Expat Safety Abroad

by David Tompkins
expat safety abroad

Vital Information For Expat Safety Abroad While Living Overseas

Safety for individual expatriates and also companies that employ expats should be one of your top concerns. Anyone living abroad should make personal security a priority in today’s uncertain world. While it can be said that we are living in a safer world than 20 years ago, there are still lots of security challenges for those living the expat life. It is vital that expats take their safety and security seriously and take steps to make sure expats stay safe abroad and their expat family members is preserved. We have put together some important expat safety abroad tips and recommendations to assist those about to move abroad or already living offshore.

Be Prepared For Safety While Abroad

Being thoroughly prepared to face safety issues in an expat destination is a must before a crisis worsens. If it does, you should have the capacity to deal with it. The preparation should start well in advance before you start a new life as an expatriate. Simple steps like sharing your contact details with people who you can trust during an emergency will help. Keep duplicate copies of important documents like passport, educational certificates, asset records, marriage certificate, etc. safe in your native place. Your spouse, dependents, and even legal representative should be able to get all the important information whenever required.

Stay Abreast Of Travel Safety

Use various resources to know about the travel security requirements in your chosen destination. A thorough analysis of the crime rate, law and order situation, and political stability of the place is important before you decide to move in. Check out the high-risk and the relatively safe areas of the country you are heading to.

Before you board a flight, make sure that all the security requirements are met in terms of baggage and hand luggage. Currently, many airlines have strict rules regarding carrying fluids or gel in hand luggage. You can easily get specific information regarding luggage requirements from the carrier counter.

During your travel, it is better not to discuss your itinerary with strangers. Co-passengers may look friendly, but divulging personal information can be a risky affair. Being alert about your surroundings is a must, especially if you notice unattended things near you. Once you have boarded an aircraft, find out the exit doors and pass on this information to others accompanying you.

After reaching your destination, continue to be watchful and alert even if you are tired or suffering from jet lag. Unsuspecting people can get duped at this juncture. It is always better to have someone who can accompany you to your hotel or residence when you exit the airport.

When you are moving around in a car, taxi, or bus, be cautious about your belongings. Avoid isolated areas at night and try to stay in busy and populated places to ensure that you are not easily robbed. Also, let someone in your circle know whether you are heading to a place that is completely new to you.

Staying Safe at Your New Home Abroad

No matter whether you plan to stay in a hotel, apartment, or any other type of accommodation, you should always be cautious about the potential dangers in your locality. Speak to your landlord, nearby shopkeepers, and neighbors to know if you need to take any proactive safety measures. This will help you in dealing with a crisis without panicking.
As you gradually familiarize yourself with your surroundings, keeping a low profile would be better. Avoid displaying excessive wealth or security.

For instance, you don’t need a personal bodyguard unless this becomes mandatory for your security. When you hire domestic help, find out if that person is legally allowed to work for you. Also, keep their ID information and photographs in a file. Keep a list of emergency phone numbers including those of police, fire service, and ambulance. Also, note down the number and address of your native country’s embassy in your expat destination. In case of emergencies, you can always contact the staff in the embassy to help you out.

Keeping Expat Children Safe

Let your children know ways to stay safe abroad at home or at school. Make them understand that divulging their lone presence at home to a stranger over the phone can lead to security issues. Avoiding strangers and reporting any unwanted advances by an unknown person will keep children safe. You will have to ensure that they inform you about their whereabouts and timings if they are away from home. Children should know the route and address of their new home. If you have migrated to a place where the local language differs from yours, train your children to use the keywords and phrases of that particular dialect whenever they need help.

Self-Defense & Protection

You may require adequate protection if you migrate to a place where the security situation is quite serious. You may have to seek help from security personnel or resort to the use of firearms to keep yourself safe. However, always consult a credible source before you consider going for necessary protection. Find out if there are legal terms and conditions surrounding the much-needed security measures.

Emergency Planning

The tips mentioned above should help you in enjoying a secure and relaxed life as an expat. Prepare an exclusive plan of action that you would employ when emergencies arise during your days abroad. Don’t involve young children in your discussions about your plans. Emergency strategies may sound very alarming to family members, but ensure that everyone understands what needs to be done when a crisis arises. Keep revising the emergency plan of action at regular intervals.

Remember Global Health Coverage is Part of a Global Safety Plan

We would be remiss to not mention that if your safety plan fails or if a misfortune happens, it is quite important to have some global healthcare for you and your family members. We recommend that you obtain coverage from a supplier such as Expat Financial. They offer many different types of coverage – this can also often include expat life and disability insurance as well.

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