ATMs Abroad

independenttraveler.com

Whether you need euros, shekels, pesos or pounds, making a withdrawal from an ATM is generally the easiest and cheapest way to get cash abroad. The biggest advantage of exchanging money with your ATM card is that all cash withdrawals, regardless of size, are exchanged based on the wholesale exchange rate, which is usually reserved only for very large interbank exchanges.

This rate is often significantly better than what you can get from exchanging money at a local exchange counter. In addition, local banks or money change bureaus will add on transaction fees, which can easily eat up another 2 percent of your money.

That's not to say there aren't any fees associated with international ATM withdrawals -- see below -- but if you need cash, you will still almost always get the best exchange rate at the lowest possible cost by using your ATM card.

Finding an ATM

 

If your ATM card is linked to the PLUS, Cirrus or Maestro networks, you have the option of using it to obtain cash virtually anywhere in the U.S. and in hundreds of countries worldwide. Each network has more than a million ATMs. The PLUS network is associated with Visa, so your Visa card will usually work at those ATMs. Likewise, the Cirrus and Maestro networks are associated with MasterCard, and so ATMs marked with these logos usually accept MasterCard for cash advances.

Before you leave home with just your ATM card, however, make sure that the Cirrus, Maestro or PLUS networks are readily available where you're going. While these networks are increasingly common overseas, they are still only available at a limited number of banks in selected countries. Each network has an online ATM locator:
MasterCard/Cirrus/Maestro ATM Locator
Visa/PLUS ATM Locator

Check the back of your card to see which networks your card is linked to. If your card is not a part of either Cirrus or PLUS, you may find it difficult to find ATMs to use abroad. Contact your bank for assistance.

Using Your Card Abroad

 

If you want to use your ATM card overseas, keep in mind that many ATMs abroad, particularly in Europe, do not accept PINs longer than four digits. If your PIN is longer, contact your bank to have it changed. Also, if your PIN is based on letters rather than numbers, translate the letters into numbers before leaving the country. Many ATMs only have numbers on the keypad. One more thing to keep in mind: Most ATMs abroad will only let you access the primary account on your ATM card.

Sudden changes in your account activity, such as frequent withdrawals in a foreign country using your ATM card, can sometimes trigger a fraud alert and cause your bank to freeze your account. To prevent being stranded overseas without a functioning ATM card, be sure to call your bank before you leave to let them know where and when you will be traveling. During the same phone call, ask for a number that you can call from overseas in case your card is lost or stolen -- often the 800 number listed on the back of your card will only work in the U.S. or Canada. Be sure to keep this number in a separate place from your card.

It's important to have a back-up plan in case your card is lost, stolen or eaten by an ATM machine; this could be in the form of a second ATM card (either your own or a travel companion's), cash, credit cards or traveler's checks.

Which Fees to Expect

 

At the very least you will probably be charged the same transaction fee, if any, that your bank charges you when using another bank's ATM. However, many banks charge higher fees for international ATM withdrawals -- either a flat rate (typically $1 - $6) or a set percentage of your total withdrawal (usually 1 - 3 percent). Check with your bank before each trip abroad, as these fees can change often and without warning. To add insult to injury, you may also be charged a fee by the owner of the foreign ATM.

Because these small fees can add up quickly, you will probably want to withdraw larger amounts than you might normally do at home -- so be sure you have a safe, well-concealed place to keep your cash. When deciding how much to withdraw, try to choose an uneven amount (180 euros rather than 200, for instance) so you don't wind up with huge bills that you'll have trouble breaking.

The Best Way to Carry Money Overseas

independenttraveler.com

Before you leave for your next trip abroad, take a moment to think dollars and cents -- or should we say pounds and pesos? Get the most for your money when traveling internationally by doing a little homework first.

