Question:

What are some other general international travel tips I should know?

What You Must Declare at Customs

  • Items you purchased and are carrying with you upon return to the United States.
  • Items you received as gifts, such as wedding or birthday presents.
  • Items you inherited.
  • Items you bought in duty-free shops or on the ship or plane.
  • Repairs or alterations to any items you took abroad and then brought back, even if the repairs/alterations were performed free of charge.
  • Items you brought home for someone else.
  • Items you intend to sell or use in your business.
  • Items you acquired (whether purchased or received as gifts) in the U.S. Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, or in a Caribbean Basin Economic Recovery Act country please see section on $600 exemption for a list of these countries) that are not in your possession when you return. In other words, if you acquired things in any of these island nations and asked the merchant to send them to you, you must still declare them when you go through Customs. (This differs from the usual procedure for mailed items, which is discussed in the section on Sending Goo

Register Items Before You Leave the United States

If your laptop computer was made in Japan - for instance - you might have to pay duty on it each time you bring it back into the United States, unless you could prove that you owned it before you left on your trip. Documents that fully describe the item - for example, sales receipts, insurance policies, or jeweler's appraisals - are acceptable forms of proof. To make things easier, you can register certain items with Customs before you depart - including watches, cameras, laptop computers, firearms, and tape recorders - as long as they have serial numbers or other unique, permanent markings. Take the items to the nearest Customs Office and request a Certificate of Registration (Customs Form 4457). It shows Customs that you had the items with you before leaving the U.S. and all items listed on it will be allowed duty-free entry. Customs inspectors must see the item you are registering in order to certify the certificate of registration. You can register items with Customs at the international airport from which you're departing. Keep the certificate for future trips.

When Traveling About

  • Always stay sober, alert and inconspicuous.
  • Stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
  • Keep phone numbers of local contacts with you.
  • Keep your money out of sight - never count it in public.
  • Find out where the "wrong" parts of town are and stay away.
  • Find out the location of the police stations and get phone numbers.
  • Avoid disturbances - go the other way, immediately.
  • Learn to operate the telephones the first day.
  • Always carry your passport, leave copy in security box -- unless local customs require otherwise.
  • Don't stop to investigate accidents.
  • If accosted try to stay calm, watch for escape.
  • If being followed go directly to the police, hotel, or office.

Travel Recommendations - Arrival At Destination

  • Reconfirm your future flights - local office may be able to assist.
  • Exchange a small amount of US dollars for local currency at the airport for taxi, tips, etc. You will usually get a better exchange rate at a bank.
  • Know who will meet you and ask them to be inconspicuous.
  • Register with consulate if staying several days.
  • Know your route from airport to lodging.
  • Request room above ground floor but not too high.
  • Check for exits and emergency instructions.
  • Plan your escape in case of fire.
  • Be sure your phone works -- call the desk.
  • Check the door locks - use doorstop if necessary.
  • Don't leave your key at the desk.
  • Always put valuables in the security boxes.

Language Translation Software

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