8 Tips to Stay Safe in a Foreign Country

When moving abroad, one concern that you may be having is how to stay safe. When you’re in a different country by yourself, it’s certainly understandable to be worried about your well-being. Being cautious is natural, and at the end of the day, it’s better to be prepared than end up in a dangerous situation.

Below we are going to talk about eight tips you should follow to stay safe if you’re thinking of moving to a foreign country.

Let’s get started.

1. Invest in health insurance.

First on the list, and one of the most important things you need to do to stay safe abroad is to invest in health insurance. You shouldn’t leave home without it.

If an accident does occur and you need medical treatment, a single trip to the hospital could cost thousands, which you probably aren’t prepared for. Yes, you can think, “It won’t happen to me.” But what if it does? Check out this Health Insurance in UK to get started. Trust us when we say it’s essential.

2. Research your new home in advance.

Another crucial thing to do when moving overseas is to thoroughly research the country and town you will be living in. This includes learning about:

– Local laws, customs, traditions, and politics.
– Emergency services and phone numbers.
– Work rights.
– Transport options.
– Average cost of living.

The more you prepare yourself, the easier it will be to settle down into your new environment. Check out government websites, online forums, and good old travel books to get started.

3. Learn the local language.

If you don’t speak the native language of the country, you will be moving too; it’s a good idea to start practicing as soon as possible. While you don’t need to be completely fluent, you want to be able to hold a basic conversation and ask important questions. Take a look at some language-learning apps to begin your journey. If you’re struggling, think about taking some classes online with a personal tutor.

4. Keep your important documents secure.

When you’re in another country, you always want to be prepared for the unexpected. This is why it’s vital that you keep your important documents secure in case you need to verify your identity. Your passport, visa, references, birth and marriage certificates, insurance information, prescriptions, and license need to be stored in a safe spot. In some situations, it can be worth keeping a copy as well.

5. Act like a local.

Criminals often target foreigners because they look like they don’t know what they are doing. By acting like a local, you’re less likely to draw attention and can avoid scams. Some ways you can do this include:

– Dressing the same as everyone else.
– Eating and drinking local food.
– Obeying customs and traditions.
– Not wearing or carrying expensive equipment. E.g., camera.

While it might take a little bit of getting used to, it can make a big difference, and you’ll be able to truly immerse yourself in what will soon be your new life.

6. Regularly check in with family and friends.

Even if you are moving alone, it’s still important to check in with your family and friends back home. If something does happen and they can’t get a hold of you, they can contact the appropriate authorities. Let them know of your address, place of work, and any other locations that you frequently visit. If you have a trusted friend nearby, consider installing a tracking system on your phone for emergencies.

7. Learn about the public transport system.

Chances are that you won’t be driving your own vehicle when moving abroad and instead will be relying on the public transport system. Once you arrive, you’ll want to do your best to learn the ins and outs of it as soon as possible. Study the time schedule so that you avoid missing the last train/bus/tram. If you do happen to be in a strange area, learn to recognize and identify registered taxis.

8. Use common sense.

Finally, the last tip for staying safe in a foreign country is to use general common sense that you would anywhere else. Just like in your normal place of residence, there are some rules you should always follow. Some of which include:

– Never posting your address or location on social media.
– Avoiding walking late at night by yourself.
– Paying full attention while you are in an unfamiliar area.
– Having a plan in place for unexpected situations.
– Keeping your money and personal belongings secure.

When in doubt, remember to trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel quite right, it probably isn’t.

And that’s it! By following the above, you can remain as safe as possible while moving abroad. So what are you waiting for? Get out and start enjoying your new adventure.