Using Dollars or Pesos in Mazatlan Mexico

mazatlansource.com

Dinero (MONEY)Everybody needs it, here are the best ways to get it,  and carry it, while in Mazatlan! Don't be afraid to operate  in pesos. You will get your best deals this way, and  it's pretty easy to get the hang of it: More or less,  10 pesos = 1 dollar; 100 pesos = 10 dollars;  1000 pesos = 100 dollars, etc.

Any international currency can take a while to get familiar with, and the Mexican Peso is no exception. At first glance, to the first-time visitor, all the bills look like Monopoly money, but you’ll get over that feeling as soon as you start spending it. While US and Canadian dollars will be accepted by most stores and vendors in Mazatlan, it will be at an exchange rate that is definitely not to your advantage, so plan on working with Pesos. For visitors from the USA and Canada, the easiest way to make ‘on-the-go’ conversions between prices in Mexican Pesos and the value ‘back home’ is to divide by 10…10 Pesos = 1 Dollar, 100 Pesos = 10 Dollars, 230 Pesos = 23 Dollars, etc. Depending on the exchange rate, in actuality 10 Pesos is a little less (about 90 cents) in USA money and a little more (about a Dollar and 15 cents) Canadian, but using the “Rule of Ten” will make it very easy to get an idea of prices. Mexican Pesos bills come in 20, 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 Pesos denominations (see graphic). The newer 20’s are actually made of plastic, and even have a little clear ‘window’ in it. It’s the look of the future for currency in Mexico (and probably the rest of the world), as it lasts a long time and is very difficult to counterfeit. 20’s and 50’s are slightly smaller than the rest, making them easier to distinguish from large bills. 1000 Peso notes should be avoided at all times. This is a ‘new’ denomination (introduced in early 2005), and once issued was immediately counterfeited. More importantly, it is extremely difficult to pass these as payment except at banks, because most small stores, vendors, and restaurants will not have sufficient cash to make change. If you receive a 1000-peso note at a bank or money-exchange, pass it back and insist on smaller bills (say “cambio mas chico, por favor” roughly meaning “change for smaller bills, please”). 500 Peso notes can also present a problem in change-making at smaller shops and restaurants, so make sure you carry bills smaller than this at most times. 100’s and 200’s are not too large for all but the smallest vendors and stores. Also know that nearly nobody will accept a bill which is not entirely whole, and ripped or torn bills may be refused as well. You should not accept them as change, either. Common coin denominations are 1, 2, 5, and 10 Pesos. The 10 is especially easy to identify…it’s a nice thick, substantial coin, bronze on the outside and silver on the inside. (Gringos often wonder why the US Treasury can’t come up with an easily-distinguished Dollar coin like this.) There are also 5, 10, 20, and 50 centavo (cents) coins, but you’ll rarely see these. They are roughly the US and Canadian equivelent of ½, 1, 2, and 5-cent coins, and the smallest ones have the look and heft of toy money. Indeed, 5- and 10-centavo coins are more than occasionally simply tossed on the street, and nobody but the smallest children bother to pick them up. You’re only likely to receive these small coins as change at larger stores, like groceries and pharmacies…prices at almost all other stores are in even-pesos. There are also 20 and 100 Peso coins (each slightly larger than it’s next-smaller denomination), but as a visitor you are not likely to encounter them unless you are visiting in September – the very slowest of tourism months. These coins tend to be hoarded in jars and piggy banks until the tourists leave, then the income of money slows down, and the jars are opened to tide people through until the tourists return. CHANGING MONEY: You can change money at banks or at any of the dozens of “Casas de Cambio” (or simply “Cambios” – “Change Houses”) located throughout Mazatlan. Banks will give you the best exchange rate, but lines tend to be LONG…it’s not unusual to wait ½ hour or more in line. Banks will allow you to cash traveller’s checks, but usually only if you present your passport. The difference in exchange rates paid by the cambios versus the banks really is minimal, unless you are changing thousands of dollars. A cambio will generally pay about ½% less…so saving the half-hour in line at the bank will only cost you a few dollars per $100 US/Canadian at the cambio. The cambio at the front desk of your hotel will typically have the worst exchange rates, so plan ahead and use the cambios on the street. ATMs: The best way to get money in Mazatlan is to use your ATM card. You get the absolute best exchange rate, even though you may have to pay a transaction fee. There are quite a few ATM’s all over Mazatlan, and in every major supermarket throughout town. KNOW BEFORE YOU GO what your daily withdrawal limit is, and know that most ATMs here will only dispense a maximum of 3000 pesos (roughly 300 Dollars US/Canadian) per transaction. HOT ATM TIP #1: When an ATM asks you how much money you want, it’s in PESOS, not dollars or whatever your ‘home’ currency is. If you want (roughly) FIFTY DOLLARS, request FIVE-HUNDRED Pesos. There are just a few ATMs in town that will ask you if you want ‘Local Currency’ or U.S. Dollars…be sure you select ‘Local’, or else you’ll get US Dollars that you’ll then have to change at a bank or cambio. HOT ATM TIP #2: Avoid getting a stack of hard-to-spend 500 Peso bills at the ATM: After you’ve inserted your card, entered your PIN, and chosen “withdrawal”, you will usually be presented with several withdrawal amounts to choose from – 100 Pesos, 300 Pesos, 1000 Pesos, etc – and an additional choice of “Other Amount”. Choose “Other” and enter an odd number divisible by 50 or 100 Pesos bills…for example, 2950 or 2900 Pesos…this will force the machine to dispense at least a few bills other than 500 Peso notes. CREDIT CARDS: You’ll find that your credit cards are accepted only at most hotels and large stores and restaurants. As a general rule, plan on carrying enough cash for your purchases unless you have inquired in advance at the restaurant or store you plan to visit. Where credit cards are accepted, it is usually restricted to MasterCard and Visa. Acceptance of Discover cards is very rare, and while American Express has an office here,, it is difficult to use you ‘AmEx’ card except in the larger hotels and a few restaurants. Mazatlan is not immune to a world-wide credit card fraud called ‘swiping’, where the magnetic strip of your card is recorded on a special device and then duplicated (nearly immediately) on another card in another city, and then used to run up all sorts of charges. While most all U.S. and Canadian credit card companies will reimburse you for this fraud, it’s a hassle to try to do while you’re on vacation. With this in mind, we suggest taking your card to the cashier of the restaurant or store so that your card never leaves your sight. Also, it’s good advice to use DEBIT cards ONLY at ATMs. HOW TO SPEND IT: Spending your money won’t be difficult, but the concept of ‘bargaining’ over prices may be new for you. Do not feel uncomfortable about this…it is a way of life across Mexico, even in ‘non-tourist’ areas. If a store’s wares have marked prices, then generally these are ‘fixed’ prices. It won’t hurt to ask about a lower price though, especially if you are buying several items. If prices are not marked (and always with the vendors on the beach), then it’s time to begin the game of bargaining. This can be one of the most enjoyable parts of shopping for some people, and for the Mexican shop-keeper, it’s an enjoyable tradition. Here’s how it works: You start admiring an object, and the shop-keeper asks you if you like it. You ask how much it costs, and he replies that it is 200 pesos. At this point you tell him that this is far too much money, and he replies by explaining about the fine quality of the item, how many days it took the craftsman to create this piece of art, and then asks how much you want to pay. You suggest that you might like to take it home with you if it were 75 pesos. He chuckles and tells you that this is simply not possible, as he has children to feed, but allows that he could bring his price down to 180 pesos. You in turn offer to pay 100 pesos, and on and on. This can, if you like, go on for quite some time, until you reach a price at which you can both agree. Or, you can simply put the item back on the shelf at any time and say that it’s just more than you can afford. Be aware that the shopkeeper may, as you are leaving the store, agree finally to sell it to you at your last-offered price (which you are rather obligated to now accept), but to “please don’t tell anybody else”. This can be a way for both of you to save face and complete the transaction. This is the way business is and has been done in Mexico for years and years, and how friends are made as well! Bartering should never be insulting. For the Mexican it is normal and fun; if it is not fun for you, stick to the stores with price tags on their stuff. To insult someone's merchandise is down-right rude, and will only make you, and your fellow countrymen, look bad. GRATUITIES / TIPPING: The Mexican people are friendly and eager to help you. They enjoy it, really!! But that does not mean they also do not enjoy receiving a tip for their services. The tip, "propina" in Spanish, is the recognized way of saying thank you. It is the thought that counts almost more than the amount. Tips can be in Pesos or Dollars, but please NO American/Canadian coins, as they are not exchangeable here, even in the banks, and thus hold no value. Below are some guidelines for who you should tip, and how much. 1. House Staff: Tipping the housekeepers is not common, nor is it un-common. Experienced travelers will tell you, though, that a small tip after the first night will insure attentive extra service should you require it; another tip at the end of your stay, if you appreciated the overall housekeeping service, is appropriate. Leave your tip on a piece of paper and write "para tu servicio...gracias!" (for your service...thank you!) so they know it's a tip and not your pocket-change, unintended for a tip. The housekeeping staff generally works hard for small salaries to make you comfortable...a few dollars (in pesos, of course) will be most appreciated. 2. Waiters/Waitresses: Gratuities for wait staff are comparable to gratuities here. The standard tip is 15%, 20% for exceptional service. As you will likely be serviced by many people through out your meal, you can expect that the gratuity you leave will be divided between all of them. Also know that in Mexico, going out to eat is an event. You will RARELY be offered the check until you ask for it! Do not assume that the waiter/waitress is being rude or ignoring you, this is simply customary. When you are ready for your bill, simply signal the waiters with a small wave, and ask for "la cuenta" (pronounced "la kwenta"). 3. Taxi Drivers: It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers unless they perform an extra service for you (help you with your luggage; wait for you while you exchange money or get something from a store, etc.). If they do, then your tip should be appropriate to the amount of service they provided for you ($2 for waiting, $3-$5 for helping with luggage, depending on how much luggage you have). 4. Airport Porters: Figure about $1 per bag is a reasonable tip for airport porters if you use their services. $5 or $50 pesos should be your maximum tip unless you have an excessive amount of baggage. 5. Salon Staff: Similar to the US, the standard tip for salon services (massage therapy, hair cuts, pedicures etc…) is 10-15%. 6. Grocery Store: In the large supermarkets it is customary to tip the young boy or girl who sacks your groceries...two to five pesos is fine.

