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Exotic souvenirs can be more than just what you buy!
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There are many exciting ways to see the world, but planning a trip can be mighty confusing when you have no idea where to start. If you wish to have an educational, inspiring, rewarding, and memorable overseas experience start by following your interests and taking initiative. Below are international travel tips recommended for Canadian travelers (and perhaps may also be relevant to non-Canadians) as well as some information to start you on your journey abroad. This information is ideal for the independent traveler seeking to venture out into the developing world.
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1 – CHOOSING A DESTINATION
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2 – PRE-DEPARTURE
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3 – PRE-BOARDING
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4 – WHILE ABROAD
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5 – RE-ENTRY
- a) Incoming Goods
- b) Concerns
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1 – CHOOSING A DESTINATION
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It helps to have a small personal project or goal to get the most value out of your international experience — whether it is participating in a professional work placement, academic study, community-based volunteer work; or just improving your language and cross-cultural skills by conversing with the local market venders.
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a) Professional Travel {working/volunteering/studying}
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Exchanges Canada
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Charity Village
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One World
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b) Personal Travel {site seeing/backpacking}
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Lonely Planet
- The best starting point is to take a look at Lonely Planet's Theme Guides. These outline popular Art, Beaches, and other attractions around the globe. For those taking some time out after school or university, the Gap Year Book is packed with essential advice about when and where to go and numerous ideas about what to do http://www.lonelyplanet.com/theme/
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Locate World Heritage sites
- UNESCO seeks to encourage the identification, protection and preservation of cultural and natural heritage sites around that world that are considered to be of outstanding value to humanity. Why not visit one! http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/
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World’s Wonders
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Pilot Guides
- The Pilot team has visited over 100 locations in every continent in the world. The Pilot Guides web site is an established travel portal that provides information on travel features, articles, and innovative content on world travel http://www.pilotguides.com/destination_guide/
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World66
- World66, is an open content travel guide, where people from all over the world can write about the places they love and the hotels they stayed in http://www.world66.com/
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Virtual Tourist
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2 – PRE-DEPARTURE
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Planning is one of the most important aspects to any successful trip. Before you go, know what documentation you’ll need, and how to get to your destination safely.
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a) Safety and Security
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Country Travel Reports
- Before your departure find out about safety and security conditions and entry requirements for the country or countries you are going to. Foreign Affairs Canada publishes reports for over 200 destinations around the world http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/ctry/reportpage-en.asp
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Travel Warnings
- If it is not safe to travel, Foreign Affairs Canada will advise Canadians to avoid specific countries or regions. If the country you intend to visit is listed on their website you may wish to reconsider your travel plans http://www.voyage.gc.ca/dest/sos/warnings-en.asp
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Registration of Canadians Abroad
- Foreign Affairs Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. This service is provided in the event there is a need to contact Canadians to offer urgent advice during a natural disaster or civil unrest, or to inform them of a family emergency at home
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/rocapage-en.asp
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b) Health Matters
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Travel Health Advisories
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
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Vaccination Requirements
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Travel Clinics Across Canada
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Accessing Your Medical Records
- UMED is a service that transfers your medical records to anywhere in the world, 24 hours/day, 365 days a year
http://www.umedhistory.com/
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Your provincial health plan coverage
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International Association for Medical Assistance for Travellers (IAMAT)
- IAMAT will provide climate charts, current information on diseases specific to the region to which you will be travelling, and a list of doctors worldwide. IAMAT doctors speak English and are trained in the specific health needs of travellers
http://www.iamat.org/
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c) Travel Insurance
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Supplementary Travel Insurance
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d) Passport Requirements
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Validating your Passport
- You should not begin your travel with a passport that will expire during your trip or shortly after your planned return. Many countries will not permit entry if the passport will expire several months beyond your date of arrival. It is recommended that you obtain a new passport before leaving if there is any possibility of your passport expiring.
http://www.ppt.gc.ca/
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e) Financial Planning
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Carrying Cash
- Carrying small amounts of cash is probably the best option for minor, immediate expenditures upon your arrival. U.S. currency is more worldly accepted and will give you a higher exchange rate. You can expect to pay a commission every time you exchange currency.
Money Order
- For large sums of money (to pay residence fees, basic living expenses etc.) you may wish to obtain a money order prior to departure, made payable to yourself, which may be honored at an overseas bank.
