International students can sometimes be targeted by criminals. You may be seen as an easy target because they think you have more money than Kiwi students. And you don’t have much local knowledge. You can be vulnerable if English is not your first language. You may lack the language and communication skills needed to report a crime or to look for help.

Here are some safety tips to help you avoid unpleasant situations:

• Carry only small amounts of cash. Most New Zealanders – especially young people – use electronic ways to withdraw money and our automatic teller machines (ATMs) are open 24 hours a day.
• Most shops accept EFTPOS (your bank card) or credit cards. Banks offer services that pay bills like rent, phone and power for you automatically every week or month. So you don’t have to carry a large amount of money and it’s much safer not to.
• Make sure you open a bank account as soon as you arrive. Keep your money in the bank, not in your room or car. Our banks are reliable and you can withdraw money at any time of day or night using an ATM. 
• Many tertiary institutions have security guards on patrol day and night, emergency telephones, and swipe card access to buildings. Some operate buddy systems so that a volunteer will escort you home if you’re studying late in the library or computer room. 
• If you’re going somewhere at night time (even if you are just going to the library), always let your friends know where you are going and when you’re going to return.
• Women should never walk alone at night. Always try to go in a group. Take a taxi if it’s late at night. 
• If you’re out and enjoying night clubs and bars, make sure you don’t leave your drinks unattended. Always watch your drinks being poured for you to reduce the risk of drink-spiking (putting drugs into your drink). You can keep yourself and your friends safe by looking after each other’s drinks when you are in the pubs or clubs.
• It’s sensible to keep your belongings with you – don’t leave bags, books, and valuables unattended. Lock your car, and keep things in the boot of your car or take them with you.
• In New Zealand we don’t lend large amounts of money to our friends. If you really want to help out a friend, make sure the loan is in writing and someone reliable signs (witnesses) it. 
• Take your valuables with you, even if you’ve locked your car.