Travel Tips for Mazatlan

What to do before you get to Mazatlan:

1. Make sure you have a current passport (8 weeks) and check the expiration date.
2. Check with your phone carrier about whether your phone needs an international package (Verizon, AT&T, Mobile 1).
3. Obtain ~500 pesos (approximately $45 USD) from your bank who will give you the best rate. Poorest rate is at the airport in your international terminal because they will charge you an extra fee to change funds. The 500 pesos will be enough to pay a taxi if you need it.
4. If you forget, there are ATM’s in the Mazatlan airport. But there is still a fee plus whatever your bank charges to use a bank ATM that isn’t theirs. For example, I bank at Wells Fargo, they charged me $2.23 to get 400 pesos out of the ATM.
5. If you intend to use a credit or debit card in Mexico, call and let them know ahead of time or they may see charges in Mexico as potentially fraudulent and freeze your account until you can call them.
6. If you are bringing fishing rods – they are not allowed as carry-ons leaving Mexico, so have them in something that can be checked.

What to expect when you arrive in Mexico:

1. Sometime during the flight to Mexico you will be given two forms by the Flight Attendants (bring your own pen, they usually don’t have any to offer). The first form is an immigration form. To fill this out properly you will need your flight info, where you are staying (name of hotel, address) and your passport number. There are TWO sections to this form. The top and the very bottom need to be filled out with identical information. Fill out both before you land. If you don’t fill out the bottom, they will send you to the end of the line.
2. Once you land, you will stand in a long line for immigration where they will ask to see your passport and the form described above. They will ask you how long you are staying and for what purpose. Once you get through this, they will stamp your passport and the form and return the bottom portion to you with your passport. Keep this part of the form, you will need it when you leave!!!
3. The second form is a customs form (larger of the two forms). Once you are through with immigration, you will go through customs. Do not bring any fruit off the plane with you. They have these cute labs now that can find where you may have “forgotten” about that tasty apple you put in your bag (trust me on this…). They also may scan your luggage (similar to the US airports) and then manually search your luggage. They are looking for high quantities of sellable items or any guns, drugs etc. Leave all that at home.
4. After you exit the secure area, prepare yourself for some chaos. Americans are easily identified once they get out of security and are usually inundated with Taxi and ride requests. Taxi’s are not metered like they are in the US (certain price per mile). Prices are negotiated; they are good at negotiating a higher rate for their services, their livelihoods depend on it and they are better at it than you are.

How To: Use Money In Mexico

mexicotravelvacationtips.com

What’s one thing that no vacation can live without? Money, of course!

Your luxury Mexico Vacation wouldn’t be complete without a little shopping to pick up some authentic Mexican items! Here are a few tips on how to get the money you need while travelling in Mexico:

1. Be Up To Date On The Currency

 

Mexican currency, the Peso, is still the main means of transaction in all of Mexico’s shops, hotels and restaurants.

Many places will accept the dollar as a source of transaction, however, it is recommended to use the Peso during your stay. You may find a number of Exchange Houses to trade your dollars and/or travelers checks for Pesos.

2. Bring Debit And/Or Credit Cards

 

Most major credit and debit cards are widely accepted in thousands of Mexico’s shops, hotels and restaurants. (Ask your bank if any charges apply)

Another great thing about using a debit or credit card is they keep a record of spending while on your Mexico vacation.

One caution while using your credit or debit card: Be sure to keep all information secure, much like you would while using them at home.

3. ATMs Are Available For Use

ATMs are the quickest way to obtain the local currency, however, Exchange Houses offer a quick and easy way to transfer, acquire, or exchange currency.

ATMs are widely available and almost always reliable (we will tell you the flip side next). These Cash Machines will dispense the Mexican pesos to anyone with a VISA, MasterCard, American Express, etc. card.

Now the flip side: We say “almost always” reliable because some lobbies that hold the ATM machines require you to scan your debit card in order to enter. This can compromise your information and make it easy for identity theft. DO NOT SWIPE YOUR CARD HERE.

Do you have anymore Mexico Vacation Tips and Tricks on the best ways to use and get money while in Mexico? Leave us a comment!

Money Tips for Mexico

frommers.ccom

Frommer's lists exact prices in the local currency (unless rates are given in U.S. dollars).  However, rates fluctuate, so before departing consult a currency exchange website such as www.oanda.com/convert/classic to check up-to-the-minute rates.

In general, the southern region of Mexico is considerably cheaper than not just most U.S. and European destinations but also many other parts of Mexico, although prices vary significantly depending on the specific location. The most expensive destinations are those with the largest number of foreign visitors, such as Cancún and Los Cabos. The least expensive are those off the beaten path and in small rural villages, particularly in the poorer states. In the major cities, prices vary greatly depending on the neighborhood. As you might imagine, tourist zones tend to be more expensive.

The currency in Mexico is the peso. Paper currency comes in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 200, and 500 pesos. Coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 pesos, and 20 and 50 centavos (100 centavos = 1 peso). The current exchange rate for the U.S. dollar, and the one used in this guide, is 12 pesos; at that rate, an item that costs 12 pesos would be equivalent to $1.

Many establishments that deal with tourists, especially in coastal resort areas, quote prices in U.S. dollars. To avoid confusion, they use the abbreviations DLLS. for dollars and M.N. (moneda nacional, or national currency) or M.X.P. for Mexican Pesos. Note: Establishments that quote their prices primarily in U.S. dollars are listed in this guide with U.S. dollars.

