First Time Travelers
If you're traveling internationally for the first time, it can be hard to know what to expect. These tips can help you prepare!
Be Aware Of Any Travel Requirements
Well in advance of traveling, be sure to:
- Check if you may require a visa and review other entry/exit requirements. Be sure to review official government websites or consult with your destination's embassy for the latest and most accurate visa and entry/exit information.
- Verify whether a yellow fever vaccine is required to enter your destination country.
- Before returning to the United States, review U.S. Customs and Border Protection Guidance on Prohibited and Restricted Items.
Be Aware Of Any Travel Requirements
Well in advance of traveling, be sure to:
- Check if you may require a visa and review other entry/exit requirements. Be sure to review official government websites or consult with your destination's embassy for the latest and most accurate visa and entry/exit information.
- Verify whether a yellow fever vaccine is required to enter your destination country.
- Before returning to the United States, review U.S. Customs and Border Protection Guidance on Prohibited and Restricted Items.
Packing Tips
The general rule is to bring only what’s necessary for your trip. It's usually safer to leave the rest safe and secure at home.
General
- When considering what to take abroad with you, think in terms of “can’t live without”. Don’t take anything irreplaceable (e.g., jewelry with sentimental value).
- Do not pack more than you can carry on your own! Pack your bags and try to carry them once around the block. If you cannot manage, remove some items and repack.
- Leave space in your suitcases for things you may want to buy at your destination and bring home with you.
- You can buy basic personal care items (shampoo, soap, etc.) in your host country. Don’t take along excessive amounts of these types of items unless there is a particular brand that you cannot live without.
- Remember to pack a power converter and plug adapter if necessary for your electronics. Research the electricity voltage and plug types used in your destination.
Clothing
- The type of clothing you pack should depend on the climate of the destination(s) to which you will be traveling. Check the monthly average temperatures/rainfall to get an idea of what kind of weather you should expect during your time there.
- Pack mostly practical items for your time abroad—washable clothes that you can wear for many occasions, comfortable shoes, etc. Avoid packing clothes that require ironing or dry cleaning.
Carry On vs. Checked Luggage
- Do not pack any essentials or valuables (e.g., medicines, jewelry, cash, laptops) in your checked luggage. Keep all these things with you in your carry-on luggage.
- Carry a change of clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, a washcloth, and a bar of soap in your carry-on bag. If you discover that your checked luggage is lost or delayed after you arrive on-site, you will feel better if you are at least able to freshen up and put on something clean!
Packing Tips
The general rule is to bring only what’s necessary for your trip. It's usually safer to leave the rest safe and secure at home.
General
- When considering what to take abroad with you, think in terms of “can’t live without”. Don’t take anything irreplaceable (e.g., jewelry with sentimental value).
- Do not pack more than you can carry on your own! Pack your bags and try to carry them once around the block. If you cannot manage, remove some items and repack.
- Leave space in your suitcases for things you may want to buy at your destination and bring home with you.
- You can buy basic personal care items (shampoo, soap, etc.) in your host country. Don’t take along excessive amounts of these types of items unless there is a particular brand that you cannot live without.
- Remember to pack a power converter and plug adapter if necessary for your electronics. Research the electricity voltage and plug types used in your destination.
Clothing
- The type of clothing you pack should depend on the climate of the destination(s) to which you will be traveling. Check the monthly average temperatures/rainfall to get an idea of what kind of weather you should expect during your time there.
- Pack mostly practical items for your time abroad—washable clothes that you can wear for many occasions, comfortable shoes, etc. Avoid packing clothes that require ironing or dry cleaning.
Carry On vs. Checked Luggage
- Do not pack any essentials or valuables (e.g., medicines, jewelry, cash, laptops) in your checked luggage. Keep all these things with you in your carry-on luggage.
- Carry a change of clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, a washcloth, and a bar of soap in your carry-on bag. If you discover that your checked luggage is lost or delayed after you arrive on-site, you will feel better if you are at least able to freshen up and put on something clean!
Mobile Phones and Communication Planning
When traveling internationally, staying connected is important to help you keep in touch, coordinate travel plans, navigate new environments, and stay informed. Ensuring that you have a reliable means of communication is also essential in case of an emergency. Be sure to plan ahead in preparation for using your mobile phone abroad.
- Before you leave, share your mobile phone number and emergency contact information with family, friends, or colleagues, and set expectations for how often you'll be in touch.
