International Travel Tips

Familiarize Yourself

• Register with the U.S. State Department's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
• Review the U.S. State Department's country-specific information and OSAC's country crime and safety reports.
• Visit country-specific websites for important information on your destination country.
• Understand the laws and currency exchange rates in your destination country.
• Be culturally aware. Learn a few common phrases in the local language and the basics of the cultural values and norms.
• Get a map and study it. Identify potential hazards and safe havens; learn several routes to key places you will be staying/living/visiting.
• Print out copies of hotel names and directions in the foreign language to share with taxi drivers.

Prepare Travel Documents

• Check your passport to ensure it meets requirements for your destination. Many countries require passports to be valid for 6 months beyond the intended stay or to have a certain number of blank pages in them.
• Photocopy, scan, and email to yourself and to your family or a trusted friend a copy of your passport, visa, and other key documents.
• Carry extra passport-sized photos.
• Get a plain cover for your passport,
• Leave travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends; do not otherwise disclose.

Health Needs

• Review your health insurance, and if necessary take out a supplemental traveler's policy for foreign coverage and evacuation expenses.
• Visit a travel clinic for any needed inoculations.
• Refill prescriptions.
• Have a medical and dental check-up if you had not recently had them.

Cash and Credit Cards

• Consider securing a new credit card with a low credit limit separate from existing credit cards; in the event of theft, your personal accounts will not be compromised.
• Check the availability of ATMs that accept your cards in your destination.
• Notify your credit card company of your intent to travel; confirm credit limit and availability.
• Ask your credit card company how to report the loss of your card from abroad, including a number you can call internationally.
• Get a modest amount of local currency. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash. Instead, locate
• ATMs at your destination and withdraw money as you need currency.

Cell Phone and Other Electronics

• Consider getting a telephone calling card and a GSM (tri-band or "world") cellular phone that allows access to most local cellular systems (and provides a single contact number).
• Depending on your situation, you may want to purchase a local phone or SIM card in
  country.
• Be sure your laptop and other electronics are fully backed up.
• If necessary, obtain converters for all electronic gadgets.
• Email presentations and other essential documents to yourself.

Other

• Make out a will.
• Consider a privacy act waiver.

• Be mindful of the luggage allowance, including size and weight of suitcases, for each stage of your trip.
• Pack your luggage wisely. Be sure to place any prohibited materials (scissors, files, other sharp objects) in your checked luggage.
• Be sure to pack 2-3 day "survival items" in your carry-on bag. This includes: medicines and toiletries, an extra change of clothes (including undergarments), important documents, snacks, and anything else you may want.
• If traveling with a family member pack half of your things in her suitcase and vice versa, to increase the odds of having some of your things should luggage be mis-routed.
• Do not openly display your name tags on your luggage. Include only your name and contact number on your tags, and keep them covered or turn the paper over and write "see other side.
• Attach colored tape to the handle of your suitcase for easy identification.
• Take out property insurance on necessary equipment (cameras, binoculars, laptops, etc.).
• Use this list to remember some important items:
  • Travel and identity documents, including passport, visa, driver's license, health insurance card, tickets, letters of introduction, etc.
  • 2 copies of travel documents, packed separately from originals
  • Printed copy of work or emergency contact lists in case electronic list is unavailable
  • Copies of all medical prescriptions, conditions, blood type, allergies, etc.
  • Credit cards and cash
  • Converters for electronic devices
  • Mobile phone, with charger
  • Water bottle and water purification tablets if necessary for location
  • Extra pair of glasses (contacts may be problematic in some locations)
  • Small snacks (power bars, granola, nuts, crackers, etc.)
  • Extra batteries for battery-run gadgets
  • Rain coat and/or umbrella
  • Walking shoes
  • Small flashlight
  • Sunglasses
  • Toiletry kit, including insect repellent and sun screen if necessary to location
  • All medications, in original containers showing prescription
• Health kit, including if applicable:
  • Anti-diarrheal medication
  • Anti-malarial medication
  • Anti-fungal cream
  • Antihistamine and decongestant
  • Antacid and laxative
  • Antibiotics
  • Anti-bacterial hand wipes/sanitizer
  • Pain reliever
  • Band-aids, gauze, bandages, medical tape
  • Tweezers

Awareness

• Keep your head up, eyes and ears open! Be aware of your surroundings at all times and use common sense.
• Trust your instinct; if a place does not feel right, move to a safer location - immediately.
• Familiarize yourself with the neighborhood and work environment.
• Watch for surveillance. If you see the same person/vehicle twice, it could be surveillance; if you see it three times, it probably is surveillance.
• Remove name tags or convention badges when outside the venue.
• Establish a support network among your colleagues and when possible, embassy personnel.
• Inform yourself of the availability and reliability of local support services (police, security, medical, emergency, fire).
• Confirm (with your embassy) the procedures for you and your family in the event of a crisis or evacuation.
• Know how to use local pay telephones and have a local calling card or change to do so.
• Pay attention to local media for any activities or events that might affect you.
• Educate yourself of any pending events (elections, demonstrations, anniversaries) that may cause civil disturbance, and avoid unnecessary risks.
• Politely decline offers of food or drink from strangers.
• Accept beverages only in sealed containers; make sure there has been no tampering.