Getting change is a problem. Small-denomination bills and coins are hard to come by, so start collecting them early in your trip. Shopkeepers and taxi drivers everywhere always seem to be out of change and small bills; that's doubly true in markets. There seems to be an expectation that the customer should provide appropriate change, rather than the other way around.

Don't forget to have enough pesos to carry you over a weekend or Mexican holiday, when banks are closed. Because small bills and coins in pesos are hard to come by in Mexico, the $1 bill is very useful for tipping.

Note: A tip of U.S. coins, which cannot be exchanged into Mexican currency, is of no value to the service provider.

Casas de cambio (exchange houses) are generally more convenient than banks for money exchange because they have more locations and longer hours; the rate of exchange may be the same as at a bank or slightly lower. Before leaving a bank or exchange-house window, count your change in front of the teller before the next client steps up. Also, most major hotels will change money for you.

Large airports have currency-exchange counters that often stay open whenever flights are operating. Though convenient, they generally do not offer the most favorable rates. The bottom line on exchanging money: Ask first, and shop around. Banks generally pay the top rates.

Banks in Mexico have expanded and improved services. Except in the smallest towns, they tend to be open weekdays from 9am until 5pm, and often for at least a half day on Saturday. In larger resorts and cities, they can generally accommodate the exchange of dollars (which used to stop at noon) anytime during business hours. Some, but not all, banks charge a 1% fee to exchange traveler's checks. But you can pay for most purchases directly with traveler's checks at the establishment's stated exchange rate. Don't bother with personal checks drawn on a U.S. bank -- the bank will wait for your check to clear, which can take weeks, before giving you your money.

Travelers to Mexico can easily withdraw money from ATMs, called cajeras, in most major cities and resort areas. The U.S. Department of State recommends caution when you're using ATMs in Mexico, stating that they should only be used during business hours and in large protected facilities, but this pertains primarily to Mexico City, where crime remains a significant problem. In most resorts in Mexico, the use of ATMs is perfectly safe -- just use the same precautions you would at any ATM. However, beware of using ATMs in dubious locations as there have been reports of people having their card numbers "skimmed" (where information is copied and monies stolen or cards fraudulently charged). The ATM exchange rate is generally more favorable than at casas de cambio. Most machines offer Spanish/English menus and dispense pesos, but some offer the option of withdrawing dollars.

In Mexico, Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are the most accepted cards. You'll be able to charge most hotel, restaurant, and store purchases, as well as almost all airline tickets, on your credit card. Most Pemex gas stations now accept credit card purchases for gasoline, though this option may not be available everywhere and often not at night -- check before you pump. Generally you receive the favorable bank rate when paying by credit card. However, be aware that some establishments in Mexico add a 5% to 7% surcharge when you pay with a credit card. This is especially true when using American Express. Many times, advertised discounts will not apply if you pay with a credit card.

Beware of hidden credit-card fees while traveling. Check with your credit or debit card issuer to see what fees, if any, will be charged for overseas transactions. Recent reform legislation in the U.S., for example, has curbed some exploitative lending practices. But many banks have responded by increasing fees in other areas, including fees for customers who use credit and debit cards while out of the country -- even if those charges were made in U.S. dollars. Fees can amount to 3% or more of the purchase price. Check with your bank before departing to avoid any surprise charges on your statement.

For help with currency conversions, tip calculations, and more, download Frommer's convenient Travel Tools app for your mobile device. Go to www.frommers.com/go/mobile and click on the "Travel Tools" icon.

A Few Words About Prices -- Many hotels in Mexico -- except places that receive little foreign tourism -- quote prices in U.S. dollars or in both dollars and pesos. Thus, currency fluctuations are unlikely to affect the prices most hotels charge.

Money Matters -- The universal currency sign ($) is sometimes used to indicate pesos in Mexico. The use of this symbol in this guide, however, denotes U.S. currency.

What Things Cost in Mexican Pesos (US$ where indicated)

Cancún beachfront double room, moderate US$120

Puerto Vallarta beachfront double room, expensive US$250

Mexico City dinner for one, expensive 300-400

Merida dinner for one, moderate 100-150

Tacos from market or street vendor 20-30

Cozumel two-tank scuba dive US$70

Admission to most archaeological sites 50

Night dancing in Cancún US$40

Night dancing in Mazatlan US$20

Pointers for Using an ATM Card in Mexico

Written by el codo on December 4, 2013 

apeoplesguidetomexico.com

• Notify your bank well in advance of your travel plans. It is common for a bank to freeze a bank account if withdrawals start occurring in a foreign country.

• In México an ATM is called Cajero Automatico (automatic cashier). Some small town banks do not have a Cajero Automatico. Look for the sign.

• Small towns frequently have too few banks and too few Cajero Automatico machines to serve customers. Long lines and emptied machines are not uncommon. Plan accordingly. Mondays, Fridays, holidays, and the 1^st of the month are often busy times for a Mexican ATM machine.

• Small tourist towns and gringo enclaves are especially taxing on the town’s few ATM machines. If a town has only one bank and lots of tourists you can be sure the Cajero Automatico is going to be strained, and frequently out of money.

• Cajeros Automaticos are bilingual.

• Error messages are quite common in small towns. Don’t be surprised to see your Saldo Disponible (available bank balance) at being $00.00, or Contact Your Bank, or La Red No Disponsible (the network is down). Just go to another Cajero Automatico. If it too whines and complains, the area network is down or electronic traffic to the US  is at a high level. You’ll have to be patient. Go to an Internet cafe and review your available bank balance online. This will reduce your racing heart rate.

• Sunshine can play pure hell on the screen of an ATM machine. The screen on an old ATM machine can have been faded over time. When direct sunshine plays on it, the writing almost disappears. Be careful. If your US bank card service detects too many botched attempts, they may freeze your card.

• Extract your receipt and your ATM card. Occasionally an ATM will deliver fewer pesos than asked for and show a correct number for the amount of pesos delivered. The last time this happened I was given 2,000 pesos instead of 5.000. The receipt showed 2,000, an actual money count showed the machine had delivered 2,000 pesos. A trip to an Internet cafe showed my bank balance had been deducted the equivalent of 2,000 pesos.

• Count your pesos while facing the machine to maintain privacy. Put your money in wallet or purse before turning around. This minimizes interest of curious bystanders.

• Robberies at Cajeros Automaticos occur just like they do in the U.S.A. or for that matter anywhere else in the world. The procedure to minimize ATM foul-play is simple: Conduct your business in daylight. Don’t set yourself up by taking a long, lonely walk after you get money. Use a cab, or make sure your intended route is not deserted.

WHAT TO DO IF THE MACHINE SWALLOWS YOUR CARD

Aren’t you glad you brought a backup ATM card? Go into the bank branch. Point toward the ATM if your Spanish is weak. They’ll get the drift. Next, extract a folded piece of paper out of your wallet. It is a color laser copy of the ATM card that was swallowed. For some reason showing a beautiful image of an ATM card gets the bank personnel into high gear a lot faster. Expect to be told to come back later or even mañana to retrieve your card. Swallowed cards are retrieved much faster from an ATM located inside a bank than a card that was swallowed at a remote ATM.

8 Tips that will Improve your Trip to Mexico

Written by churpa on December 5, 2013 

thepeoplesguidetomexico.com
 

1. Get off the beaten path. Even if you plan on spending your entire vacation in a tourist hot spot like Puerto Vallarta or Mazatlan, it’s easy enough to step off the tourist trail and experience authentic Mexico. Ask a cab driver to take you to his favorite taqueria, or just keep walking until Señor Frog recedes into the distance.

2. Pack a few nicer items of clothing. Mexico is a dressy country. When you’re invited to a fiesta or out on the town with the locals, show respect by ditching your flip-flops.

3. Talk to the locals. Even if your Spanish sucks, most people will appreciate your effort and your friendliness. This is also the best way to really get to know a place and discover the best food (always our #1 priority).

4. Order a torta. Don’t be afraid to eat at street stands, market stalls, and hole-in-the-wall joints. You will find the most authentic and certainly the cheapest food by eating at comedors and taquerias.

