Australian travellers are running into hot water overseas, with more than half falling victim to petty crime and scams, and while the financial losses are one thing to deal with, up to 40 per cent say a scam or crime ruined their holiday.
Research conducted by Southern Cross Travel Insurance found 60 per cent of us were exposed to crime on our travels, and as many as 13 per cent have even been deterred from travelling to popular holiday hot spots where crime is rife.
A third of those targeted were cheated out of hundreds of dollars, 16 per cent were conned out of over $500, with a small number losing more than $1,000 of their holiday funds.
More Aussie tourists ran into trouble in Indonesia/Bali than any other country. Thailand, also popular with travellers for its idyllic beaches, carefree atmosphere and lively nightlife had a high crime rate, with the US, Hong Kong, China and Fiji also placing high on the tourist crime map.
Overall, travellers most commonly experienced theft, dishonesty and untrustworthy services whilst travelling overseas – 15 per cent of Aussies were stung converting currency, whilst 7 per cent were victims of bankcard fraud. Friends became foes for some unlucky travellers, befriended by someone who then demanded money, leaving them high and dry.
The survey also found:
Craig Morrison from Southern Cross Travel Insurance shared these tips for avoiding travel crimes: