International Travel Checklist: 5 Essential Things You Need Before Your Trip

Going to a foreign country can be intimidating if you’re not prepared. Fortunately, a checklist can make your travels much easier.

In this article, we’re going to go over everything you need, from the smallest items to the must-have things for your trip.

At the bottom, we’ll also give you a FREE printable essential packing list for all your travel needs. But first, you need to know about general COVID protocols outside of the United States: In most cases, you no longer have to complete a multi-day quarantine after traveling to a destination.

Now let’s go over five things you need to do before your trip.

1. Make Sure Your Passport Is Current

The most important thing you’ll need before you leave the country is a valid passport. Contrary to belief, many people think that if their passport expiration date is good at the time of their departure, they’re safe — but that’s not true. Your passport needs to be current for your whole trip, but not only that: The U.S. Department of State recommends that your passport be good for six months after your trip. That way, if something happens, say, you get injured and need to be hospitalized for some time, your stay in the country will remain legal. Here’s where to renew your passport in Atlanta.

2. Call Your Financial Institution

The second thing you need to do is let your bank know that you’re going out of town. This way, they won’t view any credit card charges or withdrawals in another country as suspicious. Here are the customer service numbers for some major banks:

• Wells Fargo: 1 (800) 869-3557
• JP Morgan Chase: 1 (800) 935-9935
• Citibank:  1 (800) 374-9700
• PNC Bank: 1 (888) 762-2265
• Bank of America: 1 (800) 432-1000

3. Withdraw Some Cash

It’s hard to know how much money you’re going to need for your trip because it’s going to be based on how many days you’ll be there as well as what you’ll do. No matter what the amount, you’re going to need to carry some hard cash so don’t forget to withdraw some before you leave the United States. If you wait to get cash in a foreign country you’re going to unnecessarily subject yourself to some expensive fees. Better yet, get yourself a Charles Schwab account, where all withdrawal fees or free or reimbursed. Here’s how to avoid overdraft fees from your checking account.

4. Complete These Home To-Dos

Around the house you’ll want to take care of some important things while you’re away. Don’t forget to:

• Water the plants
• Turn off the air conditioner or heater
• Turn the porch light on
• Make arrangements for someone to feed your animals
• Set your email to auto-respond

5. Get Travel Insurance

If you’re going out of town for a lengthy period, it may make sense to get some travel insurance. The reason why this is important is because it’s a good chance your own medical insurance doesn’t cover out-of-the-country trips. Go to InsureMyTrip.com to compare prices on some of the best policies out there. Now let’s get into the many things you need for an international trip before you leave: Here’s why you need travel insurance right now.

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