Personal Safety Reminder and Tips

January 24, 2013

U.S. Embassy Dar es Salaam

The U.S. Embassy reminds all U.S. citizens in Tanzania to be mindful of their surroundings and to remain vigilant in light of the continued rise in opportunistic crimes. These include robbery, assault, bag snatching, ATM express kidnapping, burglary, attempted burglary, home invasions, and thefts from parked cars. In the past we noticed a seasonal spike in crime, we now hear of crimes being committed against expats and Tanzanians daily.

Take charge of your own safety.

Here are some steps you can take to protect yourself:

• Be alert.
• Minimize your exposure and therefore your risk of becoming a victim of crime.
• Do not carry a bag when walking on the street, either day or night.
• Use all available security equipment (locked doors, windows, alarms).
• Trust your instincts.
• If you see something unusual, leave the area, seek out a safe location, and report the matter to authorities.
• Be wary of those who offer unsolicited help or service.
• When driving, always leave yourself room to maneuver around an obstacle. Do not permit other cars to block you in.
• Keep emergency numbers programmed into your cell phone.
• Ensure your cell phone is with you at all times, turned on, and charged.
• Travel in groups during daylight as much as possible.

If you insist on carrying a bag, hold it loosely by the handle, not as a backpack, and not by securing the strap across your chest. In Tanzania, bag-snatching from moving vehicles is a serious problem. You could be dragged and seriously injured.

Carry only a small amount of cash in your pocket for your immediate use; avoid carrying debit or credit cards, not just to avoid credit card skimming or other ATM-related fraud, but also to reduce your exposure to express ATM kidnappings (when criminals take you to several ATMs to withdraw funds under duress until you reach your daily limit.)

In the past three months, more than 20 U.S. citizens have reported being victims of violent assault in Tanzania. A number of expats from other countries resident in or visiting Tanzania have also been victims of crime. Undoubtedly, these numbers are higher as only a few individuals report incidents to the U.S. Embassy. Crime exists on Zanzibar, where there have been numerous reports of bag- and camera-snatching in Stone Town. Smaller hotels have fallen victim to invaders who tie up guards and rob guests. Opt for a larger hotel with more established security and more people. Zanzibar is 98 percent Muslim; modest dress in public is strongly recommended.

If you are the victim of a crime in Tanzania, the U.S. Embassy can offer some assistance. Please read our brochure, " Help for American Victims of Crime Overseas ," for more information http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/ victims_crime_overseas/victims_crime_overseas_1748.html .


Security Reminders

No matter where you are, there is always the potential for the threat of harassment, violence, or criminal acts. Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to increase your security awareness. Keep a low profile while commuting, doing errands, or enjoying leisure activities. Here is a safety checklist for you to share with your family and friends in light of the continued crime in Tanzania.


Pedestrians, Joggers, Cyclists:
Activities such as jogging, cycling, and walking are risky.

• Do not carry backpacks and purses. They attract thieves.
• Don't wear headphones. If you insist, use only wear one earpiece so you can listen to the area around you.
• Consider wearing bright reflective clothing so you stand out.
• Select routes where you can run, walk, or bike on the shoulder. Consider heading "counter flow" so you can see the traffic (if it is safe to do so).
• Don't go out alone. Take a friend. Walking, jogging, or biking alone is a bad idea.
• Where/When: Location and time of day are key factors. Never walk, run, or bike after dark. You're invisible to traffic, and highly visible to thieves.
• AVOID walking/biking near: Toure Drive, Coco Beach, Ubungo Bus Station, South Beach Ferry area, or any place where there aren't houses on both sides of the road. Assailants like to hide in/escape to areas with brush and/or areas with crowds. If you go to the South Beach Ferry or the Ubungo Bus Station then arrive and depart in a secure vehicle.

Maximize Awareness/Minimize Risk:

• No flashy watches, jewelry, or iPods. Carry just a concealed cell phone and the minimum amount of cash that you need that day.
• DO NOT CARRY ATM, CREDIT, or DEBIT CARDS or you may find yourself on a tour of a lifetime visiting ATM machines until your credit limit is maxed out.
• International criminal groups are stealing debit and credit card information using sophisticated card skimming hardware and software.

Vehicle Security:

• Carry your phone(s) with you at all times with the ringer on.
• Vary your times and routes; change your schedule and routine.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Lock your doors; close your windows.
• Set the alarm (if you have one) when you park.
• Secure bags in the trunk or leave them at home. Bags attract thieves. Cars are glass boxes. If you leave a bag on the seat someone may break the glass.
• Secure (and hide) all electronic items.
• If you are driving around Dar es Salaam late at night, be especially cautious when stopped at traffic lights. In order to avoid assault at isolated intersections, some drivers only slow down at red lights. That may help to avoid an assault but it also means that all intersections are really dangerous at night.
• When driving in traffic ensure you leave adequate space between your car and the vehicle ahead. Do the same when stopped so you can maneuver away from a difficult situation.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full at all times.

Taxi Security:

• Take legitimate taxis from a car service, hotel, or restaurant.
• Photograph the front or back of the taxi showing the license plate and send it to a friend.
• Ask for the driver's name and cell (implies future business) and send it to a friend.
• Test the doors and windows before you get in. Child-locked doors and tinted windows are a bad sign. Find another cab.
• Don't take bajajs, daladalas, or hail unknown taxis on the street.
• Don't take taxis hailed by people you just met.
• Don't take taxis that have other passengers in them.
• If a taxi stops for gas get out.
• If a taxi stops for other passengers get out.

Residential Security:

• Lock all doors and security grills--especially at night.
• Ensure windows are closed and locked.
• If you have an alarm, use it.
• Repair any faulty grills, lights, or locks.

Maximize your awareness and minimize your risks.
Please refer to the U.S. Embassy website for a full listing of our Security Messages for U.S. Citizens. Pay particular attention to the notice on taxis.

We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Tanzania enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://step.state.gov/step. STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the U.S. embassy to contact you in an emergency. If you don't have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Regularly monitor the State Department's website at http://travel.state.gov/, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Tanzania at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1038.html. For additional information, refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" on the State Department's website, http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html.

Contact the U.S. embassy for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter at https://mobile.twitter.com/travelgov and Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/travelgov, or you can download our free Smart Traveler App, available through iTunes and the Android marketplace, to have travel information at your fingertips.

U.S. Embassy in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
686 Old Bagamoyo Road, Msasani
Tel: [+255] (22) 229-4000
Fax: [+255] (22) 229-4721
Email: drsacs@state.gov

After-hour emergencies: Call the switchboard and follow the instructions to reach an operator.