|
|
 |
|
|
| |
As experienced Travellers know, new, shiny bags attract the attention of the wrong people - making your baggage
the target of theft or entry. Old bags are supposed to mean, in the minds of these miscreants, lack of wealth.
Therefore,
building from this knowledge, make sure your baggage looks old - very easy and equally effective as a good lock.
The biggest
impediment to this security regime are the bunch of braindeads running the airline security scheme in the U.S.A. who
insist that bags should be left unlocked, so some of their dishonest employees can steal your goods.
Travellers who are not flying or transiting through the U.S.A. can happily lock their baggage, safe in the knowledge you
have a better chance that what you pack will likely arrive, unless you are flying Monarch of Luton or Air Canada,
neither of whom care one iota about your baggage or its security.
WomPom recommends, without any hesitation,
the use of the Pac-Safe baggage security
device which will delay, or prevent, most attacks on your property.
Pac-Safe - Normal Application
The usual use of the Pac-Safe is to enclose
all your goodies in a stainless steel net, secured by equally strong security wire, with which to attach your baggage to
an immoveable object, using a good quality lock (supplied).
There are various sizes - remember to get one
large enough to enclose your day-pack and that footwear that is as likely as anything to deter thieves - because of the
smell!
One caution. Air Canada, in particular, along with many other carriers, have developed baggage handling
systems that are designed to snag the security net.
This writers bag took on the challenge and the strength of
the Pac-Safe was such that the baggage
handlers at one Canadian airport complained that the Pac-Safe had damaged their equipment.
To protect the net,
and baggage handling equipment, you should also purchase a cover for you secured case - available from various
outfitters and stores - which makes your otherwise good looking backpack, safely secured with the Pac-Safe, the potential to look
really poverty struck with judicious application of paint and grease.
If you cannot find such a cover in your
handy backpacker supply store, have a tent repairer fashion one out of canvas for you.
A surplus military
Duffel bag might make a suitable cover, with modification.
Pac-Safe - U.S.A. Application
The U.S. TSA demands that all passengers checking in at U.S. airports or flying to the U.S. not lock their baggage, on pain
of having them break-in to your suitcase so they can steal your stuff.
However, the Pac-Safe, being an open
stainless steel net, will allow the security checkers to do their job without enriching themselves at your expense.
Simply use the Pac-Safe inside your bag, with all your property inside it, so they either steal the lot or
equally can check the contents without risk of loss.
Locks
Locks made in any particular country are usually easily picked or
opened by people in that country.
Conversely, locks from other countries, if of decent quality, will present a
challenge. Therefore, bring additional locks with you, you can always purchase chain in VietNam. This is particularly
necessary if you intend to bring your own bicycle to or rent a bicycle or motor-scooter in VietNam.
Locks For Your Wheels
Some rental bicycle or motor-scooter outfits in VietNam have a habit
of stealing their property from you, only to claim the cost of the 'loss' from you, and your wallet.
Using
your foreign lock and a length of stout Vietnamese chain will stop these thieves in their tracks.
Baggage Storage
If you are like WomPom, you bring the proverbial kitchen sink - which is a
pain if you want to slip down to the Delta or pop over the border to Cambodia or Laos for a few days.
Unless
you have friends or acquaintances in VietNam, this means you need storage.
Hotel Storage
If you are staying in a hotel, in which you have faith in the honesty of the staff, you can usually arrange to leave
your baggage in their storage.
This is usually available at no cost as long as you stay with them the night
before, and the night following, the storage period.
You should not expect them to be responsible for much
other than the storage of your bag. The security is up to you - and your trusty Pac-Safe.
Airport Storage
As with most aspects of life in VietNam, progress continues. So it is with airport
baggage storage.
It is available at Tan Son Nhat Airport
in Ho Chi Minh/SaiGon. Go to the service counter that is to the left of the exit door; no news about cost.
WomPom hasn't checked Ha Noi's Noi Bai airport, yet. |
|
|
|
|
Close
Have new information?
Contact Us! |