The most important step is to know your options. In days of yore, traveler's checks were the most popular way to carry money overseas -- but today's travelers are much more likely to rely on credit cards and ATM withdrawals, which usually offer better exchange rates and lower fees.
What's the best option for you? And how can you avoid those pesky currency conversion fees when making purchases abroad? Read on for answers to these questions and a comprehensive roundup of all your currency conversion options when you're traveling overseas.

Credit Cards

 

Best for: Large purchases such as airline tickets, hotel bills, car rentals and restaurant meals.

Pros: The biggest advantage to using credit cards while traveling overseas is that credit card purchases are exchanged at the interbank exchange rate, usually the best rate you can get for currency exchange. While most credit card issuers charge currency conversion fees each time you make a purchase in a foreign currency (generally 1 percent from Visa or MasterCard plus an additional 1 - 2 percent for themselves), these fees are typically lower than those you'd pay to convert your own currency at a change bureau. And there are a few cards out there (many from Capital One) that do not charge any foreign transaction fees at all, not even the ones from Visa or MasterCard. Check out CardHub.com for a list.

Cons: Some restaurants, stores and even hotels won't take credit cards, so you'll need to have cash on hand at all times. While you can use credit cards to get cash advances at ATMs, bear in mind that they'll be subject to any finance charges your credit card company imposes -- which can add up very quickly. Plus, if you're not home by the time the bills come in and you haven't made arrangements to pay them, you'll be hit with hefty finance charges on these advances.

One problem for U.S. travelers is the growing prevalence of "chip-and-PIN" credit cards in Europe, Asia and South America. Designed to reduce fraud, these cards rely on an embedded chip that transmits information to a merchant, which the consumer then verifies by entering a PIN. While U.S. cards with magnetic stripes will still work as long as there's someone to swipe them, many travelers report problems using their cards in ticket vending kiosks, at gas stations or in other places featuring automated payment machines. If you find yourself in this dilemma, your only alternatives are to find an attendant to scan your card or to use cash instead.

These cards are not yet widely available in the U.S. However, several banks, including Citi, Bank of America and Chase, have begun issuing dual credit cards that use both the magnetic stripe and the embedded chip, and Travelex has introduced a prepaid chip-and-PIN MasterCard that works like a hybrid between a credit card and a traveler's check. (See the Traveler's Checks and Check Cards section of this story to learn more.)

What You Need to Know: The first thing you should do if you are traveling abroad with a credit card, even if you only plan to use it in case of an emergency, is to call the issuer and ask which fees will apply to your purchases, both in local currency and in U.S. dollars. We recommend calling before each trip, as these policies may change without notice.

While you're on the phone, you'll also want to let your credit card issuer know when and where you will be traveling -- that way the sudden international activity on your account won't trigger your issuer's fraud alert system. As a precaution, we recommend bringing two credit cards on your trip in case one stops working. Finally, get a phone number that you can use to call the company from overseas if your card is lost or stolen. (The 800 number on the back of your card typically will only work in the U.S. or Canada.)

Some merchants (particularly in Europe) offer what's known as dynamic currency conversion, which means that they'll charge you in dollars rather than the local currency. Because some card issuers will waive the currency conversion fee if your overseas purchase is made in dollars, dynamic currency conversion could help you save a few coins. However, keep in mind you'll almost always get hit by a conversion fee from the merchant instead -- sometimes up to 5 percent -- so you may end up losing out on the deal. Be sure you know which fees apply to either option before deciding which currency to use.

A few other caveats to bear in mind: Some hotels and car rental companies may put holds on your credit card for the amount of your total expected bill. This can use up your credit line before you've actually incurred and paid for the charges. All merchants are supposed to inform you if they do put a hold or "deposit" on your card. If they do, make sure you clarify that the hold has been removed when you've paid your bill in full.

Keep in mind that you may not have as much protection overseas as you do at home when problems arise over inaccurate charges. Incidents are always being reported of travelers being charged twice for the same item or for items they never purchased, and credit card companies have been unwilling or unable to intercede on their behalf. Always watch merchants imprinting your card and keep your receipts. After you get home, check your credit card statement. If you see charges you didn't make, call your creditor and ask them to dispute the charges.

