• Learn about the culture and laws of the country to show respect and avoid breaking any laws.
• Get travel insurance to cover your medical bills, luggage, and other possessions during your stay.
• Stay informed by reading the news and staying in touch with your embassy for updates.
• Keep your family and friends updated on your whereabouts to ensure your safety.
• Be aware of your surroundings all the time, especially when walking alone at night.
Staying abroad for an extended period is an exciting adventure, whether traveling for business or pleasure. However, as much as it is thrilling, it can also be dangerous, especially if you don’t know how to keep yourself safe. It is, therefore, essential to learn ways of ensuring your safety while living overseas. This blog post will discuss some critical tips to keep yourself safe when staying abroad for an extended period. Be sure to keep these tips in mind to make your stay abroad a more pleasant and trouble-free experience.
1. Learn about the cultures and laws of the country
Before traveling abroad, ensure that you learn about the cultures and laws of the country. Familiarize yourself with the way of life and customs of their people. Different cultures have particular customs that you should observe to show respect. Additionally, other countries have laws and regulations you may not be used to, so you must educate yourself to avoid breaking any laws.
For example, some countries have strict laws against drug and alcohol consumption or even public displays of affection. Countries like Saudi Arabia have strict regulations concerning the consumption of alcohol and pork. These laws may be unfamiliar to you, and you could be in trouble if you are unaware of them.
2. Insure your possessions
Travel insurance is a valuable asset for anyone traveling abroad. Insurance can cover your medical bills, luggage, and other possessions. Also, it gives you peace of mind, knowing that you would be covered if anything were to happen. Some insurance policies also have an evacuation provision, which you can use to get back home in an emergency.
If you are unsure how long you’ll be staying, you should also consider getting life insurance. This will help provide financial security to your family if anything happens to you while abroad. You want to get localized insurance issued in the country where you are staying. For example, you should get life insurance in the Philippines if you currently live there. This will ensure that your insurance policy is valid in the country you are in.
3. Stay informed
Stay informed of what’s happening in the country you are living in. News is readily available online, be sure to read them to know what’s happening. Also, sign up for your embassy’s email list and follow their social media pages for any updates. This will inform you of any potential danger and how to stay safe.
You can also use this information to plan your trips. Knowing where you should avoid going can save you from getting into trouble with criminals or the law. If you’re still unsure, contact your embassy for advice.
4. Keep your family and friends updated
Keep your family and friends back home updated on your whereabouts, especially if traveling alone. This way, they can alert the relevant authorities if anything happens to you or if they can’t reach you. Here are some tips to share with your family and friends:
a. Text or call them regularly.
Your family and friends will know where you are by checking in regularly. Talk to them about your plans and ensure they know who you are with.
b. Share your location with a friend or family member.
There are mobile apps that can help you keep your family and friends updated on your whereabouts. You can also use services like Google maps or Apple’s Find My Friends.
c. Give your family and friends the contact details of your local embassy.
This is especially important if you are traveling alone. Your family and friends can contact your embassy in case of an emergency.
d. Tell someone when you’re leaving and arriving
Before heading out, make sure that you tell a family member or friend about your travel plans. Also, let them know when you’ve arrived safely at your destination.
5. Be aware of your surroundings
Be aware of your surroundings, especially when traveling alone at night. Avoid walking around with earphones, listening to music, or being on your phone, as they distract you from your surroundings. Also, avoid walking through dark alleys or lonely streets, especially at night. Always take the safest route to your destination, even if it means taking a long walk.
Living abroad is a great way to expand your horizons and experience different cultures. However, it’s important to stay safe when doing so. The above tips go a long way in ensuring that you stay alert and avoid unnecessary risks. Be sure to stay vigilant and take every precaution necessary to make your experience abroad a safe and enjoyable one.
