7 Ways to Avoid Robbery When Traveling

Security is a big thing when traveling, especially for the “Over 65” travelers.  I just watched a video picked up by Yahoo on “How to keep your valuables safe while on holidays.”  It addressed how hotel staff takes advantage of tourists and rob them.  I want to tell the other side of the story.

I have spent many years traveling and even living in Mexico.  The first time we drove down (1998), we didn’t find anyone who spoke English for two weeks.  We stayed in a number of small hotels whose main concern for tourists was to have safe drinking water and no cockroaches. In some of the places we visited there were children who would sit and listen to us speaking.  They had never heard English before.

Halfway through our trip, we got an hour and a half away from one hotel and I realized I’d left my passport and money pouch tucked under the mattress.  It was a quick trip back followed by the explanation in my “spanglish.”  The hotel manager took me to the room, where the bed was already made up for the next guest.  The maid would have seen it when she made the bed but she left it there and told the manager, hoping we’d return.  Not a thing was missing!  I tipped an American $20 (4 days wages for a maid) for all of them to share.  Two of the staff were in tears and I almost was too!

I’d never been robbed in Mexico until 5 years ago.  There is always a first time for everything.  My first (and last) robbery occurred at an all inclusive resort.  99% of the staff at the resorts are honest but there is always the 1% though that can’t be trusted no matter where in the world you travel. I personally feel the reason for robbery in an all-inclusive resort is the huge monetary distance between the staff and the customers.  Most servers and housekeepers average $7 to $8 per day in wages in the large resort cities in Mexico.  In the smaller ones the wages are often less, especially for the maids. 

In order to feed their families, it requires extra income from some source.  The honest ones work 2 and 3 jobs and really count on their tips. The thieves find robbing vacationers an easier way to make extra money.  They don’t usually last long before being caught. Mexican are a proud culture that doesn't appreciate thieves ruining their reputation anymore than we do.

The place I am currently staying at is the oldest Mexican Hotel in Puerto Vallarta.  It’s very traditional with friendly staff.  Our regular maid, El Vira, has a great personality with a wonderful smile. 

A Swan - compliments of El Vira

Since I’d never stayed here before I was cautious the first couple of days and made sure I felt secure.  It didn’t take long to relax.  I began tipping El Vira 20 to 30 pesos every couple of days.  It's not much but makes a big difference to them.  After being here a week, she displayed her talents folding towels.  We’ve enjoyed a collection of elephants and swans around the suite.  I feel completely safe with our regular maid.  We know what her day off is, so we don’t get the room done that day.

I make sure I tip well in the restaurant too. and it's great because it  doesn't take long to get constant good service with a smile.  I also try really hard to use my limited Spanish.  Before long they are confident enough to practice their limites English with me. 

7 Ways to Avoid Robbery When Traveling 
1.Get to Know People
Staying safe and secure in a foreign country is about building relationships.  Whether you are visiting for a week or 6 months, take the time to know those around you.

2.Use the safe

Many Mexican hotels have a safe in each room or one at the front desk.  Personally I prefer having one at the front desk.  They are like a safety deposit box set up.  Make sure you lock up your valuables and even your not so valuable items.  When I got robbed I left a couple of pieces of Mexican jewelry lying in the bathroom that went missing. I imagine the items were easily resold.  The camera that was sitting on the table went missing too, yet the charger that was in the suitcase was still there.  Obviously it was a “line of sight” grab.

3.Make sure you lock your door

Hotel security can check the computer in all-inclusive and newer hotels and determine who has accessed the room and at what time.  Every staff in housekeeping has an employee card that registers on the computer.  Every time you enter the room it is recorded.  If the door isn’t quite latched when you leave it won’t register on the computer. In older hotels, you are responsible for your key.  Don’t lose it.  It can be expensive to replace it.  When you leave the hotel to do some site-seeing just give the key to someone at the front desk.

4.Lock the patio doors

Most all-inclusive resorts have balconies.  Check and see if your balcony is easily accessible to the one next door and keep it locked.  We figured that someone possibly came into the room next door, climbed over the balcony, and then left through our door.In an older hotel, check that there is motion light or lights in the dark corners of the balcony or hallway and they are working.

5.Immediately report to security

If your door isn’t latched when you return, have a look around and then report to security.  Even if something isn’t missing at the time, the thieves may be planning a heist.

6.Let the tour company representative know right away

If you traveled down on a vacation package, let that person know immediately so they are aware and can help you with the paperwork if necessary.

7.Check your insurance policy before you leave home

It’s a good idea to know what you are and aren’t covered for before you leave home. For instance, if you have just purchased you camera on a major credit card, it may be covered by the credit card company.

It’s a nuisance if you are robbed because there is lots of paperwork to do. The hotel security will check your room out thoroughly. Don’t expect any compensation from the hotel though because they really believe in personal responsibility.  That doesn’t mean they won’t be sympathetic.  It just means they look at things differently.

If they happen to catch the culprit though they will definitely take care of the problem and in a much harsher way than in other North American countries.