Foreign Travel Check List

Revised 7/08

Vaccines: Check with __your doctor________

Emergency Information: Leave PNG contact numbers/emails with family, along with copies of your passport (& credit cards) in the event your is lost/stolen.

Minors: If you have minor children you are leaving in the care of family or friends, leave a

Notarized emergency medical form with the care taker as well as the above list of

numbers where you can be reached.

Luggage: Before packing check all luggage restrictions (weight, size and what you can/cannot carry) for all the airlines you will be traveling on.

Carry-On: Carry anything you cannot replace or be without on your trip, valuables & electronics. Examples: All prescription medicine, eye glasses, change of clothes (in the event your luggage is delayed), camera, laptop (there is only one hook up, so one per group is enough).

Tickets & Passports

Any needed Maps/Directions, contact person & phone numbers

Including to all airports, car rentals, hotels, tourist sites, bus pick up locations, etc.

Contacts/phone numbers of family/friends at home you can call in case of emergency

Money: General Info for all foreign travel.

Incl. $1 bills for tipping or purchasing small items,)

Foreign currency – purchase at local bank in advance of trip. They will need to order

it, so plan ahead. Check exchange rates.

Travelers Checks (find out if these are easily accepted where you are traveling, then

order in advance, when your order your foreign currency. At this point and time you have to go to the bank to use.

Credit Cards (find out which cards are accepted where you are going. Leave all others

at home. Make copy of card information, front and back and carry separately so you

can call if card is lost or stolen. (PNG – visa can be used in a couple of stores.)

Debt Card – can be used at the Bank ATM.

Personal Checks – takes 4 to 5 days to clear. Don’t plan on using.

You may need extra money for airport taxes & fees, fee for extra luggage or weight

for gifts for your hosts, family, friends or supporters)

Emergency – have enough cash available in the event of an emergency and you need

to leave the country quickly for medical care or other emergency situation. Also, have

enough to receive medical care, if needed.

The following are only suggestions. Make your list according to your needs/likes:

All Prescription Medications

Medical Records (list of meds taking, allergies, current medical problems, prior surgeries)

Prior to Flight: Blood clot prevention, take Asprin prior to flight. You can also wear support hose, drink plenty of water, walk around cabin often, do stretching exercises in your seat.

Other Medications: (some in carryon, rest in checked bags)

Motion Sickness (Dramamine or Meclazine)

Headache/pain meds (ie., ASA/Tylenlol/NSAIDS(motrin), Advil, Aleve)

Bandages/bandaids/ topical antibiotic cream

Antibiotics (ie., Cipro. Flagyl, EES, Augmentin)

Antidiarrheals (Peptobismo tablets – work well to ward off traveler’s diarrhea by taking

2 chewable tablets 3-4 times a day. Take upon arrival at destination and each day for

length of trip. May not be necessary…depends where you travel to and the conditions.

Mosquito/bug repellant (Avon makes a nice combo sunblock/repellant. There are

wipes available too. Depends where you are going.

Suggestions for Flights

Earplugs and Eye Covers – to help block out noise and lights when trying to sleep on the plane.

Books/games/cards/puzzle books/ pencils

Scratch paper & pencils (some pens leak with the cabin pressure)

Music – headphones (Best Buy & other such stores have headphones available made to block out plane background noise)

Laptop (Opt.)

Cell Phone (Opt.) (May not work in PNG)

Extra batteries for all electronics (esp. kids games/music) or electronic charger for planes to

Charge I-Pods, phones, etc. If you carry your charger & adapater with you, you might be able

to recharge electronics in the airports while waiting for your flight.

Light jacket or sweater – dressing in layers is recommended so you can adjust to the temperature

Travel pillow – planes have pillows, but sometimes don’t have enough or may not be comfortable enough for you.

Snacks/water bottle (keep bottle empty through security and then fill up on other side)

Sunglasses & extra pair of regular glasses (in the event yours get lost or broken

Extra pair of contacts, contact solution and carrying case.

Addresses and stamps for any postcards you may want to send home. If you print addresses

on labels in advance all you have to do is stick it on. Make several for each address.

Handiwipes – these come in handy for lots of things. (they come in small travel packs_

Hand Sanitizer

Camera & equipment for it (film, or extra digital cards, charging cords, etc.)

Small language/custom books for the countries you are visiting to study on the flight and to

have handy when needed.

Toiletries – most can be put in your checked bags, but you may want to have some of the following: toothpaste/brush, comb, some makeup to freshen up, feminine products.

Extra set of clothes, including underclothes in the event your luggage is lost/stolen/delayed.

Extra suitcase lock or two – in case one of yours is lost.(it’s happened to us) ASA lock, opt.

