What should I do if I feel unsafe in a foreign city?

If you feel unsafe in a foreign city, move immediately to a public place like a hotel lobby, restaurant, or shop. Your safety matters more than being polite or drawing attention. Trust your instincts, because if something feels wrong, it probably is.

  • United States: Move to a public place. Call 911 if you are in immediate danger. Contact your embassy or consulate for assistance. Share your live location with a trusted contact.
  • Canada: Move to a safe location. Call 911 or the local emergency number. Contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate. Use the Registration of Canadians Abroad service for updates.
  • Europe and United Kingdom: Move to a public place. Call 112 (EU-wide emergency number) or 999 (UK). Contact your embassy or consulate. Use hotel staff as a resource if you feel unsafe.
  • Gulf Region: Move to a public place. Call 999 (UAE, Qatar, Bahrain), 997 (Saudi Arabia ambulance), or 998 (Saudi Arabia fire). Contact your embassy. Hotel staff can assist with transport and local guidance.
  • Turkey: Move to a public place. Call 155 (police) or 112 (ambulance). Contact your embassy. Use hotel staff or a reputable taxi service.
  • Asia-Pacific: Move to a public place. Call 110 (Japan police), 119 (Japan ambulance and fire), 999 (Singapore police), 995 (Singapore ambulance), or 000 (Australia). Contact your embassy. Use hotel staff for assistance.

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Detailed Answer

Immediate Steps When You Feel Unsafe

Your first action should always be to move. Do not stay in a location where you feel threatened. Walk with purpose to the nearest public place. A hotel lobby is ideal because it is well-lit, has staff, and is open to the public. Restaurants, cafés, and shops are also good options. If you are on public transport, get off at the next stop and find a safe place.

Once you are inside a safe location, take a moment to breathe and assess. Are you being followed? Is the threat still present? If you are in immediate danger, call the local emergency number. If you are not in immediate danger but feel uneasy, stay where you are until you can arrange safe transport back to your accommodation.

Do not pull out your phone or map if you are lost in a sketchy area. Walk into the nearest café, restaurant, or hotel lobby before pulling your phone out to figure out your next move. Looking lost or uncertain can attract the wrong kind of attention.

Trusting Your Instincts

Your intuition is a powerful safety tool. If a person, place, or situation feels wrong, it probably is. Do not talk yourself out of your feelings. You do not owe anyone politeness at the expense of your safety. If someone is making you uncomfortable, leave. If a street feels unsafe, turn around and walk the other way. If a taxi driver refuses to use the meter or takes an unexpected route, ask to stop and get out in a public place.

Many women report that their instincts warned them before something bad happened. Listening to that inner voice is not paranoia. It is survival.

Using Your Network

If you feel unsafe, contact someone you trust. This could be a friend or family member at home, your accommodation host, or a fellow traveler you met. Share your live location with them. Tell them where you are and what is happening. If you are in a hotel, tell the front desk staff. They can help you arrange transport, call a taxi, or contact local authorities.

If you are traveling with a group or on a tour, contact your tour guide or group leader. They know the local area and can provide immediate assistance.

Contacting Authorities

If you are in immediate danger, call the local emergency number. Save these numbers in your phone before you travel. If you are unsure of the local emergency number, a quick internet search should provide the information. Some smartphones automatically list emergency numbers based on your location.

If you are the victim of a crime, contact the local police. You will need a police report for insurance claims and for replacing a lost or stolen passport. If you need help finding a local hospital with doctors who speak English, contact your nearest embassy or consulate.

Your embassy or consulate can assist with translation between you and local authorities, document the incident, and contact your family back home. In extreme cases, they can assist with emergency funds or help facilitate a transfer of funds from your family or friends.

Getting Back to Safety

If you need to return to your accommodation, use a reputable ride-hailing service like Uber, Bolt, or the local equivalent. Check the license plate and driver name before getting in. Share your ride details with a trusted contact. If you cannot use a ride-hailing app, ask hotel staff to call a licensed taxi for you.

If you are walking back, stick to well-lit, busy streets. Avoid shortcuts through alleys, parks, or empty lots. Walk with purpose and confidence. Keep your phone in your pocket or bag, not in your hand. If you are being followed, cross the street, change direction, or walk into a public place.

Real Traveler Experiences

"I was walking back to my hostel in Lisbon when I noticed a man following me. I walked into a hotel lobby and stayed there until he left. Then I asked the front desk to call me a taxi. I did not feel silly for doing it. I felt safe." Solo female traveler, Portugal

"In Bangkok, a tuk-tuk driver refused to use the meter and started driving in the wrong direction. I demanded he stop and let me out at a busy intersection. I walked into a 7-Eleven and waited until I could get a Grab. Trust your gut." Solo female traveler, Thailand

"I felt uneasy at a train station in Rome. A group of men were staring at me and making comments. I walked into a nearby café and ordered a coffee. I stayed there until my train arrived. It was the right call." Solo female traveler, Italy

"I always share my live location with my sister when I travel solo. When I felt unsafe in Marrakech, I texted her and she stayed on the phone with me while I walked to my riad. Just knowing someone was there made me feel calmer." Solo female traveler, Morocco

Pro Tips

  • Save local emergency numbers in your phone before you travel
  • Move to a public place immediately if you feel unsafe. A hotel lobby is ideal
  • Do not worry about being polite. Your safety comes first
  • Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, leave
  • Share your live location with a trusted contact when you feel uneasy
  • Use reputable ride-hailing services. Check the license plate and driver name
  • Ask hotel staff for help. They know the local area and can call a taxi
  • Contact your embassy or consulate if you need assistance
  • Avoid pulling out your phone or map in a sketchy area. Find a safe place first
  • Walk with purpose and confidence. Avoid looking lost or uncertain

Related Questions

Sources

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