Safety

Is it safe to live abroad?

  • Living abroad can be very safe
  • You will be as safe as you are smart
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Tourists naturally attract petty thieves, but if you’re wise, you can avoid them
  • Listen to your host parents about what places to avoid

Be aware of pickpockets

  • Keep personal belongings close to your body, especially when you’re in public areas
  • If you’re in a crowded area (especially on public transportation) have your backpack or purses on in a way that no one can open it or take it without you noticing
  • If you get ripped off, remember this advice by Rick Steves:

It’s best to get over it. You’re rich and thieves aren’t. You let your guard down and they grab your camera. It ruins your day and you have to buy a new one, while they sell it for a week’s wages on their scale. And the score’s one to nothing. It’s wise to keep a material loss in perspective.

  •  Remember that the large majority of crimes suffered by tourists are nonviolent and avoidable
  • Stay away from dark or deserted places, especially at night

Be prepared before you go

  • Make 2+ photocopies of your passport, any medical/eyesight prescriptions, and flight itinerary
  • Leave one copy of your passport with a family member or trusted friend back home
  • While you travel, leave one copy in your luggage
  • When you get to your host’s home, leave your passport there (unless traveling abroad)
  • Carry the copy with you and use as ID when needed (i.e. buying a SIM card)
  • Your driver’s license may suffice as ID (when going to a bar, etc. but it’s good to have the passport copy just in case)​
  • Back up your photos frequently as you travel
  • Leave your expensive jewelry at home — even if a thief doesn’t go for your jewelry specifically, it’s a signal to them
  • Consider wearing a money belt!
  • A money belt is a small, pouch with a zipper that you wear around your waist underneath your clothes​ — it’s very handy and gives you the freedom of being hands-free while still carrying your important items safely

Be prepared when you’re out and about

  • Leave expensive gear such as a laptop in your host family’s home (it’s safer there than with you in a backpack on the streets)
  • The likelihood of losing something is much greater than having something stolen
  • Always look behind you before leaving any place or form of transportation​
  • Go through a mental list when packing and unpacking if you’re traveling
  • Always be in physical contact with your things
  • Don’t set down small valuable items when you’re out such as your phone, camera, or wallet
  • If you’re eating at a restaurant or cafe, don’t place your phone on the table where it’s easy to be snatched away
  • Secure your bag when you’re not moving
  • Loop a strap around your leg or leg of a chair
  • Use lockable zippers, twist-ties, paper clips, or key rings to keep your bag harder for pickpockets
  • Be instantly alert anytime there’s a commotion — it might be a ruse for thieves to distract tourists
  • Also be alert whenever you’re in a crowd, especially flea markets and train stations — places like these are a pickpocket’s playground because they are full of opportunities and easy escape exits

Be wary of scams

  • There are many many subtle ways to be scammed — someone might charge you triple what a good normally costs or they might offer you a deal that sounds too good to be true (hint: it is!)
  • NEVER get in an unmarked cab or taxi
  • NEVER get in an unmarked cab or taxi
  • NEVER get in an unmarked cab or taxi
  • If you use Uber/Lyft, make sure everything matches up before getting in the vehicle

Money, money, money

  • Be alert whenever money changes hands, even when you withdraw from ATMs
  • Cash is safer
  • Always know what you are paying for before handing over money
  • Be sure to count your change
  • Pickpockets can be very clever — don’t be fooled by sob stories or official-looking uniforms

Drinking guidelines

  • Don’t drink alcohol outside your host family’s home
  • Drinking puts you at risk of making bad choices that may cost you later
  • When you’re out, NEVER let your drink out of your sight
  • ALWAYS be aware of where your drinks come from
  • ALWAYS watch your drinks from the bar until they get to you
  • Be aware of your surroundings
  • Be upfront if someone is buying you drinks or hitting on you and you don’t want their attention
  • Drink plenty of water

Wildlife guidelines

  • Don’t touch the wildlife
    • Even a cute little green frog can actually be very poisonous
  • Check your shoes for cockroaches and spiders before putting them back on
    • You can just bang them together outside or on the porch

 

 

Save the emergency numbers for local authorities in your phone:

  • ​Australia’s emergency number is 000

 

 

 

  • An additional (optional) precaution:
    • Consider buying a defensive spray, such as the D.A.D.® 2. 
    • Check out how one Traveler used hers while living abroad
    • Use code ROMEABROAD for $30 off + free shipping ($10 value)

Emergency phone number

  • Save the emergency numbers for local authorities in your phone
  • Police phone number is 000 (not 911!)

Making friends

  • There are Facebook Groups to meet others outside the Rome Abroad program
  • Always be cautious meeting people from internet connections
  • If you don’t feel good about meeting someone, don’t
  • ALWAYS meet in public, safe areas
  • ALWAYS tell your host mom where you’ll be, with whom, and when you’ll be back

Group links

Note: You’ll also have other networks to meet friends through our Australian colleagues 

Other precautions

  • Log your travel plans with the State Department
    •  
  • This allows the government to send you email alerts about potential problems abroad (i.e. demonstrations, etc.)
  • Know how to contact the nearest American Embassy to your city
  • U.S. Embassy in Canberra
    Moonah Place
    Yarralumla, ACT 2600
    Phone: (02) 6214-5600
  • U.S. Consulate in Melbourne
    553 St. Kilda Road
    Melbourne, VIC 3004
    Phone: (03) 9526 5900
  • U.S. Consulate in Perth
    4th Floor, 16 St. George’s Terrace
    Perth, WA 6000
    Phone: (08) 6144-5100
  • U.S. Consulate in Sydney
    Level 10, MLC Centre
    19-29 Martin Place
    Sydney, NSW 2000
  • Consider buying a defensive spray, such as the D.A.D.® 2. 
  • Check out how one Traveler used hers while living abroad
  • Use code ROMEABROAD for $30 off + free shipping ($10 value)

Ready to live abroad?