Traveller Safety

As well as maintaining your health, it’s also important to ensure your personal safety while overseas. Before and during your trip follow these safety guidelines:

Before you leave home

• Prior to or after booking your flight, check with Travelvax whether a current health or security threat exists at your destination, as well as significant political unrest or other general threat which might be relevant for international visitors. You can also check the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade web site: www.smartraveller.gov.au
• Avoid stopovers in high-risk countries.
• Make sure you have a travel insurance policy which covers theft, loss and medical problems. There are many different types of policies available and your travel agent will have recommendations regarding the distinctive requirements for the different parts of the globe.
• Give a family member, friend or business colleague who has contact with your family details of:
  • Your passport (full name, number, date of birth and place of issue).
  • Credit card (name of bank and account number).
  • Your itinerary (including a list possible contact points and accommodation).
  • Travel insurance (name of insurance company and policy details).
  • A copy of your International Vaccination Certificate, particularly if your travel is to (or via) yellow fever endemic areas.
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and credit cards (stored in a different place from the cards and passport) in case of theft or loss.
• Unless specifically invited to undertake government-approved religion-based activities, it may be unwise to do so. Attempts at religious conversion of local people have resulted in incarceration, expulsion from the country, serious injury and even death.

Health Preparations

• Make sure you are healthy before you travel
• Book an appointment with Travelvax on 1300 360 164 to determine which health/vaccination requirements apply to your itinerary. Plan ahead at least 6-8 weeks before you go to have your immunisations, as some may require an initial shot followed by one or two boosters.
• Vaccinations may be compulsory to enter certain countries or to return to Australia; if they are, you will require an International Vaccination Certificate Record book, available at all Travelvax Australia Clinics.
• If you require regular medications, ensure you take an adequate amount with you as supplies may not be available overseas; pack them in your hand luggage, not suitcase. A Medication Authority form will demonstrate to authorities that you are carrying medication that has been prescribed or was recommended for your trip by a medical practitioner. (This document will be provided during your Travelvax appointment.)
• Call the Medicare infoline on Taking PBS Medicines out of the country on 1800 500 147 or visit http://www.medicareaustralia.gov.au/public/migrants/travelling/index.jsp#N1009B
• It is usually best to carry your own supply of contraceptive medications or condoms.

Prior to Departure

• Pack your own baggage. Make a list of contents and check off each item.
• Consider wearing a money belt and take travellers’ cheques, prepaid travel money cards or credit cards rather than cash.
• Dress inconspicuously and in a culturally appropriate manner; avoid wearing expensive jewellery and carrying electronic equipment.
• Pack personal documents and business papers separately as hand baggage and, if on business, avoid carrying papers specifically referring to your affiliations or business interests.
• Check for departure delays before leaving for the airport and arrive in plenty of time to complete pre-departure requirements.

At the Airport

• Keep your luggage with you at all times until it is checked in.
• NEVER carry anything for other people - particularly across borders or through customs.

In-Flight

• Observe the flight attendants carefully for instructions on the use of life-jackets and oxygen masks.
• Read the airline's safety features card and note the location and operation of emergency exits.
• Use portable electronic equipment only as directed as it may interfere with the aircraft’s systems.
• Make sure you view the on-board video on how to avoid Deep Vein Thrombosis.

Disembarkation

• Avoid touts offering discount fares to the city of your destination - check before you leave the airport on the approximate cab fare or the best public transport route.
• It is usually best to use your hotel’s own bus service, if available.

Accommodation

• Check your travel guide to see which accommodation may be most appropriate for your needs.
• Ensure you check the emergency exit and escape path from your room, as soon as you arrive.
• Use the hotel safe or room safe to store valuables, including your airline tickets.
• If travelling on business, lock your briefcase when not in use. Don’t leave confidential material in your room.

Transport

• Ascertain before you leave home whether it is safe for a foreigner to drive in the country you are visiting - often it is not. Different road rules to those you are used to can be confusing and, even if you are in the right, you can be required to remain in the country until the matter has been cleared up.
• Familiarise yourself with local driving regulations before taking to the road.
• If using a hire car, book with your travel consultant before you leave using a reputable agency and ensure you have an international license (if required).
• Ensure that the vehicle is in good state of repair and regularly check tyres, water, oil and fuel yourself.
• Wear seat belts, keep doors and boot locked at all times (even when driving).
• When using public transport avoid travelling alone at night or on foot.
• Ensure you have sufficient change for the bus/train -most forms of public transport accept exact fare only (this also includes taxis in some countries).
• When using a taxi in a country where you don’t speak the language, ask your hotel doorman to hail a cab for you and have him give details to the driver. Also get him to write down the name of your hotel for the return trip.

General

Dining

• Avoid local cuisine when not dining in a 5-star restaurant. Especially avoid salads, seafood, dairy products, drinks containing ice cubes and plain water (unless bottled, then check that the seal is unbroken).
• Check with your Travelvax Australia Travel Health Consultant about what is safe and not safe to eat.

Communication

• Always keep in touch with someone at home.
• Keep a list of useful telephone numbers handy and carry a telephone credit card.
• Be aware of cultural communication differences, especially in countries where you don’t speak the language (e.g. body language)

Emergency Situations

First and foremost, before leaving Australia, register your travel through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, smartraveller.gov.au

To register after leaving, you can do so through Australian embassies and consulates overseas.

If ever you are faced with an emergency situation such as an assault or a natural disaster, remain as calm as possible. In an emergency you should:

Contact the 24 hour Consular Emergency Centre in Canberra on +612 6261 3305 or +61 1300 555 135 (call costs will be at your expense).

Contact the nearest Australian mission or their representative in the country you are visiting:  http://dfat.gov.au/missions/. If you have a medical emergency, call your travel insurance provider on the number provided. They will be able to give you contact names and addresses of hospitals or medical facilities.

Alternatively you can try to contact Travelvax Australia during business hours (9am-5pm AEST) on +61 1300 360 164. (Please note that you will be paying the call cost. Ensure you have enough change available if calling from a pay phone.)

Or contact us by email on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.