with you as well - keep them separately from the originals. Take spare passport photos with you. You may want to consider e-mailing yourself important information and documentation such as insurance details so that you can store these online. Possessions: Travel as lightly as possible. We know that you won t use everything you take with you! When you ve finally finished packing unpack it all again and remove half. Also keep in mind that you have to lug all your stuff around with you, particularly if you ve finished your placement and you want to explore the country for a couple of weeks. And do you know how much 30kg of gear weighs when you ve been carrying it for a couple of hours?! Again, the point is made about being armed with pertinent information before you set off. Please read the Information Book we sent you. The information on things like local weather, seasons, availability of goods, etc., will have a material bearing on how much you will take with you. For example, in July, the southern hemisphere can be cold and rainy. The more thought you put into this aspect of your trip, the less you will have to carry. Take clothing relevant to your type of placement. Travel light, you ll appreciate it later! Ideally do not take expensive equipment unless necessary and your insurance covers you for it. Possess a return flight ticket (preferably changeable) or outward bound ticket.
Travellers Safety Guide and Travel Tips Page 3 of 13 Planning a Safe Trip: Most problems encountered by travellers could have been avoided if proper precautionary measures were taken in conjunction with careful planning. We suggest that you try the following before undertaking your next journey: Gather as much information on the current crime situation and civil stability of your destination. Refer to our relevant documentation and don t hesitate to talk to us at any time. Try to get an objective assessment of the place you are visiting Be aware of culture differences. Actions that might seem acceptable in your country could lead to an incident or even detention in another. As well as the Country Fact File Book, information about your destination is readily available via sources such as travel publications (Lonely Planet, Rough Guide), journals, magazines, tour operators, the Internet and recently returned travellers. Set yourself reminders prior to departure such as arranging a house sitter, collection of visible mail, cancellation of home deliveries, valuables locked away, and informing neighbours and police of your absence if appropriate. Obtain correct travel documentation to ensure easy entry. Book flights well in advance; check visa requirements and expiry dates of passports. Some countries insist on a passport validity of at least 6 months. Do everything possible to ensure luggage arrives securely at your destination. Do not place valuables in your suitcases. Properly secure and tag luggage with your contact details, with copies inside as well. Consider insurance and be aware of what articles will not be allowed into your destination. Make a pre-departure checklist covering car hire details, passport, visas, proof of hotel reservations, credit card details, emergency contact numbers, local currency, proof of travel insurance etc Have copies of emergency contact details in your personal luggage and on your person. This includes details of your Travellers ID card (this will be provided before departure) local accommodation, your country's embassy or consul, local police, airline and other useful numbers. Your passport is your travel bible. Keep it on your person or safely locked away. Have a photocopy available. Never hand over your passport as a guarantee. Keep records of traveller's cheques separately and have some cash available, preferably US Dollars Do not keep valuables such as money, credit cards, mobile phones, keys, passports and travel tickets all together. Spread the risk of loss or theft by using a belt bag, concealed pouch or a safe at your accommodation. Do not wear obviously expensive watches and jewellery in public Prepare for the worst and be aware of possible courses of action for various problems that could beset you on your travels Use an office address on luggage labels rather than your home address as airport baggage handlers have been known to pass addresses on to burglars. Similarly, taxi drivers collecting whole families from an address could pass on the address details to dishonest people. Health & Medical Preparation: Visit your health professional at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures. If you intend doing some travelling around/exploring in your host country, check to see if extra health precautions are needed for the regions you will be visiting (e.g. malaria zones). If you are on any medication, order extra prescriptions to cover the entire period of your stay and check if your medication is legal in the country you are visiting in some cases you may need to carry a copy of your prescription with you and a GP s letter stating what this medicine is used for. Pack medication in your hand luggage. Stay healthy. If you need to take medicine, ensure you continue to do so and ensure that you tell Travellers about what you are taking this is a requirement. If you are prone to certain medical conditions (i.e. migraines, thrush etc) take medication with you as a precaution. It is unlikely you will be able to buy brand named medication on your travels. Take with