With a little luck, little nuances can get you in big trouble. Here are some general rules of thumb to enhance your awareness in avoiding sticky situations. A lot of it is common sense, but worth your while to review.
Remember, you are in a foreign country and are subject to the laws of that country! You are not protected by the US Constitution overseas.

• Learn about local rules and obey them.
• Carry an ATM card for quick, easy access to cash if needed (if your destination has few ATM's, traveler's checks may be a good alternative. Further, you'll want to call your ATM or credit card company prior to departure to let them know of your travel plans to ensure that no security block is placed on your account)
• Do not flash large amounts of money while paying bills.
• Be sure your credit card is given back after each transaction.
• Be sure to receive a "claim check" for each piece of checked luggage.
• Do not leave any valuables in the room while you are out.
• Conceal personal valuables (travelers' checks, money, passport, etc.) in several places to avoid easy theft. Put them in different pieces of hand luggage, on your person, or in the hotel safe.
• Do not leave bags unattended in public areas; packing light will help.
• Women should carry handbags in a secure manner to prevent snatch theft. To avoid motorcycle thieves, walk on the inside of paths and/or carry purse on the side away from the street.
• Keeping a rubber band around your wallet or keeping it in zipped parts of a handbag makes it harder for a pick pocket to steal.
• Beware of con artists; they do exist around the world.
• Beware of cute animals. People can trains animals, especially monkeys, to pick-pocket you.
• Keep hotel and car keys with you.
• Be alert to street gangs in big cities abroad.
• If confronted by a superior threat, don't fight attackers; relinquish valuables.
• Report loss or theft to appropriate authorities, and keep a copy of the report for insurance purposes.
• Report the loss or theft of the passport to the nearest US Embassy or Consulate.
• Keep a low profile; dress and behave conservatively, avoiding any sort of flashy items indicating that your a wealthy foriegner (jewelry, luggage, rental cars).
• Be polite and low-key; avoid loud conversations and arguments.
• Avoid dangerous areas that often involve shortcuts such as narrow alleys and poorly lit streets. Try not to travel alone at night.
• Do not give your room numbers to persons you do not well know. Meet visitors in the lobby.
• Penalties for drug violations, including possession of small amounts of marijuana or cocaine, are severe in many foriegn countries and are strictly enforced.
• Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money, buy airline tickets, or purchase souvenirs. Avoid exchanging currency with the black market.
• Avoid taking pictures of police, military personnel, and military installations.
• If possible, book a hotel room between the 2nd and 7th floors; high enough to avoid easy entrance and low enough for fire equipment to reach.
• Read the fire safety instructions in your hotel room. Count the number of doors between your room and the exit - this could be a life saver if you have to crawl out of smoke.
• Learn some of the local language so you can obtain help if needed.
• Contact the nearest US Consulate if you have been arrested. Though they cannot get you out of jail, they can assist and advise you and provide a list of local attorneys to help you.
• Become familiar with the US Customs rules and declaration policies. The booklet titled, "Know Before You Go", is very helpful in knowing about those items that are not allowed in the US or those that are taxed. Oral declarations are the usual procedure, but written ones are sometimes required. The above booklet can be found in the federal "passport" offices. Articles totalling $400 (US) retail value of each item in the country acquired may be entered free of duty, subject to the limitations of liquor, cigarettes, and cigars. Alcohol items cannot be mailed to the US.

Links to Many Safety Related Web Sites:

• http://travel.state.gov - Bureau of Consular Affairs, US Department of State, Travel Warnings/Public Announcements/Consular Information Sheets
• http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/embassies/embassies_1214.html - Links to US Embassies and Consulates Worldwide
• http://www.cdc.gov/travel - Centers for Disease Control - Travelers' Health
• http://www.lmu.edu/globaled/safeti - Study Abroad First Educational Travel Information (SAFETI) providing safety resources for study abroad.
• http://www.secussa.nafsa.org/safetyabroad/default.html - Safety Information for Students Studying Abroad
• http://studyabroad.msu.edu/safety/index.html - Study Abroad Safety Information from Michigan State University
• http://www.airsecurity.com/hotspots.htm - Information on Countries with Potential Travel Disruptions
• http://studyabroad.tamu.edu/health.asp - Health Information for Texas A&M Students Studying Abroad
• http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1219.html - Travel Tips for Students
• http://travel.state.gov/Publications/yourtripabroad.html - "Your Trip Abroad" - guidelines to help you organize and take a pleasant, trouble-free trip
• http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1223.html - "Crisis Abroad -- What the State Department Does" summarizes the work of the State Department during a crisis overseas
• http://travel.state.gov/law/info/info_615.html - The Office of Overseas Citizens Services offers information about various types of assistance provided by the Office of Overseas Citizens Services to American citizens
• http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1222.html - U.S. Consuls Help Americans Abroad explains the emergency and non-emergency services that consular officers abroad provide to U.S. citizens

Links to Health Related Sites:

• http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1215.html - Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad.
• http://www.ciee.org/health_safety/health/pre-departure_checklist.aspx - Health Check for Study, Work, and Travel Abroad.
• http://www.asirt.org - Association for Safe International Travel
• http://www.acha.org - American College Health Association
• http://www.iamat.org/ - International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers
• http://ciee.org/travelsafe.cfm - Information on AIDS and International Travel
• http://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org - Alcoholics Anonymous
• http://www.overeatersanonymous.org - Overeaters Anonymous
• http://www.anad.org - National Association of Anorexia Nervosa
• http://www.ashastd.org/ - American Social Health Organization - Sexually Transmitted Diseases