Expat Security: Tips to stay safe as an expat in a potentially dangerous location

Crime

Research crime levels in your destination but also in the area you intend to move to. Be aware that although parts of a country may have high rates of crime, others may be safer. It is also important to understand who are the most common victims of crime in the country you may move to.

Political situation

According to the portal goabroad.com, checking the political stability of your destination is a good idea. Is there political instability in the country you are moving to? Are there areas of dispute or conflict? Is the government representative of the people or more authoritarian? How does the general population feel about all the above; are there protests, riots or violent conflict caused by the political situation? Consider how likely this is to impact on you as an expat living in this destination.

Economics

What is the economic gap between rich and poor in your proposed destination? As an expat will you be at the same economic level as a large proportion of the population or will you be part of a small group of wealthier people? If it is the latter, investigate whether there may be an additional risk of crime. Buing some insurance cover might also be a good idea to protect yourself from unexpected costs/losses.

Natural disasters

If you are moving from a temperate to a tropical climate, you may need to be aware of the possibility of a natural disaster. Is there a monsoon or hurricane season? How much damage do they typically do to cities and towns? Is flooding a risk? Is the area you are moving to likely to experience earthquakes, forest fires or droughts? 

Natural disasters can occur at any point in any given place, but the understanding of their historical prevalence may help you better prepare for them – or where to go/who to talk to - in case you have to face them while living abroad.

Terrorism

Although this may be linked to the political situation, terrorism is also worth researching. Have there been incidents of terrorism in your destinations recent past? Do acts of terrorism appear to be isolated or are they part of an ongoing issue? Who are the most likely victims of terrorism? Is it the military, law enforcement, government or the general population?
 

While bearing all of this in mind, don't let personal safety cloud your judgement completely when it comes to taking up an expat opportunity. The Expat Child blog puts it well: don't take silly risks! There is danger and risk in living anywhere in the world. 

If you have decided a move to a location is worthwhile, some travel safety tips to abide by include:

Register with your embassy

One of the most useful things you can do when travelling to a potentially dangerous or remote location abroad is to register with your embassy, so your government is aware you are living there. This allows your embassy to contact you should you need assistance and let you know if there is an unexpected crisis like a natural disaster or serious political unrest. 

Know the laws 

Research the laws in the country you are moving to. In particular research how they may differ from the laws you are used to. Acceptable behaviour in your own country may be against the law in others or vice versa. 

Understanding the laws on your new home can avoid uncomfortable situations and even get you out of major trouble. As an example, while it might be fine to carry and consume alcohol in most of the Western countries, it is a serious offence in most of the Arab community countries, punishable with prison or even higher sanctions.

Be aware of crime

The Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland considers personal safety and security one of the top priorities for expats. When you get to your destination, speak to colleagues or neighbours about the risk crime poses on a day to day basis. Take any precautions they recommend until you have an opportunity to assess the risk for yourself. 

Know what to do in an emergency

Would you know what to do if an emergency occurred.? How do you contact authorities if you are a victim of crime? Is there an emergency phone number to call? If you have a medical emergency, how do you access a doctor or get to a hospital? Is there an ambulance service or do you have to arrange transport yourself?

Research and plan transport options

Visitors to a new country are often most vulnerable while moving from one location to another either by public transport, taxi or private vehicle. Research transport options and mitigate any risk. Be particularly careful if you carry a backpack, handbag or mobile phone as these are frequently targeted.

Understanding the local transportation system can be handy to avoid any unnecessary risks, especially in situations/surroundings where you might still not be too comfortable after moving to a different country.

Protect yourself with insurance cover 

Even with all the preparation in the world, accidents and incidents can happen. Protect yourself with relevant insurance policies. Look after your health and wellbeing with expatriate health insurance. It is also worth ensuring your policy has medical evacuation or repatriation cover included, particularly if you will be working in remote areas. 

If you’re an expat working or studying abroad, take a look at our expat blogs where you can find all the information you need about expat life – including how to learn a language as an expat, 10 tips for a successful expat interview and more.