you a suitable Medical Travel Kit (First Aid Kit). Country specific information and advice is published by the National Travel Health Network and Centre on the TravelHealthPro website and by NHS (Scotland) on the fitfortravel website. Useful information and advice about healthcare abroad is also available on the NHS Choices website. HIV And Aids: HIV can be transmitted through unprotected sexual intercourse and blood to blood contact. Protect yourself against unnecessary risks when travelling and always use a condom if you intend to have sexual intercourse. Whilst working with children at school and at after school projects it is extremely unlikely you will be in a situation where you can contract HIV. If a child has an accident in the playground and is cut, you can protect yourself with rubber gloves if you are required to administer first aid. Only if you have been cut yourself and have direct blood-to-blood contact with someone with HIV are you at risk of being infected. Infected blood has to enter your
Travellers Safety Guide and Travel Tips Page 4 of 13 blood stream for the virus to be passed on. You cannot become infected by kissing, touching or hugging someone with HIV. You will find the children are extremely affectionate and love to hug and kiss you. You should not be worried of contracting HIV in this way. Please speak to us if you are worried about the risk of infection. When You are There: Customs Security: Never carry anything through Customs for other people - no matter how nice the people appear to be. Always pack your own baggage and never leave it unattended Do not sit in anyone else's vehicle when going through Customs, or crossing a border; always get out and walk. Theft from luggage during baggage handling takes place all over the world. We recommend that all valuables are removed from suitcases, and suitcases locked prior to submitting them at check-in both when departing the UK and when departing. If you re driving, do not lend your vehicle to anyone else. Spread your belongings between suitcases so if some of your luggage is delayed you have a couple of day s worth of outfits to keep you going. Keep a set of clothes and the essentials with you onboard as well. Where available, take advantage of airport shrink-wrap facilities this may help discourage tampering once your bags are out of sight. It will also help to maintain your luggage in transit. Road and transport safety: Remember countries will drive either on the right or left hand side of the road which may be the opposite of your home country. Public transport is usually a cheaper method of transport between destinations and is used by the majority of the population. The high density of people using these services creates ideal conditions for criminal conduct, as it increases the number of potential victims and provides anonymity to perpetrators. Depending on the country, this may involve petty crime such as theft or pickpocketing, or more serious incidents such as robbery or kidnapping. Your Travellers Organiser will brief you more about this when you arrive but below guidelines are provided to reduce the risks of using public transport. General Consideration Wait in a well-lit area for the required public transport to arrive. Avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself by what you wear. You are advised to be culturally sensitive and to dress appropriately. Earthy colours and conservative clothing always help you blend into the crowd. Have small change or a few low-denomination bank notes in your pocket for easy access, especially when travelling on public transport. When going out carry only one credit card, photocopies of important documents, and only as much money as you think you'll need for that day. If you are harassed while travelling on a bus or train, complain to the driver or guard. Bus Safety: Familiarise yourself with the local timetable. Avoid waiting at isolated bus stops. Wait in well-lit areas after dark. Sit close to the driver as possible or if you are female next to other women. If the bus (or train) is empty or at night avoid sitting in window seats, as a potential assailant may restrict you from exiting; it is preferable to choose an aisle seat for a quick and easy escape in the event of an attack or potentially threatening situation. If you feel threatened by a group of raucous passengers, consider getting off at a safe location and catching another bus. Inform the driver if you are threatened or harassed. Train & Metro Safety: Know the local timetable to avoid unnecessary waiting periods. Some city metro systems have special waiting areas, where passengers are in full view of an attendant, while some metros offer separate entrances for female passengers. Make use of these facilities wherever possible. Stand away from the edge of the platform, as trains can unexpectedly pass by at speed and may cause you to lose your balance. Travellers should have their subway fare in-hand when entering stations, as this will reduce the threat from pickpockets. Stand in a well-lit area, away from the train tracks while waiting. Avoid empty carriages, or sit in a car that is occupied by a conductor. If possible, choose a carriage that will stop close to the exit at the next stop. If you feel threatened in any way whatsoever, do not hesitate to move to another carriage (if safe to do so). Avoid taking the last train to a destination, as the destination terminal will generally be deserted.
