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Travel Guide
Please Note
This is a generalized travel guide and it is intended to coalesce several resources, which a traveler might find useful, regardless of a particular destination. As such, it does not include travel warnings for specific "hot spot" destinations.
For travel alerts and warnings, please see the United States Department of State's listings available at URL:
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html/
Please note that travel to the following countries, based on these warnings, is ill-advised, or should be undertaken with the utmost precaution:
Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), El Salvador, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Nicaragua, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestinian Territories of West Bank and Gaza, Philippines areas of Sulu Archipelago, Mindanao, and southern Sulu Sea, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria, Turkey, Venezuela, and Yemen.
International Travel Guide
Checklist for Travelers
1. Make sure you travel with the proper documentation. This may include passports, travel visas, consent for travel with minors, and international driving permits, if necessary. Get the necessary visas for the country (or countries) one intends to visit - but be aware that a visa does not guarantee entry.
2. Protect one's personal information by making copies of one's passport details, insurance policy, travelers checks and credit card numbers. Taking copies of such documents with you, while leaving another collection copies with someone at home, is also good practice for travelers. Taking copies of one's passport photograph is also recommended, as well as leaving a copy of one's passport photograph and details at home is also recommended.
3. Take time to learn about one's destination country and culture. Read and learn about the place one is traveling. Also check political, economic and socio-cultural developments at the destination by reading country-specific travel reports and fact sheets. Always have the contact information for the embassy or consulate of your home country.
4. Keep in regular contact with friends and relatives back at home by phone or email, and be sure to leave a travel itinerary. As well, keep a list of your emergency contacts handy and create a communication plan for reaching family and friends in the event of a crisis.
5. While it may be appealing to travel "off the grid" and without attention to current events, it is inadvisable to travel internationally without paying attention to the news and current events taking place "in country." Monitor local radio, television, and other sources for news and updates. Make contacts with staff at hotels and/or in the community so you are able to stay informed.
6. Phone lines are usually affected during a crisis. Think about other ways to communicate. For example, update your social media status often and send messages as regularly as possible to let friends and family know how you are doing.
7. Know the laws of one's destination country and culture; be sure to understand the repercussions of breaking those laws and regulations. Often the transparency and freedoms of the juridical system at home is not consistent with that of one's destination country. Become aware of these complexities and subtleties before you travel.
8. For longer stays in a country, or where the security situation is volatile, one should register one's self and traveling companions at the local embassy or consulate of one's country of citizenship. Be prepared for crisis situations and have an exit strategy to ensure you can easily evacuate from a volatile situation. Have more than one way to get towards safety as a crisis event may make some roads unpassable or unsafe.
9. Stay healthy by taking all possible precautions against illness. Also, be sure to take extra supplies of prescription drugs along for the trip, while also taking time to pack general pharmaceutical supplies, such as aspirin and other such painkillers, bandages, stomach ailment medication, anti-inflammatory medication and anti-bacterial medication.
10. Do not carry illicit drugs. Understand that the punishment for possession or use of illegal drugs in some countries may be capital punishment. Make sure your prescription drugs are legal in the countries you plan to visit.
11. Women should take care to be prepared both culturally and practically for traveling in a different country and culture. One should be sure to take sufficient supplies of personal feminine products and prescription drugs. One should also learn about local cultural standards for women, including norms of dressing. Be aware that it is simply inappropriate and unsafe for women to travel alone in some countries, and take the necessary precautions to avoid risk-filled situations.
12. If one is traveling with small children, one should pack extra supplies, make arrangements with the travel carrier for proper seating that would adequately accommodate children, infants or toddlers. Note also that whether one is male of female, traveling with children means that one's hands are thus not free to carry luggage and bags. Be especially aware that this makes one vulnerable to pickpockets, thieves and other sorts of crime.
13. Make proper arrangements for accommodations, well in advance of one's arrival at a destination. Some countries have limited accommodation, while others may have culturally distinctive facilities. Learning about these practicalities before one travels will greatly aid the enjoyment of one's trip.
14. Travel with different forms of currency and money (cash, traveler's checks and credit cards) in anticipation that venues may not accept one or another form of money. Also, ensuring that one's financial resources are not contained in one location, or by one person (if one is traveling with others) can be a useful measure, in the event that one loses a wallet or purse. Contact your credit card companies ahead of departure to notify them of your travel plans and be on the lookout for suspicious activity.
15. Find out about transportation in the destination country. In some places, it might be advisable to hire a local driver or taxi guide for safety reasons, while in other countries, enjoying one's travel experience may well be enhanced by renting a vehicle and seeing the local sights and culture independently. Costs may also be prohibitive for either of these choices, so again, prior planning is suggested. If you plan to drive "in country," as indicated above, ensure you have proper international driving permits.
