Muggers and Pick Pockets
Anticipate Petty Crime
Terrorism gets the headlines, but petty crime is still the No. 1 travel risk facing foreigners—especially jewelry-wearing visitors from other countries. Since hotel room safes are easy to crack, lock your valuables in the main hotel safe instead. You should carry minimal cash, a copy of your ID, and a USB fob containing key documents. Leave the obtrusive laptop behind if possible.
Don't be an Easy Mark
You're choice prey if you're out in public tapping on your BlackBerry or reading a map, so answer e-mail and memorize your route before heading out. Be alert and confident, and keep your hands free to protect yourself.
Outsmart the Baddies
Robert Young Pelton, author of The World's Most Dangerous Places, keeps a decoy wallet with small bills and old credit cards in a back pocket, and a slim billfold with spending money in his front pocket. He then stores additional cash and other valuables in a hidden pocket sewn into his clothing. Pelton hopes the thief falls for the first, feels brilliant for finding the second, and never considers the third.