Money Transfer
- You can transfer money from your home bank to an overseas bank. This is applicable either prior to departure or subsequent to your arrival. Though this might be one of the quickest and most efficient options, be aware that it may entail a hefty transaction fee.
On-Line and Telephone Banking
- Ask your bank about setting up on-line and telephone banking in order to be able to access your account 24 hours a day, seven days a week, from anywhere in the world. You can check balances, pay bills and transfer funds as you wish.
Overseas Bank Affiliations
- You may also want to check if your home bank has an affiliation with any banks outside your country (e.g. HSBC), which will allow you to withdraw funds without paying transaction fees.
Opening a local Bank Account
- If you are planning on staying for an extended period of time at a specific overseas destination, you may want to consider opening a bank account at the designated destination.
Credit Cards and Bank Cards
- At many foreign banks it is possible to use a credit card (such as VISA or Master Card) to get cash. Although the interest rates are often very high and compounded daily. Credit cards can also be convenient when making purchases, though not all merchants accept them. Those who do may add on a service fee. Conversely, your bank card can generally access ATM machines worldwide. You can consult the Web sites of VISA and MasterCard for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new PIN for overseas access to your account.
Money Orders
- “American Express” offers money orders that are relatively rapid. The transaction must be initiated at an American Express office in Canada and completed at one of their branch offices abroad; either could prove inconvenient. Not all offices can prepare money orders or cable money.
Foreign Currency Drafts via Mail
- Most Canadian banks offer foreign currency drafts against a recognized bank in a foreign country. This draft can then be sent to you by registered or certified mail for cashing abroad.
Travellers Cheques
- Travellers cheques are more of a hassle since service fees are charged for obtaining and cashing them. In addition, trying to cash travellers cheques may prove to be inconvenient as authorized overseas establishments may be difficult to find in or outside metropolitan areas. However, you may be able to obtain a refund if the travellers cheques are lost or stolen. Ask your home bank for more details.
Need Assistance Transferring Funds
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f) Power of Attorney
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On Your Behalf
- Power of attorney gives your representative (usually a trusted person like a parent) the authority to sign forms on your behalf. This can be arrangements by writing in detail the specific duties, such as signing of documents, bank transfers, payment of credit card bills, filing income taxes and other legal matters that the chosen person may have to execute in your absence. Banks also have forms to arrange a power of attorney specifically for their services.
http://www.attorneygeneral.jus.gov.on.ca/english/family/pgt/poa.pdf
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g) International Drivers Permit
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International Drivers License
- This license, in conjunction with a valid driver’s license from the same country, allows a person to drive legally in the host country for up to one year. International Drivers Licenses may be obtained from a Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) office. Remember to check the expiry date shown on the front of your driver’s license card to make sure it will not expire while you are away.
http://www.caa.ca/temp/english/travel/documentation/idp.html
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h) Keeping Documents Safe
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Make a Back-up
- Make two photocopies of your travel documentation (such as passport, insurance coverage, immunization record, itinerary, etc.). Leave one copy with a friend or relative at home. Bring the second copy with you on your trip. Carry this photocopy separately from the originals when you travel. This can help you if the documents are lost, stolen, damaged, destroyed or inaccessible.
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i) Visa Requirements
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Consular Affairs
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j) Booking Your Flight
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Travel Industry Council of Ontario
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Buying Your Ticket
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3 – PRE-BOARDING
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In today’s globalized economy, there are few places in the world where you cannot get what you want unless you are in a very remote location. If you forget something, you can either buy it there, have someone ship it over for you, or do without it. However, some things may be difficult to find so be prepared and plan ahead.
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a) Check The Checklists
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To Do – To Buy – To Bring
- Start building three reminder lists weeks prior to your departure. A “TO DO” list will remind you of your pre-departure errands. A “TO BUY” list will help you with your shopping list. A “TO BRING” list will remind you of exactly what to pack when the time comes. In so doing, you will be so prepared that you can even pack just hours before your flight (although not recommended).