Travellers Safety Guide and Travel Tips Page 5 of 13 Try to arrange, in advance, for someone to meet you on arrival, thus avoiding being alone. If you feel threatened in any way, attempt to attract attention. You may even pull the communication cord if you feel the situation warrants it. Taxi Safety: Avoid flagging down taxis in the street; rather arrange for a reputable taxi to collect you. Not only is this safer but if there are any discrepancies over the cost, or any other problems, the driver can be traced. Consult with the Travellers Organiser or the airport help desks, when deciding which taxi to order. It is a good idea to program numbers of local reputable taxi companies into your mobile phone for quick reference. When ordering a taxi, supply your name and address and upon their arrival authenticate their legitimacy. It is good practice to make note in your head the taxi driver's name and the vehicle registration. If travelling alone, sit directly behind the driver. When taking a taxi, do not get out until you are sure you have arrived at the correct destination. Do not enter an already occupied taxi, as there have been reports of 'express kidnappings', where an unofficial taxi driver and an accomplice lure visitors into the vehicle and subsequently demand money and valuables before releasing them. When arriving at your destination, ask the driver to wait until you are safely inside. Travel-related taxi safety advice On initial arrival at your Traveller Organiser or the owners of the accommodation you are staying at for the address to be written down on a card. When returning to your accommodation by taxi, use the card to show the driver your destination in order to circumvent any confusion or language barrier. If you are female it may be beneficial to ask if the taxi agency has women drivers. Avoid placing luggage in the boot of a taxi; rather put it next to you in the back seat. This will facilitate a quick exit if necessary, reduce the possibility of forgetting luggage in the taxi and prevent the driver from speeding away with your possessions. General Transport Safety: Never drive or get into a vehicle with a driver who has been drinking alcohol or taking drugs, or if very tired. Avoid overcrowded, poorly maintained ferries, trains, buses, or minivans. Never hitch-hike or accept lifts from strangers Wherever possible, travel in pairs or groups - don t walk in the streets at night on your own. Try not to travel alone, especially at night. Find out about local traffic patterns. Only use registered taxis. Take taxis after dark or late at night rather than public transport Check tyres, brakes, lights and safety belts on any hire vehicle. Use seat belts and child safety restraints if traveling with children. Avoid night driving, especially on poor roads. Keep an eye on the speed limit and don t hesitate to act accordingly if the driver is exceeding this. Wear a helmet if riding a horse, bicycle or motorbike. Driving: We strongly urge you not to drive in a foreign country. The driving standard will probably be totally different to what you re used to and you won t be familiar with driving laws - this could lead to serious accidents. We request that you only travel to your work placement in transport provided by Travellers. If you must drive, before hiring a car in a foreign country you ll (a) need an International driving licence, and (b) adequate driving insurance. Also, familiarise yourself with what to do in the event of an accident. Be doubly and trebly careful if you re contemplating driving in a country where they drive on the wrong side of the road to what you re used to. If you re taking another Travellers volunteer with you (or anyone else), think about whether they re sufficiently covered under their insurance policy in the event of an accident. For more information see: Gov.uk: Driving Abroad Water Activities: In one study drowning came second to road traffic accidents (RTAs) as a cause of death for people traveling overseas: Never swim after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Don t swim anywhere until you ve checked with an accredited person that the swimming is totally safe. This includes rivers, lakes, innocent-looking ponds, the ocean Don t swim in strong currents or heavy seas Beach conditions and local safety provisions vary considerably. Always get advice from locals about tides and safe places to swim, paddle or wade. Riptides and freak waves can catch you by surprise. Do not swim alone and have someone on shore to keep a look out on you. Always supervise children in or near water. Check water depth before diving. Don t go out in a boat unless you re with an experienced guide or sailor.
Travellers Safety Guide and Travel Tips Page 6 of 13 Remember that beaches are dynamic places. The strength, depth and temperature of the water can change during the day and overnight, as can the beach itself. For more information see: Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents: Water Safety Advice & Information. Stay In Touch: Phone Home! Tell your family that you ve arrived safely and try to stay in touch regularly - if you are going to be out of touch try and let loved ones know in advance so that they don t worry. If there is a natural disaster or if trouble flares up contact your family and friends to let them know that you are safe and healthy. Do this even if you are not that close to the problem - remember family and friends will not know exactly where you are but they will worry if they think you are in potential danger. You should also contact your Travellers Organiser ASAP, even if you ve completed your placement and are exploring/travelling on your own. Just because we re no longer responsible for you doesn t mean that we won t help you. We will do everything we can to help you. If you go off on your own sightseeing or for whatever the reason, always tell someone where you are going, and write the information down for him or her if necessary. You should always tell our Local Organiser where you re going, even if your placement is finished. Just because you re responsible for yourself outside the project doesn t mean that you shouldn t give us information on where you re going. You may need our help! Always keep your Travellers ID card and a mobile phone on you at all times. If you are injured or lost, then someone will have a local representative s contact details. It is recommended that you set up an In Case of Emergency (ICE) number on your phone in case you are involved in an accident of some sort. You can use the International Poste Restante service for receiving letters and packages abroad. Accommodation: It is your responsibility to make yourself familiar with the location of fire exits and any first aid equipment. You should also find out where the nearest hospital, police and fire station are situated and make a note of this. If any windows or doors are locked, find out where keys are placed in case of emergency evacuation. Make sure locks work properly. Please ensure you take care in bathrooms as they can become slippery when wet. If there is lack of lighting around accommodation premises please use you common sense and take care. Torches are very