USA: Mugging and theft
The biggest fear for most travelers is mugging , though it's nothing to get overly paranoid about. It's impossible to give hard and fast rules about what to do if confronted by a mugger. Whether to run, scream or fight depends on the situation - but most locals would just hand over their money.Of course, the best thing is simply to avoid being mugged. Remember a few basic rules: don't flash money around; don't peer at your map at every street corner, thereby announcing that you're a lost stranger; if drunk, take a taxi to your hotel; avoid dark streets; and in the wee hours stick to the street-side edge of the sidewalk, so you can run into the street to attract attention. If you must ask for directions, choose your target carefully. Consider carrying a wad of cash, perhaps $50, separate from the bulk of your holdings so that if you do get confronted you can hand over something of value without losing everything.
If the worst happens and your assailant is toting a gun or (more likely) a knife, try to stay calm: remember that he (for this is generally a male pursuit) is probably scared, too. Keep still, make no sudden movements - and hand over your money. When he's gone, find a phone and dial 911 , or hail a cab and ask the driver to take you to the nearest police station. Here, report the theft and get a reference number on the report to claim insurance and travelers check refunds. If you're in a big city, call the local Travelers Aid (their numbers are listed in the telephone directory) for sympathy and practical advice.
Hotel-room burglary is another potential problem. Always store valuables in the hotel safe when you go out; when inside, keep your door locked and don't open it to anyone who causes you to be suspicious. If they claim to be hotel staff and you don't believe them, call reception to check.
Obviously, losing your travel documents - and especially your passport - is a traveler's nightmare. If you are unlucky in this respect, go to the nearest consulate and get a temporary passport - little more than a sheet of paper saying you've reported the loss - which will suffice to get you out of America and back home.
Useful phone numbers to report stolen checks and cards
American Express checks tel 1-800/221-7282; cards tel 1-800/869-3016,
Citibank tel 1-800/645-6556,
Diners Club tel 1-800/234-6377,
Mastercard tel 1-800/826-2181,
Thomas Cook/Mastercard tel 1-800/233-7373,
Visa checks tel 1-800/227-6811
Visa cards tel 1-800/847-2911,
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