Ladies: You might find it helpful to carry a small purse that can be put in your carry on when

you don’t need it. You can take it out when you need to go to the restroom or to purchase

something. You are allowed to take a purse in addition to your carryon, but it nice to only

have one item to carry and keep an eye on, if possible.

Jewelry (avoid taking anything valuable. The less you take the less you have to worry about

losing or getting stolen.)

Checked Luggage:

Clothes – If gone longer than 1-2 wks, plan to take enough clothes for a week and plan on washing rather than taking more clothes.

Sweater and/or sweatshirts (I take a sweatshirt with me on the plane as it can be chilly)

Light rain jacket/poncho/umbrella

Hat

Skirts/jumpers/dresses/split skirts that do not resemble pants(all knee length or longer)

*(for 3 wks. I took 3 skirts and 1 dress. (2-3 skirts would be enough)

1-2 pair jeans/pants/modest shorts (it’s okay to wear these in the privacy of your “home” unless

there are nationals present. You will also want these for your time in Sydney.

Short sleeve or sleeveless modest tops. (no spaghetti straps) Will go with your skirts/jumpers/pants/shorts

Guys – jeans/casual pants or thigh length shorts. No jeans for church. No ties or dress shoes.

Belt(s) for above

Shirts (t-shirts, polo-type shirts, button up shirts) One nice for church.

Socks

Shoes (good walking shoes, clogs/sandals good for plane as you can slip in/out of them without

having to tie them. But you want them to be comfortable for the long trip and long walks/runs

through airports. Your feet may swell during flight. Flip-flops. In PNG it is custom to remove your shoes when entering the home (yours or others)

Underclothes

Pajamas, robe, slippers (remember you may be living with others in the group. Be modest.)

Swim suit, beach towel, cover-up, flip flops, sunscreen, hat, beach bag. (Opt.) The kids will want swimsuits for tubing down the river or swimming at the Sydney hotel.

Eyeglass strap – if you plan to do anything where you may lose glasses.

Toiletries:

Toothbrush/toothpaste (have case for toothbrush)

Shampoo/conditioner

Comb/brush

Deodorant

Razor & shaving cream

Blow dryer

Curling iron

Mirror

Make-up

Perfume/cologne/lotion

Hairspray

Nail file/scissors (in checked bags only)

Cotton balls/ Q-Tip swabs

Medications not carried in carry on bag

Body/Hand/face soaps

Bandaids/Antibiotic ointment

Jewelry (don’t take expensive jewelry with you) You may want to put this in your carry on.

Misc.

Extra copies of passport, itinerary, important phone numbers, etc.

If you plan to do any driving outside of the U.S.A. you can obtain an International Drivers

License through AAA office.

Travel Alarm Clock

Extra batteries for all electronics

Small flashlight/or head lamp

Extra snacks

Gifts for those you are visiting

Electrical converters/chargers – check ahead to see what is used in the country you are visiting (PNG W&W houses has 110 plugs.)

Travel Sewing kit

Insect Repellent spray (mosquitoes)

Extra books/games/paper/pens – not in carry on (depends on length of trip and how much time

you have to read, etc.)

Journal – We’d encourage you to journal your experiences everyday.

Extra ziplock bags (2 gallon, 1gallon and quart size) – you’d be surprised what all these come in handy for. In addition to taking extra, I use them to pack our snacks, as well as putting hairspray, lotions in them in case they leak during flight.

Extra duffle bag (inside yours) in case you need extra space to bring back gifts / souvenirs.

Water Purifier bottle and/or halizone tabs – depending where you are traveling (PNG we have ceramic water filters for use.)

Hand washing clothes: (AAA carries prepackaged Woolite for Hand washing. And a clothes line that does not require clothes pins to hang up clothes) (Optional)

Dish brush and sponge (we don’t all need to bring these)

Antibacterial hand soap – bar or pump (we don’t all need to bring these either)

Notes:

Review travel plans & all documents weeks in advance.

What you bring is up to you. This is my list. You may not want or need to have all this. Minimize sizes of items (toothpaste, soap, lotions, shampoos, etc).

We suggested limiting your luggage to one suitcase and one carry-on per person, plus one personal item per person. Sizes/weight may change so check with airlines prior to packing or may need to repack or leave something behind at the airport. Or you may need to pay the airlines for excess weight. Know all limitations on all flights prior to departure.

Leave all unnecessary valuables at home.

Watch out for pick pockets. They often have someone distract you in some way, while the 2^nd person is picking your pockets.

Men carry wallets in front pockets.

Carry passports, money, credit cards in special travel pouches made for this, under your clothes. Do not leave any money or valuables in your checked bags.