useful always take one with you. Do not walk on your own in poor lit areas, especially on conservation projects. If there is any form of gas heater in your room, or any other potentially dangerous source of gas, keep your windows open. Do not visit strangers accommodation without informing our organiser where you are going. If camping please follow the general camping rules such as not storing food in your tent as it attracts animals. If travelling away try and book ahead if traveling. Food And Drink: Ascertain whether the water is safe to drink assume that it may not be safe and carry plenty of bottled water with you. Some destinations are very hot and you can become easily dehydrated so it s important to drink plenty of water. Ascertain whether strange-looking food is likely to affect your stomach before eating it! Don t drink liquids from unsealed bottles. Be extremely cautious eating from roadside stalls. When preparing food please ensure it is in date and prepared on a clean surface. Be conscious of sanitation and complete things such as washing hands before any meal. Always wash fruit and salads before eating. Watch your drinking, and the signs you may be giving to other people with your words and your body language - especially if you are on your own - never leave drinks unattended because drugs can be placed in them. The Law: Familiarise yourself with local laws and obey them during your placement. You can be imprisoned, fined or deported for offences that incur only a caution in the UK or other Western countries and consular staff cannot get you out of prison abroad. Make sure you are fully aware of what you are allowed to bring in and out of the country, from a reliable source such as the local embassy. Many countries won t allow the import or export of any form of animal products, including food. Don t take photographs of military or police personnel, government buildings or army bases! Always check what the photography laws are! Some countries have strict laws and penalties. DO not drink and drive! Be aware of the local laws and attitudes to alcohol. Do not import alcohol into a country where it is prohibited - penalties can be severe.
Travellers Safety Guide and Travel Tips Page 7 of 13 Do not work illegally. You can be deported, fined and imprisoned if you do. You may also be prevented from entering the country again in the future. One of the reasons why Travellers offers voluntary work is because it s illegal to do paid work in most of the countries where we run our programmes. If you work abroad, comply with relevant employment regulation you may have to pay tax. Do not overstay your visa! You can extend your visa in most places; if you don t, you can be imprisoned or fined. In some countries, if you don t renew your visa in time, you will be imprisoned and then repatriated and you pay all the costs involved in your repatriation, not just your air fare! Do Not Get Involved With Drugs! Do not even think about taking any risks in the naive hope that you will get away with it. Almost all of the countries in which we operate have severe penalties for drugs offences. Even minor offences incur imprisonment in very grim conditions. Not even your Embassy or Foreign Office can get you out for serious offences involving smuggling or supplying; many countries, particularly in East Asia, have the Death Penalty no less. And they really do mean it! If you do get involved with drugs, no matter how innocently, Travellers will immediately cancel your placement and you will be repatriated. It is suggested that when you travel anywhere you should always have some form of ID on you a photocopy of the photo page of your passport is usually sufficient. Local Customs: Seek as much local knowledge as possible. Make this an objective when you arrive. Respect local customs and dress codes. Think about what you wear and how you fit in and are viewed by locals. You are a visitor in someone else s country and you should adhere to their culture as much as possible during your stay. This is particularly important when visiting religious sites, markets and rural communities. Be discreet about your views on cultural differences/religions. Before approaching children for photos, or even just to talk to them, you should check (or ask your tour guide to check) with an adult that this is acceptable. However, if you are in any doubt, refrain from doing so. You may be asked to pay a small amount of money to take photographs of both children and adults. Insects, Snakes And Wild Animals: Protect yourself! Always use a mosquito net in malarial areas and take sensible precautions (clothing and insect repellent) to avoid being bitten. Don t get close to any animals unless you ve been told it is safe to do so by an accredited person in charge of the animals. Be cautious of rabies Whatever country you re in, check with an accredited authority about local spiders, snakes, animals, insects and poisonous plants. Street Crime: Street crime is a generic term used to describe an assortment of criminal acts most likely to be encountered while in an urban area or city centre. They can be perpetrated by opportunistic criminals or more structured criminal gangs. These criminal elements locate a potential target through the evaluation of surrounding environmental and situational circumstances and plan an attack at the most opportune time. These attacks can be well orchestrated or disorganised, however the risks will remain the same. These crimes include robbery and theft. Robbery Robbery is generically defined as the removal of personal property from an individual by means of violence or with the threat of violence. This crime not only has the potential to cause physical harm, but also will also inevitably cause the victim to suffer some form of financial loss and psychological trauma. This type of crime is more prevalent at night, when the risk to the perpetrator is lower. The following guidelines will assist in mitigating this risk: Avoid isolated areas, or areas not well frequented by other persons. Ensure all non-essential valuable items are kept in a secure location and not on one's person. All valuables should be hidden from the direct line of sight. Frequent trips to high-risk areas necessitate a continual change in routine and travel route. Any movement in high-risk areas should be done in groups of two or more. Situational awareness is paramount when making use of facilities such as ATMs. ATMs are frequently surveilled by criminals to identify victims with large quantities of cash on their person. Avoid interacting with persons on the street. Criminals often entice victims to engage in conversation in order to create a situation more conducive to committing one or more offences. In the event a robbery does take place, it is advisable to adhere to the instructions issued by the perpetrator. Theft Theft is generally defined as the unlawful removal of personal property without consent. The victim is generally unaware that the crime is being committed at the time, or has insufficient time to react or prevent it from occurring. Pickpocketing and bag-snatching are specific examples of this type of offence found in urban areas and city centres.