- Always keep your phone charged in case of emergency.
- Know the international dialing code for the country you are visiting. To call an international number, dial "+" (or your country's unique international access code), then the country code of the phone number you are trying to reach, followed by the rest of the phone number. For more information, follow this Guide on International Calling Codes from International Citizens Group.
Always carry a cell phone that works internationally. Plan ahead to stay connected by exploring international cell service options:
- Check with your U.S. cell carrier for details about their international call, text, and data plans, including availability and pricing.
- Consider purchasing a SIM card with a local carrier once you arrive, which you can insert into your U.S. cell phone to access local networks for calls, texts, and data. Before deciding on a local SIM card, contact your U.S. provider to ensure your phone is unlocked prior to travel. If your phone is locked with your U.S. carrier, you won't be able to use a foreign SIM card.
- Another option is to purchase a pay-as-you-go phone when you arrive. These "burner" phones typically have a low monthly base fee and allow you to purchase minutes, messages, and data as needed.
- Learn more about international cell phone plans and roaming charges by reading The New York Times' article on How to Beat the High Costs of Dialing Abroad.
Mobile Phones and Communication Planning
When traveling internationally, staying connected is important to help you keep in touch, coordinate travel plans, navigate new environments, and stay informed. Ensuring that you have a reliable means of communication is also essential in case of an emergency. Be sure to plan ahead in preparation for using your mobile phone abroad.
- Before you leave, share your mobile phone number and emergency contact information with family, friends, or colleagues, and set expectations for how often you'll be in touch.
- Always keep your phone charged in case of emergency.
- Know the international dialing code for the country you are visiting. To call an international number, dial "+" (or your country's unique international access code), then the country code of the phone number you are trying to reach, followed by the rest of the phone number. For more information, follow this Guide on International Calling Codes from International Citizens Group.
Always carry a cell phone that works internationally. Plan ahead to stay connected by exploring international cell service options:
- Check with your U.S. cell carrier for details about their international call, text, and data plans, including availability and pricing.
- Consider purchasing a SIM card with a local carrier once you arrive, which you can insert into your U.S. cell phone to access local networks for calls, texts, and data. Before deciding on a local SIM card, contact your U.S. provider to ensure your phone is unlocked prior to travel. If your phone is locked with your U.S. carrier, you won't be able to use a foreign SIM card.
- Another option is to purchase a pay-as-you-go phone when you arrive. These "burner" phones typically have a low monthly base fee and allow you to purchase minutes, messages, and data as needed.
- Learn more about international cell phone plans and roaming charges by reading The New York Times' article on How to Beat the High Costs of Dialing Abroad.
Arrival in Country
Trying to navigate an unfamiliar airport can be particularly confusing if you are alone and jet lagged. Here are some tips to help you navigate arrival:
- Most airports are well-marked with signs designed to help orient visitors. Pay attention to the signs and welcome announcements.
- If you need help, go to the nearest information desk and ask for directions. Most information desk attendants speak several languages, including English.
- Be on the lookout for the baggage claim area. Try to collect your bags as promptly as possible after arrival.
- Notify your family/friends that you have arrived safely.
- Have a transportation plan:
- If you are meeting someone at the airport, set a pre-determined spot to meet them.
- If you need to take a bus/taxi to your orientation site, go to the information desk or official taxi stand to find a reputable taxi. If someone approaches you about a ride, do not take their offer, as they may not be a licensed taxi and/or may be a scammer or thief.
Arrival in Country
Trying to navigate an unfamiliar airport can be particularly confusing if you are alone and jet lagged. Here are some tips to help you navigate arrival:
- Most airports are well-marked with signs designed to help orient visitors. Pay attention to the signs and welcome announcements.
- If you need help, go to the nearest information desk and ask for directions. Most information desk attendants speak several languages, including English.
- Be on the lookout for the baggage claim area. Try to collect your bags as promptly as possible after arrival.
- Notify your family/friends that you have arrived safely.
- Have a transportation plan:
- If you are meeting someone at the airport, set a pre-determined spot to meet them.
- If you need to take a bus/taxi to your orientation site, go to the information desk or official taxi stand to find a reputable taxi. If someone approaches you about a ride, do not take their offer, as they may not be a licensed taxi and/or may be a scammer or thief.
Additional Information
The Pennsylvania State University 2023
410 Boucke Building, University Park, PA 16802