Trust
your instincts. When someone offers you help, look at
the offer with a critical eye. If you need help with
anything, then go to the tourist agency, police or
other established agency. They're there to do exactly
that - help you - without hidden agendas. Remember
that travelling is physically demanding, and you may
be more vulnerable than you think so it's important
that you simply adopt travelling safety standards and
stick to them no matter what.
Try to keep a strong, positive attitude. Blend in as
much as possible (don’t wear stuff that makes
you look like a "tourist."). Don’t
wear flashy or popular brand-name clothes when
travelling from city to city. This may attract
unwanted attention.
Keep your passport, money and other valuables in a
small pouch that is tucked into your jeans or under
your shirt. No outside purses or bum bags - thieves
will cut the strap, grab it and run! Don’t take
your hidden satchel off, ever! Take it to the
showers! Sleep with it!
Stay away from subways when performing. While subway
busking is popular in some major cities such as Paris
and Vienna, most cities have laws against live music
performance in enclosed trains and walkway areas.
Some buskers do it, but at a risk. So while you may
wish to set up in a locale where the pedestrian
traffic abounds, don’t be surprised if the local
constabulary asks you to leave. Also, keep you eye on
your change hat. Gypsy kids will grab it and run onto
the train with it.
Ignore all stares, comments, and gestures from
strangers. Avoid eye contact, and keep moving. Yell
"Basta!" (Enough!) if someone is following
or harassing you.
Always find a safe place to sleep. If you sleep in
train stations or any other open areas, when you wake
up you’ll most certainly find that you've been
thoroughly ripped-off.
Never stay in an empty train carriage. Thieves will
come in while you’re sleeping and rip you off.
Avoid groups of kids - they’re professional
rip-off artists. They’ll surround you and pick
you clean.
If you’re a solo performer, stop your
performances at 9:00 PM. This will give you enough
time to get your things together, and to travel back
to your hotel/hostel before they lock-up for the
night (usually 11:00pm).
Keep a separate copy of all your important documents
(passport, credit card, driving licence, student ID,
hostel card), traveller's cheque numbers and contact
phone numbers in another location so you'll have an
easier time trying to get them cancelled and replaced
if they're lost or stolen.
