Travel Tips

1. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport, this way if something happen to you or it got lost people will know where to call.
   
   
2. Read the Consular Information Sheets (and Public Announcements or Travel Warnings, if applicable) for the countries you plan to visit. Travel warnings and public announcements are listed by country on the US state department travel advisories www.travel.state.gov.
   
   
3. Familiarize yourself with local laws and customs of the countries to which you are traveling. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you! While in a foreign country, you are subject to its laws. Don’t act in ways that you wouldn’t act at home; be aware of the laws, customs and standards of the place you are visiting. The fact that you are not from the country you are visiting doesn’t mean that you can not be arrested or prosecuted.
   
   
4. Don’t be afraid to try new things and remember that people all over the world act different and have different customs. Don’t judge a person before finding out if the behavior is because of their culture or not. Don’t act in ways that you wouldn’t act at home; be aware of the laws. Try to speak with some one who had your same experience or some one local, that way they will explain the important things to you so you will be prepared.
   
   
5. Make 2 copies of your passport identification page. This will facilitate replacement if your passport is lost or stolen. Leave one copy at home with friends or relatives. Carry the other with you in a separate place from your passport. Leave a copy of your itinerary with family or friends at home so that you can be contacted in case of an emergency.
   
   
6. Do not leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Do not accept packages from strangers.
   
   
7. Prior to your departure, you should register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website. Registration will make your presence and whereabouts known in case it is necessary to contact you in an emergency. This information is confidential and will not be use for any other purpose than contacting you in case of an emergency.
   
   
8. To avoid being a target of crime, try not to wear conspicuous clothing and expensive jewelry and do not carry excessive amounts of money or unnecessary credit cards.
   
   
9. Make sure to prepare your finances carefully and to check with your bank and Credit Card Company whether or not you can use your credit and debit cards abroad and under what conditions.
   
   
10. Obtaining local currency should be done at an authorized agency (Banks, official Exchange offices and even local ATMs).
    
    
11. If you get into trouble, contact the nearest U.S. embassy. For a list of U.S. embassies go to usembassy.state.gov.
    
    
12. The most important thing is to use your common scene. If it doesn’t feel right or looks suspicious it probably is. Do not put your self in a situation that you do not know what will be the outcome of it.