Touring - Your Touring Paperwork ... esp. if you are leaving the country

What do you bring when you leave your country, in terms of paperwork ... or even if you tour around your own country?

Here's my list:

1. Passport - scan the key pages into the computer as a pdf and ensure that my parents have that accessible somewhere in case I need it sent to me. Then I also photocopy those pages - I carry a copy with me and I give a copy to my parents. Of course, I bring the original with me.

2. Other Identification - same as with the passport - scans and photocopies. I bring a copy and the original with me. This would include driver's licence, provincial health card, birth certificate, etc.

3. Financial - I make sure both my parents and I have got the phone number for my credit card company, and any additional information which might be useful if my financial stuff were stolen (website links etc.).

4. Travel Insurance - scan the insurance papers into the computer as pdfs and ensure my parents have a copy. Photocopy those pages - bring one with me as a spare copy, and give one copy to my parents. I also bring the original with me.

5. Bicycle - same as above with the receipt and bicycle insurance information ... except that I don't bring the original receipt with me. I would do the same with any other items I deemed "expensive" (i.e. digital camera, laptop, etc.), except that I don't carry anything that I deem "expensive" when I travel.

6. Transportation Info - because I make most of my transportation arrangements online, I just forward the confirmation emails on to my parents so they have it all. Then I print out two or three copies of it all - two to bring with me, and one to give to my parents. This information would include: flights out and back, trains, busses, car rentals, etc.

7. Accommodations Info - I rarely book all my accommodations, but if I do book some, I will do the same as above with whatever I have so that my parents and I have copies of it all. I will also ensure that my parents have the website address to Hostelling International, in case I need something looked up, or to give them a place to start looking for me if necessary. In addition to that, I will bring my Hostelling International book, and I will occasionally print out a bit of accommodation information- maybe options for a particular city or something.

8. Itinerary - I make sure my parents know my basic itinerary. They might not know the exact details, and in fact I might not know the exact details, but at least they have an idea of where I'm heading.

9. Phone Numbers and Addresses - I've got several index cards with all the phone numbers, addresses, and email addresses of family and friends both back at home, and where I'm heading. I also ensure that my parents have the email addresses of anyone I'll be visiting along the way, if I know their email addresses.


As I mentioned I either carry two copies of most of the stuff above, or the originals and one copy, with me. I keep them in different places on the bicycle.


How about all of you? Is your list pretty much the same? Have I missed anything you would consider important?

i think u have covered it all!

Thank you. Excellent list!

I would like to add what not to bring. Go through your wallet and remove any membership cards, credit cards, employee ID, grocery cards etc. that you will not use on your trip. No sense in taking this stuff with you and chance losing it, if you don't need it.

Luggage ID should go on it and inside the luggage. ID on luggage should be hidden from the view of burglars that hang out at your local airport.

Likewise bicycle should have ID attached (Machka idea for ID on bike may suffice). Remember ID your bicycle box but hide the ID from easy view.

To all you Americans and Canadians out there:

Starting in 2007 you MUST have a passport to cross the US/Canada border.
In 2006, you must show proof of citizenship. Driver's license with Social Security card or voter's registration will no longer suffice. My sarcastic comment about having to be a citizen to vote won me no friends at the border last year.

The days of simple border crossings are no more. I wouldn't be surprised to see them want to put up concertina wire and machine gun bunkers. It amazes me that one can probably sneak in a zillion pounds of chemicals to make explosives with in all the uninspected containers that arrive at our ports, but God forbid some cyclist wearing a hankie tries to cross the border between Alberta and Montana (or pick any other pair).

Still -- be forewarned,

Best - J

I wouldn't think of crossing into the US. No rights guarantee for non-americans. Take the business elsewhere.

To all you Americans and Canadians out there:

Starting in 2007 you MUST have a passport to cross the US/Canada border.
In 2006, you must show proof of citizenship. Driver's license with Social Security card or voter's registration will no longer suffice. My sarcastic comment about having to be a citizen to vote won me no friends at the border last year.

