Avoiding Theft & Scams

As a stranger in a strange land, you will sometimes be perceived as an “easy target,” by those looking to make some extra cash.  Although violent crime is fairly atypical in most of the medical tourism countries that we list, there are plenty of scam artists out there who can walk away with your money without laying a single finger on you.  Common sense should protect you in most situations.  But because you’ll be in unfamiliar surroundings most of the time, you won’t always realize what is happening until it’s too late. 

In other sections of this site, we cover Airline Safety, Hotel Safety, and Taxi Safety.  The following tips are more general in nature, and apply to all travelers, regardless of age, sex, or medical condition. 

Protect Your Bags at All Times

Your bags should remain with you at all times, unless you check them at the airport or leave them behind in your hotel room.  If at all possible, carry your luggage with you in the taxi’s cab (instead of putting it in the trunk), and if a porter or bellhop from the hotel offers to bring your bags up, make sure you stay with your belongings while he or she carries them for you. 

It’s also a good idea NOT to put your home address on your belongings.  Rather, put your office mailing address or the contact information of a close friend or relative.  If you ever get separated from your belongings, it will be easy for others to deduce that your home is probably empty. 

Don’t Project Affluence

This is obviously easier said than done.  The very fact that you are a tourist will immediately signal to most onlookers that you have cash to spend.  But that still doesn’t mean you should walk around with tons of jewelry, designer clothes, and other outward displays of affluence or wealth.  Notable exceptions include medical bracelets and wedding rings (we typically recommend that lone female travelers wear wedding rings, whether they are married or not). 

Also, keep in mind that “wealth” is an extremely subjective term.  You might be struggling to make ends meet at home, but in certain cities in India, Thailand, or Brazil, your “modest” background might seem luxurious and extravagant to those who have little.  Thus, the easiest way to dress down is to take your cues from the locals.  If they don’t wear designer watches, you shouldn’t wear designer watches.  If they wear simple clothing, you should do likewise. 

Keep Your Travel Plans to Yourself

Be wary of strangers or “friendly” locals who take a keen interest in your travel plans.  This is not to say that you should be secretive or rude.  You might honestly miss out on some of the local hot spots and attractions if you avoid locals altogether.  You should just be aware that if strangers can glean enough information about your travel itinerary and future whereabouts, they can also determine when your hotel room will be empty, when you might be vulnerable, and what type of budget you have. 

Only Travel with One or Two Credit Cards

If you normally walk around with Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Diners Club, and various other credit cards back home, consider scaling your wallet down for the duration of your travels.  We typically recommend only carrying one or two credit cards.  And make sure that you have the card numbers and customer service phone numbers written down in case your wallet is stolen (obviously keep these phone numbers away from your wallet). 

It’s also not a bad idea to separate your cards (one in your wallet, and one in your carry-on).  That way, if one gets stolen, you still have a backup card to get you through the rest of your trip. 

Don’t Accept Drinks or Food from Strangers

This is fairly common sense, but there might be numerous times throughout your medical tourism vacation when a friendly local wants to share his or her country's cuisine with you.  Unless you have sufficient history with this person or feel comfortable enough with your surroundings, you should probably refuse any refreshments from strangers.   

Watch Your Refreshments at All Times

Never leave your food or beverages unattended; not even to go to the bathroom.  If you’re eating alone, finish your meal first before getting up from the table.  This is especially important at bars and clubs.  Never leave your drink unattended for any reason. 

If Detained by the Police, Always Request Identification

Imagine that you’re walking down the street, and a police officer stops you in your tracks to examine your wallet.  You have been accused by a local shop owner of using counterfeit bills to pay for various souvenirs.  The officer confiscates your wallet, tells you to wait there, and goes off to find the shop owner.  Chances are, you will never see that police officer or your wallet ever again.

As ridiculous as this scenario sounds, scams exactly like this happen all the time.  Always ask for identification, and if necessary, ask to speak to the police officer’s superiors.  However, make sure that you maintain your cool.  If this individual truly is a police officer, getting mad and yelling will almost certainly make matters worse. 

Rent an Escort

For those who don’t like to hassle with the constant begging, haggling, and scams that often accompany international travel, hiring a professional escort or guide can often be beneficial.  He or she will be able to steer you away from high crime areas, intervene when scams are about to occur, and handle most of the travel arrangements throughout the duration of your trip.  Just make sure that you stick with a reputable company that has a Web site, office, and phonebook listing.  Some “escorts” are scam artists themselves, so always be on the lookout. 
 
 
 
 

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