Debit and ATM Cards

 

Best for: Getting cash in local currency.

Pros: You'll get the same great interbank exchange rate when you make cash withdrawals with your debit or ATM card as you do when you make a credit card purchase. With ATMs available in major cities and airports all over the world, this is generally the cheapest and most convenient way to get cash in the local currency.

Cons: Each cash withdrawal you make will usually be subject to currency conversion fees, foreign ATM fees or other charges from your bank and/or the local bank that maintains the ATM. For more information, see ATMs Abroad. Debit cards work pretty much the same as regular credit cards for purchases, but if your card is lost or stolen you may not have the same protection. By U.S. law, as long as you report your card missing within two business days, your maximum liability for use of that card will be $50 -- the same as for a credit card. However, if you wait any longer, you could be responsible for hundreds of dollars in unauthorized charges.

What You Need to Know: If the ATM card from your home bank isn't connected to the worldwide Cirrus or PLUS networks, you may want to look into getting a MasterCard or Visa debit card. While they look and can be used like regular charge cards, they actually debit your checking account the same way your ATM card does.

If you are renting a car, you should be aware that while you can use a debit card to pay for the rental charges, you might not be able to reserve the car with this type of card.

Finally, don't forget to call your bank and make it aware of your travel plans; as with credit cards, sudden international activity using your debit card could cause your account to be frozen.

Cash

 

Best for: The first 24 hours of your trip -- to tide you over until you can find the nearest ATM.

Pros: It's often a good idea to get some foreign currency before you leave home so that you have cash on hand to handle your immediate expenses -- like buying a meal at the airport or taking a cab to your hotel. This way you're not stranded without cash if the airport ATM isn't working or you arrive after the local exchange bureau has closed.

Cons: You typically won't get a great conversion rate from your home bank, and you may also have to pay fees or commissions. If you're traveling to a major international airport in a large city, which will likely have multiple ATMs and change counters, getting currency beforehand probably isn't necessary.

What You Need to Know: You can get foreign currency from your local bank, online or at the airport. Try your local bank first, as they may waive fees for certain accountholders. We recommend bringing $100 - $150 worth of foreign currency.

Traveler's Checks and Check Cards

 

Best for: Emergency backup if you can't find a functioning ATM (checks) or a secure alternative to cash (checks and check cards).

Pros: Traveler's checks and check cards provide more security than cash because they can be replaced (usually within 24 hours) if lost or stolen. While traditional traveler's checks have largely gone the way of the dinosaur, Visa and Travelex offer travel cards that are prepaid like traveler's checks but work like credit cards for purchases and ATM withdrawals. To avoid the aforementioned problems that U.S. travelers have at overseas chip-and-PIN machines, Travelex even offers a chip-and-PIN card (available in several different currencies). Traditional checks are still sometimes useful as currency if you can't find a functioning ATM.

Cons: The exchange rate for traveler's checks is not as favorable as the interbank rate you'll get when using a credit or debit card, and very few merchants accept the checks for purchases these days. You'll also have to pay commissions, shipping charges and/or conversion fees to purchase and cash the checks. The prepaid cards give you better exchange rates, but there are plenty of fees here too -- look out for activation fees, charges for reloading the card, ATM charges or inactivity fees. In most cases, you're probably better off using your own debit card.

What You Need to Know: Keep your checks' serial numbers in a secure but separate place from the checks themselves in case they're lost or stolen.

Sending Money Abroad

 

Best for: Emergencies when you need money sent overseas in a hurry.

Pros: If you find yourself stranded overseas without cash, someone at home can wire money to you and you'll have it within a day -- or even a few minutes.

Cons: Fees for sending money abroad can run anywhere from 1 to 10 percent or more; the faster you need the money, the more expensive it will be.

