Traveling to foreign countries

[okchief]

Does anyone travel out of country often - or have an experience with what one would be able to arm themselves with for self defense in another country? I'm traveling to Australia in January.. Sydney NSW.. This will be the first time I've left the states so I have no experience with this type of thing. I'm assuming I can pack a pocket knife in my checked luggage. Maybe I could get away with having not so obvious "tactical pen" for carry on? Just a few ideas.. Would love any advice.. Just found out that ISIS and Australia have a real tension with each other. Not gonna be very comfortable traveling to a foreign country and being unarmed the whole time.. But I guess that comes with the territory.

Sent from my SM-G920R4 using Tapatalk

 

[bigfug]

Tactical pens are 50/50, some TSA agents will spot em, some wont.

 

[YukonGlocker]

I've traveled a lot out of country. The laws vary so much. All you can do is try to determine what is legal where you'll be...or, what will alarm the local police regardless of legality.

 

[dennishoddy]

Arm yourself when you get to the country your travelling to.
A trip to British Columbia a couple of years ago involved being where the highest population of bears per square mile in the world occurs.
I bought a bowie style knife, mounted it on a staff, and put a cover over the blade. Looked like a hiking staff and nobody gave it a second glance. Put it in a dumpster on the last day.

 

[mr ed]

Arm yourself when you get to the country your travelling to.
A trip to British Columbia a couple of years ago involved being where the highest population of bears per square mile in the world occurs.
I bought a bowie style knife, mounted it on a staff, and put a cover over the blade. Looked like a hiking staff and nobody gave it a second glance. Put it in a dumpster on the last day.

This!
Buy a cheap knife and throw or give away when you leave.
make sure you got a money belt and one of those around the neck passport and credit card, drivers license carriers.
carry nothing of value in wallet except maybe 10-20 bucks

 

[Coleman]

I've traveled to a few European countries as well as Australia in 2013. I'll be going to Spain this Fall. What I've done and will continue to do is be very aware. I thwarted am attempt to steal my camcorder in France when I noticed the thug watching me from across the street. I strapped it around my neck with the camera under my arm and turned towards him and looked right at him. It took about 45 seconds for him to look the other way and walk away. I do pack my folding knife into my checked luggage and pack an extra into my wifes luggage just in case one of them 'go missing' before I get my luggage back.
Staying in condition yellow and keeping out of bad neighborhoods will allow you to have a great time.
A money belt from walmart that holds your credit cards, passport and extra cash is suggested. I didn't feel threatened from pickpockets in Oz, but for peace of mind it should be worn.
Have a great time!

 

[dennishoddy]

I've traveled to a few European countries as well as Australia in 2013. I'll be going to Spain this Fall. What I've done and will continue to do is be very aware. I thwarted am attempt to steal my camcorder in France when I noticed the thug watching me from across the street. I strapped it around my neck with the camera under my arm and turned towards him and looked right at him. It took about 45 seconds for him to look the other way and walk away. I do pack my folding knife into my checked luggage and pack an extra into my wifes luggage just in case one of them 'go missing' before I get my luggage back.
Staying in condition yellow and keeping out of bad neighborhoods will allow you to have a great time.
A money belt from walmart that holds your credit cards, passport and extra cash is suggested. I didn't feel threatened from pickpockets in Oz, but for peace of mind it should be worn.
Have a great time!

Yes, situational awareness is paramount no matter where you are, but in foreign country's you have to step it up a notch because they prey on tourists.

 

[okchief]

From my research I was thinking I could pack a folder in my checked luggage. I was hoping someone could confirm. Good to know.. I will definitely be getting a money belt. We've rented a private apartment via Airbnb and will be renting a car, so will be driving to most destinations. That should decrease my interaction with pedestrians and people using public transit. However we do plan to go to the beach, go out at night etc.

Sent from my SM-G920R4 using Tapatalk

 

[dennishoddy]

When we were in Cozumel 20 some years ago, we watched a mariachi band play at the concert. I had on shorts that had open pockets. When it was over, we got up and moved with the crowd (to get to the bar lol) when I felt something in the back pocket. I reached back there and found the wallet gone. Looked on the ground and saw nothing. saw a guy walking away and confronted him. Of course he had already passed it, so it was gone. Contained a ton of money, along with credit cards, drivers license, and my lifetime hunting license.
Fast forward 10 years or so, and to make a long story short a cop that was a buddy of mine found out there was a warrant for my arrest in Florida after a hit and run accident where the driver left his wallet in the seat with my DL in it.
It took a little money and hiring a lawyer to clear it up. Had to produce work records to show I was still in Ok. when the accident happened.
We still travel overseas but are much smarter and less adventurous now. The things we did while young and dumb should have got us in tons of trouble, but we got lucky I guess.

 

[gerhard1]

I carry a fine point rolling ball-type pen when I fly and as it is just a pen, no one ever thinks twice about it.