Travellers Safety Guide and Travel Tips Page 8 of 13 The following suggestions will reduce the likelihood of theft: All valuables, such as cell phones, cameras and laptops should be kept out of sight. Avoid large, crowded areas. Avoid leaving valuables unattended in public places. Ensure that cash is kept securely in a front or secret money pocket. Close zippers on bags, wallets or purses. This makes access more difficult. Avoid removing money or wallets in an exposed area or near unknown persons. Situational awareness is paramount, as some form of distraction is usually used during instances of theft. Do not accept assistance at an ATM, as this may lead to a card swop or cloned card. Bank card, the card should be kept in a protective insulating sleeve to prevent scanners from reading the information contained therein. If you have anything stolen, report it to our local Travellers Organiser immediately! Also remember that your insurance will require you to have reported the theft to them and have an immediate police statement or they may not pay you. Call your insurance company immediately to log the theft and follow their advice. Other useful information: If you sense that an area of town doesn t feel right don t go there. As with many places, avoid being in unfamiliar places after dark or on your own. If in doubt, don t buy wildlife souvenirs. Make sure any wildlife souvenirs or products can be legally taken out of the country and legally imported into your home country. Some wildlife souvenirs are banned from international trade; many more require special permits for the UK, the country of export and any countries visited in between. Customs throughout the world confiscate illegal souvenirs and in the UK you could face a criminal prosecution and unlimited fines. Think about how those souvenirs came to be on the shelf don t buy anything that would perpetuate the death or cruel treatment of animals just to give someone a profit. Your local Travellers Organiser will always help you with advice about local/national travel, places to avoid and other local issues. Do not be hesitant in asking questions if you are unsure - they will be able to give you the latest, most up to date information. At Your Project: If, after your induction to your work and safety, you are not entirely sure with what to do and what is safe, then please speak to your supervisor and ask for more information. If you are still not sure, then contact you country organiser to ask for their help. Don t work with any specialised equipment or animals without appropriate qualified supervision and equipment. Always wear appropriate protection (where available) when using equipment. If protective equipment is not available contact your supervisor and then organiser. DO NOT use the equipment without the appropriate equipment. You are responsible for yourself. If you are asked to enter local areas that you are unaware of, please speak to your country Organiser for their recommendations and also ensure that you are supervised. Ensure you know the procedures to take if you are injured know where the nearest first aid kit is and who to contact. Ensure you are aware of all fire exits at your place of work. Know where window and door keys are located. Please be wary of bad lighting on streets and surrounding areas of projects if working late. Please do not be the last one to leave your work late at night. If you are, ensure that you organiser is able to arrange suitable transport for you home. Sports and Adventure Activities Some activities, such as bungee jumping, diving, horse riding, jet skiing, paragliding, snowboarding etc are unlikely to be covered by your insurance, unless you specifically request coverage for these activities. Training, equipment and maintenance may not meet UK safety standards. Never drink alcohol before, skiing sports, swimming or diving. Don t climb mountains unless you re with an experienced guide or mountain climber. Fire Safety: Electricity: It is the main cause of accidental fires. Use electricity wisely Make sure any electrical equipment you use is well maintained and report any faults, such as frayed leads or damaged insulation, immediately to your host or your immediate supervisor Switch off appliances and unplug at night
Travellers Safety Guide and Travel Tips Page 9 of 13 Avoid overloading circuits or overheating equipment Take special care with portable equipment. Smoking: To cut the risks of fire caused by smoking, please observe all No Smoking rules. All volunteer accommodation and work places are deemed to be No Smoking areas. Rubbish and Waste: Keep it clean and tidy Bin all waste immediately; take it out every day. Keep escape and storage routes clear, Dispose of waste safely Flammable liquids and gases: Do not bring flammable liquids or gases onto the property (i.e. accommodation or workplace) General Rules: Ensure that all fire exits are keep clear at all times. If you find a blocked exit, please clear it away, if this is possible, and also report it to your supervisor or organiser immediately. Ensure that you know where keys to locked windows and doors are kept Ensure open fires are extinguished before going to sleep Make sure you know where the nearest fire exit is. Procedures In The Event Of A Fire: If you discover a fire: Raise the alarm - shout FIRE! Make sure everyone is aware of the fire. Help those who need help to leave the premises. Close (but do not lock) doors if the fire is not under control. Call the fire brigade or ensure that someone else has done so. Leave by the nearest