booklets and brochures

your passport to a safe trip abroad

during your stay in a foreign country

protecting sensitive information

Keep all sensitive documents in your personal possession and physical control at all times.

Hotel rooms and restaurants are rarely suitable place for sensitive discussions. If possible, conduct sensitive discussions outdoors in a spot where you are not vulnerable to bugging and conversations cannot be overheard.

Recognize that your laptop computer is a major target for theft. If you must take it, always keep it as carry-on baggage - never check it with other luggage. Leaving it in your hotel room also presents a significant risk. If you must leave your computer in your room, lock it in your suitcase so it is out of sight while you are out or asleep at night. If possible, copy sensitive material to a diskette and delete it from the hard drive prior to travel. Carry the diskette on your person, separate from the computer.

If secure communications equipment is accessible, use it for any discussion of sensitive matters. Do not use computer or FAX facilities at foreign hotels or businesses for sensitive matters.

Protect unwanted sensitive material until it can be disposed of security - by burning or cross-cut shredding. Cut floppy disks into small pieces.

Beware of new acquaintances who probe for information about you or your work or who attempt to get you involved in what could become a compromising situation.

Driving Overseas

If you plan to drive while overseas, you need to determine whether you will need an international driver's license. While some countries do not recognize U.S. drivers licenses, most do accept international drivers licenses and the latter are often required by foreign car rental agencies. The Automobile Association of America (AAA) will assist you in obtaining an international driver's license, although non-members will pay a slight additional charge above the cost of the license. If you belong to another automobile association or motor club, check with it to see if it also offers this service.

Check with your insurance company before you leave to verify that you're covered for driving while overseas. In some instances, supplemental insurance may be needed.

Drive carefully while you are abroad! Many countries deal harshly with foreigners who are involved in traffic accidents. Drivers are often detained in jail while such accidents are investigated.

Take care not to speed as some countries impose a speeding fine that is payable when levied. Also, in some areas it is unlawful to use insulting language toward another person or to use abusive gestures while driving.