How to Stay Safe on an Overnight Bus Ride
Tips for Budget Travel Safety in Developing Countries
Apr 27, 2009
Bus stations are probably the most likely place for a traveler to get robbed on the entire trip. It is important to exercise caution not only around bus stations but on the bus as well. Always use common sense and keep valuables on one’s body. It is important to always be aware of surroundings. And that common sense can go a long way in keeping a traveller safe on the bus journey.
Before Departure at the Bus Station
If a traveler is approached by anyone claiming to be an authority and wanting to see their passport or demanding a fine, it is a good idea to exercise caution and suspicion. Usually plain clothes policemen are warned to stay away from travelers so ask to see identification before handing over a passport and do not be intimidated. This is especially true in South America where there are strict rules prohibiting plain clothes police officers from harrassing tourists.
Always keep bags in sight and in contact with the body. For backpackers, the safest way to wait for a bus is by using the pack itself as a chair.
Before Leaving the Bus Station
This is the time when a bus passenger is most likely to be robbed. Keep an eye on belongings as long as possible. In some countries, it is vital that travellers watch their bags until everyone is on the bus and it is ready to depart, but in most countries it is fine once the bags have been put under or on top of the bus.
As for the carry-on bag, it is safer to keep it under one’s feet than it is to put it in an overhead compartment. During stops and before the bus departs, watch bags in the overhead compartments if someone is moving them around and make sure they do not walk off with a bag that doesn’t belong to them.
Keeping Belongings Safe on an Overnight Bus
Once the bus is moving the overnight bus passenger can relax more. But it is still important to be aware of surroundings and decide what kind of risks to take. It might seem paranoid to take a bag to the bathroom, but that is better than losing valuables.
During the night it is a good idea to padlock any valuables in the carry-on bag so that they are not opened while a backpacker is sleeping. Although it can be uncomfortable it is important to leave the money belt on while sleeping.
Arriving at the Final Destination
Even if a traveler is drowsy with lack of sleep, it is important as always to be aware of surroundings. Check for anything important that could have slipped into seat cracks during the night. It is good to try to get an eye on large bags as soon as possible so that, once again, someone else does not walk off with a bag that is not theirs. Also, be especially aware of pick pockets while retrieving bags.
