Planning to travel abroad? Keeping your belongings secure is crucial for a stress-free trip. Discover practical tips to protect your valuables, avoid common travel scams, and ensure your peace of mind while exploring new destinations. Stay safe and enjoy your journey with confidence!

Crime

You should always take sensible precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Check Department’s of Foreign Affairs travel advice pages for specific information on your destination and follow these simple guidelines:

• Carry your credit card, tickets and money separately, and leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
• Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a photocopy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
• Avoid showing large sums of money or wearing valuable jewellery in public.
• Don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you’re alone. Check no one has followed you after withdrawing cash.
• Keep a close eye on your personal belongings in public places such as internet cafes, train and bus stations.
• Avoid dark and unlit streets, stairways and parks.

Reporting a crime

If you’re a victim of a crime while abroad, report it to the local police immediately. To make a claim on your travel insurance or replace a stolen passport, you’ll need a police report.

You can contact the nearest Irish Embassy, Consulate or Honorary Consul if you need help, but they cannot report a crime on your behalf.

For more information visit Ireland’s official government “Safety and Security” page