Date Published: December 20, 2024
Summary
Whether someone is 18 or 78, enjoying one’s time off the clock while on business travel or study abroad is common for almost every traveler. Though OSAC does not endorse any one way to spend free time while overseas, we understand that some may choose to spend it socializing with an alcoholic beverage(s) or other items. Instead of shying away from the topic with travelers, it’s important to communicate safe ways in which to socially unwind. This report will examine several factors to consider; the intent is to be able to hand this to both student and business travelers alike before they depart the country.
Alcohol
While traveling overseas, many people like to sample the nightlife. Often, this includes consuming alcoholic beverages, and while this is not an inherently dangerous activity, travelers should keep safety in mind when drinking and consider the following:
- Drink alcoholic beverages in containers that:
- you saw a bartender, server, or member of the waitstaff pour, or
- come with a closed top that has not been opened prior to purchase (e.g. a can, bottle, or other container).
- Purchase alcohol from brands that you are familiar with or are internationally recognized.
- Avoid home-brewed alcohol; unusually cheap or discounted alcohol could also be contaminated. Recently, several people died in Laos after consuming tainted alcohol that contained methanol.
- Drink only at licensed and/or reputable establishments.
- Don’t overindulge when overseas. You may be in an unfamiliar environment or even just at a higher altitude. Never drink beyond the point of remaining aware of your surroundings.
- Don’t let your drink out of your sight, as drinks can be “spiked” with drugs. If you need to leave your drink unattended, ask your buddy or a trusted person to watch it for you.
- Individuals may be drugged, then robbed once they are incapacitated. In Colombia, for example, this occurred with scopolamine, a drug known to be used in spiking cases.
- It may be useful for travelers to educate themselves on drinking culture and nightlife in their destination country, to lower the risk of doing something that may be perceived as offensive.
- In some countries, especially where Islam is the prominent religion, such as Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, sale and consumption of alcohol is prohibited. In other countries, such as the UAE, strict limitations are placed on the public consumption of alcohol outside of hotels and restaurants. Be sure to check local laws regarding alcohol consumption before traveling.
Review OSAC’s report, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, as well as the U.S. Department of State’s Alcohol and Drugs Overseas report.
Transportation
Selecting how you reach your intended location is crucial. If you or anyone in your group is intoxicated, never operate a motor vehicle. Look into transportation options (both to and from your socializing destination) before you depart.
Depending on your location, public transportation may be both a safe and convenient option; this can include trains, buses, trams, ferries, etc. Elsewhere, however, public transportation may be unreliable, unavailable, or unsafe. In these situations, consider a taxi or rideshare option instead. Some locations may also offer public bike share services, but these should be avoided if drinking alcohol as well. In some countries, it is illegal to ride a bike while intoxicated.
Consider a designated driver if drinking alcohol with a group. Remember, the designated driver must not drink; have a Plan B in the event they do consume alcohol and can no longer be trusted as a sober driver. Do not get into someone’s car if they have been drinking.
Buddy System
When socializing in an unfamiliar location, keep the buddy system in mind:
- When traveling, make sure you’re not alone and are with at least one other person.
- Ensure that you know where the other person(s) is, and if you decide to split up, agree on a time and meeting location for later.
- Everyone in the group should have the accommodation’s address and contact information on them or get a card with those details from the accommodation’s reception (if available).
- If you see a member of your group has already had too much to drink, assist them in safely getting back to their lodging; do not send them off to make it back to the accommodation on their own.
Drugs
Do not, under any circumstances, use drugs overseas. Many countries have very harsh laws regarding drug use, dealing, or trafficking. For example, in the People’s Republic of China, the U.S. Department of State Travel Information Page notes the following:
PRC law-enforcement authorities have little tolerance for illegal drugs, including marijuana. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking illegal drugs in the PRC are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences, heavy fines, or the death penalty.
Police regularly conduct unannounced drug tests on people suspected of drug use and have been known to enter a bar or nightclub and subject all patrons to immediate drug testing. Police may force you to provide a urine, blood, or hair follicle sample on short notice. A positive finding, even if the drug was legal elsewhere or consumed prior to arriving in the PRC, can lead to immediate detention, fines, deportation, and/or a ban from re-entering the PRC.
In addition to legal considerations, there are health and logistical issues that arise from using drugs. Drugs consumed overseas may have been mixed with toxic substances or could be stronger than expected. Travel insurance may also be voided if a traveler has used drugs, which might add a layer of difficulty when rendering travel services.
Finally, travelers under the influence of drugs could more easily become victims of crime, as faculties are generally reduced. Seeking out illicit drugs can inherently put travelers in riskier situations and increase wrong place, wrong time possibilities.
Violence/Aggressive Behavior
In certain cases, alcohol or drug consumption can precipitate violent encounters. Refrain from engaging in any sort of aggressive confrontation with others, as this can lead to a violent situation. Walk away from any confrontational situation before it escalates to something more serious. Laws and penalties for altercations can also be harsher than in the United States.
Consider too that in a non-English speaking location, your foreign language skills may not be adequate to de-escalate a situation, especially if alcohol, drugs, and/or emotions are involved.
Venue Safety
Now that you have arrived at your socializing location, how safe is the venue? Ensure that you can locate the exits in the event of an emergency. Some venues may incorporate dancing, so if you decide to partake, make sure that whatever structure you are on (balcony, stage, etc.) is sturdy and is not cracked. Avoid open-toed shoes as in the event the floor has broken glass. Finally, if a venue seems “too packed,” it probably is; seek out an alternate location.
Sobering Up
After a day/night out, you may find yourself in a less-than-familiar location. This might just be a new neighborhood in a city that you are familiar with. Getting back to your accommodation in an altered state can be difficult, particularly in these unknown parts. In these situations, consider coffee, food, and/or water as means to sober up to a point where you feel comfortable navigating again. Nonetheless, these should not be considered sole substitutes for the time your body needs to metabolize alcohol to a point under the legal limit allowed for operating a motor vehicle. It takes about one hour to metabolize one standard drink.
Emergency Contact Information
When traveling abroad, consider keeping handy emergency contacts. Some third-party assistance providers maintain a 24/7 emergency line that travelers can reach out to in the event of a security of medical issue. It may also be useful to pre-program your destination’s local 911-equivalent in your phone prior to travel. For U.S. citizen travelers, the various embassy and consulate websites will also have contact information.
Additional Information
For more information on this topic, please contact OSAC’s regional teams.
The opinions expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of the U.S. Department of State or any affiliated organization(s). Nor have these opinions been approved or sanctioned by these organizations. This product is unclassified based on the definitions in E.O. 13526. OSAC’s full disclaimer and copyright policy is available on our site at OSAC.gov/About/Disclaimer.
