A friend told me his experience when he was kicked by a drunk man in Russia. “Suddenly this man comes and directs his fist to me. I could smell alcohol. I can only run and that man was chasing me. Fortunately, when run, I met a police,” said Vian (30) described his experiences of his pleasure to Russia.

Yes, traveling abroad to a country that is foreign to us, as advanced as any country, travelers should remain vigilant. Although the country’s record of low crime, crime does not mean the danger was threatening. Here are tips on traveling abroad safely.

Know the level of criminality. Do your research and identify areas where the country which is an area with high crime rates or dangerous for tourists to enter the area. Those regions are usually always exist in any country. Although the country’s relatively developed countries.

Learn a tourist destination. Know what crimes usually occur in the country. Also avoid dark alleys and slums. But remember, in some countries like in Europe, the crime often occurs not because of economic reasons, but because of the influence of alcohol.

Keep emergency numbers. Save the number of local police and the Embassy (Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia) in the country. If you plan on traveling in a long time in the country, could not hurt you to report yourself to the local embassy. Know also who the people in the embassy that you can contact if anything happens. Arm also with the local state language, although only limited basic words.

Another field, another grasshopper. Get to know local customs and culture. Each region would have different habits. For example, as tourists from western countries when traveling in Indonesia, most do not know that it is not polite if we give up the object using the left hand. Another example is ancungan thumb which means “OK” has the meaning that is not polite in Greece. Of course you do not want to make a fuss just because of trivial things, right?

Think of the clothes that you want to wear. Despite the heat, it does not mean that you either wear super short shorts and sleeveless shirts. First identify whether the area could receive one uses minimal clothing. Also, avoid using fancy clothes that are too visible if you just walk outside.

Keep your appearance is not striking, such as wearing expensive jewelry. Especially if you go alone or in groups are small, no need-nenteng carrying a camera that seemed to indicate that you are a tourist. Remove the camera when you really want to photograph something.

Do not be too friendly. As an Indonesian, it is natural to be kind even to a stranger once. However, in western countries, this could be misinterpreted friendliness. Especially for women travelers. I could have you considered being “invited” the stranger is. If anyone tried to get you talking, mengobrolah politely and not have to disclose your identity as the place you stay.

Scatter of important documents and money. Do not put a credit card, money, identity cards and passports in the same place. Pencarlah these items. The money was divided, between wallets and handbags. Also put the money in secret, like the shoes. This is to avoid the situation you are robbed, you still have a supply of cash. Do not forget to photocopy your passport and store the scanned passport in the mail.

Ride public transportation. You need to find a cab that can be trusted in their respective countries. Ask for recommendations from the hotel. If necessary, leave the hotel in a cab for you and write down the taxi number and driver name. If you take the bus, choose a seat near the bus driver. While the train, choose a crowded carriage.