5. Leave your travelers checks and large US bills at home. No one accepts traveler’s checks and, due to a recent change in law, it’s harder to find places that will accept or change US dollars. ATM is now the best way to access money in Mexico. You may want to consider bringing a back-up card and stashing it in a separate bag.

6. Don’t walk around looking like you think you are going to get mugged or kidnapped at any moment. Paranoia is self-fulfilling. The more you act confident and friendly (within reason), the more people will accept that you know where you are and what you are doing.

7. If you’re traveling by bus, go high class. Unless you need to get dropped off at an obscure location that doesn’t have a major bus station (small towns are often only serviced by second class or regular first class lines), it’s worth a few extra dollars to get on one of Mexico’s super luxury liner buses: Primera Plus, ADO, or ETN, to name a few.

8. Smile. It sounds cheesy, but it works.

Buying Foreign Currency: Get More Bang for Your Buck

independenttraveler.com

When it comes to international travel, getting the most for your money is a big deal. While we usually recommend withdrawing local currency from an ATM as soon as you arrive, there are certain times when it makes sense to purchase currency in advance.

Mark Rowlands, sales director at currency provider Covent Garden FX, explains that buying in advance allows travelers to shop around for the best rate and hedge against exchange rate fluctuations that might affect their buying power. Buying in advance can also give you peace of mind if you’re traveling to a place where ATM’s might not be prevalent, or if you’re concerned about your card being declined.

Below are Rowlands’ tips for getting the best deal when buying foreign currency.


1. Shop around — and shop online. This might sound obvious, but it’s amazing how many people assume their friendly travel agent or supermarket will look after them. Think about it: They are in business to make money, and you are a captive audience. Politely decline and go and surf the net. You can cover the whole marketplace from the comfort of your home.

2. Plan ahead. Don’t leave buying your currency until the last minute. When buying online, you need to allow enough time for your payment to go through, your identity to be confirmed and your currency to be delivered.



3. Beware of “free delivery” offers. What really matters is how much currency arrives on your doorstep. What’s the point saving five bucks on delivery if it costs you $15 worth of currency? Look out for extra hidden charges, and try to find out how much you are paying in total and exactly how much currency you will receive. The benefits of a great exchange rate can be totally negated by commissions and handling fees.

4. Avoid Saturday delivery. There is often an extra charge to get money delivered on weekends. Some companies will deliver to your work address during the week, but make sure you have a secure place to keep your travel money safe.

5. Get together with friends. If you order your currency in bulk, you will have greater buying power. Even online bureaus are happy to negotiate for larger amounts. Call or send an e-mail asking for their best deal.

6. Ask for a price match. If you’ve found a better deal elsewhere, ask a company to match it.

7. Check the money market. Compare the deal you are offered to the market rate. Visit XE.com and look at how much profit margin has been added. You can’t buy from a wholesaler, but knowledge is power. If your supplier is adding 5 percent — which is not unusual — walk away.

8. Beware of the credit/debit card trap. The bureau will probably inform you it has a small charge for debit cards. This is quite reasonable with such tight margins. But very often that’s not the end of the story; most credit cards and many debit card providers will treat your transaction as a cash advance. Check the small print or call your provider. If someone tells you there is no additional charge, get that person’s name. Sign up for Internet banking and pay using a bank transfer to avoid hidden charges. The last thing you want is a 3 percent charge plus interest on your statement when you return from your vacation.



9. Don’t be fooled by buy-back “guarantees.” Read the small print: Is what you are getting really worth paying for? You might be better off shopping around for the best deal for unwanted currency when you get back home. Never assume you have to take your unwanted currency back to where you got it from. Take it home, cash it in and shop around for the best buy-back rates available.

11 Ways to Prevent Identity Theft While Traveling

Tips for avoiding scams and theft while traveling are a staple of the travel writing genre; pretty much every guidebook or travel Web site dedicates some space to the subject. Certainly we have our own capacious resources, most of which can be found at the following links:


But in the 21st century, you are as much at risk of having your identity stolen -- or more accurately your financial and digital identity -- as you are of getting "mugged," which almost sounds quaint these days (though I do not intend in any way to underplay the misery and danger of actually getting mugged).

Identity theft is a growing problem worldwide -- especially for travelers, who are very vulnerable, forced as they are to use unsecured Internet connections, carry extensive personal documentation with them at all times, and share their credit cards with merchants about whom they know nothing and whom they'll never see again.

Modern technology hasn't made it any easier for honest folks to avoid identity theft, either; witness the practice of Web sites like Facebook and LinkedIn, which often keep you logged in to the site, even after you close your browser or turn off your computer. Someone getting unfettered access to your closest friends on Facebook could definitely shake out some very "helpful" information before you knew it.

As time and technology advance, this problem is only going to affect more travelers. Here are 11 tips to avoid identity theft while traveling, right now.

1. "Unpack" Critical Documents Before Travel

If you carry some essential documents with you when you are not traveling -- the average wallet or purse might include a Social Security card, bank statements, medical documents, checkbook and the like -- remove them before you leave home. Essentially, when it comes to documentation, you want to "unpack" before traveling.

This can also be done further once you're on the road. If you're going to a location that is known for pickpocketing, or is going to be packed with people, or at which you will be distracted (big concerts, crowded squares, nightclubs, etc.), you can pare down the contents of your wallet even further before venturing out from your hotel room. You can put these in your hotel safe (but use caution), behind the hotel's front desk or in a money belt concealed on your person.

2. Guard Your Documents
 
This is one of the tips you will encounter in most travel safety articles, so I won't go into it at length here -- but suffice to say that if you leave any sensitive documents lying around in your hotel room while you are out, you are a lot more likely to experience identity theft than if you have them in a money belt, document protector, even an RFID-blocking wallet.


3. Be Very Careful About Shared and Insecure Internet Connections

This is one thing that I have found very difficult to do – when traveling, it is hard to find connections other than public ones at hotels, cafes, airports, you name it. To see the warning "this connection is unsecured and others may see your information" is almost a staple of the travel experience. The risk applies to anything you type into your keyboard while connected, such as e-mail passwords and Web site logins.

The best approach in this case is to be very careful when using these connections; logging into your bank account, work e-mail or other sensitive account should be avoided if at all possible. If you have no alternative, choose what you type over these open connections very carefully.

If you're traveling with your own laptop and using free Wi-Fi, it is important to make sure your connections are secure. Some Web sites let you log in over open networks; always try to use
HTTPS://www.website.com instead of HTTP://www.website.com (the S stands for "secure" and indicates that the data is encrypted for more protection). You can also get a plug-in for your browser like HTTPS Everywhere, which will try this automatically. Another solution might be the USB-based product SurfEasy, which will help encrypt your data when you're using a public connection from your own computer.

If you want more security when using someone else's machine, such as at an Internet cafe, hotel lobby computer or other public terminal, you can try a service like Authentic8. Authentic8 runs the browser in a sandbox in the cloud, where all connections and data are kept secure. The service gives you a display on the local computer, and prevents things like key loggers from accessing your passwords.


4. Delete All Cookies and Browsing History on Public Terminals

If you find you must use a public computer, the last thing you should do is delete all cookies and browsing history before you log off. Many computers can cache quite a bit of significant information, and some Web sites are even set up to keep you logged in when you close the browser unless you specifically log off (such as Facebook and LinkedIn). Many public terminals will delete this type of data automatically, but doing it yourself offers much better peace of mind.


5. Use a Dedicated Travel E-mail Address

When I see messages arrive from overseas via work e-mail accounts, I shake my head every time. If someone gets access to your work e-mail account, the amount of damage they could do to your livelihood is inestimable. Certainly there are times when you need to log in to your work account, but you will want to use caution in the extreme at those times.

My suggestion in this case is to use a personal e-mail address when possible while traveling, one at which you store no sensitive information and at which a fake log-in won't be cataclysmic, and communicate from that e-mail address exclusively. On occasion you will see addresses like johndoetravelemail@gmail.com; this travel-exclusive e-mail approach can work very well.

