Traveling to a foreign land can be a little frightening. I have composed a list of my top ten tips to help you feel more confident as a traveler.
1. Make a at least 2 copies of you passport and place one copy in your carry on and one in your luggage. If your passport is lost or stolen this will help in speeding up the process of getting it reissued. Also on the copies list a person to contact in case of emergency and a telephone number the person can be reached at day and evening.
2. You can purchase local currency once you arrive at the airport and receive a much better exchange rate than in the USA. There will be several options for you to choose from and they are all very competitive with the exchange rate. Never ever exchange money with a scalper!!!
3. I recommend taking about 25 one dollar bills. Most cab drivers and stores will accept the U.S. Dollar for payment. But they will give you a much lower exchange rate. I find that having the dollar bills have come in very handy for tipping and small purchases when I didn't have small change in the local currency.
4. I highly recommend wearing a money belt that you wear around the waist (not the kind that you wear round the neck as this type can easily be ripped from around your neck by the offending person). This is where I also keep my passport. You can purchase a money belt at office supply stores for about $15.00.
5. For men I suggest not carrying your wallet in your back pockets. Keep it in a front pocket. The Pick Pockets there are extremely good and clever. Pick Pockets are also attracted to women carrying large oversized purses and wearing lots of jewelry.
6. When riding the train or bus be very cautious of Pick Pockets. They will accidentally bump into you or rub up against you and when they do that they have already taken your wallet and ladies they will unzip your purse and take your wallet and you will not know it until it is all over with and they are long gone.
7. Always agree upon a price when arranging for a cab ride or tour before you get into the vehicle. If you do not do this you may pay a very inflated price for your ride. Also check the meter to make sure it is on 00.00 before you leave.
8. Never give your camera to someone who offers to take your photo. Chances are they will take off running away with your camera.
9. Take along snacks from home especially if you are not adventurous with trying the local cuisine. I like to take along, peanuts, protein bars, raisins, peanut butter, crackers and cereal . This will also save you money as in many countries American items can be very expensive.
10. To enhance your travel experience, before you leave home familiarize yourself with the local customs of the country that you are visiting. You will find that the "locals" will appreciate your efforts to learn about their country.
