Be prepared and research your destination.

When travelling abroad, you should take the time to do the necessary research on the financial, political, cultural and economic environment of your intended destination.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) advises travellers to learn at least some key phrases in the host country’s language. Even if it’s a mediocre mastery of the local language, it can get you far. Knowing how to greet or thank someone in their own language is also good practice. When you travel to a country where the culture differs significantly from yours, you need to do your homework to avoid unnecessarily offending those residents.

It is important to remember that the laws of the foreign country you are travelling to apply to everyone in that country, including you and other tourists while you are in the country. No one is exempt from the host country’s laws, nor can you expect special treatment.

We advise you to keep an eye on DIRCO’s website before your departure, as they update important legislation in various countries daily.

Do not rely on the state.

According to international law, a state is not obligated to always come to the aid of its citizens. Help will depend on several issues, for example, why you are abroad, whether any treaties between your country and the country where you are enable or prevent such help, whether help is practically feasible and whether your country has the expertise or tools to act when you need help. Calculate your risks before you leave, and if you don’t feel comfortable, don’t go.

Here are six tips to consider before getting your passport stamped:

Get travel insurance and read the policy.

If you take out travel insurance, it is your duty to check which emergencies are covered. Make sure you understand the process, so you know what to do if you have to make a claim or use medical services.

Invest in communication.

It is essential to be able to communicate while abroad. Invest in a portable charger for your mobile phone and ensure you have international minutes or sufficient data on your smartphone. In an emergency, you may need to call the local police, ambulance or your embassy. Make sure you and your children can access all the necessary emergency numbers.

Make sure you understand the traffic rules.

Public transport and car accidents are the biggest cause of South African deaths and injuries in other countries. The website www.asirt.org informs people about the quality of roads and public transport in different countries. It also gives thorough reports on road conditions, accidents in certain environments and changes in traffic regulations. Make sure you are informed about the rules of the road – not only to protect your own life but also to avoid unnecessary altercations with the local police.

Do not take parcels for anyone.

Even if you think you’re 100% sure what’s in it, it’s best not to. Smugglers are sometimes people from whom you expect it the least.

Take extra medication with you.

If you use chronic medication, always take extra supplies with you. Flights can be delayed, or strikes can paralyse public transport, and then you need to have extra medicine. Also, take your prescription and the medication information leaflet with you. The same medicine does not always have the same name everywhere, and if a pharmacist has the leaflet, a substitute medicine can be found more easily. Remember, accidents can happen, too. Your medicine may fall, and you will need more even though you have taken precautions.

Be careful of things that smell a bit fishy.

Whether you are on your way to China for a working holiday or simply want to book tours in Rome, be aware of people who want to throw dust in your eyes. If you get the opportunity to do holiday work abroad, make sure you know the country’s employment regulations and visa requirements yourself. Check the name and address of the company thoroughly to eliminate fraud and try to speak to more than one contact person. The chances of a trap are high if:

• you get a job offer without having had an interview;
• you are required to make payments before you can get more information;
• the job description is very abstract;
• the process is too easy, and the job or salary is too good to be true; and
• you do not receive a work visa before your departure.

There is also, of course, the taxi driver who takes you to your destination with a detour, the good Samaritan who offers to carry your luggage and then demands a hefty tip, or tour agents who up the price of their excursions just because you’re a tourist. Just keep your eyes open and use referral services like TripAdvisor to educate yourself.

AfriForum Worldwide wants to empower people to travel the world carefree. The most important part to enjoy your trip is to be prepared!

There are many other travel tips on travelling safely through different countries. Please share your tips with us in the comments.