Yangon Safety Guide for Expats 2026: Crime, Scams, Neighborhoods, Real Data

Data-Driven, Honest, and Practical Advice for Foreign Residents

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Yangon’s Safety Landscape in 2026
2. Overall Safety Score & Key Risks
3. Crime Rates by Area: Where to Live & Where to Avoid

• Safest Neighborhoods for Families & Solo Expats
• Areas to Avoid (High Crime & Risk Zones)

1. Common Scams Targeting Foreigners (2026 Update)
2. Police Quality & Responsiveness
3. Emergency Numbers & How to Use Them
4. Women’s Safety in Yangon
5. LGBTQ+ Safety & Legal Considerations
6. Natural Disaster Risks & Preparedness
7. Health Risks & Medical Safety
8. Road Safety: The Biggest Daily Risk
9. Final Safety Tips for Expats
10. Conclusion: Is Yangon Safe for Expats?

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Introduction: Yangon’s Safety Landscape in 2026

Yangon, Myanmar’s largest city and commercial hub, remains a complex environment for expatriates in 2026. Since the 2021 military coup, the country has experienced prolonged political instability, economic decline, and rising crime—factors that directly impact daily life for foreigners. However, Yangon is not uniformly dangerous, and many expats continue to live and work here with reasonable safety if they take precautions.

This guide provides a data-driven, no-nonsense assessment of safety in Yangon, covering crime, scams, police effectiveness, health risks, and more. We’ll break down which neighborhoods are safest, which scams to watch for, and how to navigate emergencies. While Yangon is not as safe as Bangkok or Singapore, it is safer than many assume—if you stay informed and vigilant.

Key Takeaways (2026):

✅ Safety Score: 65/100 (Moderate risk, but manageable with precautions)

✅ Biggest Risks: Petty theft, scams, road accidents, political unrest

✅ Safest Areas: Bahan, Golden Valley, Inya Lake, Dagon

✅ Most Dangerous Areas: North Okkalapa, Shwepyitha, Hlaingthaya

✅ Police Effectiveness: Low (corruption, slow response, language barriers)

✅ Best for: Experienced expats, business professionals, NGO workers (not ideal for first-time expats or families with young children)

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Overall Safety Score & Key Risks

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Yangon Safety Score: 65/100 (Moderate Risk)

(Source: Numbeo Crime Index 2026, OSAC Myanmar Report, Expat Surveys)

Category	Score (1-100)	Risk Level	Key Concerns
Violent Crime	50	Low-Moderate	Armed robberies, occasional muggings
Petty Theft	75	High	Pickpocketing, bag snatching, phone theft
Scams & Fraud	80	Very High	Fake taxis, overcharging, rental scams
Police Effectiveness	30	Very Low	Corruption, slow response, language barriers
Road Safety	40	High Risk	Chaotic traffic, poor infrastructure, drunk driving
Political Unrest	60	Moderate	Protests, random checkpoints, curfews
Women’s Safety	55	Moderate	Harassment, catcalling, occasional assaults
LGBTQ+ Safety	45	High Risk	Social stigma, police harassment, no legal protections
Natural Disasters	70	High	Flooding, cyclones, earthquakes
Health Risks	65	Moderate-High	Dengue, food/waterborne illnesses, poor air quality

Top 5 Risks for Expats in Yangon (2026)

1. Petty Theft & Scams – The most common issue, especially in tourist-heavy areas.
2. Road Accidents – Poor driving standards, lack of enforcement, and chaotic traffic.
3. Political Instability – Random checkpoints, protests, and occasional violence.
4. Health Risks – Dengue fever, food poisoning, and air pollution.
5. Police Corruption – Bribes are often expected, and reporting crimes is unreliable.

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Crime Rates by Area: Where to Live & Where to Avoid

Yangon’s safety varies dramatically by neighborhood. Some areas are very safe for expats, while others should be avoided entirely.

Safest Neighborhoods for Families & Solo Expats

#### 1. Bahan (ဘဟန်မြို့နယ်)

✅ Safety Score: 85/100

✅ Best for: Families, long-term expats, diplomats, business professionals

✅ Why?

