Tips for Staying Safe While Traveling Abroad
With the recent terror attacks in Berlin, international safety is front and center in the conversation about travel. While these events are infrequent and of limited scope, it's important to be vigilant and aware of current situations while traveling. We reached out to Beth Finan, a press officer from the US State Department, to find out what travelers can do to stay safe abroad. Here's a look at some of the tools and resources available to help traveling Americans, and some tips for what to do before you go — or if emergencies happen on the road.
Do Some Research Before You Go
First and foremost, familiarize yourself with travel.state.gov. The US State Department has a robust set of resources with information and tips for traveling worldwide. One of the most useful tools on the site is its search engine, full of helpful information on visas, vaccinations and entry and exit requirements, as well as travel waivers that have been issued by the government. You'll find information on every country from Mexico to North Korea, as well as info about security concerns, local laws and regulations and contact information for the primary embassy in that country.
Share Your Travel Plans
The US State Department recommends giving a copy of your itinerary and passport information to friends or family in case you need assistance while abroad. In the event that you need someone to help, they can call 1-888-407-4747 (or 202-501-4444 from outside the US) to get in contact with the State Department.
Sign Up for STEP
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service that allows American travelers to register their trip with local embassies or consulates abroad. This is especially useful in the unlikely event of a disaster or tragedy, and it will allow the embassy to contact you in case of an emergency.
"You also have the option of providing us with contact information for a family member or close friend who is not traveling with you, who we can contact if you need emergency assistance," said Finan.
Know What to Do During an Emergency
In the event of an emergency — such as personal injury or if you suddenly become trapped — the US State Department recommends that you immediately seek help from first responders, local hospitals or medical professionals. If you're not in immediate danger, contact the nearest embassy or consulate as well so they know where to find you. In cases like this, the government also recommends that you do not seek shelter at a US embassy or consulate — as they may not be accessible during an emergency — and to follow the instructions of local authorities.
"US citizens should contact their loved ones immediately, as they will worry about you," said Finan. "If you don't have an international phone or data plan, many cafes, restaurants and museums abroad have free Wi-Fi. Use text messaging, social media or even a kind stranger's phone to let everyone at home know where you are and that you are okay — provide them with periodic updates in case they have difficulty contacting you directly."
As always, check local news sources for updates and follow @TravelGov on Twitter and Facebook for relevant updates about crises.
Know Where to Find Help Abroad
"The location and phone number of the US embassy (or consulate) is found on the country-specific information pages on travel.state.gov," said Finan. "We recommend travelers write down this information before they depart and keep it with them just in case it is needed."
USEmbassy.gov also has a list of US embassies, consulates and other offices sorted by region, as well as useful information like contact information, addresses and more resources. This is especially useful in less-popular destinations where the US might not have a strong presence. Finan also mentioned that embassy officers are available 24/7 during major emergencies.
Additional Tips
The US State Department recommends that Americans check to see if their US health insurance covers medical expenses abroad, and even consider buying a policy that includes medical evacuations, which could cost $100,000 or more if you don't have insurance.
"Travel insurance is different from health and medical evacuation insurance, and we recommend travelers obtain this as well," said Finan. "Based on the policy, travel insurance may help cover the costs of changing your ticket or paying for a non-emergency evacuation if a crisis happens while you are traveling. Some policies may even help cover the costs of lost belongings."
Check out the US State Department's list of companies that offer these services.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
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Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.