6. Use Only Bank ATM's

A recent trend among identity thieves has been to install card readers in an ATM by which they can access your card number and PIN. This happens most often at non-bank, "generic" ATM's (in hotels, convenience stores, etc.), which have less oversight and are therefore more vulnerable than bank-run and hosted ATM's. Stick with the ones at banks; these can still be compromised, but tend to be targeted by thieves much less often.


7. Check Your Credit Card Statements on Occasion

At times when you are confident in the security of your connection -- perhaps in a friend's home, or when connecting using a smartphone app over a regular cell 3G or 4G connection (which tend to be more secure than public Wi-Fi) -- check your credit card statement for suspicious activity.

Identity thieves like picking travelers as victims, as they rely to some extent on the delay in being found out that is inherent to travel; most travelers don't check bank and credit card information until well after they have returned home, giving thieves a solid head start. As a rule, the sooner you can shut down an identity thief, the better, so consider checking in now and then to make sure things look normal.

8. Keep Your Cell Phone Secure

We think a lot about how vulnerable our computers are, but cell phones are potentially even more so: you have them on you at all times, they're almost always turned on and logged in, they typically have apps on them that give access to personal information, and folks leave them lying around quite a bit. If there is anything you might lose or have stolen, it is a small, compact smartphone. Some things you can do to protect yourself:

- Set a password on the phone so someone who finds or steals it can't use it.

- Before traveling, consider deleting any especially sensitive apps, such as banking apps, social networks, etc. There are easy to reinstall when you get home.

- Specifically log out of all apps before going out and about. As above with some Web sites, many apps keep you logged in by default (Facebook, Twitter, Angry Birds, you name it).

- Remain wary of suspicious e-mails and Web sites. Studies indicate folks are much more likely to click on malware links on their cell phone than on their computer.

- All of the foregoing cautions about public Wi-Fi spots go for your cell phone as well.

9. Protect Your Children Too

A recent development in identity theft crimes is the use of a child's name and identity to open bank accounts and credit cards, apply for government benefits, and more. In most cases, criminals use a child's Social Security number to get started.

When traveling, document requirements vary widely for children -- sometimes you need ID, sometimes you don't, sometimes you can fudge it either way -- but many parents travel with some form of identification just in case. Often, these are very sensitive documents like birth certificates and Social Security cards.

My advice is to get a passport for your child, and travel with that instead of any other forms of identification. Then protect your child's passport in the same way you would your own.


If anyone requests your child's Social Security number for any reason, ask if they can accept another form of ID, or simply refuse to surrender the number. If you suspect your child's identity may have been compromised, in most cases a credit check is the quickest way to find out; your child should have no substantive credit rating whatsoever. For more on the topic, see the FTC's information on Child Identity Theft.

10. Change Passwords and PIN
 
You may want to change your passwords after a trip; identity thieves are thought to be very patient criminals, and often wait until you are less likely to pay attention after a few weeks at home. If you really like your password or PIN, one approach might be to change them right before you leave, use a new password while traveling and then change them back to your preferred passwords when you get home.


11. Follow Up After Your Trip

When you get home, check bank activity, credit card activity and even medical insurance claim activity to see if there is anything you do not recognize. These are often the first places you'll see indications of identity theft. Some thieves will purposely use your information in situations where the paper and digital trail will only appear slowly -- establishments that submit charges and claims manually (or at least not in real time) -- so it is a good idea to check again after a couple of weeks to make sure nothing has shown up in the meantime.

Her Own Way - A Woman's Safe-travel Guide

travel.gc.ca

Introduction

Women travel for countless reasons, whether to discover new frontiers, pursue business opportunities, or simply to rest and relax – not unlike men. But when it comes to health and security, and how travellers are affected by the religious and cultural beliefs of the foreign countries they visit, there’s a huge difference between women and men. The truth is that women face greater obstacles, especially when travelling alone.

The Government of Canada assists thousands of Canadian women in distress abroad each year. The problems they face are diverse. Petty and violent crime, culture shock, poor sanitation, the dangers and disappointments of international cyber-dating – the challenges are many.

But so are the benefits. With careful planning, common sense, and respect for religious and societal differences, you can minimize your risks and maximize your chances of having a safe and successful trip.

The Government of Canada has developed this booklet to help inform and prepare you before you leave Canada. The booklet offers a preventive, female-friendly approach to tackling the security, cultural, health, and social concerns of women travellers. It should be read as a close companion to the safe-travel booklet Bon Voyage, But...: Essential Information for Canadian Travellers.

We wish you a joyful and trouble-free journey!

Off to a safe start

Know the risks

The more you know about where you’re going, the safer and happier your travels will be. Before you leave, be sure to complete a risk assessment of any country you’re thinking of visiting. It will help you to choose a destination where you’ll feel safe and in your comfort zone. If you doubt you can put up with the challenges and hazards of a particular country, strike it off your list.

A risk assessment should address your concerns as a female traveller, including safety and security, health conditions, the political and economic environment, local laws, customs, and cultural norms – including the role of women – in your potential host country. For example, some countries employ strict interpretations of Sharia, or Islamic law, which may have an impact on the rights and obligations of women. The fact that activities, such as wearing a bikini or having premarital sex, are legal in Canada doesn’t mean they’ll be so in a foreign country. Based on your research, develop a risk-management strategy outlining hazards you should be aware of and precautions you can take.

• Start by checking to see if there’s a Travel Advisory in effect for your proposed destination and obtain information on safety and security, local laws and customs, health conditions, and entry requirements.
• For information on health conditions, consult the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Health website and the World Health Organization’s website.
• Supplement these resources with travel books, newsletters, magazines, and websites just for women travellers. They offer a comprehensive view of the health, safety, cultural, and emotional issues experienced by women on the road.

Plan ahead

Careful preparation is your key to safe and successful travel. By planning ahead, you’ll avoid hassles later. Before leaving Canada:

• Read the safe-travel booklet Bon Voyage, But...: Essential Information for Canadian Travellers.
• Obtain a valid Canadian passport and an appropriate visa for every country on your itinerary. Understand the terms of each visa, as you could be arrested for violating visa conditions in some countries.
• As a precaution against loss or theft, leave copies of important travel documents with family or friends in Canada. If possible, scan all your documents and send them to yourself at an e-mail address you can access anywhere.
• Make sure you have travel health insurance that covers all medical expenses for illness or injury (including hospitalization abroad and medical evacuation), loss or theft of valuables, damage to baggage, and flight cancellations or interruptions.
• Consider taking a self-defence course for women. You’ll embark on your journey with added confidence.
• Sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.
• Carry an Emergency Contact Card with the coordinates of the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate in your destination country, in case you run into trouble abroad.

Go lightly

Always travel light, if possible, to protect yourself against loss or theft of money and valuables. You’ll be much less vulnerable and more independent if you’re not weighed down with a lot of luggage.

• The ideal handbag or daypack is easy to carry and has zippered inner compartments for added security, a padlock on every pocket, and a sturdy shoulder strap or harnesses. The best way to carry your bag is in front of you, close to your body, where it’s out of reach of wandering hands. Carry only items that are lightweight and that you can afford to lose.
• Try to have at least one hand free at all times. It may help to wear cargo pants or a vest with multiple pockets to store travel documents and gear. Be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye out for bag-snatchers and pickpockets.
• Avoid displaying expensive-looking cameras, jewellery, and other showy accessories that may mark you as a wealthy tourist.
• Beware of credit card fraud. Never leave your credit card out of sight.
• Conceal in a money belt or neck pouch any necessities that can’t be easily replaced and that are crucial to your travel arrangements: your passport, airline and train tickets, credit and debit cards, traveller’s cheques, cash, a copy of your insurance policy, medical prescriptions, and contact information for your doctor.
• Keep copies of all important travel documents in your suitcase, in case the originals are stolen or lost.
• Use a small wheeled suitcase or backpack for long trips, a small day pack or tote bag for shorter excursions. Keep your luggage locked at all times. Carry two sets of keys.
• Use luggage tags that hide your contact information from the inquiring eyes of thieves and con artists.
• Always pack your own luggage and never let it out of your sight while travelling. Watch out for individuals who may try to plant items in your pockets or in your luggage. Never carry anything, even an envelope, across a border or through customs for anyone else.