Remember to stay in groups, don’t wonder off alone (easy target).

Don’t criticize the culture.

Smile. Be courteous and thankful for help given.

Be flexible with situations/schedules as things can happen at a moments notice. Roll with it. Expectations are not always met.

Look at the trip as an opportunity to serve, experience the culture, make new friends and share the Good News.

Make sure to have two copies of passport, driver’s license, immunization, cards, and itinerary someplace else besides your back pack or purse. Documents as electronic copy on a stick are great or even on your computer. You will need your passport almost everywhere so use a travel belt or something that goes around your neck to carry your important documents. Something that is easy to get to and quick to use. Don’t carry your money all in one place.

Suggestion: Go to the driver’s license bureau and get a state ID. This will look like a driver’s license but will say ID. With another person coming on the trip give them your ID card and a copy of your passport. This will insure that if you lose yours or in case of an emergency someone else will have copies.

Airline Tickets:

When making your tickets with the agency it is VERY IMPORTANT that you get your ticket booked straight threw to Mt. Hagen. This is important for not paying more for luggage. You most likely have to pay more at Port Moresby however when we traveled this was an issue that would have saved us money.

Money:

Traveler checks (You can’t use them in PNG)
ATM Debit Card – Use in PNG
VISA Card/Master Card – Limited Use in PNG only a couple of stores

VISA Debit Card – Use in PNG

Exchange Money:

Upon arrival in Port Morseby – exchange $100 into kina. At this time it is close to 3 Kina to a U.S. Dollar. This will give you some money until you go to Mt. Hagen to shop. As you come though immigration at the airport to pick up your luggage there is an exchange rate booth.

Items for Flight:

Water bottle – Take it empty through security then fill it up. You need to stay hydrated traveling. It really helps. Snacks – Don’t eat lots of sugar it doesn’t give you energy. A few healthy snacks may be helpful for if you have layovers.

Rest – Try to sleep and nap as much as possible on the flights. No nuts, seeds, or fruit may be brought into PNG.
Reading – Have a good book for reading, puzzles, etc.
Pillow – Blow up pillow is nice

Jacket/sweater – a light jacket or sweater. You won’t need a jacket in Port Morseby

Air New Guinea –

You will be given a document to complete while on the airplane for your tourist visa upon arrival in Port Morseby (unless you have obtained in the United States before traveling). After unloading proceed to the Tourist Visa line. You will have to pay for your tourist visa at that point and time. Immigration officers will require you to go across the room to the exchange window and get Kina and bring back for paying for the Tourist Visa. After getting your visa and luggage you will go through immigration inspection.

Immigration Check:

You will then proceed through the immigration area where they will go through your luggage and items that you bring. We found it helpful to have everything labeled visibly with the complete address on the outside with the Nazarene Hospital – Kudjip. Just expect them to look through all your items. If they don’t it is a bonus.

Identify with the Nazarene Hospital – Kudjip:
Don’t be afraid to say that you are with the Nazarene Hospital – Kudjip coming to see the Hospital. They know the Nazarene Hospital and like it very much. We have a good reputation. In fact they will be more likely to help you with anything you need.

Caution:

Be very careful about your personal items. DO NOT leave them unattended. Hold on to your backpack/purse. In fact carry it in front of you at all times. Have a good hand on all personal belongings. They can disappear quickly.
Be observant of your surroundings. Know what is going on at all times.

Domestic Flight Counter:

You will then go to the check-in counter for Air New Guinea look for the shortest line. Let them know you are flying to Mt. Hagen to go the Nazarene Hospital. Check in your luggage and check for flight times. If time is short between flights ask for help getting to the flight. You will walk to another building and go through security. Being a missionary you can walk right up to the front of the line and go through security if you feel like doing it. We were with a security guard when we can through so that really helped.

Make sure to e-mail your itinerary to Mike Chapman (mike@chapmanconnection.com) so that we can be at the airport to pick you up. At Mt. Hagen Michael or a representative will meet you. You will need to make sure that you are standing right by the luggage pick up. Make sure you get your luggage immediately or someone else will. Someone from the station will be there to help you.

Culture – The people are very friendly and always want to help you carry things. They want paid. It is ok to say no and don’t just hand them your items. You will find that they push right up against you and aren’t afraid of touching you. Do not be alarmed. Make sure to have all your items secure. Present yourself with confidence and that you know what you are doing.

Singapore is a very clean airport – easy to find your way around. Just ask the people, they are very helpful.

Digicel Phone numbers –

Mike Chapman – Country code 675 72549626

Scot Riggins – Country code 675 72142749
Phone Numbers – on station not always working
Field Office – Country code 675 546-2534
Country code 675 546-2539