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Packing Checklist
- Not sure if you’ve packed everything you need for your trip? This packing checklist is a handy tool to help you make sure everything is in order. You may wish to print this checklist to make your packing simpler and more organized.
http://www.gateway2nature.com/html/checklist.html
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b) Packing Your Bags
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Permitted and Non-Permitted Items
- Make sure there are no sharp objects or items that might be considered weapons, such as nail files and medical syringes, in your carry-on luggage. Such items should be packed in your checked bag. Certain items are not permitted aboard an aircraft, whether it is placed in your carry-on or your checked baggage. Please consult the following link:
http://www.catsa-acsta.gc.ca/english/travel_voyage/list.htm
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Travel Light
- Be aware that all airlines have restrictions regarding the size, number, and weight of luggage. To avoid expensive excess baggage charges remain within these restrictions. For specific luggage information, please contact your airline. Keep in mind that you will acquire items during your time abroad. Short-term travellers often take one suitcase or backpack to the host country. If necessary, they purchase a second hand suitcase to transport home what they have acquired during their stay.
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4 – WHILE ABROAD
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The Consular Affairs Bureau of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada is committed to providing effective and efficient services throughout the world to all Canadians. If you encounter problems abroad, they are there to assist you through a network of more than 270 offices worldwide.
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a) Emergency Contacts and Assistance Abroad
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24/7 Emergency Operations Centre
- If you encounter serious social, political, health or economic problems, you can call the nearest Canadian embassy, high commission or consulate for assistance. They can provide you with a list of local lawyers and physicians, contact your next of kin in the event of an emergency, contact friends or relatives to request funds or guidance, provide assistance during civil unrest or a natural disaster, or replace a lost or stolen passport.
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/emergencies-en.asp
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International Toll-Free Numbers
- In many countries you can also use an international toll-free number to reach the Department’s 24/7 Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa. Dialing this number enables you to speak to a consular officer for emergency assistance after hours.
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/foreign/toll_numbers-en.asp
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Government Offices Abroad
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Dealing With Specific Problems
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Medical Emergency
- Your guidebook, travel agents, the Canadian mission or local missionary groups can usually provide the names of hospitals, clinics and physicians in your area. In rural communities you may find missionary sponsored clinics that are quite good. Contact IAMAT or the nearest Canadian government office abroad for information regarding English-language medical services worldwide.
http://www.iamat.org/
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Making an Abruptly Return
- If you need to abruptly return to Canada, contact your airline. They may offer “compassionate fares” for people who must travel quickly in unfortunate circumstances. Some airlines will refund part of your airfare if there has been a death in your immediate family. When you first purchase your tickets, ask about insurance options, which cover you if you must change your return date.
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Lost Luggage
- Beyond informing the airline authorities that your luggage is lost, there is not much else you can do but get on with the reason for your trip and hope that your luggage is found. Planning ahead and ensuring to pack some essentials to last you a few days in your carry-on luggage, for instance: money, passport, a change of clothes, toiletries, and snacks, can ease the hassle. Check to see if your property accident insurance allows compensation for lost or damaged luggage or if it allows you some financial aid to help you buy a few things until your luggage is found.
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b) Keeping In Touch
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Canada Direct
- Canada Direct is a telephone service which allows you to have your calls handled by a Canadian operator and allows you to pay Canadian rates. Visit their website to obtain the Canada Direct number to call in your host country.
http://infocanadadirect.com
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Receiving Calls From Canada
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Prepaid calling cards
- Prepaid calling cards can be purchased in many countries which can be used for overseas calls without worrying about long distance charges.
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Phone-Mail
- Some countries have phone-mail services available. If you will be traveling around and will not have a fixed address, callers can leave messages on your answering service, which you can access from any phone. You can also update your own personal message to keep everyone posted on your latest adventure.
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Web Phones
- Many cities and tourist spots have cyber-cafés from which to “telnet”. Conversation is conducted utilizing a special telephone to computer connection. The costs of calls made this way are competitive. If cameras are mounted to the computers, the caller can visualize one another during the conversation.
http://www.skype.com/
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Radio Canada International (RCI)
- RCI is a great way to keep in touch with Canadian news. It’s broadcast on short waves in most countries of the world. RCI also broadcasts messages from the Canadian government during emergency situations. For schedules, times and frequencies of the broadcasts check the website.
http://www.rcinet.ca
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c) Income Taxes
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Filing Taxes Overseas
- You are required to file federal and provincial income tax returns even if you are out of the country when income tax forms are due. If you do not owe money to the government, you may not have to file tax returns. Of course, if you do not file, you will not get a refund owed to you either. The Canada Revenue Agency's International Tax Services Office provides general assistance by telephone, correspondence and counter service, and looks after all non-resident tax withholding accounts.
http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca
http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/E/pub/tg/t4131/README.html
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5 – RE-ENTRY
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When you return to Canada, you have to declare all of the goods you acquired while outside Canada on Form E311Customs Declaration Card which you will receive aboard the aircraft.
