Safety internati


H


ow do you regard overseas business travel? A necessary evil – or a


wonderful opportunity to see exotic locations, meet interesting people and discover places you wouldn’t normally visit on your holidays?


Being in an unusual location can be stimulating and invigorating, unless you’re talking about the inside of the taxi from the airport, back-to-back meetings, customer dinners, endless calls to the office and the flight home. Then there’s the jet lag…


But irrespective of the nature or location of your trip, one of the main considerations is to stay safe in everything you do whilst you’re away from home, and to ensure you have everything you need for a smooth trip. Here are some top tips:


• Double check your passport Make sure you have at least six months (from the date of your return) until your passport expires and that there are at least two blank pages. Make sure your spouse, family or colleagues have a photocopy in case of problems. Check that you have the appropriate visa(s).


• Check your insurance cover Does your travel insurance apply overseas, and for business? Does it cover emergencies? If not, increase your cover. Obtain the details of your company insurance before you travel?


• Share your itinerary It’s sensible to let colleagues and family know where you’re scheduled to be and when, and your accommodation and travel details.


• Data roaming Make sure your mobile phone is set up for where you’re visiting in advance of your trip, but remember that data roaming can be costly. Many business travellers have an international calling and data plan.


• Car rental If you need to rent a car or van, try to arrange it before you travel, with a reputable company. Check and confirm the condition of the vehicle and fuel level before you sign the hire papers.


• Travel alerts Read up on the local weather, crime and even the terrorism picture. Check out where the nearest embassy or consulate is, just in case.


• Electrical adaptor Make sure you have the appropriate mains power adaptors for local sockets and voltages.


• Take some cash Most countries use credit cards; but in some you’ll still need cash when paying for taxis, tips or other incidentals. Make sure you have enough.


• Fraud alerts Notify your payment and credit card company of the countries you will be visiting and on what dates, so they don’t assume your card is stolen and cancel it when you need it most. If you do lose your card, notify the issuer immediately. Remember that paying by credit card provides you with more protection.


• Medicines Always carry a small medicine bag with the basics for stomach upsets, headaches and other problems. Insect repellent is also a must in some climates. Make sure you have all the proper vaccinations in plenty of time, and that you have renewed all essential prescriptions.


• Pack spare clothes in your cabin bag Just in case you and your hold luggage end up in different places.


• Directions Make sure you have Google Maps on your phone to help you find your way around (and to avoid getting lost) in an unfamiliar city. Pocket guides are a good thing to have too.


• Pickpockets Pickpockets operate everywhere. Keep your wits about you, put your cash and wallet in hard-to-reach places and be discreet with your mobile phone.


• Keep your valuables safe Try to get a hotel room with a safe in it – or at least the use of the hotel safe deposit box. Be careful what you leave out in your room when you go out.


• Wi-Fi hotspots Don’t use the Wi-Fi hotspot in your hotel room or cafes for confidential business. It may not be secure, even if you need a password. Instead, use a VPN, secure dongle, or your data allowance.


• Get to know the area When you get to your hotel, ask for a local map and one of their business cards, so you can find your way around… and back to the hotel.


26 © CI TY S ECURI TY MAGAZ INE – WINT ER 2016/ 17


www. c i t y s e cu r i t yma g a z i ne . com


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