• Be attentive to how you are perceived by local people and behave in a manner that is neither provocative nor draws unwanted attention.
• Familiarize yourself with your foreign neighborhood and work environment.
• Use street smarts. Beware of pickpockets, scam artists, over-friendly strangers, loiterers, etc.
• Take a seat on a bus or train that allows you to observe fellow passengers.
• Educate yourself of any pending events (elections, demonstrations, anniversaries) that may cause civil disturbance, and avoid unnecessary risks. Do not photograph anyone at these events.
• Establish a support network among your colleagues and US embassy personnel in your host country.
• Confirm with the US embassy the procedures for you and your family in the event of a crisis or evacuation.
• To avoid being drugged, politely decline offers of food or drink from strangers.
