Traveling with American Express

If you have a State Government American Express Card or bill your business travel to the Business Travel Account,  the following benefits are available to you:

• 24 hour American Express Customer Service Assistance

• 24 hour Global assist for medical or legal services referral worldwide.

• $200,000 door to door Business Travel Accident Insurance.

• Emergency Corporate/Government Card Replacement

• Personal Check Cashing Privileges at American Express Travel Service Offices

Courtesy of Crime Prevention Center
Office of the Attorney General

Hotel & Motel Security

• When staying overnight at a hotel or motel, remember the following:

• Determine the most direct route to and from your room, to the fire escapes, elevators, and nearest phone.

• When occupying or leaving your room, use all auxiliary locking devices on doors and windows. (You may want to purchase a portable door lock for traveling.)

• Use the door viewer to identify anyone requesting entry.  Open the door only if you are certain the person has a legitimate reason to enter your room.   If in doubt, call the hotel/motel office.

• Unpack and place belongings in the closet and dresser.  Arrange your things so you'll know if anything is missing.

• Consider locking any electrical appliances (blow dryers, electric shavers, etc.) in your luggage. (Suitcases should always be locked so they cannot be used to carry your property out of your room.)

• Never leave money, checks, credit cards or car keys in the room. Take them with you.

• Place extra cash, expensive jewelry or other valuables (furs, gems, gold, or silver) in the hotel/motel safe.

• Report any lost or stolen items to the hotel/motel management and to the police.

• Report to the management any suspicious movements in the corridors or rooms.

• Remember - the only way to stop crime is to get involved in crime prevention.

On the Road

• Never carry large amounts of cash; use traveler's checks. If you must carry large sums of money, do not display it openly. 

• Keep a record of traveler's check numbers and your credit card numbers in a safe place. Have the telephone numbers to call in case your checks or credit cards are lost or stolen.

• Be aware of your surroundings and never advertise your plans to strangers; this includes travel routes and the amount of cash you are carrying.

• Do not stop to offer help to a stranded motorist.  Go to the nearest phone booth and call for assistance.

• If you suspect someone is following you, drive to the nearest service station, restaurant or business and call the police or sheriff's department.  If you believe it is unsafe to get out of your car, honk your horn and flash your lights to draw attention.

• If your car breaks down, raise the hood and attach a white cloth to the car antenna.  If someone stops to help, it is advisable that you stay in your locked car and ask them to call the police or a garage.  If you must abandon your car, keep all passengers together.

Car Security

• Always lock your car when entering or leaving it.

• Park in well-lighted, busy areas.

• Check the back seat before getting into your car.

• Mark your car radio and other removable car equipment with your California driver's license number (preceded by "CA") for identification.

• Always lock valuables out of sight, preferably in the trunk.   Always carry wallets, checkbooks, and purses with you.

• Do not advertise that you are a tourist.  Place maps and travel brochures in the glove compartment.