Living Dublin

Safety Tips for Tourists

The following is taken from an information booklet produced by An Garda Síochána (Irish Police) and the Tourist Victim Support Service, in association with Vodafone.

Introduction

Ireland attracts millions of visitors to its shores each year, the vast majority of whom have a very enjoyable holiday. Ireland’s people are warm and hospitable. But like any other country in the world, Ireland has its share of tourist crime. We hope this guide will help you to have a safe and memorable visit.

Keep your money safe

Make arrangements to store your excess cash, travellers cheques, passport and other valuables in the safe in your accommodation.

Do not carry all your money together. If travelling as a couple or in a group split the money between you. Keep excess cash, travellers cheques, credit cards in a discreet money belt inside your clothing.

Make a note of the serial numbers and denominations of all your travellers cheques. Keep this list and your emergency refund telephone numbers safely away from your travellers cheques.

Never keep your travellers cheques and passport together.

Don't countersign any of your travellers cheques until you are cashing them, and then only in the presence of the cashier. Don't cash more than is necessary.

Out & about

Use a handbag or shoulder bag that can be held securely. Mind your bag when in crowded streets, shops or when having a meal or drink. Be careful when withdrawing money from cash machines.

Don’t carry more money with you than you intend to spend. It is not a legal requirement to carry your passport or ID card in Ireland. Keep to populated areas. Avoid deserted streets at night.

If you are heading to a remote area for walking or cycling, inform somebody where you are going. Don’t wear expensive jewellery or leave belongings exposed.

Look confident.

Do not pitch tents or camp in open spaces, unapproved sites, and public areas - camp only on approved sites.

Advice for cyclists

Cyclists should always be clearly visible - front and rear lights during darkness are obligatory by law.

Bright reflective clothing should be worn.

Cyclists must obey all traffic signs and must not cycle on footpaths.

Care should be taken with unattended bicycles and luggage.

At night a rear red light and a front white/yellow light must be used.

A rear red reflector must be fitted to your bicycle.

Advice for motorists

The Garda Síochána is committed to reducing the level of accidents on our roads. Operation Lifesaver is the National Garda enforcement campaign that principally focuses on speeding offences, the non-wearing of seatbelts and drunken driving.

Whilst there has been a 12% decrease in the level of death and injury on our roads in the last two years, many more accidents could be avoided if road users exercised more care and attention. Here are a few reminders that will help you, as a road user, to have a safe journey:

• In poor visibility please use dipped headlights.
• Long journeys can be tiring and exhausting - this often leads to accidents. As soon as you feel tired pull over and take a break.
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front, especially in wet conditions.
• Check your vehicle for any defects such as faulty lights or worn tyres.
• Be patient and give yourself the proper amount of time for your journey. Driver impatience leads to risks such as dangerous overtaking. It's better to be late than not to arrive at all.
• If you witness dangerous driving, suspected drunken driving etc. call the Gardai on 112 or 999. Try to get the make, colour and registration number of the vehicle.

Traffic laws

• Remember, drive on the left hand side of the road!
• You must yield to traffic using the roundabout.
• Always turn left onto a roundabout.
• Seat belts must be worn by drivers and both front and rear seat passengers of cars.
• The Blood Alcohol limit for drivers is 80mg per 100ml of blood, or 107mg per 100ml of urine.
  "IF YOU DRINK DON'T DRIVE".

Rules of he road

Speed limits

Car safety

When visiting the city centre area, park your car in one of the controlled car parks and retain the parking ticket on your person. Always lock your car securely when leaving it unattended even for brief periods. When checking into your accommodation, ask the receptionist about secure car parking. Do not leave luggage or valuables exposed inside a parked car or luggage attached to a roof rack.

If you are a tourist crime victim

Even with the best advice and plans, things can sometimes go wrong. If you are a tourist crime victim, report the incident in person to the nearest Garda Station (Police Station), which will refer you to the Tourist Victim Support Service (TVSS). Reporting crime increases the chance of the perpetrator being caught and in some instances of getting property returned. Most of all it increases the safety of all visitors to the country.

Tourist Victim Support Service offers assistance to tourists who are victimised while visiting Ireland. It is run by fully trained staff and volunteers who speak a variety of languages. TVSS acts as a base where problems facing the tourist in the aftermath of a crime can be addressed. TVSS is based in Dublin but assistance can be sought from anywhere in the country.

Tourist Victim Support Service CAN:

• Provide emotional support and practical assistance.
• Offer the use of telephone/fax/ email facilities.
• Assist with language difficulties.
• Liaise with embassies, Gardai (police) and other agencies.
• Help to have stolen travel tickets re-issued.
• Assist with the cancellation of credit cards and travellers cheques.
• Act as a base for money transfers.
• Arrange accommodation/meals if needed.
• Arrange transport for stranded tourists.
• Address medical needs.

Tourist Victim Support Service CANNOT:

• Offer financial assistance.
• Replace lost items.
• Offer insurance or legal advice.

Tourist Victim Support Service
Block 1
Garda Headquarters
Harcourt Square
Dublin 2
Tel: 01 478 5295
Fax: 01 478 5187
Email: info@touristvictimsupport.ie
www.touristvictimsupport.ie

Opening Hours
Monday - Saturday
10.00am - 6.00pm
Sundays and National Holidays
12.00 - 6.00pm

All referrals to TVSS come through the Gardai.

Emergency number for the Gardai, Fire Brigade and Ambulance: 112 or 999

© Living Dublin 2003-2008