International Travel

[gsganzer]

I use Wells Fargo for my banking. They have a service where they'll issue you a credit card specifically for traveling overseas (need to order a few weeks ahead of time). It prevents any access to your primary banking to prevent fraud.

 

[jfh28]

not sure of your flight itinerary but if the first stop is aussy that flight from lax or sfo to aussy is one long flight.......make sure you bring lots of stuff to do on board.....as well as ear plugs, eye mask and sleep aids.....also unless you're flying first class with lie flats bring something to support your lower back....those seats get mighty uncomfortable at around the six hour mark.....in a pinch I've used the little pillow and blanket they give you to put behind my back.....I bring my own neck pillow it's a memory foam one as I find the blow up ones to never stay firm enough......also if you've never taken ambien before don't start by dosing in an enclosed aluminum tube flying 30000 feet in the air.......unless you want to wake up strolling down the aisle in your underwear.......lol......the stories flight attendants can tell....lol.....Jack

 

[dragoneggs]

not sure of your flight itinerary but if the first stop is aussy that flight from lax or sfo to aussy is one long flight.......make sure you bring lots of stuff to do on board.....as well as ear plugs, eye mask and sleep aids.....also unless you're flying first class with lie flats bring something to support your lower back....those seats get mighty uncomfortable at around the six hour mark.....in a pinch I've used the little pillow and blanket they give you to put behind my back.....I bring my own neck pillow it's a memory foam one as I find the blow up ones to never stay firm enough......also if you've never taken ambien before don't start by dosing in an enclosed aluminum tube flying 30000 feet in the air.......unless you want to wake up strolling down the aisle in your underwear.......lol......the stories flight attendants can tell....lol.....Jack

On the ambient front... my coworker can tell a story... I can't remember! :ashamed:

A few small bags of your favorite snacks packed from home can be a real comfort too, especially when you are in really foreign territory and you just want something to tide you over until a real meal. So much good advice on this thread but don't stress about getting it right... I have been traveling internationally often for 40 years both personally and professionally and I never quite get my bag and plans perfect. Just be prepared to adapt to your situation and it will be a wonderful adventure. I will say it maybe a third time (I think)... travel light. It makes it so much more pleasurable. I see so many people taking way too many bulky clothes, shoes, hair dryers, etc. If it is your first time, it will be hard, but you will be surprised how little you need vs. want.

 

[ultrarunner]

I’ve had mixed results with credit cards in Europe.

The biggest is their machine is down and cash only.

It’s happened several times and convinced it was a ploy.

Took my colleague out for a nice dinner at a restaurant and when the bill came I offered my card and was told the machine was not working…

I said ok… I will check back tomorrow to see if it is fixed… what do you know it was working again.

A time where it worked well was $7,000 in roofing materials… they offered to bill but my time was short.

I asked if I could use my card and they said they didn’t know as it was not local and the amount was high.

After a little conferring they said we can try and it went through on the spot…

 

[Torvy]

This is a 5 year old zombie thread.

In some cases that may not matter, but things change, so advice above may not be as true. Most of the advice sounded good. In the western hemisphere, dollars may be better kept unexchanged, but you should have at least some local currency. Cards still give best exchange rates, so use if you can.

 

[EddieWalker]

This is a 5 year old zombie thread.

In some cases that may not matter, but things change, so advice above may not be as true. Most of the advice sounded good. In the western hemisphere, dollars may be better kept unexchanged, but you should have at least some local currency. Cards still give best exchange rates, so use if you can.

I just read the entire thread and never noticed that it was from back in 2018. Now I'm curious how the trip went, and if there where any issues that might be helpful for somebody else traveling overseas.

 

[gsganzer]

I'm in Taiwan right now. In regards to credit cards, Wells Fargo no longer requires you to notify them of your travel plans. I'm not sure if that's the case for all credit cards now.

I always bring at least a little cash, by usually placing an order at my Wells Fargo branch. It takes a few days to get it. Otherwise, I'll do a small exchange $100- 200 dollars at the destination airport. Your best bet is to do a cash withdrawal from an ATM, so you get hit with less exchange fee's. It seems as though credit cards are now excepted/used everywhere though. Even for taxi's. I just hate not having a backup.

When I was in South Africa in June, I brought cash to pay my outfitter and I didn't have any issues. However, I've heard reports that only the new US $100 dollar bills with the blue security stripe will be accepted in many countries, including Europe.

Regarding flights:
On my flight to Taiwan, for about 4 rows around me, the entertainment screen on the seat backs in front of us were inoperable, as well as the power outlets and the reading lights. Fortunately, I brought a book (The Day of Trinity), but I had to read it using the glow from my cell phone (which I had to hand to a guy on another aisle to periodically charge it for me). I expected better from American Airlines and will send a note to their customer service saying so.

 

[ultrarunner]

It's American... I have tons of miles but American dropped my destinations.

 

[fatjay]

I fly united exclusively. I go to thailand 1-2x a year. I layover in narita or haneda airports in japan. Usually i take flights opperated by ANA purchased through united for the japan > bangkok flight. 3 hot meals, 2 snacks, unlimited free booze, excellent entertainment and outlets. It's a 24hr flight, so they like to make sure people are comfortable. In 10 years I've never had a bad experience. I have the united card too, and stay in the lounges for a 5-6hr layover in japan with fresh sushi, hot showers, and top shelf booze.

I usually have $1k in usd cash on my person, I'll convert it as I need it, but I always have 2 visa's and a mastercard, which is 99% of purchases. I pick up my car from the airport with credit card, hotel is credit card, all malls are credit card, only the small back alley shops are cash and even most of those have cc these days. But I'm there to vacation and live big. I'll tell you what, your dollar goes far over there, unlike europe where everything is super expensive and pretty much everyone hates you.

 

[gsganzer]

I fly united exclusively. I go to thailand 1-2x a year. I layover in narita or haneda airports in japan. Usually i take flights opperated by ANA purchased through united for the japan > bangkok flight. 3 hot meals, 2 snacks, unlimited free booze, excellent entertainment and outlets. It's a 24hr flight, so they like to make sure people are comfortable. In 10 years I've never had a bad experience. I have the united card too, and stay in the lounges for a 5-6hr layover in japan with fresh sushi, hot showers, and top shelf booze.

I usually have $1k in usd cash on my person, I'll convert it as I need it, but I always have 2 visa's and a mastercard, which is 99% of purchases. I pick up my car from the airport with credit card, hotel is credit card, all malls are credit card, only the small back alley shops are cash and even most of those have cc these days. But I'm there to vacation and live big. I'll tell you what, your dollar goes far over there, unlike europe where everything is super expensive and pretty much everyone hates you.

Surprisingly, Taiwan is my first trip to an Asian country. I've been extremely impressed with the people. Very friendly, courteous, helpful and smart. Where I'm at Taoyuan City, it's just another industrial, over-populated city, but I've really enjoyed interacting with the people.

I can only imagine what foreigners think when they come to the US. It kind of embarrasses me a bit, to be honest.