• Plan your trips carefully. Always know where you are going.
• Before you leave, let someone know your plans.
• Carry official identification with you at all times.
• Do not travel at night, especially on buses.
• Travel with others when possible.
• Do not hitchhike.
• Do not take shortcuts through remote or unlighted areas.
• Have someone meet you at your destination point.
• Use a common vehicle model. If you rent, remove any markings that identify vehicle as a rental.
• Carry a cell phone, first aid kit, maps, official documents in your vehicle.
• Keep the vehicle windows rolled up and the doors locked. Use the seat belts.
• Be alert to scam artists and carjackers while stopped in traffic.
• Understand the local "rules" for response should you be involved in or witness a traffic accident. In many cases, stopping for an accident can put your life at risk.
• Only take official, licensed taxis. Note the license plate number of taxi – write it down.
• Avoid getting into a taxi already occupied by others. If necessary, pay extra for a single fare. Negotiate price before getting in taxi. Have money ready to pay in appropriate denominations.
• Use reputable hotels, hostels or boarding houses – your safety is worth any added cost.
• Avoid ground floor rooms at the hotel. Second through fifth floors are desirable (harder to break into, but still accessible to firefighting equipment).
• Meet visitors in the lobby. Do not entertain strangers in your room.
• Familiarize yourself with hotel emergency exits and fire extinguishers. Count the doors between your room and nearest emergency exit (in case of fire or blackout).
• Keep hotel doors locked with dead bolt or chain at all times (don’t forget the sliding glass door and windows).
• If you are out of your room, leave television/radio on. Place "do not disturb" sign outside door.