16. Be aware that other countries use different voltage. Travel with a voltage adaptor pack if you will need to power up a laptop, phone, or medical device. It is also advisable to think in terms of power supply, and be sure to find backup power or other ways that will sustain your device or equipment during a power outage.
Tips for Travelers
• Check with your embassy, consulate, or appropriate government institution related to travel before traveling.
• Bring enough funds with you for your stay. Travelers' checks can be cashed in major hotels and banks. US Dollars (cash or travelers' checks) are more readily exchanged than other currencies. Credit cards are widely accepted in tourist areas and the major cities, but beware of fraud - ensure you always take your copy of the transaction receipt and the carbon paper.
• Carry a photocopy of your passport's data pages at all times. Lock the original in your hotel safe. Retain your Brazilian Immigration landing card, you will need it on departure. Note down the details of your passport, travelers' checks and credit/bank cards and keep them separate from the documents e.g. number, place and date of issue. Enter next of kin details into the back of your passport.
• Be conscious of your personal security at all times. Take sensible precautions such as using door chains and spy holes (if available), before admitting people to your room. Ensure your hotel room door is locked at all times. Be aware of those around you.
• Take care of your valuables when out sightseeing. Only carry enough money for your immediate needs. Cameras, jewelry, watches, handbags, etc will mark you out as a potential target for a thief and are easily torn off. If you must carry a camera, try to conceal it. Ensure that you do not leave your bags/belongings unattended. Don't leave valuables visible in a car. Deposit any valuables/money that you are not using in your hotel safe, putting any credit cards in a sealed envelope before doing so.
• Don't resist muggers. Muggers often carry weapons, and are prepared to use them if you offer resistance. Muggers often operate in gangs.
• Don't get involved with drugs. The penalties for drug carrying/trafficking are severe. Don't accept or offer to carry packages/suitcases on behalf of someone else.
• Don't expect to find work in Brazil. It is illegal to work without a work permit.
• Consult your doctor before you travel. Brazil is a huge country. Different vaccinations/ precautions may be needed according to which region you intend to visit.
• Retain enough cash to pay airport departure taxes. All passengers departing Brazilian airports must pay a departure tax at check-in before they can obtain their boarding card. Payment of these taxes is not normally included for tickets purchased outside of Brazil. The international departure tax is currently US$36, and can only be paid in cash, either in US dollars or local currency equivalent. Domestic departure taxes vary and you should therefore check in advance their rates.
• Don't accept sweets, food or drink from strangers. It may be drugged. Ensure that any drinks you order, or that you are offered, especially in a nightclub/disco, are opened and poured in front of you.
• Use official metered taxis to get around town. Insist the driver switches on the meter when you get in, and check that they are displaying their obligatory photographic taxi permit. Avoid using buses or trams.
• Take extra care when driving in Brazil. The Brazilian style of driving and standards are very different from European countries. Be prepared to stop unexpectedly, and beware of potholes, slow moving vehicles and people/animals on the road. Avoid driving outside of town at night: vehicles without lights and other hazards can make it dangerous. Keep your car doors locked at all times and the windows shut, especially at traffic lights.
• Stick to the tourist areas in cities. Take local advice on where it safe to go, but don't wander off into alleyways, cul de sacs, or where there are no other people (even during daylight). Don't enter slum areas or shantytowns: they often have extremely high violent crime rates. Avoid empty beaches. Don't go on to any beach after dark, muggers often target tourists who do so.
• Don't swim in the sea without taking advice. The open Atlantic currents can be extremely strong and dangerous. The sea can also be polluted, and in some areas sharks can also be a danger. Take local advice before swimming e.g. from your hotel.
Note: This information is directly quoted from the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
Sources: United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Business Culture: Information for Business Travelers
Business visitors should become accustomed to several business conditions specific to Brazil. Compared to some Western countries, the pace of negotiation is slower and is based much more on personal contact. It is rare for important business deals to be concluded by telephone or letter. Many Brazilian executives do not react favorably to quick and infrequent visits by foreign sales representatives. They prefer a more continuous working relationship. The Brazilian buyer is also concerned with after-sales service provided by the exporter.
The slower pace of business negotiation does not mean that Brazilians are less knowledgeable in terms of industrial technology or modern business practices. In fact, one should be as prepared technically when making a call on a Sao Paulo firm as on a Chicago firm. In addition, a visiting businessperson is encouraged to learn as much about the Brazilian economic and commercial environment as possible before doing business.
While office hours in Brazil are generally 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., decision makers begin work later in the morning and stay later in the evening. The best times for calls on a Brazilian executive are between 10 a.m. and noon, and 3 to 5 p.m., although this is less the case for Sao Paulo where appointments are common throughout most of the day. Lunch is usually two hours. While many Brazilians may speak English, they may wish to conduct business in Portuguese. The non-Portuguese speaking foreign executive may need an interpreter on more than 50 percent of business calls. Correspondence and product literature should be in Portuguese, and English is preferred as a substitute over Spanish. Specifications and other technical data should be in the metric system.
