One of the most frequent questions we get from our clients and readers is how to prepare themselves for international travel.

With international travel, there are a lot of things to consider: currency exchange rates, credit card use, ATM card use, passport questions, powering your electrical devices, local tipping customs; and perhaps the most vexing of all, how to use your cell phone overseas.

In an attempt to answer the most common questions, have a peek at the articles we’ve written for you on these various topics:

Important Travel Tips for International Travelers

• Passports – certainly, one of the first things international travelers must consider is having a valid and current passport. Without that, you won’t even get out of the country. Here are some articles to consider regarding your U.S. Passport:
  • Applying for, or renewing your passport, CLICK HERE.
  • For entrance into many countries around the world, you must have at least six months validity on your passport. To learn more, CLICK HERE.
  • Some countries require a TRAVEL VISA in addition to your valid passport.  To learn which countries require this, CLICK HERE.
  • To learn how to protect your passports from pickpockets when traveling, CLICK HERE.
  • What to do if your passport is stolen overseas, CLICK HERE.
  • What to do if you can’t find your passport at home, prior to travel, CLICK HERE.
• Safety – Enroll in the U.S. Department of State’s Smart Traveler program. CLICK HERE.
• Airports – now that you have a valid passport, here’s a few tips on getting through the international airports with the least amount of hassle:
  • To learn how to avoid long U.S. Customs lines at International airports, CLICK HERE.
  • How to always get in the TSA PreCheck Lane, CLICK HERE.
• Currency Exchange – another important consideration for international travelers is how to convert dollars into the local currency.
  • For our 7 currency exchange tips for international travelers, CLICK HERE.
  • For currency conversion apps for your smart phone, CLICK HERE.
• Electrical Devices – another critically important consideration is how to power and charge your electrical devices overseas.  You see, every country around the world has its own standard plug and voltage standards.  Make a bad choice here, and you’ll be stuck not able to power your devices, or worse yet, blow ’em up!
  • To read our ultimate electricity guide for world travelers, CLICK HERE.
  • To read our article about the best electrical adapters for international travelers, CLICK HERE.
• Smartphones – chances are pretty good that you will want to use your cell phone while traveling internationally.  Check out our articles on this subject:
  • Because cellular calling options will vary greatly depending on which wireless carrier you have, we recommend that you call your wireless carrier right away to understand your options.  We also recommend double checking with your wireless carrier.  We didn’t a few years ago and found ourselves in Italy with no phone service.  To read about it CLICK HERE.
  • FREE Wi-Fi calls from overseas.  To learn about this, CLICK HERE.
• Tipping Etiquette  – tipping customs can vary widely around the world. We recommend that you do a simple Google search on this topic in the country you plan to visit.  However, CLICK HERE to see an info-graphic we posted on this subject a few years back.
• Travel Insurance – we highly recommend that you consider purchasing travel insurance before traveling overseas. Not only will it protect your investment should you not be able to travel, but it will also provide an important medical coverage while traveling overseas.
  • To learn if you should buy travel insurance, CLICK HERE.

Well, that was a LOT to learn, wasn’t it?  I hope you found our article helpful.

If you have questions or comments, feel free to leave ’em in the comments section below.
 
Did you know that we won a national travel award this year? Yep. The TravelAge West Trendsetter Award. You can read about it here. And, if you enjoyed this article, please sign up for our travel newsletter to keep abreast of our best travel tips, on-location reviews, exclusive travel offers, group travel events, and much more.