Overseas Precautions
When you plan on taking a trip abroad or going on vacation you are strongly advised
to keep in mind that problems and obstacles are liable to appear no matter how well
prepared you are. To avoid them as much as you can there is only one thing you can
do – that is to better prepare yourself for such scenarios.
- Check your health and accident insurance to see if you are covered abroad and do
the necessary adjustments.
- U.S. embassies and consulates have lists of local English speaking doctors and good
hospitals around the area; if you need assistance you can call them.
- Fill the section on your passport for an emergency contact, if that person is traveling
with you then name someone else. Keep it updated for each trip you make.
- Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be
contacted in case of an emergency.
- Carry copy of your prescriptions for any medicine you are taking with you.
- You can find US embassies and consulates all over the world; if you are in trouble
don’t hesitate to contact them.
- Prior to your departure, you should register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
through the State Department’s travel registration website . Registration
will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact
you in an emergency. This information is confidential and will not be use for any
other purpose than contact you in case of an emergency.
- Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement
if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives.
Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport.
- If your passport is lost or stolen contact the nearest consulate or embassy immediately
and they will issue a new document after verifying your information.
- If you are driving be aware of the rules that apply in that country and never drive
under the influence of alcohol.
- Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings,
if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit. Travel warnings and public announcements
are listed by country on the US state department travel advisories http://www.travel.state.gov.
- Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are
traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign
country, you are subject to its laws. Don’t act in ways that you wouldn’t
act at home; be aware of the laws, customs and standards of the place you are visiting.
The fact that you are not from the country you are visiting doesn’t mean that
you can not be arrested or prosecuted.
- Don’t be afraid to try new things and remember that people allover the world
acts different and have different customs. Don’t judge a person before finding
out if the behavior is because of their culture or not.
- Don’t act in ways that you wouldn’t act at home; be aware of the laws.
Try to speak with some one who had your same experience or some one local, that
way they will explain the important things to you so you will be prepared.
- Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from
strangers.
- Make sure to prepare your finances very carefully and to check with your bank whether
or not you can use your credit and debit cards abroad and under what conditions
The following links can be useful when going abroad
Passports
United States Postal Service
Passport Application Information
Budget Travel
STATravel.com
AmCan Travel
Eurail Passes
Student Universe
Financial and Weather
Oanda, Currency Converter
Weather.com
World Clock
Mobility Abroad
Emerging Horizons,
Accessible Travel News
Mobility International USA
Transitions Abroad
Safety and Health
CDC Travelers’
Health Information
U.S. State Department Travel Warning & Consular Info
Source: The big black book, Boardroom Classics, 1997 ISO reserves the right to refuse
publication of materials submitted and to edit that which is accepted for publication.
The articles do not necessarily reflect the opinion, policy or purpose of ISO.