Safety & Tips

As you start to plan your trip you might hear stories about getting robbed or losing a wallet. Although there is no way to complete stop anything from happening there are some great ways to handle the situation in the case your stuff gets lost or stolen.

• Keep your money in a security belt or pouch instead of your purse or back pocket.
  
  
• Before you leave for your trip make two copies of all of your IDs and documents (passport/visa/ permit, plane/train tickets, and any ATM or credit cards). Leave one set at home and carry the other set packed in your backpack or suitcase (in a ziplock bag to make sure it stays dry).
  
  
• Report any theft to the local police. They won't give you sympathy but they will give you a copy of the report that you will need to claim insurance.

Money Tips & Advice:

• Don't hassle with lots of traveler's checks or cash. ATMs are everywhere in Europe and provide the best exchange rate. Make sure your bank knows you're leaving the country to make sure they don't stop possible "illegal" transactions and make sure your card will work overseas.
  
  
• Visa and MasterCard are more widely accepted than American Express (and don't even think about Discover Card).

Traveling Safety:

• Don't buy cheap padlocks for your luggage. They're easy to pick and tend to break in the closed position so you can't open them either. Spend the extra couple of bucks for a quality lock. Give your travel companion the extra key.
  
  
• DO NOT leave anything unattended on the train, at a cafe, at a "sight," etc. You don't have to be paranoid, just cautious. Do not assume rental cars are safe for storage. The license plates on rental cars are coded - thieves know these codes and know how to break into cars in seconds.
  
  
• Lockers are your friends and are readily available at stations, hostels and even some sights.
  
  
• Do not expect anyone to speak English even though many Europeans do. Out of respect for the country, the culture and its people, carry a phrase book and attempt to speak the language.
  

Your Health:

• Contact your health insurance provider prior to departure. Let them know you are leaving the country and get overseas coverage procedures and contact phone numbers.