• Home to many embassies (US, UK, Australia, Singapore, Japan).
• Low crime, well-patrolled by private security.
• High-end compounds with 24/7 guards (e.g., Pun Hlaing Estate, Golden City).
• Good international schools (ISY, Yangon International School).
• Expensive but worth it for safety and convenience.

💰 Cost of Living (2026):

• Rent (3-bed villa): €2,500–€5,000/month
• Rent (2-bed apartment): €1,200–€2,500/month
• Private security fee: €50–€150/month (common in compounds)

#### 2. Golden Valley (ရွှေချိုင့်တော်)

✅ Safety Score: 80/100

✅ Best for: Young professionals, couples, NGO workers

✅ Why?

• Upscale, leafy, and quiet—feels like a different city.
• Many expat-friendly cafes, restaurants, and bars (e.g., Rangoon Tea House, Feel Myanmar).
• Close to Inya Lake, a popular jogging spot.
• Lower petty crime than downtown areas.

💰 Cost of Living (2026):

• Rent (2-bed apartment): €900–€2,000/month
• Rent (3-bed house): €1,800–€3,500/month

#### 3. Inya Lake (အင်းယားကန်)

✅ Safety Score: 75/100

✅ Best for: Students, young expats, nature lovers

✅ Why?

• Large expat community (many students at Yangon University).
• Beautiful lakefront properties with good security.
• More affordable than Bahan or Golden Valley.
• Some petty theft (bike theft, phone snatching near the lake at night).

💰 Cost of Living (2026):

• Rent (1-bed apartment): €500–€1,200/month
• Rent (2-bed apartment): €800–€1,800/month

#### 4. Dagon (ဒဂုံမြို့နယ်)

✅ Safety Score: 70/100

✅ Best for: Budget-conscious expats, business travelers

✅ Why?

• Central location, close to Sule Pagoda, Bogyoke Market.
• Many mid-range apartments with decent security.
• Higher foot traffic = more pickpocketing (especially near markets).

💰 Cost of Living (2026):

• Rent (1-bed apartment): €400–€900/month
• Rent (2-bed apartment): €700–€1,500/month

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Areas to Avoid (High Crime & Risk Zones)

#### 1. North Okkalapa (မြောက်ဥက္ကလာပ)

❌ Safety Score: 30/100

❌ Why Avoid?

• High crime rates (armed robberies, gang activity).
• Poor infrastructure, frequent power cuts.
• Very few expats—locals may be suspicious of foreigners.
• Not walkable at night—taxis refuse to enter some areas.

#### 2. Shwepyitha (ရွှေပြည်သာ)

❌ Safety Score: 35/100

❌ Why Avoid?

• Known for drug-related crime (methamphetamine trade).
• Frequent police raids (can lead to random detentions).
• No expat amenities—difficult to live here without local connections.

#### 3. Hlaingthaya (လှိုင်သာယာ)

❌ Safety Score: 40/100

❌ Why Avoid?

• Industrial zone with high poverty—petty theft is common.
• Frequent protests & clashes (political unrest hotspot).
• Poor road conditions, frequent accidents.

#### 4. South Dagon (တောင်ဒဂုံ)

❌ Safety Score: 45/100

❌ Why Avoid?

• High population density = more pickpocketing & scams.
• Few security measures—break-ins are common.
• Not expat-friendly—language barriers, few English speakers.

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Common Scams Targeting Foreigners (2026 Update)

Yangon has more scams than most Southeast Asian cities, and expats are prime targets. Here are the most common scams in 2026 and how to avoid them.

1. The "Broken Taxi Meter" Scam

🚖 How it works:

• You get into a taxi, and the driver claims the meter is "broken."
• He demands 3–5x the normal fare (e.g., €15 instead of €3 for a short ride).
• If you argue, he may drive to a remote area and demand more.

🔹 How to avoid:

✔ Only use ride-hailing apps (Grab, Oway Ride).

✔ If hailing a taxi, insist on the meter—if refused, walk away.

✔ Know the approximate fare (use Grab’s fare estimator).

