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Common mistakes when traveling internationally?

Posted on 8/4/16 at 7:05 pm
Posted by LSUlunatic
Member since Dec 2006
6833 posts
Posted on 8/4/16 at 7:05 pm
I'm about to travel internationally for the first time (Japan) and am concerned about the possibility of being unprepared. I have a passport, plane tickets, and lodging secured. Is there anything else I really need? Any common mistakes I can try to avoid?
Posted by Larry Gooseman
Houston
Member since Mar 2014
2658 posts
Posted on 8/4/16 at 7:24 pm to
If you plan to use your credit card while traveling, alert your bank/cc of the dates you'll be abroad and instruct them not to lock your account.
Posted by WillieD
Lafayette/BR
Member since Apr 2014
2037 posts
Posted on 8/4/16 at 7:25 pm to
If only TD had a board to discuss such topics.
Posted by AmeriKop45
Coach, Wing Tip Seat
Member since Jan 2016
2102 posts
Posted on 8/4/16 at 8:12 pm to
That is all you need. And a positive attitude! It is just like going to another state. The flight is just a little longer. I would look into what you would like to do with your time there in order to maximize the sights/experiences you can take in. If you have already done that, relax and have a good time. Good luck.
Posted by poops_at_parties
Member since Jan 2016
1545 posts
Posted on 8/4/16 at 8:18 pm to
Traveling internationally
Posted by soccerfüt
Location: A Series of Tubes
Member since May 2013
65885 posts
Posted on 8/4/16 at 9:05 pm to
Japan for Americans is a tricky proposition. I have a nephew who is fluent in Japanese, he's been my minder there, I can't imagine going there alone.

Have a great time, Japanese culture and society are really well organized and Japan is beautiful and perfectly efficient.

Posted by C
Houston
Member since Dec 2007
27831 posts
Posted on 8/5/16 at 6:44 am to
Download a translation app so you can rad any menu etc.
Posted by LSUfan4444
Member since Mar 2004
53963 posts
Posted on 8/5/16 at 7:46 am to
-Don't ever use your debit card for purchases when the card will leave your sight (don't give it to a bartender to hold for a tab, don't let a waiter take it anywhere, etc). For the most part, you're just better off using a credit card.

-Register with the US Embassy(s) in the countries they plan to visit. This makes it possible for the US Embassy or Consulate to contact a traveler if necessary, whether because of a family emergency in the United States or because of a crisis in the country where the traveler is visiting.

Embassy Registration allows the U.S. government official to:

-Notify you in case of any life threatening situation in the foreign country or evacuation of U.S. citizens.
-Contact your family in the U.S. in case of emergency.
-Contact you if there is an emergency at home or inform the authorized person from your registration how to contact you.
-Expedite the application of renewing or replacing your U.S. passport, if your passport is stolen or lost.



-Learn how to read a menu...basically know what words like chicken, pork, fish, dog, cat, snake, cow, etc.

-Look online and find places that have wi-fi available and how much it costs

-make multiple copies of your passport and keep them in different places (luggage, room, etc)

-Be very aware of pickpockets

-Most importantly remember you are there to engulf yourself in their culture, not bring yours over there. Not saying you would do this, but too many people go places, wear there white sneakers, backpacks and levis looking for "american food" and yelling everywhere they go. Do things you like, go places that interest you but try to "blend in", You won't, everyone will know you don't fit it, but your efforts will be appreciated. You will butcher their language, but they appreciate the fact that you try.
Posted by tduecen
Member since Nov 2006
161244 posts
Posted on 8/6/16 at 10:18 am to
My first mistake was in packing, I brought WAY too many clothes.....

Wasn't sure about the weather as Google kept saying the nights were in the 50's or 60's so I brought some light jackets and they were never needed.

I probably only wore 60% of what I brought because we had access to a laundry mat a block from where we stayed and the hotel did a laundry service as well.

Posted by dirtsandwich
AL
Member since May 2016
5204 posts
Posted on 8/6/16 at 10:59 am to
Doesn't sound like it will be an issue for you, but I've talked to a couple of people recently who could not board a flight overseas because their passport was expiring within the next six months. It was valid but expiring soon. Length of time depends on the country you are entering I believe.
Posted by 62Tigerfan
Member since Sep 2015
4622 posts
Posted on 8/7/16 at 9:14 am to
Be very careful using your smartphone. Either buy an international data plan package or turn off cellular data altogether and use free wifi. There are horror stories out there about people getting $800 bills just for watching some you tube or netflix videos while overseas.

As for clothes, don't go out and buy all kinds of new stuff just for the trip, especially shoes. Wear the same stuff you wear day in and day out. You'll be much more comfortable. Anything else you need can be bought there.
This post was edited on 8/7/16 at 9:19 am
Posted by HubbaBubba
F_uck Joe Biden, TX
Member since Oct 2010
45851 posts
Posted on 8/8/16 at 12:16 am to
Traveling with expensive equipment can be a problem if someone wants to make it a problem. Register your laptop, cameras, etc. with customs and also with customs of the country you are visiting. I had about $25k in gear with me. I had traveled the week before to Puerto Rico with no problems of course. A week later I had to fly in to Jamaica with the same gear, but forgot to file. I was stuck in customs for about six hours until my $500 bribe greased the right hands. And then, it took me about two hours to clear through back into the U.S. Customs.

Here. Follow this link: LINK.
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