Safety/Hygienic Precautions
Thousands of tourists visit developing countries every year. That does not mean that you need not take precautions. Keep in mind there are thieves who operate in and around international airports and tourist destinations. Thieves know that after extended flights passengers are often too tired and disoriented to be very alert. It is wise to keep your money in a safe place and hide it in more than two or three places. In many places begging is common. We advise our volunteers/travelers not to give beggars money because it can promote further begging. It is possible that some unforeseen event may happen because you are visiting a new environment. Therefore, we have has compiled a list of recommended safety tips:
- Don’t accept food or drink from people you meet on public transport, no matter how friendly they appear to be. Tea, coffee, sweets etc. may be drugged.
- If you happen to fall asleep on public transport, you should be aware that this may be a time for someone to rob you. Never leave your luggage unattended. Be vigilant on common train routes; often thieves operate on these lines.
- Don’t change money on the street. The rates are generally too bad to be worth the risks. If you do, be very careful. Never hand over your money before the change is in your hands and you’ve counted it. If you’ve verified the amounts, don’t pass it back to the moneychanger for a re-count. Often these guys have hands which are quicker than the eye, and you will be cheated!
- If you’re hiring a taxi to get to any destination and you don’t know the route, agree on a price before getting into the cab. That way there won’t be a reason for the driver to take a long detour. If afterwards he demands more money, for whatever reason, just get out of the taxi, pay him what you agreed on and walk away. Ignore any swearing or threats. If the driver was courteous, safe, or if you were pleased with his services, consider giving him a tip.
- Beware of unofficial guides who are found at virtually all tourist sites. If you plan on using a guide, it’s worth hiring an ‘Official one’ with an ID (you should ask to see it). Official guides carry certificates issued by the government, which guarantee they won’t rip you off, hassle you for extra fees or leave you behind in the middle of nowhere. Commission tours are present in almost all big cities or tourist destinations, but especially in Agra the problem is substantial. Ignore all people who want to take you to a hotel or guesthouse ‘of a friend’, to a relative’s shop or just want to ‘show the way’.
- Volunteers/Travelers have reported the existence of fake sadhus (holy Hindu males) who claim to provide spiritual assistance but eventually will try to cheat a person.
- Don’t fall for the very obvious but common jewellery or gem scam.
- Don’t walk in isolated places or alone during the evenings.
Safety Guidelines
When you volunteer abroad it can be an exciting experience. But still there are some safety issues that you should always consider. It is also important to remember that you are a guest in the country of your program. You will need to consider what it takes to keep yourself safe while there.
Make sure to be aware of local customs and cultures
You need to be aware of any differences in manners and actions that would make you stand out in a crowd. Dress to blend in by learning what is acceptable to wear by that culture's standards. Don't wear bright clothing that obviously identifies you as an American such as "I Love NY" shirts, blue jeans, baseball caps, or white athletic shoes. Limit visits to typically American restaurants like McDonalds, KFC, and Starbucks, and be aware of subtle differences in table manners that could make you stand out in a crowd. Don't speak loud and obnoxiously and try to speak the native language as much as possible.
It is Always Safer to Travel in Groups
There is safety in numbers so you should always try to travel in groups. Always make sure to tell someone where you are going, especially if you plan on travelling alone, but if is often best to try to travel with your group. If you cannot find volunteers or travelers and do not wish to travel alone, please contact our country coordinators
Always Beware of Your Surroundings
As you walk or ride to your various daily activities and destinations, beware of ordinary citizens and events going on around you. You should be able to make changes and plan alternate routes to avoid any dangerous circumstances.
You Need to Know the Locations of your Embassies and Consulates
Your embassy can be very useful help if your safety is threatened. Rustic offers the website links to USA , Canada , and other countries for you. Volunteers should always know where the embassies and consulates are and how to contact them. To be safe, carry that information with you at all times.
You should make a copy of Important Documents
In case your wallet or backpack is lost or stolen, you should keep a copy of your passport, airplane tickets, health insurance car, driver's license, etc and store this information in a safe place. You may also want to make a copy for your parents or emergency contacts back in the States or Canada and, you should email important numbers to yourself so you have them at all times.
Please Don't Flash Your Money Around
Regardless of your financial situation, many people in developing countries view US, Canadian or citizens of developed countries as rich people, and you could easily be targeted for pick pocketing. Therefore, it is never a good idea to wear your wallet exposed (ex: pouches) and you should secure your backpack with a lock. Also you should be sure not to flaunt large quantities of cash.
