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The following general tips on laws and customs can help you stay out of trouble while you are abroad.
Obey the law
- Find out about local laws and customs;
- There may be very serious penalties for breaking a law which might seem trivial to you or for doing something which may not be illegal in the UK;
- Do not overstay your visa or work illegally – you may be fined or sent to prison;
- Hobbies that involve using cameras and binoculars, such as bird watching or plane spotting, may be misunderstood (particularly near military sites). If in doubt, don’t do it.
Drugs
- Be aware of what may happen if you become involved with drugs overseas. Not only are there health risks, but there may also be severe penalties for any association with drugs;
- Never carry packages through customs for other people and be cautious about accepting gifts;
- Pack your own baggage, fasten it securely and do not leave it unattended;
- If you are driving, do not lend your vehicle to other people and do not sit in someone else’s vehicle when going through customs or crossing borders – get out and walk.
Alcohol
- Be aware of local attitudes to alcohol and know your own limit. Remember that drinks served overseas are often stronger than those served in the UK;
- Keep your drinks with you at all times as drinks can be spiked with drugs to make you more vulnerable to assault or rape;
- Be aware that accidents are more likely to happen after drinking alcohol or taking drugs. Avoid swimming or fooling around on balconies or other high places. If you have an accident or injure yourself while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it is unlikely that your insurance policy will cover you.
Driving
- Never drink and drive;
- If you are planning to drive, make sure your UK driving licence is current and valid;
- Make sure you know the driving laws, licence requirements and driving conditions in the country you are visiting;
- In some countries you will need to have an international driving permit as well as your UK licence;
- Be aware that in many countries there are on-the-spot fines for traffic offences.
Security
- Be aware of security and take sensible precautions;
- Leave your jewellery and valuables at home if you can. Only carry as much money as you need for the day. Leave the rest, and at least one credit card, in the hotel safe if one is available;
- Keep copies of your passport, insurance details and other important travel documents separate from the originals. It is useful to always have some form of identity on you, such as a driving licence or a photocopy of your passport;
- Stay aware of what is going on around you and keep away from situations where you do not feel comfortable;
- Find out from your guidebook or tour guide about any local scams;
- Keep up to date with local and regional events in the media;
- Don’t take risks on holidays that you wouldn’t take at home. If a situation looks dangerous, it probably is.
Major catastrophes
- Some catastrophes have advance warning, such as hurricanes. If you have any warning, contact family and friends to let them know your plans;
- Do this even if you are not near the area – remember family and friends will not know exactly where you are but they will worry if they think you are in potential danger;
- If you are living overseas, you should also tell neighbours your plans. This helps us to confirm quickly if you are safe, allowing us to concentrate on offering support to those most in need after any catastrophe;
- It may take some time to get help to you if the infrastructure has been affected by the catastrophe (for example, if telephone lines are down, roads inaccessible or bridges have collapsed). Access may also be impossible if the local authorities have sealed off the area where you are.
Money & Credit Cards
- Only carry as much money as you need for the day. Leave the rest, and at least one credit card, in the hotel safe if one is available;
- Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds, such as traveller’s cheques, some cash (sterling or US dollars) or credit cards;
- Before you leave, check that your cards are valid, and find out how you can replace them and your traveller’s cheques if they are lost or stolen. Keep a separate note of their numbers and of the number you would need to ring to stop any credit cards if they are lost or stolen.
Travel documents
- Keep your passport in the hotel safe and carry a photocopy with you;
- Keep your travel tickets in a safe place.
If you have anything stolen
- If your money, passport or anything else is stolen abroad, report it to the local police immediately and get a statement about the loss (you will need one to claim against your insurance);
- You will need to cancel any credit cards or traveller’s cheques. You may also want to have money transferred to you either by your bank or by a relative using a reliable money transfer company. Our staff can give you information about this if you need it.
Lost or stolen passports
- If your passport is lost or stolen abroad and you urgently need to travel, we can issue a replacement travel document once we are satisfied of your identity and that you are a British national. You will need to produce a police report, fill in an application form and pay a fee;
- Depending on the country you are in and the circumstances, the emergency travel document may be: - an emergency passport, which is valid for a single journey with no journeys through third countries; - a temporary one-year passport (not available in all of our offices); or - a standard passport.
To issue a passport, we need to make checks, which may take time and could mean you have to delay your travel arrangements;
- If our staff have to issue an emergency travel document outside normal office hours, you will have to pay an extra fee. Before making any arrangements with our staff, consider whether you also need an exit visa from the local immigration authorities as some countries do not issue these visas outside normal office hours or at weekends.
Respect the local Environment
- Help to protect local wildlife and habitats by respecting rules and regulations (including how to get rid of rubbish properly);
- Be aware that buying any wildlife products is risky. Customs departments throughout the world confiscate illegal souvenirs, and in the UK you could face a criminal prosecution and fines;
- Check that what you are bringing back to the UK is legal. You can get more information on bringing back meat, animal products or plants from the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. You can get information about banned and restricted goods, and your customs allowances, from HM Revenue and Customs.
Cultural Awareness
- Buy a good travel guide that includes basic information on local laws and customs;
- Respect local customs and behave and dress appropriately, particularly when visiting religious sites, markets and rural communities;
- Travel guidebooks, tour operators and hotel staff are all useful sources of information;
- In some places, behaviour that would be acceptable elsewhere can lead to serious trouble.
- In some countries, it can also be worth asking for permission before taking any photographs so as not to cause offence.
Cheers, frizzy2008.