What You Need to Know: The best-known companies for sending money are Western Union and MoneyGram. Both charge variable fees depending on how much money you're sending and where you're sending it. The slower the service you choose, the more economical the price.

Other choices for sending money abroad include bank wire transfers or international postal money orders from the post office. While less expensive, these methods may take more time.

9 Tips for Finding a Reliable Vacation Rental

By Christopher Elliott
Tribune Media ServicesJune 3, 2010


Renting a reliable vacation home isn't easy. 

And not just because there are a seemingly endless number of rental resources to turn to -- everything from local sites that list a few condos to big listing services like HomeAway or VRBO. 

For me, it's the politics. 

This summer, for example, I told my mother that I planned to rent a condo on the beach. Within two days, my sister and brother had invited themselves over, boosting our numbers from five to more than 30. 

A rental home can save you a lot of money when you're on vacation, as I pointed out in an earlier column. But this one would almost certainly cost me a lot more. 

There are an estimated 1 million vacation rentals in the United States, roughly half of which are available to the general public, according to numbers from The National Association of Realtors and FlipKey. A recent PhoCusWright study estimated vacation rentals were a $24.3 billion-a-year market, while a Ypartnership survey suggested interest in renting a home was on the rise, with 14% of leisure travelers saying they stayed in one in 2009, up from 11% a year earlier. 

Renting a home for 30 isn't like booking a hotel room, or even a vacation cottage for a family of five. 

"The consistent challenge we hear from travelers is predictability," says TJ Mahony, the chief executive of FlipKey, a vacation rental site owned by TripAdvisor. "People tend to know what they are going to get from a hotel, but can have anxiety over the quality of a vacation rental." 

I asked experts to identify the biggest challenges when renting a home. Here's what they told me: 

1. Knowing what you want. Prioritize your rental. That's the advice of Teresa Bell Kindred, a blogger and frequent home renter. "You are going to pay more for certain things. Decide what is really important to you," she says. Her family loves the ocean, so they don't mind paying more to be right on the beach. But if you don't mind being a few blocks away from the water, you can save money. Be sure you stay within your budget. "If you spend all your money on rental property and can't afford groceries you may get hungry before you get back home," she warns. 

2. Timing your purchase. If you're in town for a special event, like a sports tournament or festival, it's never too soon to book a vacation rental. "Vacation rentals are more scarce than hotels and great vacation properties are even scarcer," says Chris Brusznicki, the chief executive of GamedayHousing a site that specializes in rentals for sports events. But if there's no reason to be in town, you can run down the clock. One terrific new site that allows you to bid on "last-minute" vacation rentals is a site called PackLate. 

3. Finding out what you're renting. It probably goes without saying that you need to do your due diligence on a rental. "Do your homework," says Sylvia Guarino, who owns a rental home on Sanibel Island, Fla. (one of my favorite places) and a member of Second Porch, a Facebook application that connects vacation rental owners and vacation guests. "Vacation rental guests sometimes get too focused on getting a deal, and not focused enough on getting the information that they need, or authenticating the property. "How do you authenticate a property? Look at every piece of information available to you, including the owner's website, the vacation rental site, online reviews and what you find on social networking sites, like Facebook. Be sure the property is in good shape, is as represented and isn't in foreclosure. 

4. Finding out who you're renting from. "Research the owner, not just the home," says Kelly Hayes-Raitt, who owns a rental property in Santa Monica, Calif. She includes a link to her website and biography in every correspondence with potential guests, "not just so they realize they are supporting my work with refugees, but so they learn they are dealing with someone who has been active in her community for 30 years and not likely to cheat them," she says. Not every owner is as forthcoming as Hayes-Raitt, but if someone is reclusive, it might be a warning sign. 