exit - do not put yourself or others at risk. Do not: Risk your own life to save property Stop to collect personal belongings Re-enter premises until advised by the fire brigade or other authorised personnel that it is safe to do so. Evacuation: Remember your number one priority is to get out and help others to do the same. Follow exit signs to the nearest exit. If one exit route is blocked by smoke, DON T try to run through it. Instead use the nearest alternative route. Smoke will get into your eyes, forcing them shut, and you ll lose sight of where you were going and be trapped. Smoke inhalation is the biggest cause of death, not the flames themselves. Fire Fighting: Evacuation is always priority! Fighting a fire should normally only ever be done by a trained competent person with the appropriate equipment (where possible) or when evacuation is not possible and lives are at risk. Fire fighting is always secondary to life safety. DO NOT PUT ANY PERSONS AT RISK. For more information see: London Fire Brigade: Fire Safety Information. Female Travellers: Clothing And Behaviour: Think about how your clothing will fit in with local customs and attitudes. Look at what the local women are wearing if you feel you need guidance. Don t wear expensive jewellery. Wearing dark glasses can boost your confidence and reduce harassment, but remember to remove them when talking to people. Consider wearing a wedding ring even if you don t usually. It can help you avoid harassment. Be wary of new-found friends. Don t tell strangers where you are staying or give out too many details about your travel plans. Always pack your own baggage and never leave it unattended. The penalties for possession of / or trafficking in Drugs in some countries can include long prison sentences or even death. Travelling Around: If you are travelling alone you may attract unwelcome attention and you may receive unwelcome propositions or remarks. It is usually best to ignore them and to avoid eye contact.
Travellers Safety Guide and Travel Tips Page 10 of 13 Act confidently. Plan your daily itinerary. Know where you are going and what you are doing. Leave details of your plans with your hotel or guesthouse. Make sure when you go out you know how to get back. Some guesthouses give you cards that show you how to get back. Never accept car rides from strangers or hitchhike. Ask the local guesthouse to recommend a taxi firm and try to double up with someone you know when travelling by taxi. Consider carrying a rape alarm. Hotels And Guesthouses: Use only a first initial when checking in. Don t put Ms, Miss or Mrs. Never leave your key where someone can note your room number. Do not leave your window open if your room is on the ground floor Never open your room door to anyone maintenance, flower delivery or whoever without checking with reception to verify the service. If the guesthouse provides a safety box or safe use it! Going Out: Avoid risky situations such as travelling or walking alone at night or drinking by yourself in a bar. Alcohol can affect your judgement and your ability to react. Be aware of your environment and stay in control. For more information see the FCO: Advice for women travelling abroad Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender: Attitudes towards lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGB&T) travellers around the world can be very different from country to country. However, you re unlikely to have any problems if you prepare well and research your destination before you go. For more information see the FCO: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender foreign travel advice Money: Check the validity, expiry dates and cash available on your credit or debit card(s). Make a note of your card numbers and the 24-hour emergency numbers and keep them separately. Notify your bank of international travel. Consider the relative merits regarding Pre-paid cards / cash / credit cards. As anywhere, it is never wise to carry excessive amounts of cash, however, it is suggested that you have backup funds such as a Pre-paid Card or Traveller Cheques. Keep these in separate bags during your travels. Change money in banks or legal foreign exchange dealers. It is often illegal to change with unauthorised persons, and you run the risk of receiving fake currency and arrest. Keep all receipts, as you may have to prove you obtained your local currency legally. Ensure your credit card bills are paid and kept up-to-date whilst travelling. Be security conscious. Carry only the minimum amount of cash when sightseeing. Don t flash your money around in many countries it ll be pretty obvious that you re a visitor/tourist and thieves and muggers prey on tourists. So use common-sense and keep your money well hidden. Leave your valuables in a safety deposit box wherever possible. Ask your Travellers Organisers about keeping your money safe he/she will give you advice. Watch out for scams. Check your guidebook for warnings on scams and remain vigilant! Don t talk about money or your financial situation with strangers, or in public places like bars where you can be overheard. ATM Crime: ATM Crime can be considered a specific form of fraud or theft, depending on the nature of the incident. Card cloning, withholding or the theft of the card and associated information are the primary forms of this type of crime. Skimming: One of the latest ATM crimes involves criminals copying data from the magnetic strips of bank cards and then using this information to withdraw cash from accounts. The skimming devices are