As COVID restrictions subside, Americans are resuming pre-pandemic international travel, the following field tips and best practices are key to traveling abroad. Planning ahead and common sense in-country will save thousands of dollars and hopefully keep Murphy’s Law at bay as you enjoy your time with friends and family.
Tip #1 Know the local laws!
If you are traveling to a foreign country, research the common differences in laws and customs. RSLG was recently involved in a foreign legal matter and the magistrate stated during a sentencing hearing: “if the [foreign] defendant had only googled the law, they would have found that possessing XX was illegal and would have saved everyone involved from this trouble.”
It may seem like common sense, but often the tropical vacation lens causes individuals to check common sense at the door. Every country is different, and many countries have strict penalties for actions that are legal or considered minor crimes here in the U.S. Be aware, so you don’t unknowingly violate the law and wind up in big trouble.
It is your duty to know what is legal to bring into the country you are visiting, and what’s legal to bring back home. Keep in mind, U.S. customs regulates a number of items, including illegal substances, firearms, plants, produce, and animals. Other countries may have stricter prohibitions or none whatsoever.
Tip #2 Renting a car can expose you to liability.
For example, many countries require renters to have separate liability insurance and often the personal coverage of home policies does not transfer.
It’s not uncommon for foreign visitors to use their smartphone for directions, however, many countries prohibit the use of handheld devices in vehicles and may subject you to fines. Additionally, if liability cannot be established at the scene of the accident, in some Caribbean countries, both individuals are detained pending a full investigation which can take days or weeks.
Tip #3 Tourism scams are real and more prevalent that you think.
Tourism scams are real, so don’t be a victim, do your research ahead of time and have a plan of where to go and how to get there. Whether it is a broken meter in a taxi or the long way to your hotel or destination, know your lay of the land.
Tip #4 You are not in Kansas anymore.
See Tip #1 for more information, however, U.S. citizens do not enjoy the same rights and privileges in other countries as they do in the United States. This may seem obvious but administrative and judicial systems treat foreign nationals in other countries very differently. Many developing countries – like the frequently visited Caribbean destinations – do not have rigorous oversight mechanisms to prevent corruption (link to BVI prime minister arrest) and foreign visitors are no exception and have little or no recourse.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure and whether it is a canceled flight, a lost wallet in the security line at the airport or a fender-bender when driving. Nothing ever goes according to plan. Having taken a few extra steps ahead of time makes all the difference in getting back on track to enjoying the trip.
Here are some additional practical links and information:
- Review travel advisories and warnings. U.S. State Department website (https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-checklist.html
- Make sure your passport is current and that it isn’t set to expire until at least six months after your trip is over. This becomes relevant for visa purposes and if you decide to get island fever and extend your stay. Also, ensure there are at least two blank pages per country in your passport in case you decide to visit any additional destinations during your journey.
- Check travel Visa requirements, and determine whether there are any required or suggested pre-travel inoculations especially what is required for COVID-19 restrictions.
- Regulation of medications differs widely throughout the world, and some OTC or prescription medications in this country may be illegal in others.
- If traveling with minor children, secure any necessary custody documents or written consent from the other parent if that parent is not accompanying you.
- Carry copies of all of your travel documents in a safe place separate from your actual documents, upload copies to the cloud (or pictures on your smartphone) and give copies to someone on home soil.
- Keep local emergency numbers on hand in both English and the native language (including the contact information for the U.S. embassy or consulate).
Contact RSLG for additional international travel guidance or legal issues.