5. Determining if the rental is part of an association or destination. That can make a big difference, according to Jon Ervin, a spokesman for the Cottage Rental Agency in Seaside, Fla. "Imagine you rent from Mr. and Mrs. Jones -- nice enough people, but what if your air conditioning quits or some other concern arises?" he asks. "You most likely are going to have to work through the issue for your entire stay." Not if your rental is part of an association. There's someone on call to help in situations like that. My family rented a home at the WaterColor Inn & Resort in nearby Santa Rosa Beach, Fla., during the Christmas holidays, and we found that to be good advice. 

6. Becoming a power user. For example, VRBO allows you to filter search results by area, bedrooms and the number of people it can sleep. That helped Kellie Pelletier find a vacation rental in Charleston, S.C., for her family. VRBO also shows which homes are available on your preferred dates. "So I didn't waste my time researching and contacting houses that were already booked for my week," she says. Pelletier knows a thing or two about being a power user. She used to work for Kayak, the booking site. "House rental sites are years, if not decades, behind other travel sites," she complains. "Please, won't somebody launch the Kayak of rental house sites?" 

7. Avoiding group-think. Extended families like mine should be broken up into smaller housing units, such as adjoining condos, as opposed to fitting them into one house. It gives everyone more privacy and is easier on the finances, because you don't have to argue over the bill at the end. "Sometimes a big house works for some families," says Carol White, who runs a website about road trips. "But not others." 

8. Reviewing the contract very carefully. You're not checking into a hotel; this is more like renting an apartment. Watch for contract language, such as cleaning options. Frank Discala, who owns a rental property in Nantucket Town, Mass., gives his tenants two options: either clean up after themselves, "Or they can leave the place without cleaning up and lose their $500 deposit," he says. "Ouch! No one has ever taken that option." (Discala knows about contracts; he's a lawyer.) 

9. Staying flexible. Remember, you're renting an apartment or house -- not a room in a hotel. "Some things may go wrong," warns Pauline Kenny, a vacation rental expert who runs a site called Slow Europe. "The plumbing may stop working, the kitchen stove runs out of gas. Some things may not be perfect -- you bump your head repeatedly on that low doorway, the couch is orange, the parking space is almost impossible to get into." That's life in a vacation rental. "Suck it up and live with it," she says. 

Needless to say, tenting a vacation has its challenges. "The process for finding a vacation rental home is more involved and sometimes even difficult," says Christine Karpinski, a director for HomeAway.com. "You have to not only search for the home, but you also have to e-mail to inquire whether or not it is available and for a full quote. Sometimes the process can take a couple hours and sometimes it can take a week of back-and-forth with the homeowners. But the reward at the end is wonderful." 

I hope she's right. I'll let you know what happens this summer.

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.

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!

How to Exchange Currency in Mexico

ehow.com

Instructions

1. • 1
     Research the currency exchange rate before arriving in Mexico. The easiest and fastest method is through the Internet. Currency in Mexico can change from month to month.
   • 2
     Locate a currency exchange place. If traveling by car, look for buildings advertising currency exchange as soon you enter Mexico. Many times the signs will be in both English and Spanish. If traveling by plane, airports in Mexico are equipped with currency exchange shops, usually with signs in English.
   • 3
     Get the most money for the U.S. dollar. Small, private shops will offer a higher exchange for the dollar. They know how to take advantage of the constantly changing exchange rate to still make a profit.
   • 4
     Exchange currency with relatives or friends who live in Mexico. Relatives are the most likely to give the most for the dollar. They will just hold the U.S. dollars until the exchange rate goes up and make money by exchanging them for pesos at that time.

 

Tips & Warnings

 

• Be aware that some currency exchange places will try to take advantage of tourists and undervalue their dollars.
• Always carry at least one major credit card in case of an emergency. Visa is accepted throughout Mexico, and many places also take American Express.
• Never go to the stores and start buying with U.S. dollars. The merchants will not give you fair value for the dollar.