The days of simple border crossings are no more. I wouldn't be surprised to see them want to put up concertina wire and machine gun bunkers. It amazes me that one can probably sneak in a zillion pounds of chemicals to make explosives with in all the uninspected containers that arrive at our ports, but God forbid some cyclist wearing a hankie tries to cross the border between Alberta and Montana (or pick any other pair).

Still -- be forewarned,

Best - J


The other thing that has come up as an issue with the BC Randonneurs who do brevets that start in BC and go down into Washington and back, or who take trips down to Washington to ride with the Seattle Randonneurs, is bicycle ownership.

I was questioned about that too, at the Washington/BC border when I travelled back to Canada from California by bus this past July. They hauled us all out of the bus at 2 am, along with all our gear, and we had to claim our stuff and stagger through the line ... but they left all the oversized luggage (including my bicycle) outside and told us not to touch it. I was holding a bag with my helmet attached outside, so they must have put two and two together because when I got to the front of the line they asked me if that were my bicycle. I said it was, and then they wanted to know where I got it, and asked me a bunch of questions about it. But after a bit, they let me go through, and it was OK.

However, from what I've heard on the BC Randonneur email list thing, they are really starting to crack down so that people need to produce a receipt, or insurance papers, or some sort of proof of ownership ... and apparently it is the same thing with any "expensive" item.

So, I will now be travelling with a full collection of paperwork!!

Papers? Vere are your PAPERS!?



Sorry I had to

Also: List of allergies and current medications with dosages.

I cary an extra photo copy of my pasport picture page, list of travelers cheques, important phone numbers and some cash dollars rolled up in side my handlebars or seat post.

3. a) Call your credit card companies and inform them of the countries you may be using your cards.

b) Get there oversees direct dial phone numbers for the countries you may be traveling through. It takes a bit of a wait, as most of the "customer service" folks will just droll out some 800 number. Be aware that these may not work.

-Personal experience from having one of my cards declined while checking into a hotel in Budapest (after I had informed the CC company of my trip!). I had a backup card, and dealt with the locked card company the next day (had the direct dial #). Apparrently some CC security software locks the card anyways (not neccassarily a bad feature).

c) make sure your PIN will work oversees (some machines require 4 digits).


--I've also taken to "laminating" important copies of documents/info (Pasport/ID/contact info etc). Not really a laminate, I just use clear packing tape over front+back of the xerox's or printouts. Makes them hold up MUCH longer. Particularly handy for frequently used copies like the passport copy (some places let me use it for check in), and contact info (sending postcards/calling friends). I then don't worry much about where I shove the "backup copies" in a pannier either.

c) make sure your PIN will work oversees (some machines require 4 digits).
European bank machines have only numbers, no letters. If your pin includes letters then find out the corresponding numbers before you go. At first I tried to figure it out by logic (a, b, c = 1) and it did not work. Fortunately I had used my pin so many times I was able to squint so I couldn't see the numbers and just hit the keys that felt right.
I don't carry travellers cheques any more and count on getting cash from ATMs, either with my bank card or a credit card if that fails. However I try not to let my cash run too low.

3. a) Call your credit card companies and inform them of the countries you may be using your cards.

b) Get there oversees direct dial phone numbers for the countries you may be traveling through. It takes a bit of a wait, as most of the "customer service" folks will just droll out some 800 number. Be aware that these may not work.

-Personal experience from having one of my cards declined while checking into a hotel in Budapest (after I had informed the CC company of my trip!). I had a backup card, and dealt with the locked card company the next day (had the direct dial #). Apparrently some CC security software locks the card anyways (not neccassarily a bad feature).

c) make sure your PIN will work oversees (some machines require 4 digits).


--I've also taken to "laminating" important copies of documents/info (Pasport/ID/contact info etc). Not really a laminate, I just use clear packing tape over front+back of the xerox's or printouts. Makes them hold up MUCH longer. Particularly handy for frequently used copies like the passport copy (some places let me use it for check in), and contact info (sending postcards/calling friends). I then don't worry much about where I shove the "backup copies" in a pannier either.


Very good tips there!!

Before I went to Australia for three months, I talked to my bank and my credit card company and informed them how long I would be gone, and even my approx. itinerary (like the fact that I would be in Los Angeles on the way there and back, and would be travelling all over Australia, not remaining in just one area). They put a note on my account to that effect.

