INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TIPS
(Prepared January 2006)
We want you to enjoy your international travel and thought we would
share the following tips that can help you be prepared should the
unexpected arise.
Provide a copy of your Itinerary to your close family or friends.
Include dates, locations, flight information, hotel name and phone
number, cruise ship or tour company contact information, and any other
pertinent information.
Call your credit card companies one week in advance of departure to tell
them the dates and location of your travel so you will avoid
unnecessary “holds” being placed on charges.
Bring with you and keep in a safe place a copy of your personal
“Notification” document which contains key information in the event of
the theft of wallet or passport (such as: passport number & date,
credit card numbers & emergency phone numbers, etc.). Leave a copy
of this document behind with a trusted family member or friend whom you
can call in case the need arises.
Some people make copies of both sides of each license, credit cards,
etc. from their wallet. This helps them know what they had in their
wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call and
cancel if necessary. If you choose to do this, be sure to keep the
photocopy in a safe place. Also, if your purse or wallet is stolen
we’ve been told you should cancel your credit cards
immediately...however the key is having the toll free numbers and your
card numbers handy so you know whom to call and what to tell them.
Make a copy of your travel insurance policy and take it with you on your trip.
Be sure to keep the Emergency Assistance Company phone number with you
at all times. In the event you have a medical or legal emergency, you
will be able to quickly call this phone number collect for assistance.
Make a photocopy of the first two pages of your passport and airline
ticket (or e-ticket confirmation). Keep this in a separate location as
this will speed replacement if lost.
Put your name & address on a label inside your suitcases to aid identification if your luggage is lost.
Bring along the appropriate voltage & outlet adapters if traveling overseas.
If your wallet or passport is lost or stolen, immediately file a police
report in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, passport, etc., was
lost/stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this
is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).
Most important of all call the 3 national credit reporting organizations
immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security
number. A person with your wallet has the ability to make an application
for credit over the Internet in your name. The alert means any company
that checks your credit knows your information was stolen, and they
have to contact you by phone to authorize new credit.
Here are the important phone numbers you always need to contact if your wallet, credit cards, etc., have been stolen:
1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271
To help give the appearance to others you are at home and not away, here are a few suggestions to consider:
· Put a hold/stop on your newspaper and mail or have someone pick it up for you every day.
· Set a timer for a couple of lights to automatically turn on/off in the evening
· Make arrangement for someone to continue to mow & water your lawn as well as water your outdoor and indoor plants
· Turn off your telephone’s answering machine
If you are able to have your “photo” printed on your credit cards, you
will reduce the chance of someone else using your credit card if lost.
We hope you have a wonderful trip and will consider CJET Global
Consulting Inc. for your international travel insurance the next time
you travel internationally. We also hope you will consider referring us
to your family and friends for their travel insurance needs also.
Be sure to read the U.S. Department of State’s Travel website
http://travel.state.gov/ to find information on travel warnings as well
as information on passports and visas.
Please feel free to give us a call when you or your friends have
questions or need assistance with your international travel insurance
needs.
Cameron Strong Terry Rogers, MD
President CEO
(206) 283-8737 (206) 465-6601
