A safety guide for tourists
Guest Post
Going on holiday abroad or at home is usually an enjoyable, incident-free time. It is important, however, to know what to do in an emergency. Here are some useful tips to ensure you have peace of mind when going on holiday.
Check your Documentation is in Order
Don’t rush and quickly grab essentials like your passport, driving licence and anything else you might need. Prepare your documents in advance and make sure they are all valid.
* Passport
You need your passport to enter and leave Australia, so ensure it is valid. Make sure it is kept safe at all times and report the loss or theft of your passport to the nearest Australian embassy, high commission or consulate immediately. If your passport has been damaged, call the Australian Passport Information Service (APIS) on 131 232 before your next trip. Carry your passport separately from other forms of ID so you have still have other documents if it’s stolen.
* Visas
Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of the country you plan to visit before you visit to find out if you need a visa. Do not risk entering the country if you do not have one.
* Entry Permits
You may receive an entry permit which gives a date you must leave by. Do not overstay and risk jail. Get an extension if you want to stay longer.
* Driver’s Licence
Get an international driving permit if the country you’re visiting requires it. Do not risk jail and/or fines. Remember that your Australian driving licence may not be valid in every country, so check.
Photocopy Documents
Make photocopies of your passport, tickets, visas, traveller’s cheques, credit cards, driver’s licence and insurance policy. Carry one set with you and leave another with family/friends.
Travel Insurance
Always buy travel insurance, even if you are travelling within Australia. It can cover the cost of replacing lost luggage, help with legal fees and fly you home if needed.
Keep in Touch
Give a copy of your itinerary to family/friends and register your travel plans online at orao.dfat.gov.au/. Let your loved ones know when you will be back and arrange how they can get in touch.
Laws and Customs
Always obey the laws of the country you are visiting, even if they are different to Australian laws. Remember to respect local customs. Dress modestly in Islamic countries and do not drink alcohol in those countries which forbid it.
If You Get in Trouble
If you get in trouble overseas, contact your nearest consulate, embassy or high commission. They can offer services such as:
* Issuing replacement passports
* Contacting and visiting Australians who are arrested and notifying their relatives
* Assisting during natural disasters
* Giving a list of lawyers, doctors and interpreters (if needed)
Drugs
Do not get involved with drugs in any country. You may risk a serious jail term or face the death penalty. Local laws cannot be overridden with consular assistance. You have been warned.
Travel Health
Ensure you have vaccinations, if needed, and are fully immunised against diseases such as tetanus, which still occur in developing countries. Take out travel insurance should you need to be flown back to Australia in an emergency. Some countries charge for medical care, and insurance will cover these costs.
Remember that Australia has health care agreements with Belgium, Finland, Italy, Malta, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, the Republic of Ireland, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Australians can be provided with urgent or emergency medical treatment overseas under these agreements.
Travelling within Australia
If you are travelling within Australia, always remember to let someone know where you are going. Respect local laws and do not risk jail. Here are some other tips to bear in mind:
* Do not forget to protect against the sun
* Be aware of bushfire risks and comply with fire bans
* Swim between red and yellow beach flags to avoid being swept away by currents
* Wear suitable footwear when bushwalking or hiking
* Ensure you have a suitable vehicle when travelling in the outback
* Have the proper equipment if hiking through the outback and let friends/family know your itinerary. Do not hike a trail which may be beyond your capabilities.
Post contributed for covermore.com.au/best-travel-insurance by Jim Boothes
