Safety Tips for Women Moving Abroad

It's important to consider the things you should (and shouldn't) do to ensure your safety

Posted on

18 September 2019

| Last updated on 19 January 2020

Travelling abroad solo? It's important to take steps to ensure your safety, as Santa Fe Relocation explains...

If you’re a woman moving abroad, whether alone or with a partner or family, it’s important to consider the things you should (and not) do to keep yourself safe in a new environment. Life in a new country should be exciting and adventurous, but a new place poses new safety concerns.

While there are no fool-proof ways of preventing all danger, the majority of female expats enjoy a safe and crime-free experience.

But whether at home or abroad, it’s always pertinent to follow good safety rules. Which of these you stick to are completely up to you: but these are internationally recognised by humanitarian and safety agencies as some top tips to help keep you safe.

Here are our top tips for staying safe abroad as a female expat...

DO

Dress like a local

Whether that means dressing more conservatively, avoiding certain colours or patterns, or specific items of clothing. Adopting local customs and clothing rules will help you fit in, and help you avoid insulting or upsetting local people.

Only use licenced taxis

Whether travelling alone or with others. Stick to regulated methods of public transport and take the advice of locals and new friends as to which forms of transport and routes are the safest.

Know where you’re going before you set out

And research the safety of the area. By making informed decisions you minimise danger/safety issues and should feel more confident.

Meet new people in open, busy public spaces

And meet them ideally in the day. It’s important to make new friends and connections, but begin new relationships in safe settings.

Get accustomed and entrenched in local gender roles

This might include dressing more conservatively and considering local dating rules and behaviour.

Consider wearing a wedding ring – even if this is fake

This is one of the more controversial tips, but may help you avoid unwanted attention in some locations.

Be firm but polite when refusing unwanted advances

Or discuss your husband/boyfriend (real or fake), whichever makes you feel more comfortable. Research the local customs between the sexes before you go so you are prepared.

Let people know where you’re going

Especially if you’re heading out with new people – this could be your new friends and colleagues, or your friends and family back home.

Learn the language – no matter what the situation

Being able to communicate with and understand those around you will help you make more informed decisions and keep you safer.

Get familiar with your surroundings

So that you can walk around with confidence and purpose. It will also benefit you in confidence and settling in.

Keep in regular contact with your friends and family back home

And keep them updated with where you’re going and who you’re socialising with.

Make friends with women in your new home country

They will help you navigate safety issues and become a safety and social network.

Find a home that you feel safe in

Try to visit the property at least once before moving in, and ideally start with a month contract so that you can get a feel for the place and whether you feel comfortable there before committing to it long-term.

Ask questions

Of your new neighbours, the locals in your area, your new colleagues, and of people you meet amongst the expat community, and learn from their experiences.

DON'T

Walk alone at night, even if it’s a short distance

Instead, use licences and regulated forms of transport or walk with someone you know well and trust.

Hitchhike

Or use unregulated modes of transport, including unlicensed taxis.

Wear very expensive or showy jewellery

Doing so might attract attention – you could unwittingly attract thieves and pickpocketers.

Leave your drink unattended, ever

This should be a general rule, not just for life in a new country!

Leave a venue or event alone with a stranger

In fact, where possible try to make plans beforehand as to how you are getting home.

Give out personal details

Such as your address or hotel room number etc.

Use recreational drugs

Even if they are a local custom... Avoid this!

Do anything you wouldn’t do at home

Just because you’re enjoying exploring a new place, doesn’t mean you should leave your common sense at home.

:: Over our 120 years of international moving experience we have noted that if you’re culturally aware, with local language skills, you are more likely to feel empowered and secure in your move.

If you’re moving abroad soon and would like more information about how to get more culturally aware before you leave, or to learn the necessary language skills for your new home country, let us help. At Santa Fe Relocation, we make moving home easy for you.