Planning A Trip With Kids: How To Save A Little Money

nonstoptravel.com
December 11, 2013 by Daniel Douglas

Planning A Trip With Kids? | Free Digital Photo by Sura Nualpradid

In fact, it’s down right healthy to take a vacation somewhere. Taking some time away is especially healthy if you have kids. Let’s be honest, kids can take a lot out of us. We may love them more than life itself, but they take a great deal out of us.

Let’s talk about planning a trip with kids.

 

So what do we do when we want to get away?

 

Well the first thing you need to determine is if this is just a trip with you and your friend (or husband) or if it’s a trip with the whole family.

If it’s a trip with the whole family then you need to consider a few things before you leave

 

How are you going to get there?

 

Well many opt for taking the car or flying, simply based on the notion that it’s easier and much simpler. But just because it’s easier and much simpler doesn’t mean that it’s the right choice. So do some calculations and look at your financials. Sometimes a train can be a really good option. If you go online and look up some of the fares that trains charge, you will find that most of them are cheaper then what you would have to afford with gas.

 

Save yourself some money and look into taking the train.

 

This can be a good thing if it’s some place close. That way you can spend time with the kids and show them the sites. If you were driving you would have to worry about what they were doing and keeping you eye on the road. You couldn’t take in the sites, like you could with a train . It would be more stressful on you. By taking the train, you alleviate that stress.

Saving up on meals

 

Another thing you should look into is what you will be doing when it comes to meals and snacks. When people take trips the usually say something like “Oh, I’ll just stop by the local bakery or eatery and pick something up.”

That costs money people! So save some money and pack your lunch. I know that this sounds quaint and square of me, but it really will save you money.  Brown bag some lunches for you and the kids! Fill them up with some extra goodies that they don’t normally get to eat. That way it will feel like a vacation for them.

Eat outside on a park bench, if it’s sunny. If it’s rainy, go indoors. The point is you are outside and getting some much needed fresh air. Sometimes getting that much needed fresh air is a good way to clear your head.

I do it all the time.  If I’m bothered by something, I go outside and I get a whole new perspective on things. It’s a good way to get out and meet some new friends.

Eating outside on a nearby park bench or near a museum will keep your kids activity and healthy. It will get them outdoors and they will want to run and play. As long as you keep an eye on them, both of you will fine.
It’s an inexpensive way to take a small vacation and get some peace of mind at the same time.

Just because you are on vacation, doesn’t mean you need to break the bank to do it.

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

Travelers Tips on Tipping

gocurrency.com

For many travelers, one of the central sources of angst and confusion is how to tip in a manner that is neither miserly, nor extravagant. Travelers run into far more situations where tipping is a concern than they would in their everyday life at home. And it’s made more uncomfortable due to the fact that when visiting abroad, the customs are foreign and easily misunderstood. Taxi drivers, porters, valets, waiters, and barbers/hairstylists are just some of the people you will encounter who will provide you with a service, and may or may not expect or require a gratuity.

The first key to understanding tipping is realizing the situation at hand. Starting with restaurants, the general rule is between 10-20% of the bill before taxes. Some people choose to tip extra if they feel the service is outstanding, while many will leave a small tip or not tip at all if they feel the service is terrible. However, not leaving a tip because the service did not meet expectations can often lead to a confrontation. It is often better to leave some kind of a tip; but be sure address the situation with the manager. It is also vital to know the local customs when it comes to tipping. In America, tipping is expected, and we are known to be some of the most generous tippers around. Many people in the service industry depend on tips to supplement their wages, which are often set artificially low in expectation of the tips they will receive. The key thing to remember is that tipping is a personal decision, but it affects others. So the idea of treating others as you would want to be treated clearly resonates. Be wary of restaurants that add a tip to the bill automatically: no one should pay two tips for the same meal.

