Information for those Travelling Overseas

While this may seem obvious, traveling overseas is not like traveling at home. You must be wary of the people around you and maintain constant vigilance. Below are some helpful tips:

• We are targets as tourists, Americans, and persons of means. Don't enhance that image by wearing elaborate jewelry or displaying sums of money. A belly pack is the safest way to carry valuables. Purses and wallets are targets.
• Travelers' checks may seem arcane, but the hotels will cash them and they can be replaced in 24 hours at any American Express office or using the 800 number.
• Make 2 photocopies of your passport. Keep one with you, in a separate location and keep the other at home where it can be faxed to you if needed.
• Everyone should make and keep a current photocopy of everything in their wallet. Keep it in a safe location at home.
• Make sure you keep your passport with you at all times. If your passport is stolen, you will need to file a police report in order to receive a new passport or a passport waiver from the US Embassy/Consulate.
• Make sure you know the phone number and location of the nearest US Embassy or Consulate's Office. http://travel.state.gov/links.html will give you a listing of all of the US Embassies and Consulates worldwide.
• Know if you will be able to use your ATM overseas. Often the ATM machines overseas are not compatible with US ATM cards.
• Only bring with you what you will need. If your purse or wallet is stolen, you will minimize the risk if you do not have all of your credit cards, etc inside. For example, you did not need your checkbooks or department store credit cards while in Honduras.