I am traveling in Africa at the moment. Just landed in Senegal, which African veterans call “Africa lite.” However, the experience of shifting from the organized world of North America and Europe to the more chaotic developing world of Africa reminded me of how different a travel experience can be.
In Europe and America, visitors can wander through airport terminals and catch a taxi to their hotels very easily. The only issues might be whether or not one is getting the best deal. In the developing world, being prepared can make a far greater difference.
The differences in cultures can be jarring and the changes in the arrival process are daunting. However, with a bit of foresight, your time in the underdeveloped world can be far less of a hassle. These suggestions are the barest of essentials for travelers to research before heading to the developing world.
1. Visas
Check with the State Department as to whether or not a visa is needed. Travelers may need to get a visa before traveling to a foreign destination. Contact the embassy of the countries you will be visiting for more information.
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) – Enroll for free at STEP.state.gov to receive travel and security updates about your destination, and to help them reach you in an emergency. Groups or organizations can create an account and upload a spreadsheet with contact details for multiple travelers.
2. Taxi/transport from the airport to downtown
This is a harder one. At many airports, there are swarms of local taxi drivers looking for passengers. Finding the official taxi lines can be daunting as well. However, with patience and lots of saying, “No,” the official taxi fare can be found.
Look for an information booth and ask about taxis to the center of town and the general costs. Or, head to the currency exchange booth, which can serve as an alternative information point.
3. Know the currency exchange rates
Knowing the exchange rate and whether or not there is a major black market in currency is tricky. However, travelers should know the official exchange rates. For the most part, airport exchange kiosks end up costing around 10 percent for a currency exchange. If there is one, a bank machine is best for obtaining local funds.
4. Medical news
Know the basics of necessary medical immunizations and medical issues in each country on your itinerary.
Some countries require foreign visitors to carry an International Certificate of Vaccination, also known as a Yellow Card, or other proof that they have had certain inoculations or medical tests before entering or transiting their country. Before you travel, check the country information and contact the foreign embassy of the country to be visited or transited through for current entry requirements.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) provide recommendations for vaccinations and other travel health precautions for travel abroad.
5. General local transit — side of street driving and taxi costs
This may sound silly, however, when travelers are renting a car, they should make sure that they are prepared. They should know what side of the street the cars drive on and they should have some idea of whether or not driving is chaotic or mellow. Ask about the basic cost of a taxi across town or between major sights. It will keep travelers from being ripped off.
6. Cell phone roaming and data plans
Ask your carrier what their rules are for international travel to the developing countries. Know the basics of how much a local call is, whether or not there are extra data charges, how to turn off your cell phone’s data consumption, how much text messages cost, and what the surcharges are for international calls.
These differences in roaming costs, now eliminated in Europe and North America for the most part, can make a giant difference in the developing world.
7. Here are ways that an American embassy or consulate can help travelers
- Replace a stolen passport
- Contact family, friends, or employers
- Obtain appropriate medical care
- Address emergency needs that arise as a result of a crime
- Explain the local criminal justice process
- Obtain information about your case
- Connect you to local and U.S.-based resources to assist victims of crime
- Obtain information about any local and U.S. victim compensation programs available
- Provide a list of local lawyers who speak English
Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has been working in Washington, DC, for the past 14 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.
