I. Upon Arrival in a Foreign Land
Do not flaunt your wealth. Do not bring the habit of extravagant spending from your home country to a foreign country, so as not to attract the attention of criminals. When out and about, it is important to be humble, pragmatic, and respect local customs to ensure your personal safety.
Try not to stay out too late at night. This is especially true if you are without friends and must take public transportation or walk home alone. Unless necessary, do not act alone, and carry a mobile phone with you for easy contact. Even if you do not have a mobile phone, you should identify the nearest public telephone in case of an emergency. Also, memorize the U.S. emergency number, which is 911.
II. Home Safety
Do not open the door to strangers at home. If it is a stranger or someone claiming to be a telephone repairman, etc., even if you have an appointment, you should ask the person to present identification (ID) and confirm it is correct before opening the door. If you encounter a salesperson, you may politely decline. Do not lower your guard just because the person is a woman. If an outsider comes to the house to repair something, it is better to have a friend accompany you or inform your neighbors or landlord. Before going out or going to sleep at night, check the gas valves and ensure all doors and windows are locked. If you encounter suspicious people, vehicles, or situations, notify the police and do not get involved out of curiosity. If you lose your keys, notify anyone else who has a copy as soon as possible, and depending on the situation, ask the landlord to replace the locks. It is advisable to keep copies of important documents, and you should record document numbers and credit card numbers separately. Most credit card companies have departments that handle lost cards; it is best to write down their phone numbers so that if you accidentally lose your card, you can report it lost by phone immediately.
III. Transportation Safety
When taking the subway, memorize your route and transfer points before leaving, and carry a map with you. Remember! This map is for emergency use. Maps are posted in every subway station and inside the carriages, so unless absolutely necessary, do not unfold a map to study it in the carriages or on the streets. If you get lost in a subway station or take the wrong line, you can check the map posted inside the carriage. Due to scheduling issues or other factors, routes may change or service may be suspended; the train will broadcast announcements to inform passengers. If you are still unsure, you can ask the train conductor.
IV. Pedestrian Safety
When you first arrive in a new place, you should familiarize yourself with the places you frequent and their surroundings as soon as possible, and avoid unsafe areas. If you are going to a place for the first time, it is advisable to understand the situation beforehand or ask friends for advice. Walk with confidence during the day. Even if you get lost, try to remain calm and do not show panic on your face. It is better to carry a small amount of cash; although some emergency calls are free, you can keep some coins for emergencies to call friends for help. Keep your documents in an inner pocket or a place that is not easily noticeable. If someone tries to strike up a conversation from a car, you can quickly walk away in the opposite direction of the vehicle. Be wary of strangers asking for directions and keep your distance from them. If there is anything suspicious, do not enter the building and notify the police.
V. Building Safety
Building stairwells are usually relatively quiet, so try to use the elevator. If you need to frequent a certain building, familiarize yourself with the layout and the location of safety measures. When alone in an office, lock the main door after entering and check if anyone else is inside. You should inform the building security of your floor, office number, and phone number. If you need to go out, lock the door even if you are returning in a short time. If you find other passengers suspicious before entering an elevator, do not enter.
