Tips for Traveling Abroad - Be Informed, Be Ready, Be Smart

The U.S. Department of State and experts recommend that you...

• Have a signed valid passport and visas when required.
• Fill out the emergency page of your passport and make copies in case it is lost or stolen.  Store copies in a separate place than originals.  Also leave a copy with your travel consultant.
• Read Consular Information sheets as well as any travel warnings or announcements at http://travel.state.gov/
• Know local laws and customs.  When you are in another country you are subject to its laws despite your American citizenship
  Read information at http://travel.state.gov/law/law_1734.html
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home.
• Register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the state department’s travel registration website so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency. https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/
• Do not carry an excessive amount of money, wear conspicuous clothing or expensive jewelry—you can easily become a target of crime.
• Deal only with authorized agents when exchanging money or buying expensive items such as art or antiques.  Only buy what you can carry home.
• Consider the climate and season of your location when you are packing, don’t over-pack but be prepared for a shift in warm or cool weather. 
• Bring a change of clothing in your carry-on in case your bags are lost.  Locating your bags can take up to 72 hours.
• Read over your health insurance to make sure you are covered abroad.  If you are not, there may be short-term insurance or trip insurance programs designed for travelers. 
• Carry most of your cash in traveler’s checks.  Then convert those checks to local money as you need them—not all at once.  Use credit cards as often as you can.
• Avoid any uncooked foods, untreated water or ice, rare dishes or food sold by street vendors.
• Make sure your immunizations are up to date and that there is no risk for any other diseases where you are traveling.  If so, get the needed vaccinations before you travel. If you get in trouble—contact the U.S. embassy immediately.