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.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 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. |
| 5X | New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Valuable dining and food-related credits
- Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
- Multiple travel and purchase protections
- No foreign transaction fees
- Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)
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 $8,000 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.
- New! Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App, or purchased directly from airlines.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
- Updated! $120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
- New! As an American Express® Gold Card Member, you can enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status. Enjoy benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
- Take advantage of a $100 credit towards eligible charges* at over 1,300 upscale hotels worldwide when you book The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App **. *Eligible charges vary by property. **The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
- Book your travel through the Amex Travel App with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.