Traveling Abroad for the First Time? 7 Tips for a Seamless Trip.

I traveled internationally for the first time through a study abroad program. Since then, I have visited 15+ countries and learned many lessons along the way. I want to share what I learned so that other new travelers can have a smooth and relaxing first trip!

The tips I will share focus on the more logistical aspects of traveling, such as how to interact, spend, and live (temporarily) in a new country. While these pointers are more relevant to the places I visited (North America, Asia, and Europe), they should apply to most large and mid-sized cities.

1. Learn basic phrases & download a translation app

Learning a few key phrases in the country's native tongue, such as "Excuse me," "Thank you," and "Apologies," can go a long way.  Locals, in my experience, were more approachable and willing to help when I said "Excuse Me" in their language.

Of course, learning a new language is difficult and unrealistic to do so before each trip. Fortunately, we have technology to help us get out of this predicament. Google Translate is what I typically use, and I had a full conversation with a hotel receptionist in Japan through this app. We typed what we wanted to say and then passed our phones to one another to reveal the translation.

2. Be wary of tap water, ice, and raw produce

Tap water quality varies by city, and some cities’ tap water is unsafe to drink. When servers at a restaurant in Taipei saw me pour tap water into a cup, they rushed across the room shouting that this was water for steaming and not drinking. On the flip side, I had a security officer in Stockholm direct me to a bathroom sink to refill my water bottle because Swedish tap water is one of the best in the world.

Do not drink tap water until you get the facts on quality, or you will put yourself at risk for a trip to the hospital.

Ice and uncooked produce are likewise vulnerable if contaminated and unfiltered water is used to make ice or wash produce. I recommend not buying icy drinks or raw fruits/veggies from street vendors. 

3. Get a no-foreign transaction fee credit card

When you spend in a different currency, your credit card company may charge a 1-3% foreign transaction fee. These fees can add up and eat into the tax advantages some countries offer to foreign shoppers.

I suggest verifying your current credit card policy to see if it contains these fees. If yes, apply for a new credit card. A travel credit card is ideal because it typically comes with bonuses that kick in after you spend a certain amount upon opening. Applying for this card right before you book hotels and flights is the best opportunity to lock in points for those bonuses.

4. Pay in local currency

Some establishments will ask if you prefer to pay in your home currency or their local currency when using a credit card. For example, in Korea, I was asked if I wanted to pay for my coat in Korean Won or USD.

Always pick the local currency option. While seeing the total in your home currency is quicker than doing the conversion math, that convenience comes at a cost. The already-converted amount is typically pricier than the conversion your bank would give you. In my example, the sales rep accidentally chose the USD option, and I politely asked her to adjust the transaction to Won. Both the canceled and approved transactions appeared on my credit card statement later on, and the canceled transaction was 4% higher than the approved one.

5. Get a travel debit card

Cash is still king in many countries. Some shops and restaurants, especially street vendors, will not take credit cards. In these cases, you need to have cash on hand.

A travel debit card will allow you to withdraw cash from ATMs as needed and exonerate you from carrying too much cash. Once again, foreign transaction fees (FX) come into play when pulling money directly from your checking or savings account. Some banks have FX fees, and some do not. There are also ATM fees to consider on top of bank fees. As for me, I have a designated bank account I use strictly for traveling that has no FX fees and reimburses ATM fees.

But if applying for a new bank account is not feasible, and your current bank charges an exorbitant FX fee, you can bring home currency to exchange at currency exchange stores. If you choose this option, bring clean, crisp, and unmarked bills. Dirty or worn bills will likely get rejected. I further had a store deny a $20 bill because of its low denomination, so I have only exchanged $100 bills since.

The airport has currency exchange stores, however, the exchange rates there tend to be pricier than stores in the city. I typically exchange enough cash to last 1-2 days and then refill in the city.

6. Understand power outlet and voltage requirements

The country you visit most likely has a different power outlet and voltage from what you are familiar with, so research and purchase a power adapter or voltage converter before arrival.

Many devices, such as cell phones and laptops, are dual-voltage, so you may only need an adapter. However, do your research. I did not understand this topic well when I first traveled and thought all I needed was an adapter for my hair dryer. I ended up causing a blackout in my hostel, and the blown fuse left a black scorch mark on my palm.

7. Buy a SIM ahead of time

Knowledge is power, and you will need the internet to get around. Buying a SIM (physical card or eSIM) is the cheapest route. International data rates your telecom provider charges will likely cost two times or more than an equivalent plan from a prepaid SIM. You can buy in advance and pick up physical SIMs at the arrival airport. Day-of purchases are generally available in larger metropolitan airports. 

And yes, some places, like Seoul and Hong Kong, have free WiFi all over the city, but that WiFi is not readily available or secure. You will need to go to specific locations to get a connection, which will cut into your fun time. Personally speaking, I stopped using randomly available WiFi after getting bombarded with dozens of texts upon connecting. I recommend not using free WiFi when logging into any sensitive accounts.

Remember to check your phone plan before purchasing a SIM. If you bought your phone through a telecom company, your phone is likely locked, which means you can only use your phone with that telecom provider and cannot use a foreign SIM. Depending on who the provider is, you can call or submit an online request to unlock your phone.

The last advice I will share is to confirm your passport expiration date and familiarize yourself with visa requirements as soon as possible. Some countries require passports to be valid for 6+ months beyond your travel date and recommend that you apply for visas months in advance. I encourage you to research this before purchasing plane tickets to avoid panic.

That’s all I have for now. Hope you have a fun and safe adventure!