Safety when Moving Overseas
IntlMOVE provides international moving services for individuals and families who are relocating overseas.
IntlMOVE offers a suite of services which can be catered to your international moving needs.
When you choose IntlMOVE, you are hiring a company known for its reliability, efficiency and unparalleled customer service.
When moving overseas, hire IntlMOVE for all of your international shipping needs of your household goods and personal effects
Safety is true concern for many parties moving overseas.
In some cases, moving to a new country should be a real concern because of political or guerilla warfare.
Your embassy or consulate will put out formal warnings for these countries, so check to see if there is a real danger.
In most cases it is best just to use common sense in a new location to avoid any danger.
There is danger lurking in all major metropolitan areas, including those in the United States.
This does not mean you have to live in fear.
In fact, many countries are much safer than the United States.
There are so many great things you can learn when moving overseas.
Avoiding potential danger is the key to safety.
Constantly be aware of your surroundings and do your best to avoid unsafe areas.
IntlMOVE has prepared tips for your overseas safety:
- Phone Numbers
When you move overseas, you will want to find out whom to call in case of an emergency.
In the United States, you dial 911 for all emergencies.
This may not be the case in your new country.
Program the police, fire, ambulance and your local embassy’s phone numbers into your phone.
Also have these phone numbers written down at home for quick access. - Pickpocketing
Pickpocketing is one of the most common dangers to happen when moving abroad or traveling.
Don’t keep your wallet in your back pocket and make sure your purse is zipped and in plain view.
The safest place to keep your valuables is in a zipped pouch or money belt worn under your clothing.
Don’t be an easy target!
In crowded areas, keep all of your valuables close to you.
When on the street, walk away from the curb to avoid drive-by purse snatchers. - Blend in with the Locals
In some cases, you may not ever look like a local.
However, your different clothes and mannerisms can make you a target as a foreigner.
Don’t wear flashy jewelry.
Try wearing local clothes and learning the language and embrace all the differences of your new culture.
Avoid any political demonstrations. - Local Laws and Customs
Before moving overseas, familiarize yourself with your new country’s local laws and customs.
You will want to make sure that you do not break any laws.
You are under local laws and jurisdiction, so you are responsible for abiding by the law.
It will be to your benefit to know legal differences.
For example, in some countries you are not allowed to photograph police and military institutions.
Also, you will not want to cause problems by offending someone because you are not aware of local customs. - Stay with the Crowds
Avoid dark areas and alleys don’t travel alone at night.
It is best to stay around people and well lit areas to avoid dangerous situations.
However, be aware that pickpocketing often occurs in very crowded places.
Take precaution in crowded subways, trains and tourist destinations.
Familiarize yourself with the neighborhoods in your new city and avoid crime-ridden areas.
If you are confronted, give up your valuables because they are replaceable. - Get Copies of all Important Documents
In the event that something does happen, be prepared.
Have extra copies of your passport, credit cards, birth certificates, visas and other important documents.
Keep these copies in a safe place.
You may even want to have these items scanned and keep them as electronic files, so they are available at all times in case of an emergency. - Taxis
Only use marked taxis.
Also, don’t carry large sums of cash.
You will likely move overseas without any problems.Just using common sense will help you avoid many common crimes.

These are good tips for traveling as well as moving overseas. I also found that keeping cash in two places is helpful. For example, keep some cash in your purse and maybe some in your front pocket. That way, when you take out money to pay it always looks like you have less cash on you.
I think that any big city can be dangerous if you do not use common sense. However, staying with the crowds and being aware of your surroundings is what really matters. Just relax, have fun and pay attention.
Locals can usually give you inside tips on what to watch out for and the neighborhoods that might be a little sketchy. I think Marcus is right though… any big city can be dangerous. Moving to Sydney will change your life. You will love it!