I also talked to my bank about my debit card, before I went to Europe and before I went to Australia, to find out if I could use my card in those places. I could, but only with certain machines, and they explained which ones etc. I have to say that my bank was extremely helpful!!

About laminating, I worked for a place that does laminating, and it is not very expensive. It costs about 0.70 to laminate a business card sized item. I haven't done that in the past, but I think it is a great idea, and will very likely do that in the future. I've ridden in so much rain and bad weather, and in Australia I actually had a bunch of my stuff (papers and clothing) go moldy before I beefed up my water protection systems.

I never intend to tour in any other countries. I've gotten too used to america and can't stand anywhere else.

I just carry a bunch of cash. No id, no checks, no credit cards, etc.

Simple. No one can track cash.

I wouldn't think of crossing into the US. No rights guarantee for non-americans. Take the business elsewhere.

Thanks for warning us. I'm sure the U.S. encomomy is really going to miss you. :rolleyes:

The other thing about credit cards is to make sure you are not charged a fee for currency exchange. I was charged a 6% fee for using my card in Antigua last year. I thought the whole idea of Visa was that it is to be used throughout the world. It could end of costing you a fortune,


On my next trip, I am going to check with them, if they won't waive the charges then I'll take by business elsewhere.

"Thanks for warning us. I'm sure the U.S. encomomy is really going to miss you."

I doubt that, there is still mail order!

The other thing about credit cards is to make sure you are not charged a fee for currency exchange. I was charged a 6% fee for using my card in Antigua last year. I thought the whole idea of Visa was that it is to be used throughout the world. It could end of costing you a fortune,


On my next trip, I am going to check with them, if they won't waive the charges then I'll take by business elsewhere.

They all have extra fees. It's either a "bad" exchange rate which automaticly gives them the extra %, or there cut is tacked on outright because of the cash transaction (as opposed to a purchase). To save some money, find machines in the same network as your card (can save a buck or two per transaction).

There aren't extra fees associated with (some) debit/check cards. Depends upon the banks, and your accounts. I bring a debit card, but rarely use it, as it's linked to that account. I view the extra % tacked on by credit card companies as "travel insurance". I'm accountable for less should a credit card be lost/stolen.

[Edit] Forgot to add 6% does sound high. It would be worthwhile to shop around.

"Thanks for warning us. I'm sure the U.S. encomomy is really going to miss you."

I doubt that, there is still mail order!
Try using this next time.http://img203.exs.cx/img203/91/arrowtoreplywquote6it.jpg

Along with your list of medications and medical condition (allergies, medical history, etc) be sure to bring a copy of the prescription itself if you are taking meds that could be remotely considered dangerous, controlled, addicting or expensive in the country you'll be traveling in.

Other things to bring along (original and copies)
- Birth certificate
- Vaccination/immunizations
- Contact information (address and phone number) for consulates and embassies where you'll be traveling
- Contact information for local chapter of the International Committee of the Red Cross
- If you don't speak the same language as the locals, keep one of your laminated pages blank so you can draw pictures on it with an eraseable marking pen; these are commonly called "pointy-talkies" and can help get over lanugage barriers...as well as providing much amusement to the locals!

Good luck!
Sam

Does no one but me take along just the passport? It's not a career change.

Other things to bring along (original and copies)

- Vaccination/immunizations

Good luck!
Sam

There is an standard document everyone should have with their passport, called the "International Certificates of Vaccination". In the states the US HHS department issues a document referred to as Form PHS-731 (approved by the WHO). Take this document to your doctor whenever you get a vaccination that might be helpful in border crossings. The doctor records the vaccination in the appropriate section of the form. The one I have folds up to just about the size of my passport, so I keep it slipped between two pages of the passport. Most countries don't require any specific vaccinations, but if you plan on touring in tim-buk-too then it's a good idea to show up with a PHS-731 showing all the required shots or else they might give them to you themselves with the famous rusty hypo. Another reason to have one is if you plan on working with a relief orginazition (i.e. FEMA). They will undoubtedly want you to have one before you deploy to a site.

I only wish my parents had a PHS-731 for me when I got all of my childhood vaccinations. They aren't recorded so I might need to retake them if I tour in some countries.

