Photo Credit: USCCA
I’m traveling abroad for business, leisure, a missions trip, etc. How do I stay safe when I’m visiting other countries?
While my resume is minimal in this regard (does Canada count?) and I would’ve been able to add Iraq to this list if I had accepted the contract with a security contractor where I would’ve been servicing the State Department, the tips that I present here can be applied regardless if you travel here in the United States or outside the country.
Tips
Below are some tips that I recommend BEFORE you travel, regardless of where you’re going.
- Research the culture, laws, learn the language (at least basic words and phrases to start), the monetary exchange rate, etc. For example, it’s easy to get Muslims and Sikhs confused with each other but they’re quite different. Sikhs believe that “people of all faiths worship one Divine Being who created this world and lives within it.” Followers of Islam, on the other hand, “aim the live a life of complete submission to Allah and believe that nothing can happen without Allah’s permission.”
- Furthermore, taboo acts such as bribery is an acceptable practice in some cultures. Click here to learn what American customs are taboo in other countries.
- Dress appropriately for the culture that you plan to visit. Don’t wear clothing that causes you to stand out, particularly as a tourist.
- Be prepared to experience culture shock. What may be the norm and acceptable here in the States may not be in other countries and vice versa. For example, according to my brother and sister-in-law who are living in Poland doing missions work, the biggest shock to them was seeing adults urinate in public which is fine and normal there.
- During my junior year of college, I served on the microloan project as an Enactus member. What seemed to be a fairly regular occurrence, our contact in the Ivory Coast would either be late or not show up (typically due to poor internet connection on his end as we communicated via Zoom), whereas, my team was on time and waiting. The first few successful meetings we had focused mainly on getting to know each other (ex: family, prayer requests, etc) as opposed to getting right into business (this was my intent). In some cultures, like the Ivory Coast, there needs to be a personal relationship and trust developed prior to discussing business.
- As you research the particular countries that you plan to visit, talk to those that have lived or already visited there to gain insight.
- Practice situational awareness and don’t get lazy with it. Click here to learn more.
- Keep your important documents (i.e. passport, IDs, etc) up to date and in a safe place. Incorporate RFID blocking wallets for your IDs and credit cards.
- Be sure to communicate your travel plans with your financial institution so that they’re aware as they monitor your transactions while you’re on your trip.
- Follow these tips to be safe online.
- Unfortunately, generally speaking, many countries outside the U.S. don’t allow firearms, even if you may just be passing through to get to your destination. This is why I recommend studying unarmed martial arts styles and carrying a ballpoint pen for example. Click here to learn more about traveling internationally with weapons. The Department of State also offers important tips and information on this issue. If you’re traveling around the U.S., click here to learn each state’s laws and whether the state(s) reciprocate with your concealed carry license.
- It’s also important to note that you must communicate with your loved ones by giving them your itinerary, including any changes that arise. Furthermore, this includes communicating your Plan A, Plan B, etc in case shit hits the fan as you shouldn’t expect the government or anyone to come save you (simply look at the debacle with the Afghanistan pull out for example). I recommend utilizing Session, Signal, Briar and social media to communicate with loved ones and to send them photos as this tells them that you’re alive.
Conclusion
I hope that you have found these tips helpful. It’s important to do your due diligence before you travel anywhere – whether in the United States or abroad. If there is anything else, feel free to add it in the comments section below so that everyone that visits this post can learn.
