International Travel Tips
 

Before going abroad:

·         Obtain Background Notes for the countries you will be visiting.  These are short, factual pamphlets containing information on each country's geography, culture, history, economy, government and political situation;
 

·         Be aware of your country's Travel Advice.  Your travel insurance company may refuse to pay for losses sustained from civil unrest, terroism or even sickness should you disregard the travel advisories of your government:
 

o        U.S. State Department Travel Advisory;

o        British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Travel Advice;

o        Australian Department of Foreign Affairs Travel Advisory;

o        Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs Travel Reports;

o        New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade Travel Tips and Risks;
 

·         Get Consular Information Sheets, from the U.S. State Department, for each country on your itinerary.  These cover information about the country's crime and security conditions, areas of instability, travel warnings and other pertinent information;
 

·         Make sure you have a valid, signed passport and any visas necessary for the countries on your itinerary.  For information on U.S. Passports, for both U.S. citizens and foreign citizens traveling to the U.S., click here.  For visas for foreign citizens traveling to the U.S., click here.  For information concerning visa requirements of foreign governments;
 

·         Get an idea of the laws of the countries you will be visiting.  Remember, the criminal laws of most countries differ substantially from your own.  For example, the laws of most European Community countries are based upon the Napoleonic Code, while those of the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand are derived from the English Common Law.  Even so, personal rights are likely to be interpreted differently in each of these countries as are the laws of the road.  For more specific information on foreign laws, click here and for information on French road laws, and Continental road laws in general, click here;
 

·         Do not rely on your your Social Security, your National Health Insurance or your regular private insurance to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. These plans may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy.

Also, some credit cards offer limited health and travel insurance as well as some car insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative at home, and your traveling companion, how to contact your insurer.

Should you fall sick, or be injured, make sure you are treated at a qualified hospital or by a medical practitioner approved by your insurer, and make sure you get a detailed invoice from them before you leave the country. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Canceling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before canceling a trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveler.

Check into travel insurance; it may save you a bundle;
 

·         Make two or more photocopies of the both the identification page of your passport and of your visas [see U.S. passport photo checklist].  Leave one copy at home, with family or friends.  Place another copy in your baggage and give one copy to each person you are traveling with.  Having a copy will make it easier to get a replacement;
 

·         Obtain immunizations and certificates required, or suggested, for all the countries on your itinerary [see Health Information for International Travel 2005-2006];
 

·         Carry 2 identical, passport quality photographs with you.  You will need them in order to replace a lost or stolen passport;
 

·         Leave your itinerary and proof of citizenship with friends or family so they can contact you in an emergency;
 

·         Do not leave your baggage unattended in public places;
 

·         Do not carry packages given to you by strangers;
 

·         Check in with your government's Consulate in each country where you will be spending at least a week.  This can be done by phone;
 

·         Do not wear expensive jewelry, conspicuous clothing or carry excessive amounts of cash or unnecessary credit cards.  These are things that may make you the target of a crime;
 

·         Do everything you can to avoid violating local laws.  This includes changing your money only in local banks and at authorized money changing establishments;
 

·         Do not visit unknown or isolated areas without first obtaining reliable information about them;
 

·         Contact your embassy should you be involved in an auto accident or other legal problem.

© Copyright 1999 - 2008 by Sharon Atchley.  All rights reserved.  Updated:  10/16/2008