Traveling to international countries is a byproduct that many people view as a one of the many benefits of global trade. However, many factors must be carefully considered by the international traveler in order to assure a safe, productive visit. Recently, I have been approached by increasing numbers of international travelers, particularly to Mexico, with questions about traveling safely to Mexico. Although advice can be endless, I have compiled a few guidelines which I relate to international travelers.
Before you even leave the U.S., make sure that your passport is current and that you have the adequate travel papers in order to arrive at your foreign destination. Countries such as Brazil and Taiwan, among others, require Americans to apply for and be issued a special visa before they will be allowed into the country. Sometimes this visa application can take several weeks. When I traveled to Taiwan on business a couple of years ago, I applied for my visa three months in advance to be sure that my travel plans would not be delayed.
I encourage any U.S. citizen who plans to travel internationally to obtain a U.S. passport as quickly as possible. More stress is put on international travel when you are planning your itinerary, while at the same time applying for your passport. Passport applications are available at any U.S. post office. Allow at least one month between submission of the documents and arrival of the passport. Although there are expedient ways to receive your passport, these cost money.
When in a foreign country, be sure to keep your passport and travel documents on your person at all times. Be prepared to produce these to officials if for some reason you are detained. Under no circumstances should you leave these documents in your hotel room while you are doing business. I have known people whose room has been vandalized and their passport stolen. This can add delay to your departure from the country.
If you are going to be working or staying for an extended period of time in a foreign location, make it a point to visit and register with the U.S. embassy in this country. If an emergency occurs, this can prove invaluable in the communication of information to you and by you. Before traveling to a foreign country, check with the U.S. State Department to see if a travel alert has been issued for Americans traveling to this country. This is a service your government provides you to insure that Americans fully understand the risks involved with entering a foreign country.
In terms of lodging, I recommend staying in a reputable hotel which the U.S. Embassy, the American Chamber of Commerce, or your trusted travel agent recommends. I have seen many Americans try to save a buck by staying in bargain hotels. Oftentimes, these establishments will not have adequate telephone systems, internet connections, English speakers, or other support staff personnel which are crucial for the American traveling abroad. Be very wary about trading price for convenience and support. I also carry with me a phone card with international access from my long distance provider. This helps me avoid the excessive charges which most hotels assess on long distance calls.
Before traveling to a foreign country, understand the rate of exchange between the U.S. dollar and the foreign currency. I also recommend accessing the Internet, travel agents, or local bankers, to determine what the most recent trends in the exchange rate have been. Know the exchange before stepping into a foreign country and be able to quickly calculate foreign prices in the equivalent of dollars.
When traveling, I always carry a small amount of cash depending on the length of the trip. I usually use the Dallas (DFX) international airport for my international flights, and will exchange a small amount of this cash for foreign currency. You will not get the best exchange rates while at an international airport, either in the U.S. or at your foreign destination. However, holding foreign currency makes it easier for me to pay for the taxi ride to my hotel in the local currency. Often, this will save me money.
If possible and if needed, exchange your cash in the financial district of your foreign city. Exchange houses are competitive in this location and this will benefit you in terms of the best exchange rates. It is important to shop around. These houses are often my last stop to exchange my foreign money before my taxi ride to the airport. If you wait until you get to the airport to exchange your money, or until you are back in the U.S., you will encounter rates that are unfavorable to you.
When I need to access more cash during a foreign trip, I use the local ATM machines, which are usually electronically hooked up to international banking systems such as Plus or Lynx. With your ATM card, you can access your account and withdraw an equivalent amount of dollars in the local currency. When the machine issues the money, you are also receiving some of the most accurate and fair exchange rates due to the immediacy of the transaction.
I always use my credit cards when traveling internationally. Like the ATM cards, you will receive a fair rate which is given to you at the time of the transaction. However, be very careful where you use these cards, and use them in what you perceive to be reputable establishments. I have a friend who had his card number stolen in Venezuela. One month after his return to the U.S., his credit card bill included utilities, phone bills, restaurants, and retail charges in Venezuela which were not his. This can happen to anybody, even in reputable places. Be aware of the risks and review your credit card statements after your trip very carefully.
When dining in a foreign country, always review your charges thoroughly. I have been the victim several times of “padding the bill.” Know what you ordered, the prices on the menu and take the time to total up the charges.
Also when dining, be wary of fresh fruits, vegetables, seafood, and other foods. If not treated properly, they may be totally disagreeable to your stomach. The altitude in many nations such as Mexico can also have a negative effect on travelers, especially when it is mixed with alcohol. When I lived in Mexico City, many of my American guests experienced a certain amount of “wooziness” due to the city’s 7500-foot elevation, exacerbated by pollution. If not taken into consideration, these factors can make a foreign trip miserable. I always carry a “care pack” which includes Imodium, stomach medicine, and aspirin.
When using taxis, I recommend only using taxis which exclusively serve your hotel. Many horror stories abound about American tourists who have been robbed in foreign countries by using unauthorized taxis. In Mexico, hotel or taxis located at buildings are referred to as “sitio” taxis. They are reliable and safe. Before stepping into a taxi, come to an agreement with the driver on the fare. If a taximeter is to be used, make sure that the driver immediately activates this when embarking on your trip.
Always carry yourself as if you know what you are doing and where you are going – keep your guard up as you would in New York City, Chicago, or Phoenix for that matter. Thieves and dishonest people prey on people that look lost. Before you take any personal protection products with you to a foreign country, make sure that they are not illegal. Certain types of these products such as mace, pepper spray, and electric shock devices are illegal in countries such as Mexico.
Finally, make sure that when exiting a foreign country, the airport does or does not charge a departure tax. Verify this with your travel agent or airline before traveling to the country. Usually, these taxes are included in the price of the airline ticket. However, I have had to dole out cash to pay this tax because of my lack of due diligence beforehand. Happy traveling!
