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In countries where poverty
is excessive and crime rates are high, or in
cultures where a woman alone is considered fair
game, it's a definite plus to be subway savvy.
As you travel around the world, it's wise to
keep the following cautions in mind:
Always have your fare ready
when entering the subway. This way potential
thieves never see where you keep your wallet.
Keep safe. When waiting on
the platform, stand far back from the subway
tracks.
An experienced pickpocket
can usually pick a tourist out in a crowd. Wear
your purse over one shoulder with the opening
flap against your stomach so that it's
impossible to get into. If you're carrying a day
pack, wear it in front, kangaroo style.
Don't tempt thieves by
carrying credit cards or money in a fanny pack.
In a crowded car, these pouches can easily be
sliced open with a razor blade and you will be
none the wiser until it's too late.
Avoid remaining in an empty
car. If you find yourself alone, simply exit one
car and enter another at the first available
stop. Remember that it's generally the center
cars on the train that get the heaviest traffic
and there's greater safety in numbers.
Avoid constantly referring
to your subway map on the train. This only
serves to advertise that you're not sure where
you're going. Instead, situate yourself so that
you can study the route map posted in the car.
Or better still, pick a woman in close proximity
and ask for help in getting off at the proper
stop. Generally she'll become a mother hen and
get you exactly where you want to go.
Most major cites have its problems when it comes to crime in on public transportation system, however you need to be just as alert in New York City as in Paris France. Travelers need also to be aware that professional pickpockets love to work escalators in these locations. The suspects usually work in pairs, the partner gets in front of you going up (or down) the escalator. When you reach the top/bottom the person in front doesn't get off the escalator (the person has usually 'dropped' something which he then bends over to pick up) causing people to conveniently bump into you from behind. And guess who is right behind you? You are correct, the pickpocket. And you are busy trying to keep from outright running over the person in front of you. If you run into this situation, keep you hand holding your pocket where your wallet is, and or make sure you are holding your purse shut.
If you are look for a unique device to keep your property safety in these locations, consider a security waist pack. These are specially designed to foil even the most brazen pickpocket. For more information click here.
Additional Tips:
Don't draw unnecessary
attention to yourself by what you wear. Be
culturally correct and dress appropriately. Try
saving that mini skirt for parties back home.
Muted colors and conservative clothing always
helps you to fade into the crowd and stay out of
trouble.
Unfortunately, crowded
subway cars can be perfect breeding grounds for
antisocial behavior. Some men will use this
opportunity to touch or pinch the female
passengers close to them. If this happens to
you, make a fuss in any language you choose.
Point at the offender and chastise him in a loud
voice. He'll probably just slink away.
However, don't become so
offended that you stop paying attention to your
belongings. It's a fact that women are often
groped on packed subways simply to divert their
attention while their purse or backpack is being
pilfered. Be ever watchful, ladies. Both pinched
bottoms and stolen wallets are not fun!
Special Traveler's Tip:
When using the subway in
developing countries in male-dominated
societies, make every effort to behave modestly.
Wear a fake wedding ring to deter unwanted
advances and sport sunglasses to hide your eyes.
In some cultures, simply meeting a man’s gaze
means that you welcome both his attention and
his company.
Suggested links:
- Subways, U.S. and abroad
Provides maps and guides to major subways, metros, and other city transit worldwide.
- Subways and Trains, Worldwide
Find city subway and metro area maps, subway route navigation, and city and area transit guides. Searchable by city name.
- Subways, London England - Underground
Download in PDF or GIF format a map of the entire London Underground system, or alternatively maps of individual lines or one showing fare zones.
- NY Transit Maps
Provides a subway map and bus lines in .pdf format for New York City, covering Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, and Staten Island.
- Subways of the World
- Train and Rail system schedules from US and many countries
- Subways, France
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