Be Security Conscious When You Travel on Business
Executives make the perfect target for people looking to take a wealthy or well-connected person hostage. You should plan on taking good security measures even if it costs more money or you have to take out short-term business loans. The cost for not being watchful when you travel internationally can be the kidnapping and death. Here are few good tips to get you started.
Don’t Advertise
Believe it or not, when you step off the plain wearing a suit and carrying an attache case, most people can figure out you are business person, including hostage takers. In places that are desperate for money, thieves will thank you for advertising who you are and making things easy for them. You have to change the way you look, even if you’re headed for a business meeting off the plane. If you can’t fit into the locals, then try looking like a tourist – anything, but a fully loaded business man.
Keep a Low Profile
Don’t ask for the corporate suite or corporate rates, all which indicate you are there on business. Don’t give out a business card with your company name on it. Stay off the phone unless you’re really lost or in trouble, otherwise it too can signal that you have money on hand.
Driving Around Town
This is when you are most vulnerable if you are alone on your own. Don’t rent a car, opt to get driven, but only by someone with defensive driving skills. This can be set up before you get to your destination. If you must take a taxi, refrain from sitting in the front seat. As a woman, don’t share a cab. There are special companies that your company can hire that specialize in moving executives from one place to another with unmarked, well defended, cars. Many will even work to recover hostages, if that becomes a problem.
Keep Copies of Important Records
You might get your wallet or passport stolen and that means you’d better have photocopies of all your important documents. Keep that in a separate area than your person. Don’t visit unsafe areas where pick pockets and the criminal element might be looking for their next score. By following some common sense advice you can do business world-wide in a way that doesn’t put your employees at high risk.
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Muggers are always on a look-out for travelers, so it is always important to be cautious. As far as possible, we try to blend in with the crowd. But of course if we cannot (e.g. because of skin color), then always be in crowded places and not quiet locations.
Great tips you have there!