Personal Security Guidelines
These guidelines have been established not to scare you, but to ensure you are prepared to travel to an international destination. Thieves, pickpockets, and others often victimize tourists and individuals that appear vulnerable at the moment. This could happen in any large city in America and would apply here as well as overseas. Not adhering to these guidelines will make you susceptible to crime.
Be aware of your surroundings at all time. Always look around and look for others that may be watching you or our group. At the same time, enjoy your trip and don’t be paranoid. SAC usually travels in teams and this is the safest way.
Passports and Visa should be on your person at all times. Police listen for English language being spoken and they may stop you. If you are without your passport and visa they may escort you to the nearest jail and try their best to get whatever funds they think they can get out of you. Usually, the fine (bribe) is $50. Don't pay them anything if you have your visa and passport in your possession.
Gypsy children may approach you to beg for money. Groups of these children have been known to frisk pockets, unzip backpacks, and grab items you are carrying while other children are drawing your attention by creating a disturbance. Immediately put your hands on your most valuable possessions and stand your ground by giving a firm “Nyet”. Do not make a scene or panic. Ensure you stay close to the group.
Trip participants must travel in groups of 3 or more when leaving the hotel. One of those 3 must be an adult male. It’s recommended that female trip participants not be alone in the hotel or on elevators.
Expensive and excessive jewelry should be left at home. Diamond, gold or silver rings, earrings, and necklaces should not be worn or brought. Inexpensive watches should be worn. Do bring anything that you would mind loosing.
When someone knocks at your hotel door, ask the person to identify themselves. Do not open the door unless you know who is on the other side.
If someone calls your room asking for personal information like credit card numbers, or information about our group, get their number for you to call back. Then inform the mission trip director.
Know the name of the hotel you are staying at and have a hotel business card or written down address and phone number in case you are separated from the group.
If you ever get separated from the group on the metro or in the city, stay where you last saw your team members. The team will find you. Be sure to stay in a public area where you can be seen by others and by the teammates looking for you.