Seizures of smuggled narcotics from Afghanistan increased substantially in Crime does not impede the operations of American private businesses.
Petty theft, while not common, continues to be the most likely crime perpetrated against American citizens. Pickpockets tend to frequent tourist sites, open air markets, and heavily-traveled public transportation, especially buses. Department of State Credit cards are becoming more widely accepted.
Reports of ATM skimmers are more prevalent, but such fraud does not appear to be a widespread problem. The U. Consulate has received reports about vehicle break-ins known as smash-and-grabs. These have occurred in well-populated and well-illuminated areas day and night. The perpetrators smash in windows to steal items in plain view. Incidents involving assaults, petty theft, robberies, driving mishaps, and violent verbal exchanges can often be traced to alcohol.
Embassy and Consulate are aware of several incidents where foreigners, including U. Travelers should avoid riding overly crowded buses, microbuses, and trolleys whenever possible.
Many foreigners follow the local custom of hailing private vehicles so called 'gypsy cabs' on the street and negotiating a fee with the driver on the spot. Use of such cabs is strongly discouraged. Visitors should never get into a cab if there is already a passenger in the vehicle and should attempt to get out if the driver stops to pick up another passenger.