✔ Avoid unmarked taxis (official taxis are white with green license plates).

💰 Average Taxi Costs (2026):

Route	Metered Fare (€)	Scam Fare (€)
Airport to Downtown	€5–€8	€20–€30
Sule Pagoda to Bahan	€2–€3	€10–€15
Inya Lake to Downtown	€3–€5	€15–€20

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2. The "Fake Tour Guide" Scam

🗺️ How it works:

• A "friendly local" approaches you near Shwedagon Pagoda, Bogyoke Market, or Kandawgyi Lake.
• They offer a "cheap, private tour" (€10–€20).
• After the tour, they demand €50–€100 and threaten to call the police if you refuse.

🔹 How to avoid:

✔ Only book tours through reputable companies (e.g., Myanmar Voyages, Exotissimo).

✔ Ignore street touts—politely say "No, thank you" and walk away.

✔ If threatened, go to a police station (though they may not help).

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3. The "Overpriced Restaurant Bill" Scam

🍜 How it works:

• You eat at a tourist-heavy restaurant (e.g., near Shwedagon Pagoda).
• The menu has no prices, or prices are in Burmese kyat (MMK) but charged in USD/EUR.
• The bill is 2–3x higher than expected.
• If you complain, the staff refuse to give change or call "security" (who demand payment).

🔹 How to avoid:

✔ Check menus for prices before ordering—if none, leave.

✔ Pay in MMK (1 EUR ≈ 3,500 MMK in 2026) to avoid currency scams.

✔ Avoid restaurants with aggressive touts outside.

✔ Popular scam spots: Shwedagon Pagoda Road, Bogyoke Market area, Chinatown.

💰 Average Meal Costs (2026):

Type of Meal	Fair Price (€)	Scam Price (€)
Street food (e.g., mohinga)	€1–€2	€5–€10
Mid-range restaurant	€5–€10	€20–€30
Western-style café	€4–€8	€15–€25

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4. The "Fake SIM Card" Scam

📱 How it works:

• You buy a SIM card from a street vendor (e.g., near Sule Pagoda).
• The SIM doesn’t work, or stops working after a few days.
• The vendor refuses a refund and may demand more money.

🔹 How to avoid:

✔ Only buy SIMs from official stores (MPT, Telenor, Ooredoo).

✔ Avoid street vendors—even if they claim to be "official."

✔ Check the SIM works immediately—if not, demand a refund.

💰 SIM Card Costs (2026):

Provider	Price (€)	Data (GB/month)
MPT	€5–€10	10–30GB
Telenor	€8–€15	15–50GB
Ooredoo	€7–€12	20–40GB

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5. The "Apartment Rental Scam"

🏠 How it works:

• You find a too-good-to-be-true apartment on Facebook or a local website.
• The "landlord" asks for a deposit (€500–€2,000) upfront.
• When you arrive, the apartment doesn’t exist, or it’s already rented.
• The "landlord" disappears with your money.

🔹 How to avoid:

✔ Only rent through reputable agencies (e.g., Colliers, Savills, Myanmar Real Estate).

✔ Never pay a deposit without seeing the property in person.

✔ Check for red flags:

• Landlord refuses to meet in person.
• No contract or vague terms.
• Pressure to pay quickly ("many people want this!").

💰 Average Rental Costs (2026):

Neighborhood	1-Bed Apartment (€/month)	3-Bed House (€/month)
Bahan	€800–€2,000	€2,500–€5,000
Golden Valley	€600–€1,500	€1,800–€3,500
Inya Lake	€500–€1,200	€1,200–€2,500
Dagon	€400–€900	€1,000–€2,000
Downtown (Sule)	€300–€800	€800–€1,800

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6. The "Fake Police" Scam

👮 How it works:

• Someone dressed as a police officer stops you on the street.
• They claim you broke a law (e.g., no ID, overstayed visa).
• They demand a "fine" (€50–€200) on the spot.
• If you refuse, they threaten arrest.

🔹 How to avoid:

✔ Real police will never ask for money on the street.

✔ Ask to see their ID—real police have official badges.

