(content by Kitt)
While it does present some level of risk, travelling using public means can help travelers live like locals and also save a substantial amount of money.
Take some time to think about the following essential safety tips, before you start enjoying a foreign country’s public transportation system.
- Check For Official Permits Or badges
Look around to see whether you can spot an official badge that is normally displayed by any legitimate bus or taxi driver – if you don’t see one, you can choose not to board. Check the picture and confirm that it is the same driver, after spotting the badge.
You might find it harder to identify official buses and taxis in foreign countries, even though permits are displayed by taxi drivers in the US.
To find out whether badges must be displayed by employees of local bus and taxi companies, you can ask a local law enforcement officer or the concierge at your hotel. You can get an idea of what to look for from the information they provide.
- Familiarize Yourself With The Colors And Logos
Even if you currently don’t need one, you should try to familiarize yourself with the colors and logos of local buses and taxis. In case you end up needing one later on, you will be able to tell apart the fake and legitimate ones. There are many ways in which fake buses and taxis have been used to rob tourists. Fake taxis are used to kidnap unsuspecting tourists in some regions.
To avoid being taken on a dangerous ride, find out which ones are legitimate.
- Always Be Alert
If you don’t want to have your stuff, including backpack, camera and wallet stolen, you should avoid napping, checking messages and reading a book, regardless of how tempting it is, when using public means of transportation. Furthermore, if you sleep for too long, you may end up lost at the end of the bus route, without any means of going back.
No matter how tired you feel, be sure to stay awake. Apply the same knowledge when riding in a taxi, as you could be facing the same level of danger from an unscrupulous driver.
- Your Luggage Should Always Be As Close As Possible
If you are to remain in possession of your belongings, including luggage, you need to keep them close to you at all times just like you would in an airport. If every passenger on the train or bus has similar bags, or you have several bags, be sure to pay extra attention. When all of the bags are from the same manufacturer, it becomes easier for a thief to switch out one of yours with an empty one that looks exactly the same.
When you are standing, keep hold of your bags, or bunch them between your feet or on the seat right next to you, when you are sitting.
- Know Your Destination
You tell your driver the destination and expect that they will drive you there, an easy trap to fall into. However, you need to remember that you are not their responsibility; and, in the worst case scenario, their agenda may be criminal in nature.
You can keep yourself safer by having your own map and familiarizing yourself with the route.
- Avoid Crowded Buses
It becomes harder for you to keep your eyes on your bags, when people are pressing against you from all directions. Thieves and pickpockets will have an easier time robbing you and running away when you are in a crowd – avoid them at all costs.
Get off the bus at the next stop, provided that it looks safe and is well-lit, and wait for the next one if things get too crowded.
- Avoid Sharing Cabs
Sharing a taxi with a stranger can leave you exposed to various risks, even though you might see it as a way of saving costs. The person you share the cab with leaves something illegal behind – a common scam in some regions – and a fake cop stops the cab soon after, and discovers the contraband. You might end up being arrested and taken to a fake police station where your ID is swiped and sold online; or you may be subjected to a search and robbed.
Regardless of how kind they are, you should never share a taxi with strangers; only share with friends. If in doubt opt for car hire and don’t forget your car hire excess insurance.
- Familiarize Yourself with Emergency Numbers
Every country has a local emergency number that is not the same as the 911 number used in the US. You can save yourself a lot of trouble by simply knowing the number. Ask your hotel receptionist or consult your guidebook.
