TOURIST SAFETY TIPS

presented by

Chamber of Commerce Copán Ruinas, Copán Honduras, C.A.

Personal safety begins with awareness to dangers and risks. With awareness, most dangerous situations can be avoided.

COMMON SENSE PRECAUTIONS TO PROTECT YOURSELF WHILE TRAVELING IN PARADISE.

1. Passports

a. Before you leave home it is a good idea to make two (2) copies of the front page of your passport and leave one copy with a friend or family member.

b. It is advisable to keep the original passport separate from the second copy while traveling, but always have at least one of them with you at all times.

c. When en route to your destination keep the passport on your person at all times, and not in a backpack.

d. Unless specifically needed it is a good idea to leave your passport, most of your cash, travelers checks, and other valuables in a sealed envelope with your signature across the seal in the hotel safe. If the hotel does not have a safe available, it is safer to leave those items in a locked suitcase or backpack in your room than to carry them with you on the street.

2. Valuables

Currency

a. It is useful to have a money pouch for your waist or string purse around your neck. Place your valuables in it and wear it underneath your clothing.

b. When changing money for local currency, ask for smaller denominations. Smaller villages and street vendors have difficulty changing large denominations. When using a money belt place the larger bills in the belt itself and the smaller bills in your outside pockets.

c. Do not pull a large amount of cash out of your pocket when making a purchase. Somebody may be watching.

d. If you need to use a bank machine it is better during the day. If

night time use is required it is advisable to utilize a machine in a mall

or a machine with a guard posted outside.

3. Credit Cards

a. When paying with a credit card get the receipt with your credit card number and the carbon paper, if used, destroy before placing in the garbage.

4. Jewelry

Place jewelry out of site (i.e. inside the collar of your shirt). Or better yet leave your jewelry at home.

5.Transportation

Buses

a. There are three types of bus service in Central America, luxury, direct, and conventional (chicken bus or school bus). Luxury buses require you to purchase your tickets from the office. Do not buy your ticket from someone on the street. Backpacks, suitcases, and large bags should be secured under the bus with a tag from the bus service indicating your destination. Only give your bags to an individual that works for that company. If unsure, stand back and watch them place your bags on the bus.

b. Direct and conventional bus services allow you to purchase tickets in

their office, or on the bus itself, but again not on the street. If you buy your ticket on the bus try to have the exact amount because there are times when the assistant on the bus will forget to return your change from large bills. And it is advisable to not sit at the front. Allow other people to occupy the seats in front of you so that you can see the amount that they are paying. Backpacks and large suitcases will be placed under, in the rear, or on top of the bus. Again, pay attention to the person that handles your bags to guarantee that your bags go on the intended bus. Whenever the bus stops, pay attention to ensure that a stranger does not get off with your bags. Brightly colored backpacks are easily identified.

Taxis

a. If traveling at night it is advisable to lock all the doors and pay close attention to your surroundings.

b. If your bags are placed in the trunk be certain the trunk is closed securely.

6.Baggage

a. Always lock your bags. Avoid the cheap locks. Combination or key locks are equally effective.

b. Do not place your bags down without someone you trust standing over them. They may grow legs and walk away.

7. Directions

Map out your destination(s) before you set out. If you do get lost do not pull out a map or guide book on the street. Go into a store and look thru your map to get your bearings or ask an employee of the store. Nothing says “I am lost” like whipping out a map on a street. In a small town, ask two or three people, just to confirm the information is correct.

8. Restaurants

In a restaurant or open café keep your bags and purses in front of you or at your feet. Do not place bags over the arm of a chair.

9. Hotels

a. When staying in a hotel, it is possible keep the key when going out for the day/night. Less expensive hotels have a tendency to place room keys on the reception desk or in close proximity to it. A non employee of the hotel could utilize the key and slip into your room. b. Never tell anyone you do not know where you are staying. Scam artists use this deception to return to your hotel before you explaining to the clerk that you departed without your camera or money to gain entry into your room.

10.Beaches

a. It is advisable to use beaches in a private resort community or a beach

that utilizes security patrols or police.

b. Do not walk the beaches at night unless in a large group (6-7) people, or in a private secured beach community.