usually slightly larger than an ATM card and fit inside the card slot; alternatively, a fake card slot containing a scanner may be attached to the ATM. A small camera is mounted to the side of the ATM, positioned to record information on the screen and the keypad, so that the victim's PIN can be obtained. The ATM operates as usual, and the victim is unaware that anything is wrong. The fraudsters then use stolen data to manufacture fake debit and credit cards, and having recorded the PIN code, can withdraw cash from the victim's accounts Card withholding: Another ATM scheme involves criminals placing a thin, clear piece of plastic into an ATM's card slot. When a real card is inserted, the machine is unable to read it, causing the ATM to continuously ask the victim to re-enter their PIN. The criminal will standing nearby observing the transaction, or have a small camera set up to record the keypad. The intention
Travellers Safety Guide and Travel Tips Page 11 of 13 is to lead the victim to the belief that the machine is broken and has retained their card. The perpetrator can then remove the plastic and the card, and use the card and PIN to withdraw cash from the victim's account. In order to reduce the risk of falling victim to these scams, the following risk mitigation techniques can be considered: Situational awareness of suspicious persons in the vicinity of an ATM. Limit the daily withdrawal amount from an ATM. Memorise the Personal Identification Number (PIN) for the card in use. Ensure that the whereabouts for all cards are known at all times. Ensure that the ATM used is in a secure location, either in or just outside a bank or shopping mall. This reduces the chances of the ATM being tampered with due to the security measure in place at these institutions. Refuse assistance at an ATM from persons not authorised to provide such assistance. Avoid being distracted while withdrawing money. When engaging the ATM unit, ensure that there are no persons in the immediate vicinity that can observe the transaction. Before departing an ATM, ensure that the correct card has been returned and is secure, and the money withdrawn is out of sight. The ATM unit should be examined for any alterations that might result in the card being withheld. If compromise is suspected, ensure that all cards are cancelled immediately. Independent Travel Before or After Placement Plan ahead to avoid trouble. Circumstances can change quickly and without warning in some countries. Find out about possible risks. Ask those who know. Check the news for reports of problems. Before you leave and when travelling to a new country consult the FCO Travel Advice - it is regularly updated. Check your insurance covers all the activities you are likely to do. Arrange extra cover by telephone or e-mail - if you want to extend your stay, you must have your policy number to do this. Avoid activities for which you are not insured. If you have any doubts about your cover, check with your insurer. Take a valid Form E111 with you if travelling within the EU. The E111 can offer free or reduced-cost emergency medical treatment, and can be obtained from any post office. Make sure you fill out the E111 and have it stamped by the post office before you go. Take a first-aid pack. Consider buying a comprehensive first-aid pack that includes sterile needles and other equipment. Consider taking a padlock and chain or a security harness to secure your baggage at airports, railway stations, on buses, etc. Take a list of your home country s Consular Offices in the countries you plan to visit. Find out the office telephone numbers and working hours beforehand. Your first night Plan ahead! Book accommodation before you go if possible. If you re arriving late, be aware that accommodation may be difficult to find at night. If you don't like your accommodation, you can always move the next day. (Remember, this safety tip is for when you are travelling on your own, either before or after your Placement we meet you at the airport for your Placement and you don t need to make any accommodation arrangements.) When booking with a travel company or specific project please research them carefully to ensure they provide a reputable service. Carry a copy of your passport and identification at all times as is required. Don t carry the real thing; passports are very valuable commodities, which preferably should be locked away with other valuables. If you loose your passport it can be a big pain so keep it safe. What Your Embassy Can and Can t Do! (This applies to British Embassies and UK residents but similar rules apply to all Nationalities) What kind of help they can provide: They can offer help which is appropriate to the individual circumstances of each case. Their staff overseas will make an assessment of your vulnerability and the needs you have, based on who you are, where you are, and the situation you are facing. They will aim to offer assistance which helps meet these needs. The help they offer can include: Issuing replacement emergency travel documents. Providing information about transferring funds. Providing appropriate help if you have suffered rape and sexual or physical assault, are a victim of other crimes, are ill or in hospital. Providing details of local lawyers, interpreters, doctors and funeral directors. Providing details of other organisations that can provide specialist support where we are unable to. Contacting family or friends for you if you would like us to. Making special arrangements in cases of terrorism, civil unrest or natural disasters.
