- Joined
- Jul 25, 2009
- Messages
- 74
Instead of "thread creep" decided to start a new thread based on some discussion from Cookiemom's thread. I'm a pilot for UPS airlines and do mostly international travel, 15 days a month. Here are some lessons learned from 13 years experience:
- ensure your DS/DD has a calling card. I like AT&T. "AT&T Direct" are normally toll free numbers available from just about every country in the world.
-ensure they turn their cell phone off or keep it in airline mode. I'm not real smart on cell phones but do not use mine overseas. Some crewmembers have/purchase "sim" chips for different countries. Skype is nice and I use it extensively but one has to be connected to the internet to use it. There are some hotels I pay upwards of $20 for 24 hours of internet access. Internet cafe's are generally available, but one has to use their computers and I've always questioned the safety of passwords, etc, that are entered on those computers, especially in some third world counties . . . .
- try not to use phones in hotel rooms. Connection charges are generally very expensive, even connecting to AT&T Direct!
- always have a couple of "spare" $20 dollar bills hidden somewhere, $100 is probable a good start, $200 even better. Haven't seen or used Amex "Travelers Checks" in eons!
- I use ATM's to get local cash. These generally give the best rate and avoids the horrendous service charges that hotels add on. Some countries have questionable ATM's, have DS/DD talk to someone on board to determine best place/method to change money in a specific port. FYI, NFCU adds an international service charge on all ATM and Credit Card charges, not much, but . . . .
- wear pants/shorts with pockets that zip shut!
- have a color copy of passport, twic, etc
- have minimum required in wallet/purse. Some countries require one to have passport on person and available if stopped at all times.
- with NFCU on campus, there's no reason for a mid not to have a credit card. Not to open a can of worms, but our DS has a fairly low credit limit. We plan on increasing this while he is at sea and we have the capability of paying off his balance in the event he maxes it out and needs it in an emergency. Again, no intention on opening a can of worms re: fiscal responsibility, etc.
- Not sure how "ATR" works, but if it anything like our travel office, they may/should be able to make a hotel reservation for mids who are going to be stranded in a foreign port. Hopefully there is an emergency 24/7/365 number they can call. A little prior propper planning is required on the mids part . . . . .
- If DS/DD are put in a hotel they feel is unsafe, make sure they know to call ATR, or anyone at KP in authority, and use the term "UNSAFE"! One will be amazed how quick of a response that will generate!
- most international hotels have safes in the room, use it!
FWIW. Others with international travel experience are welcome to chime in!
- ensure your DS/DD has a calling card. I like AT&T. "AT&T Direct" are normally toll free numbers available from just about every country in the world.
-ensure they turn their cell phone off or keep it in airline mode. I'm not real smart on cell phones but do not use mine overseas. Some crewmembers have/purchase "sim" chips for different countries. Skype is nice and I use it extensively but one has to be connected to the internet to use it. There are some hotels I pay upwards of $20 for 24 hours of internet access. Internet cafe's are generally available, but one has to use their computers and I've always questioned the safety of passwords, etc, that are entered on those computers, especially in some third world counties . . . .
- try not to use phones in hotel rooms. Connection charges are generally very expensive, even connecting to AT&T Direct!
- always have a couple of "spare" $20 dollar bills hidden somewhere, $100 is probable a good start, $200 even better. Haven't seen or used Amex "Travelers Checks" in eons!
- I use ATM's to get local cash. These generally give the best rate and avoids the horrendous service charges that hotels add on. Some countries have questionable ATM's, have DS/DD talk to someone on board to determine best place/method to change money in a specific port. FYI, NFCU adds an international service charge on all ATM and Credit Card charges, not much, but . . . .
- wear pants/shorts with pockets that zip shut!
- have a color copy of passport, twic, etc
- have minimum required in wallet/purse. Some countries require one to have passport on person and available if stopped at all times.
- with NFCU on campus, there's no reason for a mid not to have a credit card. Not to open a can of worms, but our DS has a fairly low credit limit. We plan on increasing this while he is at sea and we have the capability of paying off his balance in the event he maxes it out and needs it in an emergency. Again, no intention on opening a can of worms re: fiscal responsibility, etc.
- Not sure how "ATR" works, but if it anything like our travel office, they may/should be able to make a hotel reservation for mids who are going to be stranded in a foreign port. Hopefully there is an emergency 24/7/365 number they can call. A little prior propper planning is required on the mids part . . . . .
- If DS/DD are put in a hotel they feel is unsafe, make sure they know to call ATR, or anyone at KP in authority, and use the term "UNSAFE"! One will be amazed how quick of a response that will generate!
- most international hotels have safes in the room, use it!
FWIW. Others with international travel experience are welcome to chime in!