In Europe, workers in the service industries are generally paid higher wages than in America, and therefore tipping is not always customary. When people do tip they generally tip less than in the states. However, it varies from country to country. Central European countries like Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and Holland tip between 5-10% as a common practice, although it is not always required to tip. Countries like Spain and Italy are not advocates of tipping. In France and the Scandinavian countries, a service charge is included in the bill, while Ireland and the U.K. generally adhere to an optional tipping policy. When traveling in Europe, unless you are in Spain or Italy, it is generally a good idea to leave a tip close to 10% unless the charge is included, or the service was not satisfactory.

Traveling in Asia is often a culture shock, and this is magnified when it comes to tipping. While most of the globe follows the thinking that gratuities are required, or at the very least expected, many countries in Asia strictly forbid it, and many service workers will be offended if you attempt to tip them. Tipping is not the custom in India, China, Korea, Taiwan, and especially Japan. Likewise, in Australia and New Zealand, tipping has not historically been a custom and it is not expected, although the practice is growing, and has become especially common in the tourist areas.

Other parts of the globe also have some guidelines for tipping. Canada is very similar to the U.S., as is Mexico. The key thing to keep in mind when traveling is to be respectful of the customs in the country you are visiting. It is also better to lean towards generosity rather than stinginess when in doubt. Also, keep in mind that many restaurants and hotels add on a charge for gratuity, so carefully inspect the bill before leaving a tip. Furthermore, if you are traveling on business it is especially important that you represent yourself well.

Always be sure to tip well when it is called for, and give your client the impression that you are interested in seeing others succeed. Tipping is definitely a touchy subject for many, but if you can master it, then you will enjoy yourself far more, and also ensure the happiness of those around you.

Tips for Changing Money

gocurrency.com

As a traveler, your main concern will be getting the most favorable rate possible. A commonly asked question is: should I convert now, or will my money be worth more when I go abroad? Unless your trip is months away, the answer is that it probably will not make much of a difference. The major currencies tend to move +/- 1% in a given day, which is a relatively minor move unless you are changing thousands at a time.


While still at home, you can exchange currency at your local bank. Experts suggest only changing enough to cover travel and transportation costs until you are settled at your destination, as the costs of exchanging money at home can be prohibitive. Other services you can use at home include online money exchange services, which will take American funds and send the converted money to your home. The obvious risk with services like these is fraud and the safety of your funds while they are in transit.

 

Changing Money at Hotels and Airports

 

While hotel and airport exchange may seem convenient, beware of high transaction charges. Generally experts advise avoiding exchanging money at a hotel unless you have no other choice. You can use the currency converter or calculator on our site to determine approximately what you are being charged in transaction costs, so you can more clearly identify how much the markup is.

 

Exchanging Money via Credit Cards

 

Generally credit cards offer the most favorable exchange rates for changing money, since credit card companies have access to better rates than individuals. Be careful when using the credit card if your home currency is falling-since the transactions are not converted instantly, there is a possibility that you will end up with a less favorable conversion rate a few days later.

Another alternative to cash is to bring travelers checks with you. Even though these are fading in popularity, they still offer some excellent benefits-namely, that travelers checks can be replaced if they are lost or stolen, and can be used freely at exchanges to get the currency of the country you are in.

 

Changing Money at Local Banks

 

The rates given at local banks are usually decent, although keep in mind that one of two things can happen. If the exchange rate given is determined purely by supply and demand, then you will end up with a price that is close to what is being quoted in the foreign exchange market globally (“market price”). The other alternative is that the government of the country you are in sets the currency exchange rate, which must be offered by anyone who is changing money. Regardless, local banks are often a convenient and relatively low-cost option for changing money.

Changing Money at ATMs

 

If you would rather not carry large sums of cash, ATMs are a convenient way to obtain local currency at a reasonable exchange rate. Keep in mind that your withdrawal may be subject to a fee, so check with your bank before leaving home. The other point to note is that your bank may freeze your card if out-of-the-ordinary transactions (such as withdrawals in 4 different countries over the course of a week) appear, so keep a copy of your bank’s contact information on hand.

