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Post by Leslie on Jul 15, 2003 10:46:37 GMT -5
Hi there- Would appreciate feedback on this  I must travel for business (female, alone) to Amsterdam, Berlin, and Poland in August-- unfortunately going into some questionable neighborhoods. At home I would carry Mace or a Taser-- any ideas about what's allowable in Europe? Thanks much in advance! |
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Post by LHR02 on Jul 15, 2003 19:40:48 GMT -5
Hi Leslie,
I do not know for sure....that said, I am about 90% certain it is illegal in Germany. For sure it is in UK. As for the other two.....my gut says it won't be allowed, just from the overall feeling about personal 'protection' generally in Europe. If no one else has a definitive reply for you I will try and find out for certain in the next couple of days.
ging
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Post by Eagle on Jul 16, 2003 17:15:49 GMT -5
Although I don't profess to be an expert on European laws, I would suggest that carrying either Mace or a Taser would be highly illegal! Travelling with these by air might also create problems, even if this is carried in checked luggage.
If you ever had to use either of these devices (whether justified or not), you might be also arrested for assault with a weapon (or whatever legal terminology is applicable to that country).
Perhaps some of the other females on this site can recommend some good strategies for staying out of trouble, without the use of weapons. You might also check the "Solo Travel" section of the Rick Steves web site, as majority of solo travellers who post there, never seem to have any problems.
Sorry I couldn't offer a more specific solution to your question, but hopefully this will help. Happy travels!!!
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Post by Leslie on Jul 16, 2003 20:44:12 GMT -5
Thanks very much for the feedback! That really helps.
I definitely don't want to do anything illegal or even questionable-- that's why I checked with you all.
(It's been hard to find the text of the law for each country in english, since I don't read any of those languages well enough to decipher legal codes.)
Given that I have to go into some not-so-safe areas (I work for a redevelopment consultant, so I don't really have a choice), is there anything you would suggest doing/ not doing to maximize safety?
Thank you again for your help!
Cheers,
Leslie
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Post by WillTravel on Jul 16, 2003 21:35:38 GMT -5
Leslie, do you get any per-diem allowance from the companies you work for? Can you take taxis to and from the bad neighborhoods? Failing that, how far is the nearest bus stop or subway station?
I would definitely try hard to have the street names and such down pat (maybe study maps ahead of time) before you went into the neighborhoods.
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Post by LHR02 on Jul 17, 2003 4:31:12 GMT -5
Will you be going 'alone'? If so, I would surely try and get someone to go along with you if you possibly can. And of course do the usual cautious things , dress down and nothing that would attract too much attention, only during daylight, make sure someone, even if it is just your hotel staff, knows where you are going and when you expect to be back. Especially if you have to visit alone, have somebody that will begin looking for/checking on you should you not return as expected.
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Post by Ynox on Jul 19, 2003 17:57:25 GMT -5
saw a shop in munich that stocked CS gas. To be honest you're probably better getting taxis to and from the dodgy areas though.
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Post by Numbers on Oct 18, 2003 2:57:28 GMT -5
I think in certain situations these types of weapons could be used against you. Best just to know your area well.
P.S. A whistle is safer.
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