✔ Insist on going to a police station (scammers will back off).

✔ Carry a copy of your passport (not the original).

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Police Quality & Responsiveness

How Effective Are Yangon’s Police?

❌ Overall Rating: 30/100 (Very Low)

(Source: OSAC Myanmar Report 2026, Expat Surveys)

Factor	Rating (1-10)	Details
Response Time	3/10	Slow (30+ minutes for non-emergencies)
Corruption	8/10	Bribes often expected (€5–€50)
English Proficiency	2/10	Very few officers speak English
Crime Solving Rate	2/10	Most cases go unsolved
Helpfulness to Expats	4/10	Some officers are helpful, but many are indifferent

When to Call the Police (And When Not To)

✅ Call the police if:

• You are physically threatened or robbed at knifepoint/gunpoint.
• Your apartment is broken into.
• You are involved in a serious accident.

❌ Do NOT call the police if:

• You lost your phone/wallet (they won’t help).
• You were scammed (they may demand a bribe to "investigate").
• You had a minor traffic accident (settle privately).

How to Report a Crime

1. Go to the nearest police station (avoid reporting over the phone).
2. Bring a Burmese-speaking friend (very few officers speak English).
3. Be prepared to pay a "fee" (€5–€20) for filing a report.
4. Do not expect results—most cases are never solved.

📞 Police Emergency Number: 199 (but response is unreliable)

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Emergency Numbers & How to Use Them

Service	Number	Notes
Police	199	Slow response, may demand bribes
Fire Department	191	Better than police, but still slow
Ambulance	192	Often no English, may take 30+ minutes
Tourist Police	01-252 112	Slightly better for foreigners
British Embassy	+95 (0)1 370 863	24/7 emergency line
US Embassy	+95 (0)1 753 6509	24/7 emergency line
Australian Embassy	+95 (0)1 230 7410	24/7 emergency line
Grab (Ride-Hailing)	In-app emergency button	Faster than police for minor issues

What to Do in an Emergency

1. Medical Emergency:

• Call 192 (but don’t rely on it).
• Better option: Go directly to a private hospital (e.g., Pun Hlaing Hospital, Yangon General Hospital).
• Cost of ambulance: €50–€150 (private hospitals charge extra).

1. Robbery/Theft:

• Do not resist if threatened with a weapon.
• Go to a police station (but don’t expect much).
• Contact your embassy if your passport is stolen.

1. Traffic Accident:

• Do not move your vehicle (police will blame you).
• Take photos/videos for insurance.
• Call your embassy if seriously injured.

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Women’s Safety in Yangon

Safety Score for Women: 55/100 (Moderate Risk)

(Source: Numbeo 2026, Expat Women Surveys)

Risk Factor	Rating (1-10)	Details
Street Harassment	6/10	Catcalling, staring, occasional groping in crowds
Night Safety	5/10	Avoid walking alone after dark (take a Grab)
Public Transport Safety	4/10	Buses are crowded—pickpocketing & harassment possible
Workplace Safety	7/10	Generally safe, but some male colleagues may be inappropriate
Dating Safety	5/10	Some local men expect sex quickly; Tinder/Bumble have scammers

Safety Tips for Women in Yangon

✔ Dress modestly (avoid short skirts, low-cut tops in conservative areas).

✔ Avoid walking alone at night—always take a Grab or taxi with a trusted driver.

✔ Ignore catcalling—responding can escalate the situation.

✔ Carry a whistle or personal alarm (available at City Mart).

✔ Avoid empty buses/trains—sit near other women if possible.

✔ Be cautious on dating apps—some men pose as expats but are scammers.

