Wayzata World Factbook 1996/The World Factbook - 1996 Edition - Wayzata Technology (3079) (1996).iso/pc/text/trvltops/older.top

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TRAVEL TIPS FOR OLDER AMERICANS
(Consular Affairs Topics)




International travel can be a rich and rewarding adventure.  Whether
you have waited a lifetime to take the perfect trip or are an experienced
world traveler, we would like to offer some advice to help you plan
a safe and healthy trip.

American consuls at U.S. embassies and consulates abroad are there
to help if you encounter serious difficulties in your travels.  They
are happy to meet you if you come in to register your passport at
the consular section of the U.S. embassy or consulate.  But it is
also their duty to assist American citizens abroad in times of emergency--at
hospitals or police stations, for instance. This pamphlet is written
in the hopes that it will help you to prevent such emergencies from arising.

Preparation  for Your Trip

Start Early.  Apply for your passport as soon as possible.  Three
months before your departure date should give you plenty of time.
See the section, "Passports and Visas," on page 6 for details on
how to apply.

Learn About the Countries You Plan to Visit.  The countries you visit
will seem like old friends if, before you go, you read up on their
culture, people, and history.  Bookstores and libraries are good
resources.  Travel
magazines and the travel sections of major newspapers tell about
places to visit and also give advice on everything from discount
airfares to international health insurance.  Many travel agents and
foreign tourist bureaus provide free information on travel abroad.

Travel Advisories.  The Department of State issues travel advisories
concerning serious health or security conditions that may affect
U.S. citizens.  If you are traveling to an area where there may be
problems, you may contact the nearest U.S. passport agency or the
Department of State's Citizens Emergency Center on [phone]
to learn whether there are travel advisories in effect for the countries
you plan to visit.

Charter Flights.  Before you pay for a charter flight or travel package,
read your contract carefully and see what guarantee it gives that
the company will deliver the services that it is trying to sell you.
Tour operators sometimes go out of business in the middle of a season,
leaving passengers stranded, holding unusable return tickets and
unable to obtain a refund for the unused portion of their trip.
Unless you are certain a company is reputable, check its credentials
with your local Better Business Bureau (BBB).  The BBB maintains
complaint files for a year.  You can also check with the consumer
affairs office of the American Society of Travel Agents, 1101 King
Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, tel. [phone] to learn if a travel
company has a complaint record.

Trip Insurance.  One sure way to ruin a vacation is to lose money
because an emergency forces you to postpone or cancel your trip.
Except for tickets on regularly scheduled airlines, almost any travel
package you purchase will have a penalty for cancellation and some
companies will give no refund at all.  Regularly scheduled airlines
usually give a refund if an illness or death in the family forces
you to cancel.  They require a note from the doctor or a death certificate.
Take careful note of the cancellation penalty for any other large
travel purchase you make such as a tour package, charter flight,
or cruise.  Unless you can afford to lose that amount, protect yourself
by buying trip insurance.  If you invest in trip insurance, make
sure your policy covers all reasonable possibilities for your having
to cancel.  For instance, if an emergency with a family member would
force you to cancel, insure against that as well.

Some trip insurance policies will also give a refund if the company
goes out of business or otherwise does not make good on its offering.
The best insurance against company default is to choose a reputable
company that guarantees a refund if they do not deliver the goods.
If, however, you  are tempted to purchase a tour at a great bargain
price and you can't find a guarantee of delivery in the fine print,
protect yourself by purchasing trip insurance that covers company default.

Shop around for the trip insurance policy that offers the most benefits.
Some credit card and traveler's check companies offer travel protection
packages for an additional fee.  Benefits may even include accident
and illness coverage while traveling.

Health Insurance.  The Social Security Medicare program does not
provide for payment of hospital or medical services obtained outside
the U.S.   However, some Medicare supplement plans offer foreign
medical care coverage at no extra cost for treatments considered
eligible under Medicare.  These are reimbursement plans.  You must
pay the bills first and obtain receipts in order to submit them later
for compensation. Many of these plans have a dollar ceiling per trip.