Sources: United States Department of State Commercial Guides
Note: For general information on etiquette in Brazil see our Cultural Etiquette page.
Online Resources Regarding Entry Requirements and Visas
Foreign Entry Requirements for Americans from the United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/foreignentryreqs.html
Visa Services for Non-Americans from the United States Department of State
http://www.unitedstatesvisas.gov/
http://travel.state.gov/visa/visa_1750.html
Visa Bulletins from the United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/visa_bulletin.html
Visa Waivers from the United States Department of State
http://travel.state.gov/jvw.html
Passport and Visa Information from the Government of the United Kingdom
http://www.fco.gov.uk/travel/dynpage.asp?Page=402
Visa Information from the Government of Australia
http://www.dfat.gov.au/visas/index.html
Entry Requirements and Other Services for Travelers from the Government of Canada
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1082.html
Online Visa Processing by Immigration Experts by VisaPro
http://www.visapro.com
Sources: United States Department of State, United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Government of Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Government of Canada: Canada International
Useful Online Resources for Travelers
Your trip abroad
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1225.html
A safe trip abroad
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html
Tips for expatriates abroad
http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/residing/residing_1235.html
Tips for students
http://travel.state.gov/travel/living/studying/studying_1238.html http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/brochures/brochures_1219.html
Medical information for travelers
http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/health/health_1185.html
US Customs Travel information
http://www.customs.gov/xp/cgov/travel/
UK Travelers' Checklist
http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1098377239217
Canadian Government's resources on traveling, living or working abroad
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/Consular-e/living_menu-e.htm
Plan a trip to an exotic location
http://www.geopassage.com
Sources: United States Department of State; United States Customs Department, United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Government of Canada: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade
Other Practical Online Resources for Travelers
World Weather Forecasts
http://www.intellicast.com/
Worldwide Time Zones and World Clock
http://www.timeanddate.com/
International Currency Exchange Rates
http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Banking and Financial Institutions Across the World
http://www.123world.com/banks/index.html
International Credit Card or Automated Teller Machine (ATM) Locator
http://international.visa.com/ps/services/atmnetwork.jsp
http://www.mastercard.com/cardholderservices/atm/
Foreign Language Phrases for Travelers
http://www.travlang.com/languages/
International Dialing Codes
http://www.kropla.com/dialcode.htm
International Airport Codes
http://www.ar-group.com/icaoiata.htm
International Internet Café Search Engine
http://cybercaptive.com/
World Electric Power Information
http://www.kropla.com/electric.htm
World Electric Power Guide
http://www.kropla.com/electric2.htm
World Television Standards and Codes
http://www.kropla.com/tv.htm
International Chambers of Commerce
http://www.123world.com/chambers/index.html
Diplomatic and Consular Information
United States Diplomatic Posts Abroad
http://usembassy.state.gov/
Resources for Finding Embassies and other Diplomatic Posts Across the World
http://www.escapeartist.com/embassy1/embassy1.htm
Travel and Tourism Information
World Tourism Websites
http://123world.com/tourism/
Safety and Security
United States Department of State Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets
http://travel.state.gov/travel_warnings.html
United States Department of State Current Warnings
http://travel.state.gov/warnings_list.html
United Kingdom Current Warnings and Travel Advice By Country
http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029390590
United Kingdom Travel Fact Sheets By Country
http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1007029394365#T1
Government of Canada Travel Reports By Country
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/new-en.asp#ctr
Government of Canada Travel Warnings
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/sos/warnings-en.asp
Government of Australia Travel Advice Reports By Country
http://www.dfat.gov.au/consular/advice/index.html
Sources: United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the United States Department of State, the Government of Canada: Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Government of Australia: Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Other Safety and Security Online Resources for Travelers
Information on Terrorism from Government of Canada
http://canada.gc.ca/wire/2001/09/110901-US_e.html
Information on Human Rights
http://www.state.gov/g/drl/hr/
Government of the United Kingdom Resource on the Risk of Terrorism
http://www.fco.gov.uk/servlet/Front?pagename=OpenMarket/Xcelerate/ShowPage&c=Page&cid=1044011304926
FAA Resource on Aviation Safety
http://www.faa.gov/safety/
In-Flight Safety Information for Air Travel (by British Airways crew trainer, Anna Warman)
http://www.warman.demon.co.uk/anna/inflight.html
Hot Spots: Travel Safety and Risk Information
http://www.airsecurity.com/hotspots/HotSpots.asp
Current Issues and Warnings by Government of United States
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1766.html
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_1764.html
Sources: The United States Department of State, the United States Customs Department, the Federal Aviation Authority, Anna Warman's In-flight Website, Hot Spots Travel and Risk Information, the United Kingdom Foreign and Commonwealth Office, the Government
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