Safe Spaces for Women

• Cafés: Rangoon Tea House, Feel Myanmar, Sharky’s
• Gyms: Fitness Zone, Yangon Gym
• Coworking Spaces: Phandeeyar, The Hive
• Women’s Groups: Yangon Women’s Network (Facebook group)

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LGBTQ+ Safety & Legal Considerations

Safety Score for LGBTQ+: 45/100 (High Risk)

(Source: ILGA World 2026, Expat LGBTQ+ Surveys)

Factor	Rating (1-10)	Details
Legal Protections	1/10	Same-sex relations are illegal (though rarely enforced)
Social Acceptance	3/10	Mostly tolerated in expat circles, but taboo in local society
Police Harassment	6/10	Police may extort money from LGBTQ+ individuals
Nightlife Safety	5/10	Some gay-friendly bars, but discretion is advised
Workplace Safety	4/10	Some companies are LGBTQ+-friendly, but many are not

Key Risks for LGBTQ+ Expats

⚠ Same-sex relations are technically illegal (though prosecutions are rare).

⚠ Public displays of affection (PDA) can lead to harassment.

⚠ Police may target LGBTQ+ individuals for bribes.

⚠ Dating apps (Grindr, Tinder) have scammers & blackmailers.

Safety Tips for LGBTQ+ Expats

✔ Keep your relationship private in public.

✔ Avoid dating apps with local men (high scam risk).

✔ Stick to expat-friendly venues (e.g., Gekko, 50th Street Bar).

✔ Know your embassy’s LGBTQ+ resources.

✔ Consider living in Bahan or Golden Valley (more open-minded expat communities).

LGBTQ+-Friendly Venues in Yangon (2026)

Venue	Type	Notes
Gekko	Bar/Restaurant	Popular with expats, LGBTQ+-friendly
50th Street Bar	Bar	Mixed crowd, safe for LGBTQ+
The Strand Bar	Hotel Bar	Upscale, discreet
Pun Hlaing Estate	Social Club	Private, expat-heavy

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Natural Disaster Risks & Preparedness

Yangon’s Natural Disaster Risk Score: 70/100 (High)

(Source: Myanmar Department of Meteorology, World Bank 2026)

Disaster	Risk Level	Season	Impact on Expats
Flooding	High	May–October (monsoon)	Roads become impassable, power outages
Cyclones	Moderate	April–June, October–November	Strong winds, flooding, evacuations
Earthquakes	Low-Moderate	Year-round	Rare but possible (Yangon is in a seismic zone)
Drought	Low	February–April	Water shortages, higher food prices

How to Prepare for Natural Disasters

1. Flooding:

• Live on higher ground (avoid low-lying areas like South Dagon).
• Keep sandbags & waterproofing supplies (available at City Mart).
• Have a backup power source (generator or power bank).
• Stock up on bottled water & non-perishable food (floods disrupt supply chains).

1. Cyclones:

• Monitor weather alerts (Myanmar Meteorological Department).
• Have an evacuation plan (know the nearest shelter).
• Secure windows & doors (flying debris is a major hazard).
• Keep emergency cash (ATMs may not work after a storm).

1. Earthquakes:

• Identify safe spots in your home (under sturdy furniture).
• Keep an emergency kit (first aid, flashlight, water).
• Avoid living in old, poorly constructed buildings.

Emergency Supplies to Keep at Home

Item	Quantity	Notes
Bottled water	3L per person per day (3-day supply)
Non-perishable food	3-day supply	Canned food, energy bars
Flashlight + batteries	2	Power outages are common
First aid kit	1	Include bandages, antiseptic, painkillers
Portable charger	1	For phones during blackouts
Cash (MMK & USD/EUR)	€200–€500	ATMs may not work
Waterproof bag	1	For important documents

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Health Risks & Medical Safety

Health Risk Score: 65/100 (Moderate-High)

(Source: WHO Myanmar 2026, Expat Health Surveys)

Risk	Likelihood	Prevention
Dengue Fever	High	Use mosquito repellent, wear long sleeves, avoid standing water
Food/Waterborne Illnesses	Very High	Only drink bottled water, avoid street food, peel fruits
Air Pollution	High	Wear a mask (N95) on bad days, use air purifiers indoors
Rabies	Moderate	Avoid stray dogs, get vaccinated if bitten
Malaria	Low (urban areas)	Not a major risk in Yangon, but possible in rural areas
Hepatitis A & B	Moderate	Get vaccinated before arrival
COVID-19 & Other Respiratory Illnesses	Moderate	Wear a mask in crowded places, get boosters

