I got an email from a friend, Sharlene who is currently living in London with her hubby. They took a holiday during the easter weekend to Brussels and Brugge and had a great time.
A drama took place then during the trip. Her purse was pick pocked but thank God that she realised it in time and her purse was safe. She listed downsome pointers you might find useful when you travel:
- always put your wallet in your front pants pocket
- put only minimal cash and cards in your wallet
- use a money belt for the rest of your cash
- do not be friendly, nor enter into conversation with anyone. i.e. just give an assertive 'No' and walk away briskly no matter who the person is. whether needy, busker, friendly local, etc. approach everyone as suspicious. sad as it is, this is what the world has become. can't trust anyone. risky to be the good samaritan :P
- make sure that person keeps a distance from you if you want to engage them
- travel in big groups (don't travel alone)
- be aware of your surroundings and people following you
- be sensible about the street you use
- always padlock your backpack as you walk the city
- never loose sight of your bag, better still, keep your hand on it all times
- scan copies of your passport, drivers licence and credit card numbers and store it in your online email account (yahoo,gmail). of course be sensible in what and how you store your credit card numbers online (use some creativity to encrypt it so that it is not obvious in case your email is compromised. plus there is no need to store the expiry and verification code). in the case of losing your items, you can access it quickly over the internet and cancel your credit cards immediately. visa international can stop your card immediately if you give them your card number. if not, they will have to contact your bank to find your card details (which takes longer)
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