If you are planning to take your holidays in a third world country, it is very important that you understand that Westerners traveling to these countries are usually the number one targets for criminals because it is believed that they more than likely travel with a lot of money, even if that's not the case, it is believed to be true.
The first thing you need to be aware of when you plan to travel in a third world country are some of the most common problems you could run into.
One would be police imposters.
You may run across people who have badges and even wearing a police uniform that are actually criminals simply in disguise.
You should be extremely wary of anyone who comes up to you posing as police asking you to show them your money.
Make sure you request that they take you to their closest police station before you will allow them to search your belongings or your person.
It is common to run into your food or drinks being drugged.
So it is very important that you don't accept any kind of food or drink from anyone when you are traveling on any type of public transportation.
This is a quick and easy way for them to drug you and then rob you.
If you need to exchange your money, it's a good idea to go to an official money changing center.
You will run into people who will approach you and volunteer to change your money for good rates.
They will first show you a substantial roll of legitimate money and then when you give them your money they will have switched the money with a roll of worthless money.
You should also make sure that you try to avoid any type of crowd where you have to slow down your pace.
When you slow down while walking you become an easy target for pickpockets.
You should also be suspicious of anyone who tries to slow you down by falling right in front of you, or some other ruse that will make you stop and help them.
Also, always be aware of who might be walking behind you.
If you discover that after a few minutes the same person is still walking behind you, be very careful of this person and their intentions.
Try not to go around with big suitcases.
If you go around with large luggage you become more visible and it will also be harder for you to defend yourself against someone who may try to rob you.
It is also a good idea to have a decoy wallet, one that is visible to the outside and store your money elsewhere.
This will keep you from having your money stolen if someone tries to rob you.
If you are a woman traveling in one of these countries, never ever respond to any stranger, not even if they seem harmless.
It is never a very good idea for a woman traveling in any of these countries to respond to men who come up to them and try to talk to them.
The proper behavior is simply cold silence and a lot of indifference.
Understand that even if a woman says "No.
" this is considered the start of conversation.
Also understand that if a woman smiles and says nothing that in some of these countries it means "I'm saying yes even if I said no.
" You can avoid becoming a target by walking fast all the time and remember when you stop to browse you instantly become an easy target.
Whatever you do never wear expensive jewelry and clothes.
Try, if you can to dress like the locals do so you give off the impression that you live there and are not traveling.
So it's important to learn to dress quite humbly to be able to fit in.