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a) Incoming Goods
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I Declare
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Paying Taxes
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Personal Exemptions
- When you return to Canada, you will qualify for a personal exemption if you are a Canadian resident returning from a trip outside Canada. This personal exemption allows you to bring goods of a certain value into the country without paying the regular duties. However, a minimum duty may apply to some tobacco products. The term duties can include excise taxes, and GST. It does not include provincial or territorial sales tax.
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What Are Your Personal Exemptions?
- After each absence of 24 hours or more: You can claim up to CAN$50 worth of goods without paying any duties. This is your personal exemption. You must have the goods with you when you arrive, and you cannot include tobacco products or alcoholic beverages in this exemption. If the goods you bring in are worth more than CAN$50 in total, you cannot claim this exemption. Instead you have to pay full duties on all goods you bring in.
- After each absence of 48 hours or more: You can claim up to CAN$200 worth of goods without paying any duties. You must have the goods with you when you arrive. Although you can include some tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, only a partial exemption will apply to cigarettes, tobacco sticks, or manufactured tobacco. You may have to pay a special duty on these products.
- After each absence of seven days or more: You can claim up to CAN$750 worth of goods without paying any duties. With the exception of tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, you do not need to have the goods with you when you arrive. Although you can include some tobacco products and alcoholic beverages, only a partial exemption will apply to cigarettes, tobacco sticks, and manufactured tobacco. You may have to pay a special duty on these products. To calculate the number of days you have been absent, do not include the date you leave Canada, but include the date you return. Dates matter, not times. For example, you are considered absent for seven days if you left Friday the 7th and returned Friday the 14th.
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Sending Gifts
- While you are outside of Canada, you can send gifts free of duty and taxes to friends in Canada under certain conditions. To qualify, each gift must not be worth more than CAN$60 and cannot be a tobacco product, an alcoholic beverage, or advertising matter. If the gift is worth more than CAN$60, the recipient will have to pay regular duties on the excess amount. It is always a good idea to include a gift card to avoid any misunderstanding.
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What Conditions Apply To Your Personal Exemptions?
- In general, the goods you include in your personal exemption include souvenirs that you purchased, gifts that you received from friends or relatives living outside of Canada, or prizes that you may have won. Goods you bring in for commercial use or for another person, do not qualify for the exemption, and are subject to full duties.
- Except for tobacco and alcohol, goods you claim in your CAN$750 exemption may be shipped to your home by mail, courier, or other means of transportation. When goods arrive that preceded or followed your arrival in Canada (and you wish to claim them as part of your CAN$750 exemption), you have 40 days to claim them by producing your copy of Form E24, Personal Exemption Customs Declaration. This is the form you had to complete when you returned to Canada. You can also ask the CBSA officer for a copy of the Form.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/courier/postal/ind_goods_to_follow-e.html
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Duty-Free and Tax-Exempt Importations
- The Canada Border Services Agency can examine any item that comes into Canada by mail. You may have to pay duty, the goods and services tax (GST), and provincial sales tax (PST) on items mailed to you. This depends on the item's value in Canadian dollars whether or not it is a gift.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/courier/postal/ind_duty_free-e.html
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b) Concerns
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Your Rights
- If you have any difficulties with the customs clearance process or if you disagree with the amount of duties and taxes that you had to pay ask to speak to the superintendent on duty. In many cases, the superintendent will be able to resolve your concerns at once. If you are still not satisfied, the officers can tell you how to make a formal appeal.
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Import Requirements
The Canada Border Services Agency ensures the security and prosperity of Canada by managing the access of people and goods to and from Canada. You can access their search engine which provides information on import requirements for specific products that you may wish to import.
http://www.inspection.gc.ca/english/airse.shtml
For more information
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/E/pub/cp/rc4044/README.html
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