 Your
Trip
Driving
US
auto insurance is usually not valid outside of the United States
and Canada. When you drive in any other country, be sure to buy
adequate auto insurance in that country. When renting a car, make
certain that adequate insurance is part of your contract; otherwise,
purchase additional coverage in an amount similar to that which
you carry at home.
Also,
prior to driving in a foreign country, familiarize yourself with
the metric system since countries display speed limits in kilometers
per hour. Also, keep in mind which side of the road traffic moves.
Unlike the United States, many countries drive on the left-hand
side of the road.
Flying
On
overseas flights, break up long periods of sitting. Leave your seat
from time to time and also do in-place exercises. This will help
prevent you from arriving tired and stiff-jointed. Also, get some
exercise after a long flight. For example, take a walk or use your
hotel's exercise room.
Upon
arrival at each stopover, reconfirm your onward reservations. When
possible, obtain a written confirmation. International flights generally
require confirmation 72 hours in advance. If your name does not
appear on the reservation list, you could find yourself stranded.
Register
If
you plan to be in a location for two weeks or more or in an area
where there is civil unrest or any other emergency situation, register
with the nearest US embassy or consulate. This will help in locating
you, should someone in the United States wish to confirm your safety
and welfare or need to contact you urgently.
Local
laws and customs
While
abroad, you are subject to the laws and regulations of your host
country and are not protected by the US Constitution. If local authorities
detain you, ask them to notify a US consular officer. Under international
agreements and practice, you have a right to contact an American
consul.
Although
US consuls cannot act as your attorney or get you out of jail, they
can provide you with a list of local attorneys and inform you of
your rights under local laws. They will also monitor the status
of detained Americans and make sure they are treated fairly under
local laws.
Guard
your passport
Your
passport is the most valuable document you carry abroad. It confirms
that you are an American citizen. Do not carry your passport in
the same place as your money or pack it in your luggage. Remember
to keep your passport number in a separate location in case it is
lost or stolen.
 In
some countries, you may be required to leave your passport overnight
or for several days with the hotel management. This may be local
practice--do not be concerned unless the passport is not returned
as promised.
If
your passport is lost or stolen abroad, immediately report it to
the local police, obtain a copy of the report, and contact the nearest
US embassy or consulate to apply for a new passport.
Assistance
from U.S.embassies and consulates
If
you encounter serious legal, medical, or financial difficulties
or other problems abroad, contact the nearest US embassy or consulate
for assistance. Although consular officers cannot serve as attorneys,
they can help you find legal assistance. Consular officers cannot
cash checks, lend money, or act as travel agents.
However,
in an emergency, consular officers can help you get in touch with
your family back home to inform them on how to wire funds to you
and to let them know of your situation. Consular officers can also
provide you with the latest information about adverse conditions
abroad.
Consular
officers also provide nonemergency services such as information
on absentee voting and acquisition or loss of US citizenship. They
can arrange for the transfer of Social Security and other benefits
to Americans residing abroad, provide US tax forms, notarize documents,
and advise US citizens on property claims.
Shopping
Some
things to avoid
Beware
of purchasing souvenirs made from endangered wildlife. Many wildlife
and wildlife products are prohibited either by US or foreign laws
from import into the United States. You risk confiscation and a
possible fine if you attempt to import such things. Watch out for
and avoid purchasing the following prohibited items:
- All
products made from sea turtles
- All
ivory, both Asian and African
- Furs
from spotted cats
- Furs
from marine mammals
- Feathers
and feather products from wild birds
- All
live or stuffed birds from Australia, Brazil, Colombia, Costa
Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela, and some
Caribbean countries.
- Most
crocodile and caiman leather
- Most
coral, whether in chunks or in jewelry
Also,
don't bring home any fresh fruits or vegetables; such items will
be confiscated by the US Customs when you return.
For
more information about what you can and cannot bring back into the
United States after traveling to another country, check the US Customs'
web site: http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/.
Source:
U. S. Department of State. Publication 10337
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