Travel Safety

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Introduction

Solo Travel

Advisory Services

Many governments have travel advisory services to let their citizens know about potential safety issues in different places around the world. It is a good idea to have a look at your country's advisory service when planning your trip. Don't be too alarmed by some of the warnings though - they aren't always as severe as they might seem.

English Advisories

• Australia - http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/
• Canada - http://www.voyage.gc.ca/
• New Zealand - http://www.safetravel.govt.nz
• United Kingdom - http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/
• USA - http://travel.state.gov

Non-English Advisories

• Netherlands - http://www.minbuza.nl/nl/reizenlanden/reisadviezen

Emergency Numbers

Emergency phone numbers vary from country to country. It's good to be aware of the number wherever you are. If you have to remember one, then 112 is the best one, because it is used on GSM networks across the world.

Some common ones are:

• 000 - Australia.
• 111 - New Zealand.
• 112 - European Union and GSM mobile networks worldwide.
• 119 - parts of East Asia.
• 911 - US, Canada and other countries, particularly in the Americas.
• 999 - UK, Ireland, Poland, where it works parallel to 112; Hong Kong, Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE.

Mobile Phones

Most GSM mobile phones have several emergency numbers pre-programmed, usually 112, 999 an 911. These numbers work even when the phone doesn't have a SIM card, the keypad is locked or when the number is entered instead of a PIN. If you have any GSM coverage at all, then this is a good number. It will work on any GSM network worldwide.