Transportation

Most travelers will utilize some type of vehicle or use public transportation while abroad. It is important to practice safety precautions when in a vehicle or in public transit.

Vehicle

• Keep valuables out of sight. If traveling with a bag, keep it at your feet or in your lap.
• Keep the doors locked and windows up at all times.
• If in a rideshare or taxi, follow your trip in a GPS app on your mobile device. 
• If using a rideshare or taxi, send your estimated time of arrival (ETA) to the person expecting you. If no one is at your destination, send your ETA to another person nearby and notify them when you have arrived at your destination.
• If you feel uncomfortable during a ride (either in a rideshare, taxi, or public transit), do not be afraid to ask your driver to pull over (only if you are in a safe location to do so).
• Do your research and use the safest form of transportation in your location.
• The university does not recommend the use of tuk-tuks, boda-bodas, or other motorcycle-type vehicles due to high fatality rates.
• Wear a seat belt when possible.
• Use only official or marked taxis. In many locations, it is not safe to flag a taxi from the street, so call one ahead of time or ask a concierge to call one for you.
• Do not get into a taxi with an unknown passenger. Do not use the pool (shared ride) option if using a rideshare.
• Do not drive through any type of barricades (including those put in place by authorities, or if it is a sign of a protest ahead).

Public Transportation

• When taking a bus or train, sit toward the rear to reduce the chance of injury in an accident.
• On long train journeys, sleep in your own compartment with the door locked.
• Always keep an eye on valuables. Do not place bag(s) by the aisle.
• Always be watchful for pickpockets.
• Limit travel by bus to daylight hours, especially if the route is on mountainous terrain or if conditions are unsafe.
• Research and vet any bus or train company you plan on using prior to trip departure.