awesome info guys !!!

quote:

Originally posted by golddot:
Hello, I am heading to the Philippines in a couple of weeks,

Any items (IE chapstick, bug spray etc..) you wished you had remembered or could not get on an overseas trip ???

I took two different plug adapters, and one worked with a CPAP while the other didn’t, but I didn’t know until I was overseas.

yes, I have read that and I plan to pick one up on amazon, did you use it on the flight over ??

quote:

Originally posted by onegeek:

I took two different plug adapters, and one worked with a CPAP while the other didn’t, but I didn’t know until I was overseas.

I bought a new adapter but I forget, aren't outlets there physically just regular US outlets (neutral and hot) without the ground? I know they're like 220 or 240 Volts.

I haven’t been many places, so I google.



And that doesn’t always work because:

quote:

Originally posted by Fly-Sig:
We haven't been to the Philippines but do travel internationally regularly.

Make sure your passport is good for at least 6 months past your booked return travel. Some countries enforce this.

Make sure your passport is undamaged. Especially the stitching in the spine and the pages not torn. Some reports recently of Asian countries refusing entry if there is any damage.

Research any meds you might be bringing, both Rx and over the counter. Make sure it is legal where you are going. Bring it in original packaging. Research if an original written Rx is required where you are going.

Bring a basic first aid kit. Benadryl, band-aids, anti-biotic cream, stomach/diarrhea meds.

If you're checking luggage (or not), putting an AirTag or other tracker in your bags is a good idea.

Consider downloading the Customs and Border Protection Mobile Passport Control (MPC) app on your phone. It can greatly speed your return into the USA at the airport! But you must download the app before arriving at the airport. So do it at home before you go.

Anything you buy overseas either use cash or a credit card, not a debit card. Negotiate and pay in the same currency, either in dollars or the local currency. Don't fall for the scam of negotiating in dollars then they give you a good exchange rate to charge your card in local currency!

Similarly, an ATM is usually the best exchange rate for local cash. Do the transaction in local currency and the "REFUSE EXCHANGE RATE" if that is an option. You want your bank to do the exchange. Otherwise they can hit you with a big fee and a terrible exchange rate.

With regard to travel meds - here is the general stuff I always have:

- Small travel size bottles of: aspirin, ibuprofen, aleve, and Excedrin (because it works fast).
- Blister Pack of Pseudoephedrine 12 hour - make sure it's leagal, it's not legal in Japan because it is chemically related to amphetamines.
- Small bottle of an antihistamine like claritin (or allegra or another if you prefer).
- Blister Pack of immodium.
- Small bottle of diphenhydramine (Benadryl)

- Rx pack of Azithromycin for food illness - I get these from our company travel doc but any doctor can prescribe - they used to give us Cyproflaxin
- Rx Anti-Malarial preventative if I am going to India or other places where it's a risk (maybe Philippines, not sure) - usually doxycycline.
- Sampler pack with various packets of stuff not covered above, alcohol pads, bandaids, disinfectant ointments, etc.

Other med info:

- Get caught up on vaccinations. Hep A and Hep B are common in Asia, also Typhus. Then anything "normal" like DPT, Polio booster, etc.
- For any regular Rx's you take, bring in original bottles showing current fill date.

This comes from years of international travel - when you get a cold or flu in Asia it can be very difficult finding what we consider normal cold medicines. It's best to carry separate antihistamine, decongestant, and pain killers, fever reducers, and treat the symptoms.

Other stuff:

- Agree on airtags in all luggage, apps for all your airlines and hotels, use credit cards geared for travel with no international fees, cash from ATM not "currency exchange" counters.

- Agree on deodorant - forget to bring some on one trip to South Korea and it was nearly impossible to find any locally.

- Disagree on SIM card. Most cell phone plans have international service, just activate whatever you need. Most have a "day pass" which is like $10 a day to use your phone like normal domestic, and there are also other international plans. I have Verizon Unlimited Ultimate which includes global roaming.

- My travel razor and clippers are Panasonic battery powered - AA or AAA - no need to plug in or recharge.

- Modern computer and phone chargers work on anything between 100-240v so you just need to make sure you have the right adapters. But anything with a motor or heating element will need a transformer if the local voltage is not 120. I don't carry a transformers or anything that would need one.

- Avoid checking bags and carry-on only. Between a carry-on suitcase and a backpack this should be enough. Remember, you can wash clothes during your trip.

- Color photo copies of passports and any visas or entry papers in each one of your bags.

excellent info felas