Yackie Mobile 101: Travel Safety

If you’re an international traveler like me, then I know that one of your main concerns is your personal safety while roaming abroad. When you journey far away from home, the odds are that you will have a safe and incident-free trip. However, sometimes travelers are experience unexpected difficulties. I asked some of my fellow traveling buddies, along with my past experiences to come up with a list of safety tips for the inexperienced international traveler. Hint: don’t forget to pack your communication essentials; Prepaid SIM Card/ Prepaid Debit Cards.

Lesson 1. How To Be a Tourist Without Looking Like One

• Avoid attention-grabbing attire, dress conservatively! You don’t want to stand out. Never wear expensive-looking jewelry, avoid displays of affluence. A flashy wardrobe, or one that is too casual, can mark you as a tourist. Walk confidently to your destination, even if you have no idea where you are going.

Lesson 2. Be a Safe Packer

• Simply put, travel light! You can move more quickly and will be more likely to have a free hand. You will also be less likely to set your luggage down, leaving it unattended, which is a big NO NO! never, ever leave your luggage unattended! That’s like hanging a huge neon advertisement that says, “Please Rob Me.”
• Make sure to pack a mobile Phone with the Yackie Mobile SIM card that way if you’re ever in trouble during your travels you have a way to call for help. The Yackie Mobile International SIM card makes it easy and affordable for anyone traveling overseas to enjoy the safety and convenience of cellular service! Whether you are a frequent business traveler or a tourist seeking a reliable, yet affordable cell phone solution, the Yackie Mobile International SIM card has you covered in over 200 countries!

Lesson 3. How to Deter a Pickpocket

• When you have to carry passports, cash, credit cards etc., conceal them in several places rather than putting them all in one place. Avoid handbags, fanny packs and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Only carry enough money for the day on you. The rest should be hidden under your clothes. Use a money belt or sewn-in pocket. Otherwise leave all other valuables where they belong: at home or in a safety deposit box.
• Beware of groups who create a distraction while picking your pocket. Be careful in crowded places: subways, train stations, elevators, tourist sites, etc. It’s best to always be fully aware of your surroundings. I once caught someone following me.

Lesson 4. For the Things Money Can’t Buy

• Bring prepaid debit cards along with one or two major credit cards instead of cash. You never know when your housing arrangements will change, Hotels prefer credit cards then cash.
  
• Note on Credit Cards: Never let your credit cards out of your sight, even for a split second. Watch the store vendor or travel agent carefully. The scam works like this: someone in the establishment will cause a diversion while the other person sneaks two transactions in. One for your legitimate purchases, and another credit card imprint for future forgeries. This happened to me twice in Athens, Greece, and on the island of Crete, but I’ve heard the same horror stories in other countries as well. I cannot stress the importance of retaining all your receipts until you receive your next monthly credit card statement.

Lesson 5. Beware of Dark Alleys!

• Avoid sightseeing at night! You may stumble into an undesirable neighborhood not knowing any better. Tourist are most vulnerable at night.
  

Lesson 6. Do Your Homework

• Learn a few phrases in the local language so you can navigate around more easily and can signal your need for help.
• Research ahead of time: The Department of State’s Consular Information Sheets are available for every country of the world. They describe entry requirements, currency regulations, unusual health conditions, the crime and security situation, political disturbances, areas of instability, and special information about driving and road conditions. They also provide addresses and emergency telephone numbers for U.S. embassies and consulates.

Most importantly, just use plain common sense and intuition. Traveling abroad should not be overwhelming or dangerous. In fact, it should be one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences in your lifetime–especially if you bring your Yackie Mobile SIM card!