Travellers Safety Guide and Travel Tips Page 12 of 13 Providing documentary services such as consular birth or death registration and help with marriage or civil partnership documents. They cannot: Help you enter a country, for example, if you do not have a visa or your passport is not valid; because each country can decide who they allow into their country and no country has any obligation to explain their decisions to the British Government. Ensure your safety and security in another country; because this is the responsibility of the government and authorities of that country. Give you legal advice or translate documents, although they can give you details of people who may be able to help you, such as English speaking lawyers or professional translators/ interpreters; because such support is best provided by independent professionals and they do not have the funding or the expertise to provide such specialist services. Carry out searches for missing people; because doing so is the responsibility of the local authorities and to search effectively requires resources only they can provide. Investigate crimes, get you out of prison, prevent the local authorities from deporting you after your prison sentence, or interfere in criminal or civil court proceedings; because we cannot interfere in another country s processes, and must respect their systems just as we expect them to respect the UK s laws and legal processes. Get you better treatment in prison than local prisoners (although they may raise concerns with local authorities if treatment falls below internationally recognised standards) or get you better treatment in hospital than the treatment that is given to local people; because they cannot interfere in another country s processes just as they would not accept such interference in the UK. Pay any bills or give you money from public funds; because we are not funded to do this and it is the obligation of individuals to take responsibility for themselves. Make travel arrangements for you, or find you work or accommodation, or make business arrangements on your behalf; because these are private arrangements which are your responsibility to make for yourself. Get involved in private disputes over property, employment, commercial or other matters; because we are in no position to judge the facts and have no jurisdiction overseas to resolve such matters. Mobile Phone Tips Mobiles are becoming more and more convenient to take abroad as a way of staying in touch with your family and friends back home. The network service that allows you to use your UK mobile telephone abroad to make and receive calls and messages is called international roaming. The following tips should allow you to become well prepared, and some information may also be useful for buying a mobile, by showing you how to get the best deal on price or coverage for international roaming. Also see the advice from OFTEL (the Office of Telecommunications) to find out how to get the best value when using your mobile phone abroad. Before You Go, Remember To: Contact your UK mobile network provider to ensure your mobile phone is enabled for international roaming. Do this well in advance of your departure date, as it can take up to 14 days, and you cannot do it from overseas. Check that your existing handset will work in the country you are travelling to; this may not be the case, particularly outside Europe. Check with your UK network provider how much it costs for international roaming services. Charges can be a lot higher than, and very different to, those for calls in the UK. For example, while roaming you will pay to receive calls and listen to voicemail. Sending text messages may be cheaper, but you can be charged twice per message (once by your operator and once by the overseas operator) to convey messages to and from home. Rates can vary according to your network and the country you are visiting. Information on charges may be available from your network s web site, customer services or literature. Confirm the current charges just before you leave as some charges can change at short notice (although other charges are more stable). If you intend to use your mobile frequently while abroad, consider the following options: Some mobile services offer international traveller services giving cheaper calls abroad in return for a monthly fee. Check with your network provider what the costs are and how long you would be committed to paying for the service. It is usually cheaper to use an alternative SIM card in your phone. A SIM card is a small card that lets the phone work on a particular mobile network. It can easily be swapped around in your phone. SIM cards for foreign networks can be bought abroad (e.g. at international airports and holiday destinations) or (for some European countries) from some UK retailers. Find out if the alternative SIM cards will expire after a fixed time. Also ask your network provider whether it has locked your phone against use with a different SIM card, and what, if anything, it will charge to unlock the phone. You should be able to buy or rent a mobile telephone handset for the duration of your stay from most mobile telephone companies in the country you are visiting.