© Copyright  . ASI Group.

The following is intended as general information and some recommendations may not be appropriate for all situations. It is strongly recommended that you contact the proper department within your organization for specific policies, procedures, and/or advice.

Prior to Departure

1. Know the facts before you go
2. Ensure your home is protected while you are away
3. Understand the local laws
4. Know and understand each country’s culture and protocols
5. Keep a list of your credit card numbers and give a copy to a trusted friend or colleague back at home
6. Have important phone numbers with you at all times
7. Know the location and phone numbers of your consulate or embassy
8. Protect your itinerary and hotel information, but ensure your family or a trusted colleague at work has it
9. Rent a GSM cellular phone for the trip.  They will allow access into the local cellular system plus give you a standard number for others to reach you
10. Understand the local currency and exchange rate.  Carry small bills in the local currency for tipping
11. Take a small flashlight with fresh batteries

Air Travel

1. Arrive early to avoid the rush. After ticketing, move quickly through the passenger security screening to the gate area as it is the safest part of the airport
2. Stay with your luggage until the airport check-in.  Do not leave your camera or carry-on bags on top of the luggage cart.  Thieves know that the most valuable bag is on top.
3. Do not openly display your name on luggage, and do not put your address on luggage tags, only your office phone number
4. Do not display company logos on your luggage or briefcase
5. Aircraft window seats, particularly those in emergency exit rows, are the safest.
6. If traveling in high threat areas, be cautions of sharing information regarding your employment in open conversation with fellow passengers
7. Familiarize yourself with emergency procedures and exit locations
8. While at the airport and in the air, only drink alcohol in moderation (if at all) - it can significantly increase "jet lag"
9. Keep business confidential/proprietary documents out of view of other passengers
10. Wear loose fitting and natural fiber clothes in case of fire

Ground Transportation

1. Always try to use pre-arranged transportation. Your hotel can often arrange it for you
2. Know if public transportation (including taxis) is safe to use
3. Only choose marked transportation - never use gypsy cabs
4. Lock doors and keep windows rolled up

On The Ground

1. Know your surroundings at all times
2. Set your watch to the local time
3. Never allow your patterns to be predictable
4. Divide your money among several pockets
5. Do not be flashy with jewelry, cameras, and clothing
6. In some countries, you can't photograph police facilities, government buildings, and transportation facilities
7. Carry your purse close to the body. Never set your purse down – unless you attach it to your person.  Men should carry their wallets in their front pockets
8. While shopping do not carry a large number of packages, and do not purchase “black market” goods
9. Always secure your packages
10. Avoid alleys and unlit areas
11. Walk and act with confidence and purpose. Do not leave your hotel unless you know where you are going – wandering with a map will draw thieves to you
12. Remain alert and focused
13. Do not attract attention to yourself, and do not dress provocatively
14. Avoid confrontations
15. Do not strike up a conversation with strangers, especially ones that initiate the conversation with you.  If you must ask a stranger for help, try to choose a woman with children
16. Always trust your instincts. If something does not look or feel right – avoid it
17. Accept beverages only from sealed bottles
18. Avoid using profanity
19. Dine only in restaurants that have been recommended by a known source
20. Don’t get involved with local demonstrations
21. Don’t discuss local politics or religion openly
22. If robbed by an armed thief – do not resist
23. Be aware of the people around you to see if you are being sized up by a thief
24. Always carry enough medication, and a copy of the prescription, with you
25. Always have your passport or identification with you
26. Be aware of international symbols that mean the same even if the wording is different
27. Minimize use of company logo items while visiting an international destination

In the Hotel

1. Try to stay in well-known chain hotels
2. Avoid the ground floor and top floor rooms – they are easier for thieves to access
3. Count the number of doors between your room and the exit door(s). This could prove crucial if the corridor is filled with smoke.  Rehearse your escape plan
4. Keep a mental inventory of your belongings
5. Insure windows and doors are locked when leaving a room
6. Do not open the door before you have identified the visitor
7. Do not accept deliveries to your room unless previously arranged and you are certain of the source and contents; contact the front desk if you have any concerns
8. Keep your hotel door, windows, and sliding doors locked at all times
9. Meet visitors in the lobby
10. Always check room when entering
11. Know where fire extinguishers are
12. Don’t leave sensitive documents or equipment unattended in hotel rooms
13. Your laptop computer is a major target for theft.  When not in use secure it in a safe or a locked suitcase
14. Not all room electronic safes are trustworthy. Use hotel safe deposit boxes that require double-key entry.  Do not use the hotel purser’s safe, even if they issue receipt
15. Never announce your room number in public, and hold onto your key when away from the hotel
16. Never allow the front desk to present your room key announcing the room number
17. Avoid valet parking – he will know when you are away from your room, and may share the info with thieves
18. Never leave your luggage unattended after it has been packed