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Common mistakes when traveling internationally?
Posted on 8/4/16 at 7:05 pm
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?
11
Posted on 8/4/16 at 7:24 pm to LSUlunatic
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 on 8/4/16 at 7:25 pm to LSUlunatic
If only TD had a board to discuss such topics.
Posted on 8/4/16 at 8:12 pm to LSUlunatic
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 on 8/4/16 at 8:18 pm to LSUlunatic
Traveling internationally
Posted on 8/4/16 at 9:05 pm to LSUlunatic
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.
Have a great time, Japanese culture and society are really well organized and Japan is beautiful and perfectly efficient.
Posted on 8/4/16 at 9:09 pm to soccerfüt
quote:
I can't imagine going there alone.
wow, really? I'm not fluent in Japanese, but I wasn't expecting it to be all that bad. I assumed there would be lots of English speaking people in the service industries there (i.e. taxis, restaurants, etc.).
Posted on 8/4/16 at 9:15 pm to LSUlunatic
In Tokyo at high dollar venues Engrish is spoken.
A bit in Kyoto and Osaka as well.
Errywere erse, not so much.
A bit in Kyoto and Osaka as well.
Errywere erse, not so much.
Posted on 8/4/16 at 9:22 pm to soccerfüt
Gotcha, it sounds like I should be ok with the exception of a few occasional hiccups. Appreciate the insight!
Posted on 8/4/16 at 11:04 pm to LSUlunatic
quote:
I assumed there would be lots of English speaking people in the service industries there (i.e. taxis, restaurants, etc.)
I went to Tokyo/Mt.Fuji way on back in 2010 alone for a long weekend when I was studying abroad (found some roundtrip airfare from australia for around $500). Do not expect wherever you go in japan to speak english. Hotels, train stations, airports you can likely find someone who speaks english. Small restaurants, the local bus, or just walking around, I wouldn't count on it.
To combat this, I usually take a cheat sheet with some common phrases to whatever country I'm headed to. Simple things like "Can you help me?" "I'm lost" "Where is the bathroom?" will go a long way if you can even attempt to pronounce them in japanese. I couldn't find a train station to get to a tour one morning and saw these two little old japenese ladies. Asked them in what i presume was japenese "Can you help me? I'm trying to find this train station". They proceeded to respond in japanese
. I ended up getting on the bus with them to a different train station, they sat on both sides of me and offered me a werthers original along with some strawberry japanese candy. Enjoy your trip 
Posted on 8/5/16 at 6:44 am to LSUlunatic
Download a translation app so you can rad any menu etc.
Posted on 8/5/16 at 7:46 am to LSUlunatic
-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.
-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 on 8/6/16 at 9:32 am to LSUfan4444
Take a look at concept of "face" or mentsu in Japanese. In short, be mindful of your actions, tone etc in confrontation, situations that might give rise to confrontation.
And that can be hard to do abroad, when there's a huge language and tonal barrier. Easy to get stressed when people are staring and yapping in your direction, w/ no idea if they want to steal your wallet or talk about the NBA.
Read about it. Interesting cultural topic. In my experience, Asians as a whole are hypocritical in this notion of face. You'll see it go both ways I'm sure.
And that can be hard to do abroad, when there's a huge language and tonal barrier. Easy to get stressed when people are staring and yapping in your direction, w/ no idea if they want to steal your wallet or talk about the NBA.
Read about it. Interesting cultural topic. In my experience, Asians as a whole are hypocritical in this notion of face. You'll see it go both ways I'm sure.
Posted on 8/6/16 at 10:18 am to LSUlunatic
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.
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 on 8/6/16 at 10:59 am to LSUlunatic
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 on 8/6/16 at 12:00 pm to dirtsandwich
Take an ATM card with you if you want to get cash. Do not take dollars and expect to convert dollars to the local currency without paying a hefty fee.
Posted on 8/7/16 at 5:46 am to VABuckeye
Be aware in Japan everything is expensive. I had to stay overnight and they gave me a Voucher for 1000 Yen to eat Breakfast which at the time was about $10 and I got a Cup of Coffee and a Hot Roll. It came to about 800 Yen and the lady said you want your Change and I said for what.
Posted on 8/7/16 at 9:14 am to LSUlunatic
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.
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 on 8/8/16 at 12:16 am to LSUlunatic
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.
Here. Follow this link: LINK.
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