Around 60 per cent of Australian travellers are being exposed to crime on their travels, while 13 per cent have been deterred from travelling to popular holiday hot spots where crime is rife, according to a new study.
Research conducted by Southern Cross Travel Insurance shows almost a third (31 per cent) of travellers were cheated out of hundreds of dollars. One in six (16 per cent) were conned out of more than A$500, with a small number losing more than A$1,000 of their holiday funds.
Overall, travellers most commonly experienced theft, dishonesty and untrustworthy services when travelling overseas. Some 15 per cent of Aussies were stung converting currency, while seven per cent were victims of bankcard fraud. Friends became foes for some unlucky travellers, befriended by someone who then demanded money, leaving them high and dry.
Craig Morrison, chief executive for Southern Cross Travel Insurance said: “For the large majority of Aussies who travel, holidays are an opportunity to experience new cultures, have fun and unwind. However, as the survey shows, crime can and does happen on holiday, a time when too many let their guard down.”
In 2014-15, Aussies made more than 9.7 million trips overseas. During that time, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade managed 1,300 consular cases relating to theft or assault and now is encouraging travellers to make more informed decisions about their travel.
The survey also found: 21 per cent believed they were knowingly given the incorrect change; 11 per cent found themselves in an unlicensed taxi; nine per cent have used dodgy wifi; five per cent were mugged or robbed on holiday and five per cent had their valuables pick-pocketed.
Many travellers went off on holiday without travel insurance with 14 per cent with no travel insurance, while just under half were not adequately covered.
10 tips to avoid crime on holiday from Morrison.
1) Carry a travel money belt instead of a backpack - you'll be less of a target to pickpockets.
2) Leave the bling behind - expensive items and expensive-looking items can attract thieves.
3) Avoid trouble by exercising the same caution overseas as you would at home - e.g. don't jump into a car with a stranger, avoid walking alone at night and take measures to safeguard your items.
4) Familiarise yourself with the local currency and be wary of vendors who might try to short-change you.
5) Keep your passport safe and do not give it to anyone or leave it as a deposit for a jet ski or bike hire - it is the most valuable thing you take on holiday.
6) Be mindful of where you leave your items, even if right next to you. Normal places to put your items in Australia are often targeted overseas by thieves. Avoid leaving them unattended on the beach or in other public places such as bars and restaurants.
7) Avoid using unlicensed taxis. Use licensed, marked taxis, and note down the name of the company and driver. Be wary of taxi drivers who might try and drive away with your items still in the boot.
8) Be mindful of distractions thieves use such as kids trying to sell items or people telling you there is something in your hair or on your top.
9) Never leave valuable items (e.g. cash, jewellery, electronics) in checked luggage or stored away from you when using a transport provider.
10) Bus stops and buses (especially overnight ones) are a common target for thieves. Secure valuable items where possible by keeping them on your person and using padlocks on your bags. For more information visit www.scti.com.au
Around 60 per cent of Australian travellers are being exposed to crime on their travels, while 13 per cent have been deterred from travelling to popular holiday hot spots where crime is rife, according to a new study.
Research conducted by Southern Cross Travel Insurance shows almost a third (31 per cent) of travellers were cheated out of hundreds of dollars. One in six (16 per cent) were conned out of more than A$500, with a small number losing more than A$1,000 of their holiday funds.
Overall, travellers most commonly experienced theft, dishonesty and untrustworthy services when travelling overseas. Some 15 per cent of Aussies were stung converting currency, while seven per cent were victims of bankcard fraud. Friends became foes for some unlucky travellers, befriended by someone who then demanded money, leaving them high and dry.
Craig Morrison, chief executive for Southern Cross Travel Insurance said: “For the large majority of Aussies who travel, holidays are an opportunity to experience new cultures, have fun and unwind. However, as the survey shows, crime can and does happen on holiday, a time when too many let their guard down.”
In 2014-15, Aussies made more than 9.7 million trips overseas. During that time, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade managed 1,300 consular cases relating to theft or assault and now is encouraging travellers to make more informed decisions about their travel.
The survey also found: 21 per cent believed they were knowingly given the incorrect change; 11 per cent found themselves in an unlicensed taxi; nine per cent have used dodgy wifi; five per cent were mugged or robbed on holiday and five per cent had their valuables pick-pocketed.
Many travellers went off on holiday without travel insurance with 14 per cent with no travel insurance, while just under half were not adequately covered.
10 tips to avoid crime on holiday from Morrison.
1) Carry a travel money belt instead of a backpack - you'll be less of a target to pickpockets.
2) Leave the bling behind - expensive items and expensive-looking items can attract thieves.
3) Avoid trouble by exercising the same caution overseas as you would at home - e.g. don't jump into a car with a stranger, avoid walking alone at night and take measures to safeguard your items.
4) Familiarise yourself with the local currency and be wary of vendors who might try to short-change you.
5) Keep your passport safe and do not give it to anyone or leave it as a deposit for a jet ski or bike hire - it is the most valuable thing you take on holiday.
6) Be mindful of where you leave your items, even if right next to you. Normal places to put your items in Australia are often targeted overseas by thieves. Avoid leaving them unattended on the beach or in other public places such as bars and restaurants.
7) Avoid using unlicensed taxis. Use licensed, marked taxis, and note down the name of the company and driver. Be wary of taxi drivers who might try and drive away with your items still in the boot.
8) Be mindful of distractions thieves use such as kids trying to sell items or people telling you there is something in your hair or on your top.
9) Never leave valuable items (e.g. cash, jewellery, electronics) in checked luggage or stored away from you when using a transport provider.
10) Bus stops and buses (especially overnight ones) are a common target for thieves. Secure valuable items where possible by keeping them on your person and using padlocks on your bags. For more information visit www.scti.com.au
