6 Europe Tour Travel Tips to Stay Safe and Avoid Scams Abroad

 

Whether it’s a once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon trip or enjoying a well-deserved Europe tour, you’re going to remember your next international trip for a long time to come.

 

Hopefully for the right reasons.

 

Crime can happen anywhere, to anyone. But international travelers are commonly more vulnerable to these unfortunate incidents. 

 

Traveling to Europe for tourism soon? Here are some straightforward precautions and common tourist scams that you can take note of when traveling in Europe.

 

Photo credit: Getty Images

 

General Precautions to Take While Traveling Abroad

 

No matter where you’re going, take these basic precautions to safeguard your life, money, and property.

 

1. Know Your Whereabouts 

The first rule of traveling abroad is: Don’t get lost.

 

Make use of your Google Maps app to worm your way out of confusing warrens.

 

If GPS is not available, do yourself a favour and get a local Europe tour map! 

 

Photo credit: Henry Perks / Unsplash

 

2. Find Out How to Get Around 

Before traveling, spend some time studying the roads and transit systems to get you around the city. 

 

Find out: 

-Which walking pathway gets you to the nearest supermarket? 

-Which subway line brings you to the museum across town, etc. 

 

3. Budget Your Expenses

 

Photo credit: Allef Vinicius / Unsplash

 

You also want to know the cost and expenses for you to get around the city, so you don’t get scammed by meterless taxi drivers or local restaurants overcharging you!

 

Some questions to keep in mind:

-How much is a single-ride ticket and a multi-day subway pass? Which is better and more cost-effective?

-Is the taxi driver using a meter?

-Is using the local bike sharing system or renting my bike more practical?

 

Do your research and ask yourself these questions before you reach your destinations! 

 

Best if you can do a Europe tour budget and jot down in your phone notes.

 

4. Keep A Picture of Your Loved Ones & Their Passports

Photo credit: Jeremy Bezanger / Unsplash 

Sounds silly, but keep a copy of the pictures of your friends or family and their passports – can be useful to find them if and only if they (or you) go missing, especially when the local authorities may not be good at English!

 

A passport copy can also help to expedite the passport replacement process too!

 

5. Find out the Nearest Embassy & How to Reach It

Photo credit: Markus Winkler / Unsplash 

 

Whether you are traveling alone or in a group, it is important to know:

-Where is the nearest Malaysian embassy?

-How to contact it?

-How to get there?

 

Why? 

Because if you get into trouble such as losing your passport or you have emergencies and you need to extend your visa stay in Europe tour, you will need to head to the embassy and get assistance ASAP!

 

Note: Leave your passport and important documents in your hotel or hostel room safe at all times to reduce the risk of being pickpocketed!

 

6. Learn the Local Language

Photo credit: sigmund / Unsplash 

 

Learning a few simple phrases such as hi, bye, how are you… are good ways to connect with the locals! 

 

Use a free smartphone translation app such as Google Translate to get your pronunciation down.

 

Or consider investing in software-based language courses such as through Duolingo.

 

Common Scams and Safety Risks Abroad

International travelers face a slew of common scams and threats to their safety. Let’s find out:

 

1. Petty Crimes 

What It Is:

• Pickpocketing
• Bag snatching

 

Reduce Your Risk:

• If possible, limit your cash usage and swap to a credit card or e-wallets. 
• Always keep your bags in front of you.
• Never leave your bag unattended, especially in crowded areas

2. Stealing Data on Public Wi-Fi 

Photo credit: Bernard Herment / Unsplash

 

What It Is: Using public wifis when you are traveling means you are more susceptible to hackers and cyber criminals who will steal your data such as passwords, account numbers, emails, messages, etc. via the public internet! 

 

Reduce Your Risk:

• Don’t connect to open Wi-Fi networks unless it’s an emergency. 
• Use Your Phone’s roaming data or hotspots. 
• Avoid logging into any accounts, including email and social media, if possible. It’s better if you don’t log in to any sensitive portals like bank accounts, or work-related platforms. Best to do so when you are back in your hotel room!

3. No-Meter Taxis

Photo credit: Lexi Anderson / Unsplash 

 

What It Is: Some taxi drivers in Europe will outright refuse my meter request, instead, they give you a flat fee well above what they’d earn from the meter alone. 

 

Very common in condensed tourist spots! 

 

Reduce Your Risk:

• Always ask your driver to turn on the meter before the car starts moving. Don’t buy the “but the meter isn’t working” excuse.
• If they refuse, just say bye-bye to them.
• Get your hotel concierge to book a taxi for you instead.

4. Counterfeit Bill Scams

Photo credit: Simon Kadula / Unsplash 

 

What It Is: Common at mom-and-pop shops, currency exchange windows, and restaurants. 

 

Some local tourist tours may even try to scam and ask you to join their Europe tour packages at an extra cost!

 

They will usually not put a price tag on the items or meals, then when you are about to pay, the bills will almost give you a heart attack!

 

 

Reduce Your Risk: 

• Do your research on the tourist agencies and Europe tour packages before joining any when abroad.
• Ask for the final price before you make any decision. Best to do a voice recording when that happens.
• Keep sight of your money when doing the transactions.

 

Whether you are an experienced traveler or first-timer, there’s no way you can anticipate every potential threat. There are too many unknowns in this world.

 

The best you can do is keep a watchful eye when things don’t look right. 

 

But don’t let it spoil your good time, and come look at our Insight Vacations Exclusive Europe Tours 2