Crime-proof yourself

Protect yourself by knowing how to stay out of trouble.

• Be careful who you trust. Watch out for criminals – both male and female – who target women travellers. They may work individually or in teams, often posing as good Samaritans or creating distractions to steal belongings. Be wary of new “friends”, including locals, fellow travellers, and even Canadians you meet abroad. Beware of the threat of getting trapped in sex or labour trafficking. Human traffickers frequently recruit foreign women through fraudulent ads for work as hostesses, models, nannies, maids, or other seemingly legitimate jobs.
• Lower your tourist profile and try not to give the impression that you’re lost or vulnerable. Know where you’re going, what you’re doing, and how to get back. Always carry the address or a business card from your accommodations. Study a street map before going out. Avoid opening a map in a public area or keep it hidden under a newspaper. If you get lost, try to get your bearings and ask for directions from a police officer, shopkeeper, or another woman on the street, or by finding a phone and calling your hotel or hostel.
• Use only legal and reputable taxis. Never hire a taxi if the driver approaches you in an airport arrival area. Such services are usually illegal and may be unsafe. Ask your hotel to recommend taxi services and avoid the risk of hailing an unlicensed cab on the street. Or take advantage of women-only taxis in such cities as London, Cairo, and Moscow. Whenever possible, pair up with someone you trust when travelling by taxi.
• Never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers. There’s no country on earth where hitchhiking is safe, particularly for women.
• If travelling by car, always lock the doors to prevent carjackers and thieves from getting in with you. Fill up the tank when half empty to avoid running out of gas in unsafe areas. Consider carrying a mobile phone or buying a local one and make sure you have an emergency number in case you experience a mechanical breakdown or find yourself in danger. Never pick up hitchhikers. And never get out of your car if another vehicle bumps into it. Thieves sometimes fake accidents as a ruse to steal cars or the valuables inside. Instead, wait for the police to arrive.
• Leave important items in your hotel safe, avoid taking valuables to the beach or pool, and if you do, never leave them unattended while swimming. Carry only essentials, such as your cash and hotel key, in a compact waterproof container with a neck or wrist strap.
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings. Minimize alcohol consumption and don’t use, carry, or get involved with illegal drugs.
• Don’t be afraid to make a scene. A loud whistle or even a healthy scream can be helpful tools to ward off an attacker, deter an intruder, or summon aid. Consider wearing a whistle as a necklace or carrying a personal security alarm that emits a shrill sound.

Preventing sexual assault

There’s potential for sexual assault anywhere in the world. Taking precautions is your best defence against becoming a victim.

• Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum, or cigarettes from new acquaintances. There’s always a risk of spiking, and drug-assisted rape is common worldwide. So-called “date-rape drugs” – usually prescription-strength sleeping aids – are tasteless and colourless and can leave you unconscious and defenceless. Alcohol alone is the drug most frequently used in sexual assault.
• If you begin to feel strange, sick, or intoxicated for no obvious reason, ask a friend or someone you trust to take you to a safe place. If you’re alone, call the local police, a hospital, or the nearest Canadian government office abroad.
• Know the risks of ending up alone with strange men. Think twice before leaving a club or party with someone you’ve just met or accepting an invitation to go out with a man alone, especially in societies where dating without a chaperone present is considered taboo.
• Be wary of anyone who invades your personal space, ignores your protests, or tries to make you feel ashamed if you resist his advances.
• If you feel threatened, don’t hesitate to draw attention to yourself by shouting and making a fuss.
• See “Coping with sexual harassment” for additional precautions you can take.

If you go alone

Travelling solo has its benefits. You get to set your own pace, have more direct contact with foreign cultures, and meet new friends more easily. But a lone female traveller may also face unwanted attention or overwhelming obstacles in some parts of the world. For example, in countries that employ a strict interpretation of Sharia law, women may not be allowed to drive cars, travel alone, or even go out in public without a male relative or a group of other women.

If you travel alone, you may want to choose countries with a more relaxed attitude towards solo female travellers, where you’ll face fewer challenges. Otherwise, you may wish to team up with a travel companion – there’s safety in numbers.

When travelling on your own, be sure to follow these safety measures:

• Steer clear of isolated situations that could put you at risk. On a bus or train, sit next to someone of your own sex. In a taxi, sit in the back behind the driver. Avoid travelling in train carriages where you’re the only passenger. Never go walking, jogging, or sightseeing alone in secluded areas, especially at night.
• If touring solo for the day, leave a note in your room explaining where you’re going. If you don’t return as planned, this information could be used to track you down.
• Take extra precautions if you go out at night. Understand that, in many parts of the world, “decent” women don’t go out alone after dark, and doing so could put you at risk. Tell someone where you’re going and when you’ll return. If dining out, choose a nearby restaurant or arrange to have a taxi pick you up and bring you back to your hotel. Consider joining a sightseeing tour if you want to experience the sights and rhythms of a foreign city at night.
• Never tell strangers where you’re staying or disclose details of your travel plans to anyone you don’t fully trust.

A safe haven

Finding safe accommodations is one of a woman traveller’s primary goals.

• Travel early in the day, so you’ll have time to find a suitable place before dark. Better still, book your lodgings in advance, especially if you’re due to arrive late at night. You’ll have the peace of mind of not having to search for a hotel on the shadowy streets of a foreign town.
• Make sure you feel comfortable about your accommodations and their location. Always ask to see the room before taking it. Does the door lock properly? Are there holes in the door or walls that could be used by peeping Toms? Are there fire alarms and escape routes? Does it feel safe? Don’t stay anywhere unless you feel comfortable.
• Avoid ground-floor accommodations or any room that has easy access from outside, such as from a balcony or fire escape. Book a room that’s close to an elevator and away from exits.
• Understand the risks of staying in low-budget accommodations, such as hostels and campsites. Never leave valuables or travel documents behind in your room and keep them close to you if you sleep in a dorm. Remember that camping solo or accepting lodgings from a stranger could be an invitation to danger.
• Even if you choose luxury accommodations, you should always be vigilant. Ensure the door of your room is locked, even when you’re inside. Consider packing a rubber door wedge that can be installed on an inward-opening door for added security. Never open your door to anyone without taking precautions, such as looking through the spy hole or using the door chain. If a visitor claims to be a staff member, always ask the front desk if the person is authorized to enter your room.
• Never leave your window open, especially if your room is on the ground floor or has a balcony.
• Be aware that stairwells allow troublemakers to hide and to come and go undetected. Don’t get in an elevator unless you feel safe.
• Keep your room number and location private. When checking in, write your name with only your first initial, without a title, such as Ms., Miss, or Mrs. Don’t accept a room if the check-in clerk calls out your name or room number. Others within hearing distance may use this information to call you or get access to your room. Keep your key out of view to prevent anyone from noting your room number.

If the worst happens

Take the following steps if you become the victim of robbery, sexual assault, or other violent crime while abroad:

• Contact the local police immediately and ensure they file a report, even if you’ve only been threatened with violence. Inform consular officials at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate. They can assist you with this process and help you find support to deal with the emotional, social, medical, and legal consequences of the crime.
• If you can’t go to the police immediately, write down all the details you can remember about the crime. If possible, have photographs taken of visible injuries.
• In order to preserve evidence of a sexual assault, try not to wash, brush your teeth, or use the toilet before reporting the crime.
• Seek medical assistance, whether or not you appear to have been physically harmed. It’s important to consult with a health-care professional to identify injuries and your risks of sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy.
• Make arrangements to contact family and friends back home to reassure them about your well-being.
• To help cope with the trauma, discuss the incident with family, friends, or a professional counsellor.

