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Take precautions when traveling abroad  by Kathryne Young Public Relations Many colleges and universities like MUSC work with students to ensure they may study abroad if they want to, and traveling to foreign countries and experiencing different cultures can be the trip of a lifetime.   However, it is also a serious matter and necessary safety precautions must be taken.    The most important part of traveling begins before departure. Learning about the country you plan to visit will help to avoid certain problems. The U.S. State Department, passport agencies, and U.S. embassies offer consular information sheets for every country. These information sheets give important addresses and emergency telephone numbers for U.S. embassies and consulates. They describe entry requirements, currency regulations, unusual health conditions, crime and security situations, political disturbances, areas of instability, and give special information about driving and road conditions.    Background Notes are published by the U.S. State Department on approximately 170 different countries. This publication contain information on the country’s culture, history, economy, government, and geography. Registering with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate will make a traveler’s presence and whereabouts known in case of an emergency.   Travel warnings and public announcements are also helpful and come with the consular sheets from the U.S. State Department. These warnings and announcements inform travelers of risky or dangerous situations involving security or terrorism. The Overseas Citizens Services at 1-888-407-4747 can also answer questions on safety and security.    When visiting another country, travelers and tourists are subject to the laws of that country, not the United States, so it is helpful to learn about the local laws and customs of destination countries.   Knowing what to bring can also solve many potential problems. Legal drugs in the United States might not be legal in other countries. Young people can place themselves in danger of becoming a victim simply because they are not knowledgeable of a country’s local laws and customs. There is very little anyone can do to help a tourist caught with drugs in a foreign country.   Avoid dressing like a tourist and pack lightly. This can prevent travelers from becoming a target. Pack an extra set of passport photos along with two photocopies of your passport in case of a loss or theft. Bring a photocopy of airline tickets, driver’s license, and necessary credit cards. As often as possible, try to stay in larger hotels with more security and always keep a family member or close friend at home updated on your itinerary.   It is vital  to be extra cautious, especially at night.  Always travel with others and avoid areas where tourists are likely to be victimized. Keep the hotel room locked at all times and valuables in the hotel safe. If driving, car doors should remain locked and avoid hitchhikers at all costs. Carrying large amounts of cash is potentially very dangerous. Deal only with authorized agents when exchanging money and change travelers’ checks only when necessary.   The nearest U.S. embassy, consulate, or consular agency can help an American citizen who becomes the victim of a crime overseas. Consular personnel are familiar with local government agencies and can help travelers with issues such as replacing a lost or stolen passport, obtaining appropriate medical care, addressing emergency needs, obtaining a list of local attorneys who speak English, and many other services.  However, consular officials can not provide legal advice or represent a traveler in court. Once arrested, the American consular officer cannot get a tourist out of jail.    More than 2,500 American citizens are arrested in other countries each year due to crime, violence, and other difficulties. Many of these arrests are preventable drug and alcohol related accidents. More than a third of U.S. citizens incarcerated abroad are held on drug charges.   Studying abroad can and should be a very valuable experience. Taking necessary precautions, staying alert, and using common sense can only make a trip safe and more enjoyable.   For additional information on traveling abroad, visit http://www.travel.state.gov.       Friday, June 17, 2005 Catalyst Online is published weekly, updated as needed and improved from time to time by the MUSC Office of Public Relations for the faculty, employees and students of the Medical University of South Carolina. Catalyst Online editor, Kim Draughn, can be reached at 792-4107 or by email, catalyst@musc.edu. Editorial copy can be submitted to Catalyst Online and to The Catalyst in print by fax, 792-6723, or by email to petersnd@musc.edu or catalyst@musc.edu. To place an ad in The Catalyst hardcopy, call Community Press at 849-1778.