For more information: International VISA ATM Locator

Advice for Gay Travel

 spiritjourneys.com

Most importantly, let your heart decide where you want to go and what you want to see. This may sound silly, but I believe that we should let our curiosity, desires and wanderlust lead us. Visiting only "popular" gay destinations, or visiting only places deemed "gay-friendly" by other people, is an extremely limiting way to live life. I have traveled the world over and usually in the company of my husband. Not once, not anywhere, have we ever been made to feel unwanted while we were traveling. 

Now granted, we may have not visited the most homophobic places on the planet, but we certainly have been to countries that are not known to be "gay-friendly", like Egypt. Thanks to the news media, we could get the impression that the minute a gay man sets foot on Egyptian soil he will be imprisoned. This could not be further from the truth. There are several reasons for this. 

First, for most of us, nobody can know if you're gay or not just by looking at you. You may think you're walking around with the words "I'm gay" written on your forehead, but you're not. And unless you walk down the street in a lip-lock with your boyfriend, no one can tell if you're gay. Sure, some of us are more "flamboyant" than others, but "flamboyant" is also relative to the culture you are in. The attention you may receive by the local people is most likely because you look like a tourist, not because you look gay. 

This brings us to the second point, you're a tourist. Because you're a tourist, most everyone is going to love you. Your presence supports the local economy, gives people jobs and puts food on their tables. Even if someone does not approve of gay people, they're not likely to be cruel or chase you out of their shop or restaurant if they think you're gay. This holds true everywhere we go as gay people, not just when we're travelling. A merchant or restaurant here in America is very unlikely to refuse you service for the same financial reason. Yes, there can be zealots anywhere that will refuse you service, but that is actually more likely to happen in your home town than it is to happen when you are vacationing. 

Last, governments are not people. A lot of the world hated the American government's policies during the George W. Bush years, yet they did not blame or hate the American people. I was told this countless times and in many countries by the local people. Just because a government has an anti-gay attitude or laws, it does not mean that the people on the street have the same attitudes. It has been my experience that if you treat others with respect, offer a smile, say please and thank you (especially using the local language), most people could care less who you love or who you sleep with. 

All you really need to do need to practice a little common sense when you travel. Below are few points to remember while traveling: 

Don't Be The "Ugly American"

America is not the only country on this planet. We do not own the world so don't act like you are better than the local people. 

Respect Local Customs And Traditions

American ways and traditions are no better or worse than any other culture's. Learn the local cultural traditions and abide by them. You will gather a lot more disapproval from local people by not following local customs than you will by being gay.

Learn A Little Of The Local Language

Learn at least a few words of the local language. The most important words to learn are "hello", "good-bye", "please" and "thank you". I have had many wonderful encounters with local people just because I said (or at least tried to say) "thank you" in their own language. 

Visiting Known Gay Establishments

If you are going to a country that has a strong anti-gay bias and/or anti-gay laws, do not visit known local gay clubs or other "gay gathering places". This one is a "no-brainer". 

Want to see my banana?

Say no to solicitations to buy sex, no matter how cute he is! 

Smile

Smile, smile a lot. You're on vacation for goodness sake. Smile, laugh, have fun and enjoy the people you encounter. 

Leave Your Impatience At Home

The entire world does not run at the same pace as America does (thank goodness). Leave the rushing at home; go with the local flow; participate in the local conception of time. 

Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

Do your best to pay attention to what is going on around you. You don't have to be paranoid, suspicious or fearful, but do be aware. Listen to your intuition. If something "doesn't feel right" about where you find yourself, then leave. Also, make mental notes about things you can use as landmarks in case you get lost. 

Don't Go It Alone

This is somewhat related to being solicited to buy sex. In general, it is probably not a good idea to go off alone with someone you do not know. Of course, every situation is different and you will need to exercise your own best judgement. 

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