  |
|
Travel Tips & Advice
- Stock up on vitamins before you get on the plane, as it will be
your best chance to get sick during your trip.
- For the best exchange rate in Indonesian Rupiah, bring
non-marked, non-ripped, crisp new $100 bills, post-1996 issue.
- Always carry your money and passport in a money pouch. If you
carry a backpack and are walking through the market, make sure the
backpack is in FRONT of you, not behind.
You are more likely to be a victim of petty crime than a
terrorist attack so it's advisable to travel with the same level of
precaution and awareness as you would going to any foreign country
or crowded city. The US Bureau of Consular Affairs publishes an
extensive and excellent guide: "A Safe Trip Abroad" (DEPARTMENT OF
STATE PUBLICATION 10942)
Below are a few excerpted tips:
Before you go:
- Get the facts: stay informed but sift all news with hard eye by
considering the source and record of credibility.
- Scan a variety of media - newspapers, radio, TV, and government
advisories - to assess how real a threat may or may not actually
be.
- Get a second opinion from people who have actually been to the
areas you intend to travel to.
- Once there, talk to the locals to get the word on the
street.
- Discuss with your family what they would do in the event of an
emergency.
- Give them an itinerary with contact numbers together with the
consulate in the countries you intend to visit.
- Set up a regular schedule of phone calls or emails to keep them
reassured and aware of your movements.
On the road:
- Become a "stealth tourist". Most terrorist attacks are the
result of long-term strategic planning designed to make maximum
media impact.
- In general, terrorists are looking for defenceless, easily
accessible targets that follow predictable patterns. Avoid
congested areas (airport lounges, discos, nightclubs, restaurants)
frequented by large numbers of foreigners.
- To avoid being a target of either crime or terrorism;
Dress conservatively.
Don't wear expensive looking jewellery.
A flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual can mark you as a
tourist.
As much as possible, avoid the appearance of affluence.
Avoid luggage tags, flags, dress and behavior that identify you as
an American or its main allies
Some other useful websites:
|
|
|
|
 |
