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International travel can be a rich and rewarding adventure. Whether you have waited a lifetime to take the perfect trip or you are an experienced world traveler, we offer some advice to help you plan a safe and healthy trip.
1. Learn About the Countries You Plan to Visit
Research your vacation before making any travel or hotel reservations. Become familiar with currency exchange rates, and local costs to plan your budget. Check the local weather conditions, driving requirements, and other information to avoid problems when you arrive. Also, familiarize yourself with local laws and customs. You are subject to their laws. The U. S. Constitution does not follow you abroad. Additionally, be aware of any vaccination requirements and current health issues affecting the region.
2. Guard Your Passport
Make sure you have a signed valid passport and visas. Also, complete the emergency information page on your passport. Make two (2) copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.
3. Money and Valuables
Depending on your destination, bring most of your money in traveler's checks. However, have a reasonable amount of cash with you. Convert your traveler's checks to local currency as you use them. Also, you may bring one (some) internationally recognized credit card(s). Prior to your departure, find out your credit card limit and do not exceed it. In some countries, travelers who have exceeded their limit have been arrested for fraud. Leave unneeded cards at home. Additionally, notify your credit card companies ahead of time to tell them when and where you will be traveling to avoid a freeze on your account that may be prompted by unusual spending patterns. Also, leave a copy of all credit card account numbers and contact information for the bank or credit card company with a trusted family member or friend. This will help you in canceling the cards in the event they are lost or stolen during your trip.
ATM's (Automated Teller Machines) are becoming popular in many countries abroad. Often these ATM's can be accessed by your local bank card depending on which service is available. The exchange rates are comparable to the going rate of exchange. Check with your local bank to find out which ATM services is available in the country you plan to visit.
If you must take jewelry or other valuables, use hotel security vaults to store them. Additionally, it is wise to register such items with U.S. Customs before leaving the U. S. to make custom processing easier when you return.
It is a violation of the law in some countries to enter or exit with that country's currency. Check with a travel agent, embassy or consulate of the countries you plan to visit to learn their currency restrictions.
4. Driving
U. S. auto insurance is sometimes not valid outside the U. S. Therefore, contact your insurance agent to verify if your insurance is accepted in that country. Additionally, when you drive in another country, it may be advisable to buy auto insurance in that country. When renting an auto abroad, make certain that adequate insurance is part of your contract; otherwise, purchase additional coverage. Also, prior to driving in a foreign country, familiarize yourself with the metric system, since countries display speed limit in kilometers per hour. Remember, keep in mind which side of the road traffic moves.
5. Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is comprehensive insurance that may compensate you for unforeseen cancellations, health problems or theft. Shop around for the best coverage and terms to fit your needs and make sure you understand the exclusions. Note, that U. S. medical insurance is generally not accepted outside the U. S. Medical costs can be high or higher than in the United States. Obtaining medical treatment and hospital care can be expensive and medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost more than $50,000. Review your policy before traveling to find out if it is accepted at your travel destination.
Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide coverage for hospital or medical costs outside the U. S. The U. S. government will not pay to have you medically evacuated to the U.S.
Also, some Americans die while on a short visit abroad. It is a worthwhile precaution to have insurance to cover the cost of burial or shipment of the remains home to the U. S. Otherwise, this cost must be borne by your family.
6. Medications
If you require medication, bring an amply supply in its original containers. Do not use pill cases. Because of strict laws concerning narcotics throughout the world, bring along copies of your prescriptions and, if possible, carry a letter from your physician explaining your need for the medication.
If you have allergies, reactions to certain medications, foods, or insect bites, or other unique medical problems, consider wearing a "medical alert" bracelet. You may also wish to carry a letter from your physician explaining required treatment should you become ill.
If you get sick, you can contact a consular officer at the nearest U. S. embassy or consulate for a list of doctors, dentists, and/or medical specialists.
7. Shopping
Beware of purchasing souvenirs made from endangered wildlife. Many wildlife and wildlife products are prohibited either by U. S. or foreign laws from import into the U. S. You risk confiscation and a possible fine if you attempt to import such things.
8. Register
Prior to your departure, you should register with the nearest U. S. embassy or consulate through the State Department's travel registration web site. Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts may not be released without your express authorization. Remember to leave a detailed itinerary and the numbers and copies of your passport with a friend or relative in the U. S.
As you and your family make your travel arrangements, keep the above tips in mind to avoid unwelcome surprises and ensure a safe, fun-filled trip.
[1] Note: This document is meant for the clients of The Law Offices of Jerold E. Rothkoff. Before acting on any information presented here, you are strongly urged to consult with an attorney who is competent in this area of the law.