International Partnerships Among Museums 2003-2005 Cycle Travel Tips

What to Pack

• Signed passport with emergency information completed and extra set of passport-size photos
• Visa, if required
• Airplane Tickets
• Copies of your passport, airplane tickets, prescriptions, ATM and credit cards
• Money (ATM card, credit cards, cash)
• Travel pouch/money belt
• Compiled list of addresses and phone numbers of all contacts both at home and abroad
• Clothes (make sure culturally appropriate)
• Toiletries
• Guide books/maps
• Journal
• Day pack
• Prescriptions medications
• List of blood type, allergies, medical conditions, special requirements
• Health insurance card
• Eyeglasses and/or contact lenses (bring extra pair)
• Business cards
• Resume/Curriculum Vitae
• Project-related books and materials
• Telephone calling card

What to Leave Behind

• Leave a detailed itinerary (including names, addresses, and phone numbers) with AAM, friends, and relatives
• Leave copies of your passport, visa information, driver's license, credit cards, airline ticket numbers, prescriptions, and insurance documents with someone you trust
• Leave extra money and keys with someone you trust
• Leave unnecessary electrical devices (hair dryers, curlers, computers, etc.) at home. If you do bring such items, buy your current converters in your home country as they can be difficult to find abroad.
• Leave expensive jewelry and other luxury items at home.

Travel Dos and Don'ts

Do...

• Make sure you have insurance in order to cover any emergencies that may arise.
• Mark luggage inside and out with name and address.
• Relax, drink plenty of water, and save energy on a long flight.
• Act like you know where you are going and what you are doing. If you need directions, ask an individual in authority.
• Know how to use a pay phone and carry change/token at all times.
• Carry contact information for host institution and Cultural/Public Affairs Officer at all times.
• Familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs of the country to which you are traveling.
• Read the Consular Information Sheets and Public Announcements for the countries you plan to visit.
• Stay informed of local news.
• Dress conservatively to avoid unwanted attention.
• Deal only with authorized agents when you exchange money or purchase art or antiques to avoid violating local laws.
• Carry multiple forms of money (cash, ATM, and credit cards).
• Use a hidden money belt for carrying your money.
• Keep copies of your passport, airplane tickets, prescriptions, ATM, and credit cards in a safe place.
• Keep all health insurance names, phone numbers, and policy numbers in a safe place.
• Guard backpacks and purses.

Do Not...

• Pack essential documents, medicine, etc. in checked luggage.
• Carry your passport unless needed. A copy is fine for every day use.
• Carry large amounts of cash.
• Carry wallets in a back pocket.
• Exceed your credit card limit. Some countries have arrested foreigners for this.
• Travel alone at night.
• Take taxis that are unmarked. Only take taxis with clearly identified official markings.
• Discuss travel plans or personal matters with strangers.
• Participate in protest groups or go near other potentially volatile situations.
• Open unexpected packages.
• Go near unattended luggage or parcels.
• Bring any valuables (expensive jewelry, sentimental objects, etc.).
• Impair your judgment with excessive consumption of alcohol.

How to Take Money Abroad

Cash

It can be helpful to obtain a small amount of foreign currency before departure to use for immediate necessities such as bus fare, phone calls, etc. when you first arrive. We suggest no more than $40 to $60. As a general rule, exchange rates at a bank (as opposed to an exchange office or window) are usually the most favorable. Several local banks carry foreign currency and foreign traveler's checks, which are handy if you are going for an extended period of time and the exchange rate is favorable.

Personal Checks

It is virtually impossible to cash personal checks abroad. Participants should not expect to cash personal checks abroad.

Plastic (ATM and Credit Cards)

The ability to use ATM, debit, and credit cards can be limited and varies from country to country. Participants should do advanced research at Visa/Plus or MasterCard/Cirrus as to the feasibility of these options in their host country and the locations of ATM machines. They may also chose to speak with the nominating U.S. embassy or consulate officer or their partner.

Cash advances are usually available at a bank using a credit card, but interest will be charged interest continually until the advance has been paid back. Participants should use a debit card instead if possible because they do not charge interest and commercial exchange rates (the best rates) are used. Don't forget your PIN number! EuroCard is the same as MasterCard and is widely accepted. Visa is also very popular.

Traveler's Checks

Traveler's checks are another safe method for carrying money, and they are valid indefinitely. Traveler's checks must be purchased and signed by participants before they leave for their trip. They can be purchased either in dollars or in foreign currency. Traveler's checks sold by American Express or any of the major banks (Citicorp, Chase, etc.) can usually are cashed abroad with no difficulty. Note: Local banks overseas usually charge a transaction fee to cash travelers checks, which can sometimes be substantial. The only way to avoid this is to cash them at a local branch of the issuing agency.

Telephones

How to use phones abroad will vary from country to country, but be aware that in Western Europe many phones now operate solely with a phone card and do not accept coins. Others are old machines that only accept coins. We highly recommend that you purchase a phone card. Phone cards operate on a counter system. You buy a card for a certain amount of money and the value is deducted every time you use it. In most countries, you can buy cards at post offices, newsstands, some hotels, and bars. Also, in some countries, you need a phone card or coin just to get a dial tone (i.e., even calling card calls require you to first insert the card or coin).

Cellular telephones may be an alternative to phone and calling cards. Availability will vary from country to country, and carrier to carrier. Chances are the cellular phone which you use at home will not work in the country to which you are traveling. Several carriers may have inexpensive phones and plans which can be purchased for use during your stay. Some companies may offer cellular phone rental, as well. Several carriers can be found under Telephone Services in the Internet Resources section. Contacting the nominating officer at the U.S. Embassy or General Consulate or your partner for more information may be a good idea.

Calling the United States from abroad can be very expensive, much more expensive than when calls originate from the U.S. AT&T, Sprint, and the other major U.S. long distance providers have discounted or special rate international calling cards. Contact your long distance or cell phone carrier for additional information.

Note: Make sure to obtain a list of your calling card company's access numbers in the countries you visit so that you can access the service.

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