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Jakarta, 17 December 2024 - The year-end holidays are approaching, offering travelers the opportunity to explore destinations that are on their wish list. According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), 5.34 million Indonesian citizens (WNI) travelled internationally from January to July 2024, indicating that the enthusiasm for vacationing is rising among Indonesians.

In addition to arranging transportation, accommodation, and the vacation itinerary, it is important that travellers prioritize safety! It is crucial that they ensure the safety of people, belongings, and the home they leave behind.

For those who are already preparing for a vacation, Bank DBS Indonesia would like to provide some helpful recommendations for a safe and enjoyable vacation to prevent unexpected emergencies. Here are some tips:

1. Research your destination
   Do your investigation prior to travelling to gain a deeper understanding of the city or destination you intend to visit. Research not only identifies must-see tourist attractions but also offers information regarding local safety.
   Some things to look for are the local crime rate (including credit card skimming and identity theft) and the risk of natural disasters to avoid certain areas.
   Additionally, remember to research the nearest police station and hospital from your accommodation, in case you unexpectedly become ill and require medical attention.
2. Protect your home
   The destination has been determined, and all the required paperwork has been prepared. It is important to verify that your home is safe before you depart, especially if you will be away for an extended period. Maintaining a high level of security is crucial, as your residence may be at risk of theft or unexpected damage, including electrical short circuits and leaks.
   Make sure to lock all doors and windows tightly to maintain the home's security. Unplug unnecessary electrical devices to prevent the risk of a fire or short circuit. If possible, ask for the help of neighbors or relatives to check the house regularly. You can also install CCTV, home alarms and lights with automatic timers that can turn on and off at certain hours. 
3. Keep important documents in a safe deposit box
   Once you have arrived at your vacation destination, we recommend storing important documents like passports, visas, plane tickets, spare credit cards, and large amounts of cash in a safe deposit box to avoid loss, damage or theft.
   It is also important to have digital copies of your documents, such as travel tickets, that you can store on your phone for convenience and security.
4. Beware of strangers while travelling
   Many people enjoy meeting new people while travelling, and this can be an exciting part of your experience. However, it's always beneficial to remain alert. This is especially true if a stranger approaches you with unsolicited offers or excessive hospitality.
   Always be alert of potential pickpocketing or fraud attempts and maintain a firm yet polite tone. Ensure that you are consistently aware of your surroundings, rely on your instincts, and steer clear of any unusual conditions.
5. Avoid displaying valuables in public 
   When travelling, displaying valuables such as cameras, gadgets, or designer bags openly can attract the attention of thieves, especially in crowded places. To protect yourself and valuables, keep these items in a safe and more discrete place. 
   You may want to use a bag with additional security to reduce the risk of theft. You should also divide valuables into several bags to avoid keeping everything in one place, and avoid putting them in a backpack or on the back of your body.
   One of the ways to protect yourself while travelling is to purchase travel insurance. The Indonesian General Insurance Association (AAUI) data indicated that in 2022, travel insurance purchases in Indonesia exceeded IDR 800 billion, which was a significant increase following the pandemic when travel was restricted, and it is expected that this figure will continue to increase. This highlights the growing awareness of the importance of self-protection when travelling, providing security in the face of potential risks.

Some travel insurance options to consider are Chubb Smart Travel Shield and Crime Guard Plus underwritten by Chubb Indonesia and available from Bank DBS Indonesia. Chubb Smart Travel Shield is a comprehensive protection solution that offers coverage benefits of up to 4 billion Rupiah for medical expenses or hospitalization abroad in the event of illness or accident. Additionally, this product provides coverage up to IDR 35,000,000 for loss or damage to personal belongings and luggage, covers travel delays, and provides insurance against loss or damage to home furniture due to robbery or fire. Travellers can use the promo code dbstravel10 to enjoy a 10% premium discount for travel protection packages. This promo is valid from 1-31 December 2024, and you can immediately use it on your favorite online travel agent (OTA) application.

Crime Guard Plus protects you from criminal activity while on vacation. This product offers protection and compensation against a variety of travel risks, including theft, assault in a taxi or private vehicle, permanent total disability, and accidental death. Additionally, this product reimburses medical expenses and credit cards, or cell phone bills caused by theft.

Head of Investment and Insurance Products of PT Bank DBS Indonesia, Djoko Soelistyo, said, "The year-end holidays are a precious moment to explore the world and create beautiful memories with loved ones. However, behind all the excitement, it is important to consider protection to protect you when unexpected situations arise. This underlies the importance of travel insurance for customers. Chubb Smart Travel Shield and Crime Guard Plus are designed to offer tailored protection,  from medical coverage to crime protection. Thanks to these two products, we believe we can help customers enjoy their journey with a sense of safety and calm."