CreditCards.com reports that travelers in countries such as Columbia, Mexico and China have been kidnapped, robbed or murdered for their ATM cards. Using your card in high-traffic, well-lit areas -- such as malls, hotels and banks -- can minimize the risk of being attacked. Also, foreign ATM machines that look dirty or in disrepair may have been modified for nefarious purposes. By notifying the bank before traveling, you can avoid cardholder complications, such as having an account frozen for irregular spending activity while abroad.
Civil wars, tribal bloodshed and citizen protests can sweep the unwary tourist into local chaos. International news websites and the U.S. Department of State offer up-to-date information about travel conditions. Traveling within such unstable regions poses substantial risk, but local embassies can provide protection and evacuation assistance during such crises.
Not every foreign country poses a threat to tourists, but some regions of the world rank as more dangerous than others. The State Department advises travelers to avoid wearing blatantly expensive clothing or jewelry and carrying unnecessary amounts of cash. Dressing in native garb, traveling with a companion and paying attention to local customs and surroundings make you less of a target.
Even travelers heading to relatively safe countries should research their destination's laws on the State Department's website before leaving to avoid unnecessary trouble and possible detainment (See Resources). In Saudi Arabia, for example, taking pictures of mosques, people praying and certain government buildings can incur criminal penalties. If arrested, travelers should immediately request a call to the appropriate embassy.
