Personal protection when in other countries
Dec 3, 2019 06:34:22 #
This, I think, is an area in Photography that should be shared with others, especially for and with tyros, out for the first time "off shore". And with veteran travelers.
What should one be doing and practicing when going into another country to photograph?
Often, it is little things that we forget or do not realize. One simple act, for example, is pulling out the wallet to get the cash out for some payment. This "flashes the cash" to people milling around where several may decide to "lighten" the load. One suggestion is to spread the cash in small amounts about oneself to pull out as needed close to the amount of purchase. A twenty from one pocket and another twenty from another pocket to pay a tab of under forty dollars, i.e.
With camera equipment, one example, is not to having it hang around the neck on a strap. Too easy to cut the strap.
One particular thing that happened to me decades ago was the breaking into our motel room. Lost two cameras. What I forgot to do was to "sweep" the locks before going out for the evening. I thought the one on the window to the outside was engaged. I failed to test it.
What I would like this thread to do is give a place for "war stories" to alight, as well the stories about what was done before, during, and AFTER the trip. Photography can cause one to overlook this aspect of the trip. And I feel that this is a crucial area ignored in the process. We all can do a better job as to protecting ourselves and our equipment. We all can improve.
Your story...
What should one be doing and practicing when going into another country to photograph?
Often, it is little things that we forget or do not realize. One simple act, for example, is pulling out the wallet to get the cash out for some payment. This "flashes the cash" to people milling around where several may decide to "lighten" the load. One suggestion is to spread the cash in small amounts about oneself to pull out as needed close to the amount of purchase. A twenty from one pocket and another twenty from another pocket to pay a tab of under forty dollars, i.e.
With camera equipment, one example, is not to having it hang around the neck on a strap. Too easy to cut the strap.
One particular thing that happened to me decades ago was the breaking into our motel room. Lost two cameras. What I forgot to do was to "sweep" the locks before going out for the evening. I thought the one on the window to the outside was engaged. I failed to test it.
What I would like this thread to do is give a place for "war stories" to alight, as well the stories about what was done before, during, and AFTER the trip. Photography can cause one to overlook this aspect of the trip. And I feel that this is a crucial area ignored in the process. We all can do a better job as to protecting ourselves and our equipment. We all can improve.
Your story...
Dec 3, 2019 06:41:35 #
Great post. This is my biggest fear about traveling to foreign countries, especially in the third world. I look forward to more advise.
Dec 3, 2019 08:00:49 #
One suggestion made: Put together an itemized list of equipment being taken along. Include photographs showing model and serial numbers. Leave a copy at home and carry a copy while on the trip. Copies of sales slips to go along.
This accomplishes several things. It gives a value to present for insurance purposes. Some Home Owner policies may cover the loss. Or to purchase travel insurance to cover the loss. Good idea to touch base with local insurance companies before leaving for the trip. One caveat, there is a difference between "actual value" and "replacement value".
It provides information for retrieval of lost property. The police do scans for stolen equipment. The thefts do affect an important trade. The sightseers' money.
This accomplishes several things. It gives a value to present for insurance purposes. Some Home Owner policies may cover the loss. Or to purchase travel insurance to cover the loss. Good idea to touch base with local insurance companies before leaving for the trip. One caveat, there is a difference between "actual value" and "replacement value".
It provides information for retrieval of lost property. The police do scans for stolen equipment. The thefts do affect an important trade. The sightseers' money.
Dec 3, 2019 08:54:10 #
Been traveling around the Mediterranean and Middle East for the better part of 22 years. Apart from places like mosques and other local cultural places, I pretty much follow the same simple guidelines I would traveling around the U.S.
- Stay away from areas or neighborhoods that seem to be suspect, because they probably are.
- Not everyone is nice because they want to help, they want something.
- Stay away from anything that looks like a demonstration or gathering that isn't for a celebration.
- Wallets are easy targets, cash and ID in front pockets.
- Guided tours from reputable companies are the best option to prevent the above.
I don't think I've ever been to a country or area where I felt "unwelcome", but then again, I don't really go out looking for the bad either. :)
Enjoy!
- Stay away from areas or neighborhoods that seem to be suspect, because they probably are.
- Not everyone is nice because they want to help, they want something.
- Stay away from anything that looks like a demonstration or gathering that isn't for a celebration.
- Wallets are easy targets, cash and ID in front pockets.
- Guided tours from reputable companies are the best option to prevent the above.
I don't think I've ever been to a country or area where I felt "unwelcome", but then again, I don't really go out looking for the bad either. :)
Enjoy!
Dec 3, 2019 09:06:28 #
baygolf
Loc: DMV
When traveling with my camera local or international, I never use a camera slap the advertises the camera manufacturer, e.g., Canon. I also carry two camera bags: one for carrying all my gear for the trip, and a small bag for when I'm out taking pictures. Also, I put my lenses and flash unit in a safe.
Dec 3, 2019 09:08:02 #
Here is my story.
Years ago I had some rental property. The tenants moved out in a rush one night owing me a good sum in back rent. While cleaning out the place, after they left, I found a box full of Hotel and Motel keys; about 50 in all. You know, the type with a large plastic fob attached with the room number and address embossed on it. I turned the box over to the police and asked them what was going on. They said the guy was no doubt renting rooms and not returning the keys so he could steal from future occupants.
This gave him the wherewith all to enter these rooms at any time in the future; to steal items. If it was occupied when he entered, he would simply apologize profusely to the occupants; say something disparaging about the dumb front desk clerk giving him the wrong key and leave. If the room was not occupied, he could pick up anything he wanted; locking the door on his way out. In some cases he might watch the place until the occupants left, then enter the room and steal what ever he wanted.