Review your health insurance policy.  Obtaining medical treatment
and hospital care abroad can be expensive.  If your Medicare supplement
or other medical insurance does not provide protection while traveling
outside the United States, we strongly urge you to buy coverage that
does.   There are short-term health and emergency assistance policies
called medical assistance programs that are designed specifically
for travelers.

Medical Assistance Programs.  One strong advantage of medical assistance
programs is that they also cover the exorbitant cost of medical evacuation
in the event of an accident or serious illness.  As part of the coverage,
these companies usually offer emergency consultation by telephone.
They may refer you to the nearest hospital or call directly for
help for you.  If you need an interpreter, they may translate your
instructions to a health care worker on the scene.  Another benefit
that is normally part of such coverage is payment for the return
of remains to the United States in case of death.

If your regular health insurance already covers you for medical expenses
abroad, you can buy a medical assistance program that offers all
the consultative and evacuation services listed above except for
the health insurance itself.  The cost of medical assistance coverage
can be as low as $25 for a 2-week trip without health insurance coverage
or $49 for the complete medical assistance program including health
insurance. On the other hand, escorted medical evacuation can cost
thousands of dollars.

If your travel agent cannot direct you to a medical assistance company,
look for information on such services in travel magazines.  Once
you  have adequate coverage, carry your insurance policy identity
cards and claim forms with you when you travel.

Medication.  If you require medication, bring an ample supply in
its original containers.  Because of strict laws concerning narcotics
throughout the world, bring along copies of your prescriptions and,
if you have an unusual prescription, carry a letter from your physician
explaining your need for the drug.  As an extra precaution, carry
the generic names of your medications with you because pharmaceutical
companies overseas may use different names from those used in the
United States.

If you wear eyeglasses, take an extra pair with you.  Pack medicines
and extra eyeglasses in your hand luggage so they will be available
in case your checked luggage is lost.  To be extra secure, pack a
backup supply of medicines and a third pair of eyeglasses in your
checked luggage.  If you have allergies, reactions to certain medications,
foods, or insect bites, or other unique medical problems, consider
wearing a "medical alert" bracelet.
You may also wish to carry a letter from your physician explaining
desired treatment should you become ill.

Immunizations.  Information on immunizations and health precautions
for travelers can be obtained from local health departments, the
U.S. Public Health Service, private doctors, or travel clinics.
General guidance can also be found in the U.S. Public Health Service
book, Health Information for International Travel.  To order this
book, see page 12.

Passport.  Pack an "emergency kit" to help you get a replacement
passport in case yours is lost or stolen.  To make a kit:  photocopy
the data page at the front of your passport; write down the addresses
and telephone numbers of the U.S. embassies and consulates in the
countries you plan to visit; and put this information along with
two passport-size photographs in a place separate from your passport.

Leave a Detailed Itinerary.  Give a friend or relative your travel
schedule.  Include:  names, addresses, and telephone numbers of persons
and places to be visited; your passport number and the date and place
it was issued; and credit card, traveler's check, and airline ticket
numbers.  Keep a copy of this information for yourself in a separate
place from your purse or wallet.  If you change your travel plans--for
example, if you miss your return flight to the United States or extend
your trip--be sure to notify relatives or friends at home.

Don't Overprogram.  Allow time to relax and really enjoy yourself.
Even if this is your once-in-a-lifetime trip, don't feel you have
to fill every available minute.

If you are visiting a country such as China, where physical activity
can be quite strenuous and sudden changes in diet and climate can
have serious health consequences for the unprepared traveler, consult
your physician before you depart.

What to Pack.  Carefully consider the clothing you take.  Don't pack
more than you need and end up lugging around heavy suitcases.  Wash-and-wear
clothing and sturdy walking shoes are good ideas.  Consider the climate
and season in the countries you will visit and bring an extra outfit
for unexpectedly warm or cool weather.  A sweater or shawl is always
useful for cooler evenings and air-conditioned planes and hotels.
Dress conservatively--a wardrobe that is flashy or too causal may
attract the attention of thieves or con artists.

