|
The
International Traveler
According to the U.S.
Bureau of Transportation
Statistics, 27 million
Americans traveled
overseas in 2000, and
figures were even higher
in 2001. Whether you're
a seasoned international
jetsetter or it's your
first time going abroad,
there are certain steps
you should take before
leaving American soil.
Proper
Identification:
You will need a passport
or visa, depending on
your destination.
Passports are issued
through the U.S.
Department of State (www.state.gov).
To get a visa, you must
request it before you
leave the U.S. from the
foreign consular
representative of the
country you're going to.
Immunizations:
Some countries require
certificates of
vaccination against
certain diseases. Check
with your physician to
make sure your
immunizations are up-to-date.
Contact the Center for
Disease Control and
Prevention (www.cdc.gov)
to find out the
vaccinations you will
require. You should also
check with your health
insurance on what to do
if you get sick overseas
Security:
In this time of
increased terrorist
threats, it is within
your best interest to
know as much as possible
about the country you
will be visiting. Check
with the State
Department, which
provides travel warnings.
Surfing the web and
reading the newspapers
of the countries you are
planning to visit can
also give you an idea of
what to expect when you
arrive.
Crisis
Abroad:
If you encounter a
serious problem, call or
go directly to the
American embassy or
consulate. There are
over 160 embassies and
consulates throughout
the world. You will need
to talk to the consular
officer. When you arrive
in the country, try to
register with the
consulate or embassy -
if they are aware that
you are in the country,
it will be easier for
them to help you. Check
with the state
department for a list of
what the officer can and
cannot help you with in
an emergency.
Money:
You also may want to
consider what type of
legal tender you want to
use while overseas. Each
has benefits and
drawbacks.
Cash:
Benefits:
Cash can be used no
matter where you go. The
Euro is now the legal
tender for more then 12
European nations. This
makes traveling through
these countries easier-
no more changing money
from destination to
destination. Your bank
can help you acquire
currency for any foreign
country you plan to
visit.
Drawbacks:
Carrying too much cash
can be dangerous, and exchanging money at
banks every time you're
low on cash is time-consuming.
Credit/Debit Card:
Benefits:
Cards are safer then
carrying a wallet full
of cash, and great for
paying unexpected bills
while you're on the road.
Credit cards usually
offer some travel-related
perks. Visa and
MasterCard, the mostly
widely used-cards, are
accepted at over 20
million locations
worldwide.
Drawbacks: Using
a credit card
internationally
sometimes means being
charged extra fees.
Check with your credit
card issuer regarding
fees.
Travelers Checks
Benefits:
If they are lost, they
can be replaced in 24
hours. As long as you're
using a major issuer
like Citibank, Visa or
American Express,
travelers checks can be
exchanged for cash at
any bank or exchange
bureau.
Drawbacks:
Some banks will give
these checks to you for
free while others may
charge a fee - you
should always check with
your banking institution.
ATM
Card Benefits:
As
long as your card can
access one of the major
international ATM
networks (such as Cirrus,
Plus, Star or EuroCard)
you're in good hands.
Because ATMs carry out
their transactions at
wholesale banking rates,
you may get a better
exchange rate.
Drawbacks:
Fees, fees, and more
fees! You may pay a $1
to $2 fee levied by your
bank as well as an
additional fee from the
machine operator. Find
out from your bank which
fees will apply. |
