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TRIPABRD.LZH
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1992-10-11
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WHILE YOU ARE OVERSEAS
How to Deal With the Unexpected
If you change your travel plans, miss your return flight,
or extend your trip, be sure to notify friends or relatives
back home. Should you find yourself in an area of civil
unrest or natural disaster, let them know as soon as you can
that you are safe. In addition, contact the nearest U.S.
embassy or consulate to register your presence and keep the
U.S. consul informed of your whereabouts.
Protect Your Passport
Your passport is the most valuable document you will carry
abroad. It confirms your U.S. citizenship. Guard it
carefully. Do not use it as collateral for a loan or lend it
to anyone. It is your best form of identification. You will
need it when you pick up mail or check into hotels, embassies
or consulates.
When entering some countries or registering at hotels, you
may be asked to fill out a police card listing your name,
passport number, destination, local address, and reason for
traveling. You may be required to leave your passport at the
hotel reception desk overnight so it may be checked by the
local police officials. These are normal procedures required
by local law. If your passport is not returned the following
morning, immediately report the impoundment to local police
authorities and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Passport Fraud
Law enforcement records show that U.S. passports are
sometimes used for illegal entry into the United States or by
criminals abroad seeking to establish another identity. This
can cause embarrassment to innocent citizens whose names
become associated with illegal activities. To protect the
integrity of the U.S. passport and the security of the person
bearing it, consular offices overseas have found it necessary
to take precautions in processing lost passport cases. These
precautions may cause some delays before a new passport is
issued.
Safeguard Your Passport
Carelessness is the main cause for losing a passport or
having it stolen. You may find that you have to carry your
passport with you because either you need to show it when you
cash travelers checks or the country you are in requires you
to carry it as an identity document. When you must carry your
passport, hide it securely on your person. Do not leave it in
a handbag or an exposed pocket. Whenever possible, leave your
passport in the hotel safe, not in an empty hotel room or
packed in your luggage. One family member should not carry
all the passports for the entire family.
Guard Against Thieves
Coat pockets, handbags, and hip pockets are particularly
susceptible to theft. Thieves will use all kinds of ploys to
divert your attention just long enough to pick your pocket
and grab your purse or wallet. These ploys include creating a
disturbance, spilling something on your clothing, or even
handing you a baby to hold!
Prevent theft by carrying your belongings in a secure
manner. Consider not carrying a purse or wallet when going on
crowded streets. Women who carry a shoulder bag should keep
it tucked under the arm and held securely by the strap. Men
should put their wallets in their front trouser pockets or
use money belts instead of hip pockets. A wallet wrapped in
rubber bands is more difficult to remove undetected. Be
especially cautious in a large crowd, in the subway,
marketplace, at a festival, or if surrounded by groups of
vagrant children. Do not make it easy for thieves!
******