Include a change of clothing in your carry-on luggage.  Otherwise,
if your bags are lost, you could be wearing the same clothes you
were traveling in during the entire time it takes to locate your
luggage--an average of 72 hours.

Do not pack anything that you would hate to lose such as valuable
jewelry, family photographs, or objects of sentimental value.

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

Passports.  It is a good idea to apply 3 months before you plan to
travel.  If you also need visas, allow more time as you must have
a valid passport before applying for a visa.  If this is your first
passport, you must apply in person, bringing with you proof of U.S.
citizenship (usually a certified copy of your birth certificate,
a naturalization certificate, or a consular report of birth abroad);
2 identical recent front-view photos (2" x 2"); a completed passport
application (Form DSP-11); proof of identity such as a valid driver's
license or other photo or physical-description I.D.; and the fee
of $42 for a passport valid for 10 years.

You may apply at any passport agency (see list at the end of this
pamphlet) or at one of the many clerks of court or post offices designated
to accept passport applications.  Your birth certificate or other
documents will be returned to you by mail, along with your new passport.

You may be eligible to apply for a passport by mail.  If you have
had a full-validity passport issued within the past 12 years and
you are able to mail the passport with your application, you can
use Form DSP-82, "Application for Passport by Mail," to apply.  Obtain
this form from any office that accepts passport applications or from
your travel agent.  Follow the instructions on the back of the form.
The renewal passport fee is $35.

When you receive your passport, be sure to sign it on page 1 and
to pencil in on page 4 the requested information.  This wi1l help
us notify your family or friends in case of an accident or other
emergency.  Do not designate your traveling companion as the person
to be notified in case of an emergency.

Visas.  Many countries require a visa--an endorsement or stamp placed
in your passport by a foreign government that permits you to visit
that country for a specified purpose and a limited time.  Many countries
require you to obtain a visa from their consular office nearest to
your residence.  The addresses of foreign consular offices can be
found in telephone directories of large cities or in the Congressional
Directory, available in most libraries; or you may write to the appropriate
embassy in Washington, D.C. and request the address of their consulate
that is nearest to you.  Apply for your visa directly to the embassy
or consulate of each country you plan to visit or ask your travel
agent to assist you with visas.  U.S. passport agencies cannot obtain
visas for you.

An increasing number of countries are establishing entry requirements
regarding AIDS testing, particularly for long-term residents and
students.  Check with the embassy or consulate of the countries you
plan to visit for the latest information.

MONEY AND VALUABLES

Don't Take Your Money in Cash.  Bring most of your money in traveler's
checks.  Have a reasonable amount of cash with you, but not more
than you will need for a day or two.  Convert your traveler's checks
to local currency as you use them rather than all at once.

You may also wish to bring at least one internationally-recognized
credit card.  Before you leave, find out what your credit card limit
is and do not exceed it.  In some countries, travelers who have innocently
exceeded their limit have been arrested for fraud.  Leave unneeded
credit cards at home.

If you must take jewelry or other valuables, use hotel security vaults
to store them.  It is wise to register such items with U.S. Customs
before leaving the United States to make customs processing easier
when you return.

It is a violation of law in some countries to enter or exit with
that country's currency.  Check with a travel agent or the embassy
or consulate of the countries you plan to visit to learn their currency
restrictions.  Before departing from the U.S., you may wish, if allowed,
to purchase small amounts of foreign currency and coins to use for
buses, taxis, telephone calls, and other incidentals when you first
arrive in a country.  You may purchase foreign currency from some
banks or from foreign exchange dealers.  Most international airports
also have money exchange facilities.

Once you are abroad, local banks generally give more favorable rates
of exchange than hotels, restaurants, or stores for converting your
U.S. dollars and traveler's checks into foreign currency.

YOUR TRIP

Driving.  U.S. auto insurance is usually not valid outside of the
United States and Canada.  When you drive in any other country, be
sure to buy adequate auto insurance in that country. When renting
a car abroad, make certain that adequate insurance is part of your
contract; otherwise, purchase additional coverage in an amount similar
to that which you carry at home.

Flying.  On long flights, break up long periods of sitting.  Leave
your seat from time to time and also do in-place exercises.  This
will help prevent your arriving tired and stiff-jointed.  Also, get
some exercise after a long flight.  For example, take a walk or use
your hotel's exercise room.

Reconfirm.  Upon arrival at each stopover, reconfirm your onward
reservations.  When possible, obtain a written confirmation.  International
flights generally require confirmation 72 hours in advance.  If your
name does not appear on the reservation list, you could find yourself
stranded.

Register.  If you plan to be in a location  for 2 weeks or more or
in an area where there is civil unrest or any other emergency situation,
register with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  This will help
in locating you, should someone in the United States wish to confirm
your safety and welfare or need to contact you urgently.

Practical Safety Tips

Respect the Local Laws and Customs.  While abroad, you are subject
to the laws and regulations of your host country and are not protected
by the U.S. Constitution.  If you should be detained by local authorities,
ask them to notify a U.S. consular officer.  Under international
agreements and practice, you have a right to contact an American
consul.  Although U.S.consuls cannot act as your attorney or get
you out of jail, they can provide you with a list of local attorneys
and inform you of your rights under local laws.  They will also monitor
the status of detained Americans and make sure they are treated fairly
under local laws.

Guard your Passport.  Your passport is the most valuable document
you carry abroad.  It confirms that you are an American citizen.
Do not carry your passport in the same place as your money, use
it as collateral for a loan, or pack it in your luggage.  Remember
to keep your passport number in a separate location in case it is
lost or stolen.  In some countries, you may be required to leave
your passport overnight or for several days with the hotel management.
This may be local practice--do not be concerned unless the passport
is not returned as promised.  If your passport is lost or stolen
abroad, immediately report it to the local police, obtain a copy
of the report, and contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate
to apply for a new passport.

Be Alert.  Move purposefully and confidently.  If you should find
yourself in a crowded area, such as in an elevator, subway, marketplace,
or at a parade, exercise special caution to avoid theft.

Robbery.  Help prevent theft by carrying your belongings securely.
Carry purses tucked under an arm and not dangling by a strap.  Carry
valuables in an inside front pocket or in a money belt, not in a
hip pocket.  You may wish to wrap your wallet with rubber bands to
make it more difficult for someone to slip it from your pocket unnoticed.
Money belts or pouches that fit around your shoulder or waist are
available through travel magazines and at some luggage shops and
department stores.

Assistance From U.S. Embassies and Consulates

Emergencies.  If you encounter serious legal, medical, or financial
difficulties or other problems abroad, contact the nearest U.S. embassy
or consulate for assistance.  Although, as mentioned above, consular
officers cannot serve as attorneys, they can help you find legal
assistance. Consular officers cannot cash checks, lend money, or
act as travel agents.  However, in an emergency, they can help you
get in touch with your family back home to inform them on how to
wire funds to you and to let them know of your situation.  They can
also provide you with the latest travel advisories to alert you to
adverse conditions abroad.

Nonemergencies.  Consular officers can also provide nonemergency
services such as information on absentee voting and acquisition or
loss of U.S. citizenship.  They can arrange for the transfer of Social
Security and other benefits to Americans residing abroad, provide
U.S. tax forms, notarize documents, and advise U.S. citizens on property
claims.

Safeguarding Your Health.  If you are injured or become seriously
ill abroad, a U.S. consular officer will assist you in finding a
physician or other medical services, and, with your permission, will
inform your family members or friends of your condition.  If needed,
consular officers can assist your family in transferring money to
the foreign country to pay for your treatment.

Death Abroad.  Each year, about 6,000 Americans die abroad.  Two
thirds of them are Americans who live overseas, but approximately
2,000 Americans per year die while traveling abroad.  Consular officers
will contact the next of kin in the United States and will explain
the local requirements.  It is a worthwhile precaution to have insurance
that covers the cost of local burial or shipment of remains home
to the United States (see information on medical assistance programs
on page 3).  Otherwise, this cost must be borne by next of kin and
can be extremely expensive.  The U.S. Government cannot pay for shipment
of remains to the United States.

Shopping--Some Things to Avoid

Beware of purchasing souvenirs made from endangered wildlife.  Much
wildlife and wildlife products are prohibited either by U.S. or foreign
laws from import into the United States.  You risk confiscation and
a possible fine if you attempt to import such things.  Watch out
for and avoid purchasing the following prohibited items:

    --      All products made from sea turtles.
    --      All ivory, both Asian and African.
    --      Furs from spotted cats.
    --      Furs from marine mammals.
    --      Feathers and feather products from wild birds.
    --      All live or stuffed birds from Australia,
            Brazil, Columbia, Costa Rica, Ecuador,
            Guatemala, Mexico, Paraguay, Venezuela, and
            some Caribbean countries.
    --      Most crocodile and caiman leather.
    --      Most coral, whether in chunks or in jewelry.

When You  Return

Be Prepared.  On arrival in the United States, have your passport
ready when you go through immigration and customs controls.  Keep
receipts for any items you purchased abroad. U.S. citizens may bring
back and orally declare $400 worth of merchandise duty free.  The
next $1000 is taxed at a flat rate of 10%.  Check with U.S. Customs
for further information.

Currency.  There is no limit on the amount of money or negotiable
instruments which can be brought into or taken out of the United
States. However, any amount over $10,000 must be reported to U.S.
Customs on Customs Form 4790 when you depart from or enter into the
United States.

Don't bring home any fresh fruits or vegetables.  Such items will
be confiscated.

Useful Travel Publications

For the official word on immunizations, customs, and what you can
legally bring into the United States, you may order one of the following
U.S. Government publications:

Health Information for International Travel is a comprehensive listing
of immunization requirements of foreign governments.  In addition,
it gives the U.S. Public Health Service's recommendations on immunizations
and other health precautions for the international traveler.  Copies
are available for $4.75 from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. [phone].

Know Before You Go, Customs Hints for Returning U.S. Residents gives
detailed information on U.S. Customs regulations, including duty
rates.  Single copies are available free from any local Customs office
or by writing to the Department of the Treasury, U.S. Customs Service,
P.O. Box 7407, Washington, D.C. 20044.

Travelers Tips on Bringing Food, Plant, and Animal Products Into
the United States lists the regulations on bringing these items into
the United States from most parts of the world.  Fresh fruits and
vegetables, meat, potted plants, pet birds, and other items are prohibited
or restricted.  Obtain the publication free from the Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 732 Federal
Bldg., 6505 Belcrest Road, Hyattsville, Maryland 20782.  The following
publication is prepared by the World Wildlife Fund:

Buyer Beware! tells about restrictions on importing wildlife and
wildlife products.  For a free copy, write to the Publications Unit,
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington,
D.C. 20240; [phone].

The following three publications from the Department of State may
be ordered for $1 each from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.
Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. [phone]:

Your Trip Abroad provides basic travel information -- tips on passports,
visas, immunizations, and more.  It will help you prepare for your
trip and make it as and trouble-free as possible.

A Safe Trip Abroad gives travel security advice for any traveler,
but particularly for those who plan trips to areas of high crime or terrorism.

Tips for Americans Residing Abroad is prepared for the more than
2 million Americans who live in foreign countries.

The following three publications are also from the Department of
State (see ordering information below):

Foreign Entry Requirements lists visa and other entry requirements
of foreign countries and tells you how to apply for visas and tourist
cards.  Order this publication for 50ù from the Consumer Information
Center, Dept.  438T, Pueblo, CO 81009.

Key Officers of Foreign Service Posts gives addresses and telephone,
telex, and FAX numbers for all U.S. embassies and consulates abroad.
(NOTE:  When writing to a U.S. embassy or consulate, address the
envelope to the appropriate section, such as Consular Section, rather
than to a specific individual.)  This publication is updated 3 times
a year and may be purchased from the Superintendent of Documents,
U.S Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. [phone].

Background Notes are brief, factual pamphlets on each of 170 countries.
They give current information on each country's people, culture,
geography, history, government, economy, and political condition.
They also include a factual profile, brief travel notes, a country
map, and a suggested reading list.  For information on their price
and to order copies contact:  Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402; tel. [phone].  Passport
Agencies

APPLY EARLY FOR YOUR PASSPORT!

Boston Passport Agency Thomas P. O'Neill Federal Building, Room 247
10 Causeway Street Boston, Massachusetts 02222 *Recording:  617-565-6998
Public Inquiries:  617-565-6990

Chicago Passport Agency Kluczynski Federal Building, Suite 380 230
South Dearborn Street Chicago, Illinois 60604-1564 *Recording:  312-353-5426
Public Inquiries:  312-353-7155 or 7163

Honolulu Passport Agency New Federal Building, Room C-106 300 Ala
Moana Boulevard P.O. Box 50185 Honolulu, Hawaii 96850 *Recording:
808-541-1919 Public Inquiries:  808-541-1918

Houston Passport Agency Concord Towers 1919 Smith Street, Suite 1100
Houston, Texas 77002 *Recording:  713-653-3159 Public Inquiries:  713-653-3153

Los Angeles Passport Agency 11000 Wilshire Boulevard, Room 13100
Los Angeles, California 90024-3615 *Recording:  213-209-7070 Public
Inquiries:  213-209-7075

Miami Passport Agency Federal Office Building, 16th Floor 51 Southwest
First Avenue Miami, Florida 33130-1680 *Recording:  305-536-5395 (English)
         305-536-4448 (Spanish) Public Inquiries:  305-536-4681

New Orleans Passport Agency Postal Services Building, Room T-12005
701 Loyola Avenue New Orleans, Louisiana 70113-1931 *Recording:
504-589-6728 Public Inquiries:  504-589-6161

New York Passport Agency Rockefeller Center, Room 270 630 Fifth Avenue
New York, New York 10111-0031 *Recording:  212-541-7700 Public Inquiries:
212-541-7710

Philadelphia Passport Agency Federal Office Building, Room 4426 600
Arch Street Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19106-1684 *Recording:  215-597-7482
Public Inquiries:  215-597-7480

San Francisco Passport Agency 525 Market Street, Suite 200 San Francisco,
California 94105-2773 *Recording:  415-974-7972 Public Inquiries:
415-974-9941

Seattle Passport Agency Federal Office Building, Room 992 915 Second
Avenue Seattle, Washington 98174-1091 *Recording:  206-442-7941 Public
Inquiries:  206-442-7945

Stamford Passport Agency One Landmark Square Broad and Atlantic Streets
Stamford, Connecticut 06901-2767 *Recording:  203-325-4401 Public
Inquiries:  203-325-3538 or 3530

Washington Passport Agency 1425 K Street, N.W.  Washington, D.C.
20524-0002 *Recording:  202-647-0518 Public Inquiries (M-F 8-4:45):
202-647-0518

*Twenty-four hour recording includes general passport information,
passport agency location, and hours of operation.  Where Do You Plan
to Go Next?

The following area or country pamphlets may be ordered for $1 each
from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402; tel. [phone]:

    *       Tips for Travelers to Sub-Saharan Africa
    *       Tips for Travelers to the Caribbean
    *       Tips for Travelers to Central and South
            America
    *       Tips for Travelers to the People's
            Republic of China
    *       Tips for Travelers to Cuba
    *       Tips for Travelers to Eastern Europe
            and Yugoslavia
    *       Tips for Travelers to Mexico
    *       Tips for Travelers to the Middle East
            and North Africa
    *       Tips for Travelers to South Asia
    *       Tips for Travelers to the USSR