Personal Conduct

You can dress, behave, and move about in a manner that is respectful of local custom, but rest assured, YOU WILL NOT BLEND IN.

Remember that whenever you travel anywhere, whether you realize it or not, you are representing yourself, your family, your organization, and your country. Your behavior and actions will be applied as a positive or negative impression of all that you represent. In many cultures, this will essentially make or break your ability to successfully function and interact in another culture. Always keep in mind the following:

• Be attentive to how others perceive you; behave in an un-provocative manner that discourages unwanted attention.
• Dress in a manner that is inoffensive to local cultural norms.
• Avoid clothing that shows your nationality or political views.
• Establish personal boundaries and act to protect them.
• Exercise additional caution when carrying and displaying valuable possessions (jewelry, phone, sun-glasses, camera, etc.); what may be a simple, even disposable item to you, may be a sign of extreme affluence to another.
• Vary your patterns of life/behavior to be less predictable.
• Carry only enough money in your wallet or purse for immediate needs; hide the rest in a money belt under your clothes
• I your carry a wallet, carry it in a front pocket. If you carry a purse, carry it close to your body. Do not set it down or leave it unattended.
• Take a patient and calm approach to ambiguity and conflict.
• Radiate confidence while walking in public places.
• Do not expect privacy, anywhere.
• Do not discuss personal, professional, or financial issues of your group or yourself; these can be used to exploit you and your group.
• Be cool when facing confrontation; focus on de-escalation and escape.
• Carry required official identification with you at all times.
• Report any security incidents to your embassy or consulate (who will advise you of options including reporting to local authorities, prosecution, corrective measures, etc.).
• Maintain a low profile, especially in places where there may be hostility toward foreigners and/or citizens of your country; do not seek publicity.
• Avoid public expressions about local politics, religion, and other sensitive topics.
• Avoid being out alone late at night or after curfew.
• Stay alert.
• Keep ALL receipts until you return home and check them against your credit card statement.

Electronics Security

• First and foremost: if you don't NEED it, don't bring it!
• If you need to bring a laptop and/or phone and have "clean" ones available, use them.
• Back up and then wipe (sanitize) your laptop, phone, and any other electronics to ensure that no sensitive or personal data is on them while traveling.
• Carry your laptop in a protective sleeve in a backpack/purse/bag that does not shout "there's a computer in here."
• Do not leave your electronic devices unattended.
• Do not use local computers to connect to your organization's secure network.
• Clear your temporary files, including your temporary internet files, browser history, caches, and cookies after each use.
• Consider opening a new e-mail account (Gmail, Yahoo, Hotmail, AOL, etc.) for use during your trip. Ensure you update your computer's security software (antivirus, firewall, etc.) and download any out-standing security patches for your operating system and key programs.
• Upon return, change all of your passwords for devices and accounts (including voicemail) used while traveling.

Air Travel

• Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing.
• Arrive at the airport in plenty of time (1.5 - 2 hours before departure).
• Move through passenger security immediately after ticketing and locate your departure gate.
• Stay with your bags at all times.
• If you have a direct flight, purchase a bottle or two of water before boarding the plane and save it. This will give you something safe to drink immediately upon arrival at your destination.
• Set your watch to local time at destination upon take off.
• Be careful about how much of your personal/business information you share with fellow passengers; they are still strangers.
• Limit intake of alcohol in flight, and drink plenty of water to counteract "jet lag”. This will help limit stress and increase alertness.
• If possible, pre-arrange transport from the airport to your hotel. Consider paying the additional room rate for a hotel that provides shuttle service to and from the airport.
• Have your immigration and customs documents in order and available. A durable folder secured by a buckle or elastic band may be useful.

Ground Travel

• Remember that many places do not have the traffic laws, enforcement, infrastructure, or assistance that you are accustomed to.
• Only take taxis clearly identified with official markings. Check the license in cab and compare with face with the driver. Note the license plate number.
• Avoid getting into a taxi already occupied by others. If necessary, pay extra for a single fare. Negotiate a price before getting in taxi. Have money ready to pay in appropriate denominations.
• Upon arrival use hotel provided transportation or licensed airport transfer services.
• Take a seat on a bus or train that allows you to observe fellow passengers but does not preclude options to change seats if necessary.
• If you rent, remove any markings that identify vehicle as a rental. Leave a local newspaper in plain sight in the vehicle.
• If you have to drive, always leave a path for escape when you stop (at a light, stop sign, cross-walk, etc.).
• Park in a manner that expedites your departure.
• Carry a cell phone, first aid kit, maps, flashlight, and official documents in your vehicle.
• Keep the vehicle windows rolled up, doors locked, and valuables out of sight at all times.
• Use the seat belts.
• Be alert to scam artists and carjackers while stopped in traffic.
• Understand the proper local procedures should you be involved in or witness a traffic accident. In some locales, stopping for an accident can put your life at risk.

