Whether you realize it or not, as a tourist, you are very conspicuous to would-be criminals who would like to take advantage of you. To help keep you safe, CNN and BudgetTravel have compiled a list of some common crimes at some of the most popular travel destinations. The list, inside…
Barcelona – Is pretty safe in the tourist areas. Be aware of overly-friendly people who try to hug you or distract you, since these are techniques commonly used by pick-pocketers.
Cancun – Street vendors often sell jewelry that they claim is real silver and costs around $20. The fake silver will often turn yellow or lose its sheen within a few weeks.
Las Vegas – If your cab ride from the airport to the strip takes longer than 20 minutes, you may be a victim of the “long haul.” Police advise that anyone who feels they have been taken advantage of by cab drivers should file a complaint at taxi.state.nv.us.
London – Scotland Yard recommends taking the city’s old-school black cabs which are licensed by the city instead of the “mini-cabs.” According to recent data, 10 women a month are assaulted in mini-cabs.
Montreal – Theft of electronics out of vehicles is a big problem in Montreal, so much so that there is a $30 fine if you don’t lock your car door. Police advise to keep any laptops, GPS units, etc. in your trunk.
New Orleans – The article says, ” A common scam in the French Quarter goes something like this: A man approaches you and says, “Bet you $5 that I can tell you where you got your shoes!” Whether you accept the bet or not, he adds, “On your feet on Bourbon Street,” and demands the money. Authorities say some people pay up just to avoid a confrontation. If a stranger tries to entice you into a bet, police officer Shereese Harper suggests you keep walking and don’t say a word —responding encourages the scam artist to harass you.”
Orlando – Beware of multi-day theme-park tickets from the shops on International Drive near Universal Studios or outside Disney World or in the city of Kissimmee. These shops often procure old tickets that have a few days left on them and sell them to you. Parks prohibit the resale of passes and will turn you away if they think you have one.
Check out the full article for more tips.
Tips to avoid being victimized on vacation [CNN]
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I got scammed years ago in NYC, where I guy outside the train station offered to get us a cab. I figured he had a kickback deal with the cabbie, so I said okay. He negotiated a flat rate (a fair one, by my experience) with me to the hotel, and I paid him. He got in the front seat with the cabbie while I was getting my luggage into the trunk, presumably making their deal. When I got to the hotel, the cabbie demanded his fare. Turns out, the guy and his buddy flagged down the cab and gave the cabbie some cock and bull story that made it look to me like they were partners, but really he was just scamming me out of cab fare.
@backbroken: Yep, I attracted a pickpocket — fortunately, a bad one — walking down La Rambla. Hands on my shoulders, tangling his feet with mine while babbling something about “soccer”. I shoved him away as his fingers approached my inside jacket pocket.
And this, mind you, was right after I’d had my camera bag lifted in the Madrid train station.
@P_Smith:
4) Use a cell phone with a camera as opposed to a regular camera. The pictures may suffer a little, but cell phones are easier to hide in a pocket instead of a “Steal me, Mr. Thief!” case.
Sure, if you like shitty pictures. Alternatively, you could get a pocket-sized camera. (Generally, Canon and Panasonic make the best ones)
(I’ve never had a problem carrying a larger camera anywhere, but then, I’m big and threatening.)
5) Wear cargo pants or cargo shorts. Zipped/velcro pockets are harder for thieves to open unnoticed. Front and side pockets are also easier for you to see and protect. A custom made pocket on the inside a leg is also a good idea.
Alternatively, just put a (wide) rubber band around your wallet. It will NOT get out of your pants pocket unnoticed, front especially.
6) Wear sneakers, not sandals. You can’t run fast after – or away from – a thief while in sandals. Bare feet make easier targets, disabling you while being robbed.
Flip-flops will slow you down. Proper sandals (support around the ankle, heel, and toes) won’t. Also, if you wear sandals all the time, your feet will get toughened to the point you barely need shoes at all.
10) Carry non-weapon weapons. If you look threatening to a thief, he may not target you. An umbrella, a plastic soft drink bottle, or even a pen will make good, basic weapons if you are attacked and need to defend yourself.
Your forehead is harder and stronger than the middle of ANYONE’s face. And if you practice at it, stronger than most people’s foreheads.
From the article:
PHILADELPHIA Take your GPS device with you when blah blah blah
Better advice: Visit your local landfill instead of Philadelphia. All of the ambiance, none of the risk.
Similar train station story here. I used to work in an office in the train station in Portland, OR. One summer there was a guy who hung out in the outside smoking area telling people he needed a few more dollars to get a ticket. My initial response was sorry, no. The second time a week or so later, I told him that if he was going to work the scam he had to remember who he’s already talked to. He started in a third time, but recognized me and sort of smiled and turned around. Good times.
So does the firehouse T-shirt thing apply to all over the country or just NYC? I’m thinking this could be the start of a GREAT T-shirt collection!
@P_Smith:
Absolutely not worth the sacrifice for pics from your once-in-a-lifetime trip! Just get a camera bag that doesn’t look like a camera bag and then be discreet about where and when you whip it out.
I am a huge maphead and will pretty much wander anywhere if I have a map of the area. I am a huge fan of the Moleskine City notebook series as they have fairly detailed maps uncluttered by advertisements or pointers to tourist attractions, and you don’t look too conspicuous studying a little black notebook. They have a somehwat limited collection still, and if I can’t get a City, I’ll look for a Knopf Mapguide which still looks like a map but is small and easy to carry and use discreetly. If I can’t find a Mpaguide I’ll look for a Pop-Out map – not as detailed but very easy to carry without looking too obvious.
@newspix100: It applies for all over the country. Some small town fire departments even have them. I actually discovered them in Boston when the firehouse on Boylston Street had them in the window with a note they were for sale.