Is wearing your camera around your next safe when traveling to a foreign country?

Mexico I can't address, but I have had no problem just about anywhere in Europe. Europe is such a touristy place that a camera is a pretty common sight. Because of this you should be able to get some nice street shots. On my travels, whilst walking about, I always kept the strap around my neck and my hand on the camera. Also, be aware of your surroundings...Is anyone watching you? Don't get into crowded situations...sometimes the bumping together (like on subways) is a perfect cover for ripping you off. Travel with at least one other "wingman/woman"--for more security and because it's more fun, too! Just keep up your "situational awareness" and you should be fine. Have a couple of great trips!

I would camouflage any expensive camera equipment by using a cheap plastic bag from a local store to carry it in such places. Carry *a copy* of your passport and your electronic flight ticket and some spare money in a belly pouch *under* your shirt. Try to look like a local, wear cheap clothes. Check your insurance policy if simple theft is covered. But most important, have fun!

I've worn my camera around my neck in a number of "desolate" (birding) areas of Mexico without incident during trips this past July (Yucatan Peninsula) and January (Western Mexico, as far south as Colima). I've generally, but not always, been in the company of a fellow (male) photographer or two, and only once avoided going, alone, down a certain stretch of country road because an unfamiliar vehicle was parked there, making me feel a bit uncomfortable. Just take the same sensible precautions you'd take if you were in an equivalent area of the USA: being aware of your surroundings, not leaving belongings unattended, etc. I've found the Mexicans to be very welcoming, and the food is great.

As others have said, enjoy these trips! (And bring your longest lens. Even if you're not a wildlife photographer, the birds are fantastic!)

I've been in places where my camera gear represented more than a year's income for many of the local people and I've usually worn the camera gear around my neck. Once, I was warned by a Colombian citizen while I was in Peru not to do that in Bogota, but I did anyway, with no problem.

It's important to be alert to what is going on around you. Never set bags, etc on the ground while you shoot, and keep a firm grip on gear and bags alike. Watch out for people on motor scooters, in many places.

Then again, I'm not a woman, and don't know how that does affect the equation in the particular places you're headed for.

Something on the line of Marcus' suggestions may be a good idea, even in US big cities, for that matter. But the only way to be sure, is not to bring the gear with you in the first place. It's astonishing how well a small viewfinder camera can do for you, but you bought the fancy gear to use, after all. Just check on insurance before you go.

I would worry more about your neck than the camera when they snatch your camera as they drive by on their Vespa.

Here is another option...get a good quality P&S. I just ordered a Canon S95, for example, and, if this little guy works out, I may be going the minimalist route for street and "risky" tourism...maybe you could consider that?

It all depends on the neighborhood and the type of crowd that's around you (or NOT around you). I would be more concerned about a mugging in Newark or Miami than I would in Mexico City. But that's not to say that it doesn't happen in Mexico City, and sometimes the consequences are deadly.

Pickpockets might be more of a problem, because they can strike anywhere. Muggers generally avoid crowded areas; they prefer to prey on isolated victims. Stay near people, use common sense, don't spend time out alone when it's dark, check your valuables immediately if someone bumps into you or tries to distract you with loud talking or an annoying noise, and keep a close eye on ALL of your belongings at all times.

You "booked", so you will get paid.
Consult Embassy or Consulate of the country you are going to work, for obtaining a temporary work permit there. This could be just obtaining proper type of visa ? even if you would not need any visa there? Consult local tourist office about it, as they could help get you proper documents, or advice you what to do.

I had to prove upon departure at the Mexico City airport that I did not purchase the equipment in Mexico, or else would had to pay an export fee or have the equipment confiscated. This was perhaps 20 years ago.
Obviously I did not have any proof with me that I brought the camera with me from USA. So, any custom declaration upon entry could help with exit.
Solution that was disciovered was very simple, a $20 was paid to the person, and no talk, no paper work.

I think that was an isolated incident, since I traveled many times to Mexico later on, and had proper proof of ownership and custom declarations, but was never asked about the equipment again.

I got rolled by 4 guys one night about 9 o'clock on the main street of colonial Santiago, Chile with a nice Sony A100 hanging around my neck. They gently deposited me on the ground, went straight for the cash in my pockets. They didn't bother with the camera. There were 50 locals on the sidewalk within 25 feet of us. Everyone kept walking as if nothing was happening. It was interesting, about 30 seconds before I was rolled, a guy walked up beside me and intentionally bumped into me. I instinctively put my hand in my pocket where the cash was. They went straight for that pocket. As previous posters have pointed out, it is all about common sense, alertness and not dressing flashy with designer labels oozing from your every pore.