How To Prepare for International Travel

DON’Ts!

1. Don’t pack anything valuable in your check-in luggage.

2. Don’t take liquids, aerosols, hazardous items in your carry-on bag (check with your airline for the full list of banned items).

3. Many countries don’t allow you to carry more than $10,000 in cash, or the equivalent, in or out of the country, without declaring it by completing the necessary Customs/Border Security form. In Australia the form required is the ‘Cross-Border Movement – Physical Currency form’, downloadable before hand. Make sure you have a good reason for taking a large cash amount with you in case you are questioned by security. Check the laws of the specific countries you are travelling to and from, on the relevant government websites, including stopover countries, as they may have different laws.

Don’t pack large cash amounts in your check-in luggage and don’t wear it on your body. Carry it in your locked hand luggage and don’t leave it out of your sight. A money belt can be worn after you go through security.

4. Don’t carry prohibited goods into or out of a country without checking the government website first and getting the necessary written permission. Some goods are absolutely not permitted.

5. Don’t leave your mobile phone switched to data roaming for international travel. Check with your phone carrier about plans on offer for the country/ies you are visiting. Or, consider changing the sim card in your phone to a local sim card when you arrive at your destination, for cheap internet usage and calls. (Note: you will be given a new number to use whilst in that country and you will need a new sim card in each country.)

6. Don’t drink tap water before checking with the local authority that it’s ok. Your hotel or airbnb will be able to advise you also. If the water isn’t safe for drinking, don’t eat salads or brush teeth with tap water either. Use sealed bottled water only, which your accommodation often provides.

7. Don’t disrespect local customs in the country you are visiting – inform yourself of the proper etiquette in various situations, such as dress code at religious sites, removing shoes before entering certain places, abstaining from public displays of affection in some countries, etc.

8. Don’t drink alcohol in public, smoke or use drugs other than prescription medicine, without informing yourself of the laws in the country first. It’s a good idea to have a letter from your doctor about medicine you are taking.