DWB

Had a gun pulled on me in Bogotá, Colombia. I did what he said and gave him my money.

Was robbed my NEEDLE point in Salvador, Brazil. This guy walked up to me, caught me off guard, put his arm around me and with his other hand held a blood filled needle close to my stomach. He said he had HIV and that was his blood, if I didn't give him my money, he would inject me. No brainer.

The trick is... NEVER CARRY MORE THAN YOU ARE WILLING TO LOSE.

Another trick is, have 2 pockets full of money. One pocket has money enough to get you through the day but not more than you are willing to lose. The other pocket has "throw money." That means, its a bunch of small notes that you can toss into the air or at someone. It is a great distraction for those desperate for money, as they don't know how much it is. It may give you time to get away.

I never wear jewelry, never wear a watch, and if I'm in a poor area I never dress like I have money. That doesn't stop some criminals, but it helps not make you a target for most. These days in Thailand I carry pepper spray and blast anyone who invades my personal space and makes me feel threatened. I'm proactive on this, no chances. Only had to do it a few times, but one time in particular, it saved me from getting jumped by about 10 Thai guys (Thais never fight one on one). They all got blasted and I escaped, spraying behind me as I sped off on my scooter. Have not been back to that street since. lol