Make sure to Check Maps Before You Go Out
We suggest you to travel with a look of confidence. If you look nervous or confused, that may put you in a vulnerable situation. Therefore, please plan where you are going before you leave. Always know the route to your destination because looking lost can make you vulnerable. Please take the help of coordinators if needed
At night you should be even more cautious of your surroundings
After dark, stick to well-lit streets, and avoid bus stations, train stations, subways, and empty parks.
You Learn to Say No
Depending on the country you are visiting, possession or transportation of drugs is a very serious offense which can result in jail or even execution. So for this very reason, don't leave your baggage unattended under any circumstances. If someone approaches to you with any type of ill-intentions, just say NO.
There are scam artist - please be careful
When you travel abroad, unfamiliar people may approach with very loving and friendly voice. You should watch out for groups of strangers approaching you that are overly friendly, offer you bargains, or want to be your guide. If you find yourself in a confined area with several people jostling you, elbow your way out and protect your valuables. Pickpockets tend to work in groups and attempt to distract you so stay alert to your surroundings.
Stay Up to date on local politics and current events
When you travel, please make sure not to get involved in local politics. Make sure you stay up to date on current events, political hostility, and international affairs. You need to avoid public demonstrations and other civil disturbances where citizens may become unruly.
Final Word
These safety tips shouldn't deter you from volunteering abroad. Instead, they should serve to remind you to be wise on your adventure.
Important Tips for Volunteers/Travelers
- Make two copies of all important documents (i.e. passports, credit cards, traveler's insurance, air/bus/train tickets, driver's licenses, etc.) before you leave home. Leave one copy with someone at home and keep the other with you, separate from the originals.
- Do not leave your bags or articles unattended in the airport or agree to watch other people's luggage.
- Do not take large amounts of cash with you on your person. Carry traveler's checks and/or credit cards.
- Hide your valuables on your person.
- Lock your valuables, including your passport and air tickets, in the hotel safe when available.
- Do not flash jewelry, expensive cameras, or other electronic equipment.
- When traveling, make sure someone knows your travel itinerary.
- Do not travel to countries the State Department has advised not to travel to. Review existing travel advisories concerning the country or region to which you will be traveling.
- Maintain regular contact with the international office at your campus.
- Integrate into the university community as fully as possible.
- Keep informed through radio and television broadcasts. Develop a political awareness.
- Avoid large crowds or demonstrations. Get out of the area immediately.
- If you are out at night, stay in well-lit areas; don't use short cuts or narrow alleys.
- When going out at night, travel with a group.
- If you're out on the town, always keep enough money with you for a taxi back to your accommodation.
- Maintain regular contact with "home" so parents and others are assured of your safety.
- Contact the proper authorities and know what you would do in an emergency situation.
Be aware of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). DVT can be brought on by prolonged sitting during air travel. Sitting motionless for long periods may increase the risk of blood pooling and clotting in your legs. DVT can be prevented by a number of actions such as stretching before, during and after your flight. More information can be found at the official DVT website.
Hygienic Precautions
The most common health complaint in any developing nation is an upset stomach/diarrhea/vomiting. In many cases the illness may be attributed merely to a change in diet, but occasional cases of food poisoning can occur, whereby the symptoms occur very quickly, severely and explosively. These are seldom serious or extended illnesses, but medical treatment should be sought if it occurs.
Tap water cannot be considered safe to drink anywhere in many if not most countries, thus only bottled, boiled, filtered or iodine-treated water should be consumed. Once again it is worth remembering that this applies equally when drinking and cleaning teeth. Rustic host families can fill up water bottles each morning with boiled water (often freshly boiled) and there are taps on site if you need more and have iodine to treat it with. Encouraging everyone to drink plenty of water is a priority as you can sweat it out incredibly.
Hygienic Precautions
While traveling in developing countries, please take the following Hygienic precautions:
- Don’t drink water from the tap.
- Don’t use water from the tap to brush your teeth.
- Don’t use ice cubes made from tap water.
- Only drink/use water that comes in sealed bottles or that was boiled previously.
- Don’t eat/drink dairy products that have not been pasteurized.
- Don’t eat anything that was not cooked, fried or peeled.
Even if you follow these rules you may still get diarrhea at some point. It generally lasts for 2 – 3 days and is not serious. You should, however, drink lots of water (from sealed bottles) during these days and avoid spicy foods
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