International travel is fun and exciting. In order to make sure you get the best experience and none of the issues, you can follow the following tips and tricks.
Passport
Make sure you have a valid passport, and its expiration date is more than 6 months from the date of your return. If you need to renew your passport, please do it at least 3 months before traveling.
Visa
Before traveling to any country, check travel and visa requirements. Do not assume you do not need a visa, you do not want to be prevented from boarding your flight or turned away once you reach your destination. The airline has no responsibility to check on your behalf when you book your flight.
Currency
Nowadays it is very easy to pay digitally. Credit cards, mobile payments, and mobile apps cover most of our needs. Having said that, it is always good practice to have some spare cash for the country you are visiting. It is recommended to use a reputable bank in your country of origin, as hotel or airport currency conversion kiosks and ATMs usually offer worse conversion rates.
Lost luggage
Lost luggage is not a myth. Airlines do lose checked-in luggages from time to time. In order to have a decent experience if this happens to you, remember to keep your essentials in the carry-on luggage. Bring at least one change of clothes, a water bottle, toothbrush and toothpaste with your carry-on. Do not bring any scissors, screwdrivers or similarly bladed items in your carry-on, as those are very likely to be confiscated. Always report lost luggage to the airline and to the event organizers as soon as possible.
Travel adapters
Different countries have different power sockets and electricity voltages. Most of our computer equipment is compatible with 110-230 volts, 50-60hz and that covers most countries. However, it is likely that your power plugs won’t be compatible with the sockets you find in other countries. Travel adapters come in many shapes and forms. Invest in a decent international travel adapter, and you will not regret it.
Internet and e-sims
Most modern mobile phones support e-sims. It is fairly inexpensive to get an e-sim for the country you are visiting. There are many apps that sell e-sim subscriptions on the Android or iOS stores. Remember to purchase, download, and activate those while you have a good connection.
If your phone is not e-sim compatible, you have a few more options: Check with your phone provider if you can enable international roaming for a flat fee; rent or purchase an international travel hotspot; get a SIM at the airport.
Local transportation
Do not assume the apps you use in your country will work well, or at all. Check if you need a special card or app to use local transportation. Usually you can get local transportation cards at the airport arrival hall.
Emergency numbers
Note down and keep handy emergency numbers of the country you are visiting.
Pickpockets
Every city has pickpockets. Be smart about your valuables especially when you are in crowded places. Use simple tricks like hidden pouches for your valuable documents and credit cards. Be vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
Important information
Mobile phones are incredibly convenient. Having said that, make sure you have a copy of your important information such as flight booking numbers, hotel name and address, emergency numbers, saved outside of your phone in case of theft, broken device, or device out of battery.