It seems we live in perilous times.
Years ago I had some rental property. The tenants moved out in a rush one night owing me a good sum in back rent. While cleaning out the place, after they left, I found a box full of Hotel and Motel keys; about 50 in all. You know, the type with a large plastic fob attached with the room number and address embossed on it. I turned the box over to the police and asked them what was going on. They said the guy was no doubt renting rooms and not returning the keys so he could steal from future occupants.
This gave him the wherewith all to enter these rooms at any time in the future; to steal items. If it was occupied when he entered, he would simply apologize profusely to the occupants; say something disparaging about the dumb front desk clerk giving him the wrong key and leave. If the room was not occupied, he could pick up anything he wanted; locking the door on his way out. In some cases he might watch the place until the occupants left, then enter the room and steal what ever he wanted.
It seems we live in perilous times.
Dec 3, 2019 09:16:50 #
Dec 3, 2019 09:49:49 #
Stephan G wrote:
This, I think, is an area in Photography that shou... (show quote)
Not sure where you live, but all those problems exist in my home country, the USA. I have had less concern in some countries, like Ireland and Japan. Berlin, Germany (really most of Germany) is pretty safe. Dubai and the UAE likewise. Some other countries cause me concern (South Africa, Latin America and Brasil) but only a little more than the USA.
As you seem unaware of what happens here. Metro areas in the USA have issues with juvenile gangs. Especially bicycle gangs lately. Assaults around public transportation pop up in the news quite frequently.
I wear pants with zippered pockets, keep a little cash for immediate use in a separate pocket, use a camera strap with a metal cord that runs through it. And I do that wherever I am.
Dec 3, 2019 10:03:08 #
dsmeltz wrote:
Not sure where you live, but all those problems ex... (show quote)
Old joke: Name the first English speaking country one enters going South from downtown Detroit, MI?
The USA is off-shore to someone.
Your addition is worthwhile and notable.
Answer: Canada.
Dec 3, 2019 10:17:12 #
Pistnbroke
Loc: UK
Friend went to India with the intent of getting his Canon D5 stolen for the insurance ….brought it home !
Dec 3, 2019 10:31:20 #
Stephan G wrote:
With camera equipment, one example, is not to having it hang around the neck on a strap. Too easy to cut the strap.
Definitely not easy to cut through my thick leather strap! Even with a sharp enough tool, it would take far too long and require too much physical effort for anyone to cut through it without me noticing it.
Dec 3, 2019 11:21:47 #
rook2c4 wrote:
Definitely not easy to cut through my thick leather strap! Even with a sharp enough tool, it would take far too long and require too much physical effort for anyone to cut through it without me noticing it.
Just to be a devil's advocate. How about small bolt cutter to get at the rings or rivets? Assuming that is how the strap is attached. If it is sewn on, a sharp Exacto blade can slice through many stitches.
The intent is to show that one should not exclude other ways around a presumed barrier in considering their equipment.
Sadly, when someone decides to steal, they will find a way. One of the main reason to be aware of your environs, everywhere.
Dec 3, 2019 13:37:36 #
Harry0
Loc: Gardena, Cal
dsmeltz wrote:
Not sure where you live, but all those problems ex... (show quote)
New one on the news.
This is California. We all just had over a week of online sales.
And one out of six packages left out are stolen here.
Kids on bicycles are phoning in where those delivery trucks went.
There were a couple USPS drivers calling the police to turn in the tag number of the car following them.
Dec 3, 2019 13:49:46 #
Harry0 wrote:
New one on the news.
This is California. We all just had over a week of online sales.
And one out of six packages left out are stolen here.
Kids on bicycles are phoning in where those delivery trucks went.
There were a couple USPS drivers calling the police to turn in the tag number of the car following them.
This is California. We all just had over a week of online sales.
And one out of six packages left out are stolen here.
Kids on bicycles are phoning in where those delivery trucks went.
There were a couple USPS drivers calling the police to turn in the tag number of the car following them.
Yeah! Forgot about Porch Pirates! Which is why I have packages delivered to pickup places. I can pickup at Whole Foods or the local UPS self serve. Also my wife's office has a front desk that receives packages. I NEVER have packages sent to the house.
Dec 3, 2019 14:04:06 #
jdubu
Loc: San Jose, CA
My travel kit is an OpTech sling strap with cable wire running through it to deter cut and run. I carry my gear in a PacSafe backpack with clip lock zippers and straps that can be attached/reattached onto furniture. The PacSafe has woven steel mesh, strap cables and Rfid pockets. I have one of those retractable key chains attached to my shoulder strap with a whistle for easy access cause it might help, can't hurt.
My passport, money, ID, etc is in a comfortable waist money belt, while I keep a copy of passport, ID, low limit CC and some spending money in a small business card style wallet in a zippered pocket of my jacket or pants. I leave extra gear in my room secured or hidden as well as possible during day trips out and about.
Anything else is just awareness of your surroundings and avoid possible bottlenecks where your safety may be compromised. I consider these my basics, then I really just enjoy the experience of being there.
My passport, money, ID, etc is in a comfortable waist money belt, while I keep a copy of passport, ID, low limit CC and some spending money in a small business card style wallet in a zippered pocket of my jacket or pants. I leave extra gear in my room secured or hidden as well as possible during day trips out and about.
Anything else is just awareness of your surroundings and avoid possible bottlenecks where your safety may be compromised. I consider these my basics, then I really just enjoy the experience of being there.
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