May is a month of celebrations in our family. We celebrate anniversaries, birthdays and of course Mother’s Day. While many people celebrate milestones like these with vacations. With vacations come questions, especially when traveling internationally for the first time, or even for the first time in a while. This week I wanted to share with you some of the questions I’m asked most frequently.
My passport doesn’t expire until a few weeks after I return home, why do I need to renew it before my trip? As a general guideline, passports need to be valid for 6 months after your trip. This is the requirement that the US Gov’t uses for people entering the US, therefore it’s reciprocal for most US citizens traveling abroad. While there are some countries that will permit entry for passport holders with 3 months remaining on their passport the airlines adhere to the 6 month requirement.
What’s the best way to get the local currency? Before you leave home, check with your bank regarding fees associated with using your ATM card while traveling. The ATM is your most convenient way to get local currency. Depending on your bank’s fees, it’s also generally the most economical way as well.
Will my credit card work? This is going to take another call, this one to your credit card company. Let them know where you will be traveling and the dates. It’s also a great idea to check the foreign transaction fees associated with using your card while you travel. Make sure you use the one with the lowest fees!
How much cash should I carry? That’s a different answer for everyone. Generally I ask whether a client generally uses more cash at home or if they tend to put all of their purchases on their credit card. For clients who aren’t using cash regularly at home, vacation isn’t the place to start. Credit cards are going to give you the highest level of security. Should your purse or wallet become lost or stollen while on vacation you can call the credit card company and have the account shut down and even a new card delivered if necessary. If you loose a wallet full of cash there isn’t much protection.
What about tipping? This can be very location dependent, but a general rule of thumb is to always tip the driver, the luggage porter, housekeeping and tour guide anywhere from $1-$5 per interaction.
Will my phone work? Yes, but you need to familiarize yourself with the fees associated with using your phone in the country or countries you’ll be visiting. Personally, I do not use cell service while traveling internationally. I put my phone on airplane mode when leaving the States and utilize wifi while traveling.
What do I need to be able to use my electronics? Adapters and converters are required to plug anything in while you’re traveling internationally. We’ll advise you of the particular requirements for the countries you’re visiting.
Should I keep my passport with me at all times? NO! Don’t keep your passport on you while you’re out sightseeing during the day. Keep it locked up securely in the safe of your hotel room or cruise stateroom.
If there are other questions that you have that I haven’t answered here, please reach out, I’ll be happy to help. Click here and let’s get started today.
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