Traveling abroad

It's a good idea to do some background searching into the place where you're going to be staying, you should speak to your local travel agent and ask there recommendations.

Also find out what the current laws are and also know how to call the emergency services. Not all countries use 999 so make sure you know this, it will come in really handy. Familiarize yourself with the local conditions and the climate around the time of year. The climate in some countries can change rapidly without warning.

I would recommend that anyone whether they're staying overseas for a day or a week get some suitable insurance in place. Travel insurance should not only cover your items that you travel with a various other small things but the main thing is your health. If you have an accident overseas and require medical attention the last thing that you need to be worrying about it having enough money to pay medical bills.

Equally important you also check that your ATOL protected. ATOL protection is another essential that I would strongly recommend for all travellers. This will protect you and pay for your food, meals and hotel accommodation in the event that the travel agency goes into liquidation while you're on holiday, or a natural disaster occurs that prevents you from boarding your flight home.

Without ATOL protection you will not be covered in the unfortunate event this happens and will be responsible for food, shelter and transportation costs.

Your passport is your one way ticket in and out of the country; you need this to pass through customs both when departing the country and arriving back home. Without this you're stuck where you are until you can find a replacement.

If you do find yourself in the unfortunate event that you have lost your passport you will need to go to the local embassy in the country. IF you have a copy of your passport on paper this will help speed things up and assist you to receive the replacement faster.

Make sure that you keep the copy safe, ideally fold this up and keep it inside your wallet or somewhere on you at all times. Find out where the local embassy is before you depart the country, also note down the contact numbers and any out of hours contact numbers.

Having this information handy will help to aid you if you're stuck in this situation.

Check the Foreign and Commonwealth Office's (FCO) travel advice on their website

Get travel insurance and check that the cover is appropriate.

Find a good guidebook and get to know your destination, including its local laws and customs.

Make sure you have a valid passport and necessary visas.

Visit your doctor at least six weeks before you go to check whether you need to take any vaccinations or extra health precautions

Make sure your travel organiser has a policy for refunds and for bringing travellers home if the company goes bankrupt (this should be backed up by an organisation offering financial protection)

If your travel involves using airlines unfamiliar to you, check their safety and reliability with a reputable travel agent

Make copies of your passport, insurance policy plus 24-hour emergency number, and ticket details - leave copies with your family and friends

Take enough money for your trip and some back-up funds, for example travellers' cheques, sterling or US dollars

Leave a copy of your itinerary and a way of contacting you, like email, with family and friends

If you are taking medication, make sure you take the right amount on your trip. There are some other things to consider too.

If you are taking medication with you on a trip or holiday:

Make sure that you have enough for your whole stay - and an extra supply in case of delays or emergencies

Get a letter from your doctor to say that you need the medication and keep a list in case you lose it or need to get more during your stay

List the proper names of the medication - not just the trade names

Keep it in its original packaging

Keep a written record with you of any medical condition affecting you such as diabetes or haemophilia

Mobile phones are a convenient way to keep in touch while you are travelling, but international calls can be expensive. Know what questions to ask about international roaming to get the best deal from your service provider and avoid returning to an unexpectedly large bill.

Make sure you can use your phone abroad

International roaming is the network service that lets you use your UK phone abroad. It is usually more expensive to use than a UK-only service and is not included in most standard 'bundle' packages.

Before you take your phone abroad, you need to be sure you will be able to use it. You should ask your network provider:
Whether your phone is enabled for international roaming - this can be set up, but can take three weeks and must happen before leaving the UK

What it charges (the tariff) for international roaming services in the country or countries you will be visiting - rates can change at short notice
Whether your handset will work in the country you are visiting - not all phones work in all countries, especially outside Europe

Remember to check whether your network provider will charge you're for receiving calls and texts abroad. You should also check the conditions on data transfers as well. Most phones like blackberry's and Smartphone's automatically connect to the internet on a regular basis to download new emails, get social network updates and various other bits of data. While this is fine to use when you're in the UK, you may be charged a significant amount if you use thins abroad. Also remember that some phones check the internet automatically so you don't have to be checking facebook on your phone to get hit by overseas charges. Most network providers allow you a free limit overseas but this varies for each provider.

Most mobile service providers have fixed-fee monthly packages that offer reduced rates for international roaming. If you travel often or for long periods, these deals can work out much cheaper.

If coverage or call quality are very important to you, you may be able to choose a particular network for international roaming. Ask your network provider whether it offers a choice of networks and how you can change between them.

Make a note of:

Your mobile's serial number (also known as the IMEI number)
Your mobile phone number
The number of your operator's customer services (including UK dialling code)

Keep them with you in a safe place, separate from your mobile. If your phone is stolen, you should contact the network operator in the UK and ask them to block your phone or SIM card. They may ask for extra information, like a password, so make sure you have everything they need before you go.

You can use local currency, travellers' cheques or pre-paid cards, and debit or credit cards while you are abroad. Find out how to get your travel money, what charges are involved and how to keep it safe.

Foreign currency

You can buy foreign currency at:
banks
some travel agents
some Post Offices
bureaux de change in airports, ferry terminals and on some ships

Commission charges can vary, so check before you buy.

Not all currency exchanges supply coins, so ask about this. For example, you may need coins for luggage trolleys at the airport.

If you want large amounts or an unusual currency, you may have to order in advance.
Check the exchange rate

The amount of currency that your British pound (or 'pound sterling') will buy depends on the exchange rate, which can vary from day to day.

Exchange rates are displayed where you change money. You can also check rates online by putting 'currency converter' or 'exchange rate' into a search engine. It is best to look on several websites and you should always check the rates are up to date.

The euro

Since 2002 the euro has replaced the old national currencies in the 16 countries of the 'euro area'. All euro notes and coins can be used in all countries in the euro area.

The euro area is:
Austria
Belgium
Cyprus
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Italy
Ireland
Luxembourg
Malta
The Netherlands
Portugal
Spain
Slovakia
Slovenia

The UK, Denmark and Sweden are not part of the euro area.
Exchanging old euro area currencies for the euro

In most cases, banknotes that were legal tender until 31 December 2001, like the French Franc, can still be exchanged for the euro. To exchange them, you will need to send your banknotes by registered post to the relevant national central bank. You can find their addresses by searching online.

In some cases, coins can also be exchanged for the euro. However, in a number of countries, you are no longer able to do this. You will have to travel to the country in question and exchange your coins at that country's national central bank. Again, you can find the address by searching online.