Emergency consular services

If you experience problems abroad, remember that Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Canada is ready to help – 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For emergency help during office hours, contact the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate. After hours, contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.
While there are limits to consular assistance, some services available to women travellers include:

• Providing advice and contact information on local police and medical services to victims of robbery, sexual assault, or other violence.
• Arranging help in a medical emergency by providing you with a list of local doctors and hospitals.
• Providing you with a list of local lawyers.
• Replacing lost, stolen, damaged, or expired passports.

Stay connected

• Sign up for the Registration of Canadians Abroad service, so that Canadian Consular Services can reach and assist you in an emergency abroad or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration is voluntary and free, and it could even save your life. What’s more, the information you provide is confidential and is used in accordance with the provisions of Canada’s Privacy Act.
• Plug into the female network. Connect with other women travellers through international associations and social networks. Check for local listings of women’s expatriate clubs and organizations. Members of these groups can be excellent sources of information. Seek out women who’ve recently visited the country you’re headed for. They can tell you from first-hand experience what worked for them and what you might need to be concerned about. Note their recommendations on hotels, bed and breakfasts, and restaurants. Find out if they have friends or know of organizations you could contact at your destination.
• Stay in touch with family and friends back home, especially if you’re travelling solo. Whether by e-mail, social networking, phone, fax, or letter, keep them posted on where you are and where you’re headed next.
• Even if you’re travelling alone, it’s a good idea to link up with other women along the way. They’ll become your community and support system. A chat with a seatmate on a long train or plane ride may create enough trust to feel safe about sharing a taxi or becoming temporary travel mates. While enjoying the company of strangers, be careful about sharing personal information or placing undeserved trust in them.

Intercultural issues

Find your feet

While abroad, you may find it difficult to get used to losing rights and privileges taken for granted in Canada. Expectations of women in certain cultures may seem offensive and unjust.

Among the challenges women may face are a lack of access to female physicians, discriminatory treatment by local officials, and sex segregation in some countries where men and women must sit apart on public transport and use gender-specific hospitals. In Muslim societies, the place of women may depend on the interpretation of Sharia law: although women may be held in high esteem, they’re still expected to be reserved, have strictly defined roles, and enjoy little freedom of movement.

While you shouldn’t be forced to conform to unacceptable norms of womanhood, it’s important to maintain cultural sensitivity while abroad.

• Be prepared to adapt. The more you adjust to different cultural norms and show sensitivity to local traditions, the richer and safer your travels will be. You’ll also be treated with greater respect and allowed to pass through relatively unnoticed. By adapting how you dress and how you behave, you’ll be better able to interact skilfully with the local population. For example, non-verbal communication (body language and hand gestures) considered harmless in Canada may be misinterpreted or considered offensive in foreign cultures, and public displays of affection may be strictly taboo.
• Inform yourself. Find out everything you can about the culture, local customs, and roles of women and men in your destination country. Seek out women who were born and raised there or who’ve travelled there frequently. They’re perfect guides to appropriate behaviour and dress in that culture. Know what to expect and prepare for as many situations as possible.

Coping with sexual harassment

The normal and acceptable treatment of women varies widely from culture to culture. Canadian women are often uncomfortable with the conduct of local men in some countries, where whistling, hissing, catcalls, leering, stalking, voyeurism, groping, pinching, and indiscreet comments are not considered harassment but acceptable forms of male attention. Partly due to the widespread misconception that Western women are flirtatious and promiscuous, a Canadian female may be seen as fair game, particularly if she looks different from the local women and is travelling alone.

The following strategies will help you deal with sexual harassment.

• Behave confidently. Act as if you know exactly where you’re going and what you’re doing, even if you’re lost. At the same time, maintain a formal demeanour. In some cultures, being outgoing or friendly – or simply smiling or initiating a conversation – may be interpreted as flirting or a sexual invitation. If a man tries to talk to you, don’t feel pressured to respond. If someone makes you uncomfortable, keep your composure and remove yourself from the situation at once.
• Avoid eye contact. In some cultures, meeting a man’s gaze may suggest that you want his company. A simple solution is to wear dark glasses in public places.
• Take your cue from the local women. If they don’t sit in cafés or parks alone or wear tank tops or miniskirts, neither should you. Avoid wearing form-fitting clothing that may be considered provocative. If you’re fair-haired in a country where most women are dark-haired, you may attract unwanted attention. Consider wearing a headscarf or hat.
• Wear a (fake) wedding ring. Also carry a photo of your husband (or an imaginary one), which you can show to persistent suitors. Being seen as married will lower your profile and stave off uninvited advances.
• Be vigilant when travelling on public transport. Crowded buses and trains can be hot spots for anti-social behaviour. Some men may exploit the opportunity to harass female passengers. If you’re targeted, make a fuss. Point at the offender and chastise him in a loud voice. He’ll probably slink away. To avoid such advances, consider choosing reserved seating or insist on sitting next to another woman. Or avail yourself of female-only sections on buses or passenger cars on subways and trains in such cities as Tokyo, Mumbai, Mexico City, Jakarta, and Rio de Janeiro.

Cushioning culture shock

Many people experience feelings of dislocation and unease while abroad, particularly during extended contact with a foreign culture. The impacts of culture shock range from mild irritability to a severe sense of alienation, which could affect your mental health. One of the best survival strategies is to make a conscious effort to feel more at home in your new surroundings.

Strictly business

Canadian women who travel abroad for professional purposes will find their success increases in proportion to their knowledge of the cultural do’s and taboos of the foreign workplace.

• Realize that, in many parts of the world, the main role of women is in the home, and the concept of a career woman is highly unusual.
• Get thoroughly acquainted with your destination country’s customs and business protocol, especially in cultures where women don’t generally hold key corporate positions.
• Always meet your business contacts in the lobby of your hotel. Avoid giving out your room number.
• Note that, in some societies, it is forbidden for a woman to touch a man in public. When in doubt, wait for the man to initiate handshaking.
• Dress appropriately. If local women don’t wear slacks to the office, neither should you. Wear shoes that allow you to stand for long periods and to move quickly.
• Be aware that, in some cultures, even though you do business with men in the daytime, women may be required to sit separately for the evening meal. Men may also steer clear of you in countries where unrelated persons of the opposite sex aren’t normally left alone together.
• Understand that businessmen in certain societies may think it’s okay to flirt with or proposition you. A firm “no” is appropriate.

What to wear

The rules of dressing for success vary hugely from culture to culture. They’re often based on age-old religious and moral beliefs. Defying these customs may be strictly forbidden in some societies and put you at risk.

• Find out what women wear in your host country before you arrive. Pack a suitable wardrobe based on your research.
• Err on the side of modesty – or dress conservatively – if you want to blend in. The dress code is especially strict in some male-dominated societies, where bare shoulders, short pants, mini skirts, and other revealing attire may cause offence. A shawl can be a priceless part of your wardrobe. So can a long skirt: it’s not only modest but also convenient if you ever need to use a squat toilet!
• Be prepared to cover your entire body, with the possible exception of your hands and face, in certain Middle Eastern countries. Bring loose, linen trousers, a long-sleeved tunic, plus any mandatory head or face covering, such as a hijab, chador, or niqab. Pack both sandals and shoes in case your feet must be covered.
• Dress appropriately when visiting any religious site. Bring a scarf or shawl in case you must cover your head, shoulders, or arms. Never wear shoes in a Muslim mosque or in a Buddhist or Hindu temple.
• Know the local laws regarding nude or topless bathing before you disrobe, even on the most secluded beach.

In Saudi Arabia, a woman must wear an abaya (a long black cloak that covers the body from the shoulders to the toes). A scarf should be carried at all times to cover the head when requested. In addition, a woman is not allowed to drive a motor vehicle or ride a bicycle. She must have a male driver.

Medical matters

Take your health with you

Whether you’re a breastfeeding mother, a business executive, or a seasoned adventuress, you’ll need to deal with unique female health issues on the road.