Lodging

• Use reputable (first class) hotels in low crime areas; your safety is worth any added cost.
• Keep your room number to yourself. If your room key is numbered or has your room number on a key holder, keep it out of sight. If a hotel clerk announces your room number loud enough for others to hear, ask for a new room.
• Remind hotel staff to not give out your room number.
• Avoid ground floor rooms at the hotel. Third through fifth floors are normally desirable (harder to break into, but still accessible to firefighting equipment - where available).
• Take a walk around the hotel facilities to familiarize yourself with your environment. Are hotel personnel located on each floor? Are they in uniform? Do they display any identification? Who else has access to your floor?
• Read the safety instructions in your hotel room. Familiarize yourself with hotel emergency exits and fire extinguishers.
• Count the doors between your room and nearest emergency exit (in case of fire or blackout). Re-hearse your escape plan.
• Consider traveling with a rubber door stop, smoke detector, and motion detector.
• Inspect the room carefully; look under the bed, in the showers and closets.
• Ensure the phone in your room works. Call the front desk.
• Ensure door and window locks are working and keep them locked at all times. Do not forget the sliding glass door, if the room has one.
• Meet visitors in the lobby; avoid entertaining strangers in your room.
• Identify your visitor before you open the door.
• If you doubt room delivery, check with the front desk before opening the door.
• If you are out of your room, leave television/radio on at high volume. Place a "do not disturb" sign outside door.
• Do not leave sensitive documents or valuables visible and unattended in the room.
• Keep your laptop out of sight, in a safe, or in a locked suitcase. You may wish to use a laptop cable lock to secure your laptop to a window frame or bathroom plumbing.
• If you leave the hotel, carry the hotel business card or matchbook with you; it may come in handy with a taxi driver who does not speak your language.

If You Become a Victim

• Remain calm and alert.
• Carefully note details of the environment around you (license plate number, distinguishing features, accents, clothing, etc.).
• Try to defuse the situation. Culturally appropriate greetings or humor may reduce tensions.
• If an assailant demands property, give it up.
• You can create a timely diversion by tossing your wallet, watch, etc., to the ground in the opposite direction you choose to flee.
• Against overwhelming odds (weapons, multiple assailants) try reasoning, cajoling, begging, or any psychological ploy.
• If someone tries to grab you, make a scene and fight; kick, punch, claw, scratch, and grab as if your life depends on it, it very well could.
• If you feel your life is endangered and you decide to physically resist, commit to the decision with every fiber of your being; turn fear into fury.
• Report any incident your embassy.
• Seek support for post-traumatic stress (even if you exhibit no symptoms).

Hijacking/Kidnapping

• Know the "ransom" policy of your government. The United States of America will not pay a ransom.
• The greatest risk of physical harm exists at the point of capture and during a rescue attempt or upon release.
• If you are going to resist at the point of capture, do so as if your life depends on it; it most probably does.
• Remain calm and alert; exert control on your emotions and behavior.
• Humanize yourself, quickly and continually.
• Be passively cooperative, but maintain your dignity.
• Assume an inconspicuous posture and avoid direct eye contact with captors.
• Avoid resistance, belligerence, or threatening movements.
• Make reasonable, low-key requests for personal comforts (bathroom breaks, a blanket, exercise, books to read, etc.)
• If questioned, keep answers short; volunteer nothing.
• As a captive situation draws out, try to establish some rapport with your captors.
• Avoid discussing contentious issues (politics, religion, ethnicity, etc.)
• Establish a daily regimen to maintain your body physically and mentally.
• Eat what your captors provide. Avoid alcohol.
• Keep a positive, hopeful attitude.
• Attempt to escape only after weighing the risks and when you are certain to succeed.

Government Links

• U.S. Department of State and OSAC Overseas Security Advisory Council: www.osac.gov
• U.S. Department of State Security Alerts: www.travel.state.gov/travel
• Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP): www.travel.state.gov/step
• Trusted Traveler Programs: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/trusted_traveler/
• Country Specific Information: www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_4965.html
• U.S. State Department's role in a crisis: https://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/emergencies/emergencies_1212.html
• Country Crime and Safety Reports: www.osac.gov/Pages/ContentReports.aspx?cid=2
• Embassies and Consulates: http://www.embassyworld.com

World Factbook

• CIA World Factbook: https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/
• Weather and Traffic: www.weather.com
• Weather: www.wunderground.com
• Association for Safe International Road Travel road condition reports: http://www.asirt.org/KnowBeforeYouGo/CountryRoadTravelReports/AvailableRoadTravelReports/tabid/217/Default.aspx

Travel Medicine/Health

• Centers for Disease Control: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/
  World Health Organization: www.who.int/ith

Other

• Currency Converter: http://wwww.xe.com
• Flight Information (FAA): http://www.fly.faa.gov/flyfaa.usmap.jsp
• Electric Plug Adapters and Voltage: http://kropla.com/electric2.htm
• Visa ATMs: http://www.visa.com/atmlocator/index.jsp#(page:home)
• Mastercard ATMs: http://www.mastercard.us/cardholder-services/atm-locator.html
• American Express ATMs: http://www.amexnetwork.com/atmfinder/