When you leave your home to start an adventure overseas, you will have a lot to learn and a lot of experience to earn. But the beauty of exploring a new place shouldn’t make you let your guard down. You should enjoy your adventure to the max, but remember that it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Jeremy Schulman, Chairman of Shulman Bhattacharya’s commercial litigation and arbitration group, advises travellers to be extra careful, especially when they are visiting a new place for the first time.
Here are a few important factors to consider when you are abroad for the first time:
Avoid free WiFi networks.
Yes, it is tempting to use the free internet coming from a public Wi-Fi network, but the risks are not worth it. A public network can be a way for hackers to attack your devices and obtain vital data about you. And not just your personal photos. Hacking your devices can lead your cyber attacker to know your top secret financial info, such as your credit card number.
If you want to connect multiple devices to the internet, you can use your own hotspot. Also, you can seek a top-notch VPN connection if you want to use public Wi-Fi connections.
Go the extra mile to secure your room.
Typically, you would choose a safe area for your accommodation. But you should do some extra work to be 100% sure that your accommodation is protected to the max. For instance, you should keep your room locked whether you are inside or out. You can opt for a deadbolt door lock, which is impossible to break even with force.
As for windows, it is recommended to keep them closed most of the time. This way, people around you will get the impression that your windows remain shut even when you are inside. So, your closed window won’t imply to intruders that you are outside.
Avoid heavy drinking.
This should be a top priority for you. Experiencing the nightlife of the place you are visiting is definitely intriguing. It is a refreshing adventure that could be really exciting. Trying one or two drinks can spice things up for the night, but excessive drinking can put you in serious trouble. When you are drunk in a strange place, you could easily become a victim of a con, theft, or a much worse crime.
Don’t carry too much cash.
It is always wise to carry a very limited amount of cash during international travel. It is safer and less hassling. You can make arrangements to use a bank account to withdraw cash whenever you need to. This is possible through your international credit card. These can be valid for transactions all over the world.
If, for any reason, you end up with loads of cash, you shouldn’t take it everywhere. You could leave it in the safe inside your hotel room. When it comes to making a transaction using an ATM, you should always target machines close to a bank branch. It is also wise to withdraw cash when it is not dark. Also, make your withdrawal in a busy street; don’t go to remote areas.
