your passport to a safe trip abroad
during
your stay in a foreign country
money matters
Take
most of your money in international traveler's checks. Do no carry large
amounts of cash.
- Plan
ahead to ensure that you will have
enough foreign currency for the expenses
you anticipate during your first day
in country. It is advisable to exchange
some money to cover such essentials
as taxi fare, meals, tips, etc
- Do
no rely on currency exchanges at airports
being open 24 hours a day. Local banks
usually offer the best rates, although
hotel money exchanges may be more
convenient.
- Always
deal with reputable, established currency
exchanges; in many countries it is
illegal to do otherwise. If you deal
with people on the street who offer
you an "unbelievable deal," you run
the risk of getting counterfeit currency
or being arrested for involvement
in black - market activity.
- Be
sure to keep track of all your transactions.
Each time you cash a traveler's check,
record the serial number, denomination,
date, and location of purchase. Keep
this in a separate place so replacement
checks can be issued quickly if they
become lost or stolen.
- Safeguard
all credit cards as well as customer
copies of each credit card transaction
you make. Any credit cards that are
unnecessary or invalid overseas (e.g.,
gasoline or department store credit
cards) should be left behind.
- Carry an extra set of eyeglasses
and any necessary medications
(along with a copy of the prescription
and the generic name of the drug)
in your carry-on luggage. Keep
all medications in their original
containers.
- To avoid inviting crime, plan
to dress inconspicuously to blend
into the international environment.
Avoid the appearance of being
wealthy. Consider not taking or
wearing any jewelry.
- Try to use a closed name tag,
so that all personal information
is concealed from casual observation.
Do not display company logos on
your luggage.
- Once you have landed, proceed directly to the baggage claim and customs
areas. Keep a low profile. When processing through customs be courteous
and cooperative
- Stay alert, check out emergency exits, and keep your distance from unattended
luggage.
- Do not leave your own belongings unattended.
- Report any unattended luggage to airport security personnel.
- Never agree to carry a package for a stranger for any reason.
- Exit the airport as quickly as possible.
- Travel
in a group whenever possible.
- Always
be conscious of your surroundings
and avoid any areas you believe may
put your personal safety at risk.
- Be
especially careful not to flash large
sums of money. It is also best to
leave your valuables (anything of
high monetary or sentimental value
that you cannot afford to lose or
will be unable to replace) such as
jewelry or expensive luggage at home
- Avoid
high crime areas and never travel
alone after dark.