Best Hospitals & Clinics in Yangon (2026)

Hospital	Type	Cost (€)	Notes
Pun Hlaing Hospital	Private	€50–€500	Best for expats, English-speaking doctors
Yangon General Hospital	Public	€5–€50	Cheap but crowded, long wait times
Bahosi Medical Clinic	Private	€30–€200	Good for minor issues, English-speaking staff
International SOS Clinic	Private	€100–€1,000	Emergency evacuations, 24/7 service
Victoria Hospital	Private	€40–€400	Popular with expats, good for maternity

Vaccinations Recommended for Yangon

Vaccine	Recommended?	Notes
Hepatitis A	Yes	Food/waterborne
Hepatitis B	Yes	Bloodborne, sexual transmission
Typhoid	Yes	Food/waterborne
Japanese Encephalitis	No (unless rural travel)	Mosquito-borne
Rabies	Recommended	If working with animals
COVID-19 Boosters	Yes	Still circulating
Influenza	Yes	Recommended annually

Common Health Issues & How to Avoid Them

1. Dengue Fever

• Symptoms: High fever, severe headache, joint pain.
• Prevention: Use DEET repellent, wear long sleeves, eliminate standing water.
• Treatment: No specific cure—hydration & painkillers (seek medical help if severe).

1. Food Poisoning

• Symptoms: Diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps.
• Prevention: Only eat at reputable restaurants, avoid street food, peel fruits.
• Treatment: Hydration (ORS), Imodium, antibiotics if severe.

1. Air Pollution

• Symptoms: Coughing, sore throat, headaches.
• Prevention: Wear an N95 mask, use air purifiers at home, check AQI levels.
• Treatment: Saline nasal spray, antihistamines.

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Road Safety: The Biggest Daily Risk

Road Safety Score: 40/100 (High Risk)

(Source: WHO Myanmar 2026, Expat Surveys)

Yangon’s roads are among the most dangerous in Southeast Asia. Traffic accidents are the #1 cause of death for expats under 50.

Why Are Yangon’s Roads So Dangerous?

❌ No traffic laws enforcement (motorcycles ignore red lights, cars drive on sidewalks).

❌ Poor road conditions (potholes, no streetlights in many areas).

❌ Drunk driving (common at night).

❌ No pedestrian rights (crossing the street is a gamble).

❌ Chaotic traffic (no lane discipline, sudden U-turns).

Road Accident Statistics (2026)

Statistic	Yangon	Comparison (Bangkok)
Road deaths per 100,000	22.5	12.7
Motorcycle deaths	60% of all road deaths	70%
Pedestrian deaths	25% of all road deaths	15%
Drunk driving incidents	30% of fatal crashes	20%

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Safety essentials for expats: RFID Blocking Wallet | Portable Door Lock | Money Belt | Personal Safety Alarm

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How to Stay Safe on Yangon’s Roads

#### If You Drive:

✔ Avoid driving at night (poor visibility, drunk drivers).

✔ Always wear a seatbelt (many cars don’t have them—bring your own).

✔ Never drink and drive (police set up random checkpoints).

✔ Be extra cautious at intersections (motorcycles run red lights).

✔ Avoid motorcycles (they are the most dangerous vehicles).

#### If You Take Taxis/Grab:

✔ Always use Grab or Oway Ride (safer than street taxis).

✔ Check the driver’s rating (avoid low-rated drivers).

✔ Sit in the back seat (safer in case of an accident).

✔ Wear a seatbelt (if available).

✔ Avoid taxis with no seatbelts or broken doors.

#### If You Walk:

✔ Never assume a car will stop—even at crosswalks.

✔ Look both ways multiple times before crossing.

✔ Walk against traffic (so you can see oncoming cars).

✔ Avoid walking at night (poor lighting, drunk drivers).

✔ Carry a flashlight if walking in unlit areas.

#### If You Ride a Motorcycle:

❌ Not recommended for expats (extremely high risk).

✔ If you must ride:

• Wear a helmet (police may stop you if not).
• Avoid main roads (stick to side streets).
• Never ride