Thursday, December 8, 2011

Tips To Consider When Traveling Overseas

By Tiffany Nash


You will save time and effort and have some peace of mind if you make some minor preparations before you go overseas.

To make your travel easier and safer, here are some quick tips to consider.

By registering, the State Department can better assist you in an emergency. Register your travel plans with the State Department. If there is a family emergency in the U.S., or if there is a crisis where you are traveling, this will help them contact you. In accordance with the Privacy Act, information on your welfare and whereabouts will not be released to others without your express authorization.

Sign passport, and fill in the emergency information. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport, and a visa, if required, and fill in the emergency information page of your passport.

Copies of itinerary and passport data page should be left. If you want to be contacted in case of an emergency, leave copies of your itinerary, passport data page, and visas with family or friends. Make sure that an extra color copy of your passport and visa is kept in your wallet. Carry the copy wherever you go and secure your passport in the hotel safe.

Don't forget to check your overseas medical insurance coverage. Ask your medical insurance company if your policy applies overseas, and if it covers emergency expenses such as medical evacuation. You may want to consider supplemental insurance if it does not.

Try familiarizing yourself with local conditions and laws. While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. Unlike in your home country, some laws in other countries may be stricter. Before you go, make sure that you learn the laws. Regardless of what country you are visiting; do not get involved in drugs.

Precautions should be taken in order to avoid being a target of crime. Another thing to remember to avoid being a target of crime is not carry excessive amount of cash and do not wear conspicuous clothing or jewelry. Also, do not leave unattended luggage in public areas and do not accept packages from strangers.

Contact the embassy in an emergency. Available for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week are consular personnel at U.S. Embassies and Consulates abroad in the U.S. so that they can provide emergency assistance to U.S. citizens.

If you plan ahead, then future problems will be prevented. You can register online, copy your passport, and check the local laws, all of which can be done in a matter of minutes. You can be saved from minor aggravations or even time behind bars if you do this.




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