• Consult our free booklet Well on Your Way: A Canadian’s Guide to Healthy Travel Abroad for advice on the importance of having an individual health assessment by your doctor or at a travel health clinic; obtaining travel health insurance; travelling with prescription medications; immunizations; tropical diseases; and other vital travel health topics
• Carry a supply of condoms to guard against unwanted pregnancy and to protect yourself from sexually transmitted diseases, even if you don’t expect to meet a new partner. Note that condoms may be unavailable in your destination country.
• Pack an adequate supply of feminine hygiene products, such as tampons and sanitary napkins. They may be scarce in some parts of the world. In case you need to use a squat toilet without running water, it’s wise to bring antibacterial hand sanitizer as well as extra tissue paper, which may be in short supply outside hotels.
• If you’re prone to yeast infections, note that they’re more likely to occur in warm, humid climates. A preventive measure is to wear loose-fitting cotton underwear as well as skirts rather than pants. Bring appropriate medication to treat the infection, as it may be unavailable in certain countries.
• Help reduce your chances of suffering from cystitis – an infection of the urinary tract and bladder – by drinking plenty of purified water, especially in hotter environments.
• If you’re experiencing the hot flashes of menopause, pack a “layered” wardrobe that can be adjusted to help control your fluctuating body temperature.
• Remember to bring extra eyeglasses or contact lenses in case of breakage or loss.

Advice for expectant mothers

• If you’re planning to travel while pregnant – especially by air –be sure to see your doctor well in advance.
• Make sure your travel health insurance covers pregnancy-related conditions, pre-term and full-term birth, and neonatal care.
• Check airline rules for pregnant passengers before booking a flight. In Canada, airlines will allow you to fly up to the 35th week of pregnancy, provided you’re healthy and have no history of premature labour. Regulations vary abroad. You may need a letter from your doctor verifying the stage of your pregnancy.
• Request an aisle seat and try to stand up, walk, or stretch your legs regularly during longer flights. Pregnant women have a heightened risk of blood clots.
• Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration resulting from low humidity in the aircraft cabin environment.
• Build in extra rest stops during long trips to allow your body to recover from the added exertion of travelling.
• Avoid malarial zones, if possible. Even when taking anti-malarial drugs, pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to the illness, which tends to affect them more severely.
• Avoid using iodine to purify water. It could harm the fetal thyroid gland.
• Steer clear of high-altitude destinations, where oxygen to the fetus may be reduced, especially during the first trimester.
• If you’re going to give birth outside Canada, identify beforehand a local hospital or birthing facility that is up to Canadian standards, if possible. Bring plenty of diapers, since they may be unavailable in your host country. If you plan to breastfeed, follow the example of local women, as practices vary from culture to culture. When in doubt, opt to breastfeed in private.
• For information on the citizenship of children born to Canadian parents abroad, see our FAQ on Birth abroad.
• For more information for expectant mothers, see our page Travelling while pregnant.

Going abroad with children?

Consult our Travelling with children fact sheet (including a consent letter template) and the Children and travel section of our website.

Overseas relationships

The promises and perils of international romance

While abroad, foreign affair with a fairytale ending may be more than a flight of the imagination, but it may also be fraught with danger and disappointment. Consular Services frequently assists Canadian women who experience problems in overseas relationships, ranging from cyber-dating scams to domestic abuse to child custody disputes.

Proceed with caution if you’re going abroad to meet a suitor, especially if the relationship began in the ambiguous realm of cyberspace.

• Before leaving Canada, learn about the laws, customs, and values of your potential partner’s country regarding relationships and marriage. How that country views women’s rights, premarital sex, property, inheritance, divorce, alimony, and child support and custody may be totally different from what you’re used to. Learn if the freedoms you enjoy in Canada exist in the culture you’re marrying into. In many countries, a husband has the right to impose travel restrictions on his wife and children, preventing their return to Canada. Failure to find out in advance could result in huge problems later on.
• Never quit your job, give up your home, or sell all your belongings in the hope of a union that may never happen or that you may later regret.
• If meeting your possible partner for the first time, be sure to do so in a public place, such as a restaurant or café. As an added precaution, leave a note in your room stating where and with whom the meeting will take place.
• Take time to get to know the man and his family. Don’t be rushed into marriage. Make your decision only after returning to Canada.
• Don’t divulge information about personal finances or how to access your bank accounts.
• Have an exit strategy. Safeguard a return airline ticket or sufficient funds to get back to Canada and – most importantly – your Canadian passport.
• If you’re being pressured into marriage through kidnapping, harassment, emotional blackmail, or any other threat, understand that forced marriage constitutes a human-rights violation under international law. If you’re a victim of domestic abuse, such as physical violence, involuntary confinement, or the withholding of your passport and finances, inform the local authorities. For further assistance, or if you need help returning to Canada, contact the nearest Canadian consulate or embassy or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre Ottawa. Consular officials can provide you with a list of local lawyers, shelters, and social services.
• For more information, see our FAQ on Marriage Overseas.

Travelling with a same-sex partner

While same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, they’re not recognized in most other countries. You and your partner may be refused entry into a foreign country if you present yourselves as a same-sex couple.

Moreover, homosexual or lesbian activity is a criminal offence in certain countries, and the threat of discrimination or punishment could affect your activities. For more, consult our Country Travel Reports or your destination country’s embassy or consulate in Canada.

Don’t get scammed

Women romantically involved with overseas suitors are sometimes victims of crime or fraud. Typical cases include online dating scams, extortion by in-laws or criminal gangs abroad, and appeals to send large sums of money to a foreign “fiancé” to help bring him to Canada. Some women who travel to meet possible partners have even been kidnapped and held for ransom. Certain would-be immigrants consider marriage to a Canadian citizen to be their ticket to a Canadian visa. They typically bolt when they arrive on our shores. Such scams have nothing to do with romance and everything to do with taking advantage of vulnerable women.

• Beware of those who use international cyber-dating for malicious purposes. It’s next to impossible to know if the person who’s wooing you online is actually unmarried and seeking a mate, to say nothing of his moral character or emotional stability. It’s always best to move forward slowly. If an online romance sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.
• Be cautious about divulging personal information to anyone you’re networking with. It could be used to steal your identity, often in order to access credit, purchase property, make false claims for medical services, or obtain other benefits in your name.
• If you’re a victim of marital crime or fraud, you should hire a lawyer with expertise in matrimonial law. While the Government of Canada has no jurisdiction in private legal matters and cannot influence legal proceedings in a foreign jurisdiction, consular officials at the nearest Canadian embassy or consulate can provide you with a list of legal representatives in the country concerned.
• For more information on how to protect yourself from international scams, see the website of the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre.

Parting words

By now, you know that international travel means not only rewards but also risks. Still, we trust that this booklet will broaden, not limit, your spirit of adventure. With increased awareness, thorough preparation, and a measure of caution, you can travel almost anywhere bravely and responsibly.

May your path be safe, your burden light, and the benefits of your journey bountiful!

Consular services

Consular Services website
www.travel.gc.ca
General
Tel.: 1-800-267-6788 (in Canada and the U.S.) or 613-944-6788
TTY: 1-800-394-3472 (in Canada and the U.S.) or 613-944-1310
E-mail: travel@international.gc.ca
Emergencies
Tel.: 613-996-8885 (call collect from abroad where available)
E-mail: sos@international.gc.ca
Alcohol, Drugs and Travel
http://travel.gc.ca/travelling/health-safety/drugs
Publications (free)
Access our smart-travel publications or order them by calling 1-800-267-8376 (in Canada) or 613-944-4000.

Country Advice and Advisories
Our Country Travel Advice and Advisories provide vital information on safety and security, local laws and  customs, health conditions, and entry requirements for approximately 200 travel destinations. This information is also available by phone: 1-800-267-6788 (in Canada and the U.S.) or 613-944-6788.

Diplomatic Offices
Canadian government offices abroad:
www.travel.gc.ca/offices