Traveling to a foreign country can be exciting, but it can also be stressful if you are not fully prepared. Whether it is your first time driving in a foreign land or you are a seasoned veteran, there are things you should know when traveling abroad. 

With so many unknowns, such as unfamiliar foods, customs, and a generally different way of life to what you are accustomed to, it’s understandable that some of us feel anxious when heading overseas. Choosing to visit a country where English is spoken is just one step to feeling a little more comfortable in another country. Here are a few dos and don’ts to keep in mind when beginning your journey abroad.

Always carry ID when traveling. 

Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, it is a smart idea to carry an ID when traveling. In fact, in many places, it is a requirement. For this reason, always carry ID when traveling, even if it’s just for ID purposes. You never know when you will need it. If you only use your ID for ID purposes, then put that ID in your wallet so you can access it quickly. It is also a good idea to carry some cash in case of an emergency.

Use an ATM as your first stop when withdrawing cash. 

One thing you can do is use an ATM as your first stop for withdrawing cash when traveling to a foreign country. Withdrawing cash from ATMs in foreign countries may be quicker and easier than exchanging currency, and you don’t have to worry about losing cash in the process.

Carry only a small amount of cash with you. 

Carry only a small amount of cash with you when traveling to an unfamiliar country. You can exchange your currency when you get to the destination, but plan ahead to avoid needing that cash.

Know the phone number of the police.

When traveling to an unfamiliar country, it is important to be able to navigate the local customs and laws. For instance, in some countries, cell phones and Internet access are not allowed during non-work hours, and in others, people consider texting while driving to be a serious offense. It is also important to know the phone number of the police, since sometimes locals are less safe than others, and you may need the local police force’s assistance.

Always be alert and aware of your surroundings.

It is important to remain vigilant about your surroundings. It is never a wise idea to travel somewhere that you know is unsafe, but you may want to travel somewhere that you’re unfamiliar with. Knowing how to react in such a situation is the key to staying safe, as is avoiding traveling alone.

Traveling to another country is exciting, but it is important to take precautions before you head overseas. Many countries have different laws and health care professionals, so you need to read up on health and safety in the country to which you are traveling. Here are some of the things not to do when traveling to an unfamiliar country:

Buy fake travel vaccines. 

It is common to run across ads for counterfeit vaccines, but they are not real. Instead, they are empty vials without vaccines inside. They are filled with saline or water and sold as the real thing for as much as 10 times the price.

Buy travel medicine. 

Some travel medicine sold online is not real, either. These are medicines that might have been useful when the country was experiencing a new outbreak, but they are now usually only needed in a few countries.

Mix travel medicine with ordinary medicine. 

While you can buy some travel medicine over the counter in the U.S., there might be limitations on how much you can use in other countries. Mixing the medicine with ordinary medicine can cause you to use too much quickly.