OUTCONUS Military Travel Tools

Currency Exchange:

1. At most international airports that you will have a layover in, the shops take American currency. So do not exchange currency unless you find out that they do not or you will be stuck with cash from a country you weere in for less than three hours.

2. Off-base, the credit card companies have the best exchange rates since they are monitoring these currencies by the minute. When you arrive at your final destination's airport, find an automatic teller and withdraw some local currency using your credit card (you will need to know your PIN). Then walk to the nearest shop and buy a Coke or something else small with a big bill of local money. Now you have smaller denominations with which to pay the cab driver, porter's tip, etc. Don't get caught paying them with a big denomination and remember than in some places tipping with American dollars is illegal.

3. To plan ahead for your currency needs, consult Yahoo's Currency Converter.

International Driver's Permit

Check ahead of time to see if you will need one but it is usually a good idea to have it. You obtain them in the U.S. before departing by visiting your local American Automobile Association office.

Avoid Montezuma's Revenge

There are all kinds of dangers lurking in the water and a Great White Shark is the least of the traveler's worries. Montezuma's Revenge, the popular name for the effect that microbes in the local water supply can have on travelers, ruins an estimated 40% of overseas vacations. Don't let it ruin yours!

1. All food is to be cooked Well Done. The temperature of every bit of the juices needs to hit 165 degrees Farenheit. In America or other Western nations, you may can eat a steak Medium Rare but in the Third World you want to see NO PINK IN THE MIDDLE. Some Western style hotels and restaurants may use proper cooking procedures, but when in doubt have your food cooked thoroughly!

2. Bottled water is a must. The best is carbonated water because the carbonation process kills the microbes in the water. By ordering carbonated water you also preclude someone from putting local (tainted) tap water into your table's bottle and selling it as fresh. Be aware though that some studies have shown the outside of the bottle caps to be contaminated and of course if you pour the drink over ice then you might as well call the doctor immediately.

3. Purify your drinking water. Unfortunately, you cannot always get bottled water and you will need a way to purify what you are drinking. The most common method is to use Iodine Tablets. However, these can take 30 minutes to work and leave a bitter aftertaste. The newer method is to use containers that filter the water you are using since they also filter out any aftertaste. Magellan's has an article describing these issues and they sell the self-filtering containers you will need. Well worth the money.

4. Spicy Food as a Preventative? In the past there was a belief that spicy food could help you prevent Montezuma's Revenge. Recent studies have discounted this idea. More studies are needed but don't be surprised if after eating spicy food you have an upset stomach filled with live microbes.

5. Oops! Took every precaution and still lost the battle. Not to fear. Anti-biotics can solve the problem. Visit your local doctor or medic and have them prescribed for you.

Tip Charts

In America the standard restaurant tip is 20% but that is not true everywhere. Some countries include the tip in the prices. Others expect a set amount. It is best to find out the local customs before you go.

Two websites can help: BBC and howstuffworks.com

Safety Tips

Airport: Foreign travel is problem enough without worrying about security at an airport you have never seen. The British website AirlineQuality.com has all sorts of information including ratings of airports and their security with comments from recent travelers. Well worth visiting prior to your departure OUTCONUS.

Hotel: As in the U.S., in your foreign travels, Fire and Criminals are your two biggest concerns, not terrorism (although you have to be aware of that as well). Ideally you want a room on the third or fourth floor that is not facing the parking lot. High enough that criminals can't just walk in through your balcony window, low enough that you can jump if you have to escape a fire, and away from any pesky car bombs that someone might try to set off. Same rules as in the U.S.-- no opening your room door for strangers, no leaving valuables "hidden" in the room while you are out, and plan your escape ahead of time - count how many doors you have to pass to reach an emergency exit (could you do this on your knees in the smoke-filled dark?).

Force Protection: As always it is easier for someone to attack you if you are out and about all by yourself. Travel in groups on popular routes that are well lighted. No taking the short-cut the valet told you about! While on vaction it is not always as easy to determine the Force Protection status of a particular area, but you can bet that someone in the military has set one for the part of the world that you are in. Check it out before you arrive, even though you are on leave. The CIA Country Factbook and the State Department Country Reports are excellent resources to consult before you leave CONUS.

Insurance: There are kinds of insurance that you can buy before you leave CONUS. See what your current policies already cover. Don't forget to check what your Credit Cards cover as well (some cover rental cars, lost luggage, etc.). If you decide that you do need insurance, AllTripProtection.com offers baggage insurance that is good on Military Hops as well as regular commercial flights.

What Can I NOT Bring Into a Country?

Being in the military, you have access to one of the best resources for seeing what is forbidden in a country called the Foreign Clearance Guide. It is only accessible from .mil computers and it tells flight crews what they cannot bring into a country. If they can't as representatives of the United States on official business then it is a safe bet that you cannot either. Remember that many countries have prohibitions and limitations on religious work and what is acceptable in America may land you in hot water in that particular country that you are visiting. Once again, the CIA Country Factbook and the State Department Country Reports are excellent resources to consult before you leave CONUS.

Have Fun! Take the Tours.

You cannot be a Babe in the Woods but foreign travel is tremendous fun and one of the reasons that you joined the military in the first place. Take the necessary precautions but enjoy yourself! Sign up for at least one tour in every city you visit (often you can do this from the front desk of your hotel). Before you start your vacation, check out our Travel Guides. Or check to see if the USO has an office in your area.

Top of Page
Home