Denis K

Does no one but me take along just the passport? It's not a career change.

Ahh...but, perhaps it is.

Does no one but me take along just the passport? It's not a career change.


If I were just heading down to the US for the weekend, I probably wouldn't bring the whole list I've mentioned above. But if I were travelling to another country for a longer period of time than that, I would want (and have brought) that whole list ... and I have encountered situations where I either definitely needed the items on that list ... or came very close to needing them.

For example:

Obviously I needed the passport to get into other countries, and while I was in Australia for 3 months, certain financial issues came up which my parent's had to handle for me, so I used that one too.

I had an accident while in Australia, and there were a couple days when I wasn't sure if I were healing properly, and I seriously debated about seeing a Dr. I didn't, and it was OK, but I actually stood outside the Dr's office and thought about it - that's how close I came to using my insurance. I had the insurance then, and I would definitely bring the insurance again. When I brought my bicycle back into Canada from the US this past July, I was questioned about its origin (whether I had purchased it in the US or Canada), and I was ready to pull out my paperwork proving where I got it, but then the guard let me go through. I would definitely bring the paper work again in the future.

When I brought my bicycle back into Canada from the US this past July, I was questioned about its origin (whether I had purchased it in the US or Canada), and I was ready to pull out my paperwork proving where I got it, but then the guard let me go through. I would definitely bring the paper work again in the future.

Do they do that with cars as well?
Considering any car is an expensive item compared to almost everything else...
20-10:1 for a car vs a bike is probably normal... :)

My guess is they don't, and that just shows how car crazy the world is.

Do they do that with cars as well?
Considering any car is an expensive item compared to almost everything else...
20-10:1 for a car vs a bike is probably normal... :)

My guess is they don't, and that just shows how car crazy the world is.


YES! Of course they do that with cars as well!! If you drive across the border, you've got to show them your insurance and registration and all that. Yes, they definitely question the origin of your car.

Hmm, ok, at least they're consistent...
Didn't expect that.

Along with your list of medications and medical condition (allergies, medical history, etc) be sure to bring a copy of the prescription itself if you are taking meds that could be remotely considered dangerous, controlled, addicting or expensive in the country you'll be traveling in.

Other things to bring along (original and copies)
- Birth certificate
- Vaccination/immunizations
- Contact information (address and phone number) for consulates and embassies where you'll be traveling
- Contact information for local chapter of the International Committee of the Red Cross
- If you don't speak the same language as the locals, keep one of your laminated pages blank so you can draw pictures on it with an eraseable marking pen; these are commonly called "pointy-talkies" and can help get over lanugage barriers...as well as providing much amusement to the locals!

Good luck!
Sam


I notice that birth certificate comes up frequently for the 'list'. If you have a copy of the passport - why do you need the birthcertificate copy? thanks Sam21fire.

Who even has a birth certificate? I don't think I know a single person around here who would even know where to get one.

Who even has a birth certificate? I don't think I know a single person around here who would even know where to get one.

Luckily I carry an original certified one in my wallet. I was flying to see my folks (sans bicycle), and on the return trip the TSA person pointed out that my drivers license had expired (oopsie).

He would by no means allow me through the checkpoint without other valid identifictaion, even when I pointed out to him that I had passed several checkpoints on my trip down. He wouldn't even accept my old laminated firearms identification card (apparently the old ones were too easy to obtain!).

I got my birth certificate by going to the townhall in the town I was born in. I got 2, one wallet sized stamped/certified by the town, and one legal sized certified by a court official type person. I keep the large sized one with all my legal documents at home. They can also be obtained (in the US) by mailing the town of ones birth, some cities/towns have an online proccess.

I'd assume a similar proccess would be available in other countries as well (provided documents have not been destroyed due to war/natural disaster etc). I also have my grandmothers birthcertificate from Puerto Rico in my paperwork, which my father obtained for her, then gave to me.

But what would a birth certificate be good for?
How it can be used as an ID, I fail to see, as it most likely doesn't have any photo.

Well, we don't use them here, that's for sure. It's probably all computerised these days.

Sorry for going a bit OT. :(

Hmm, ok, at least they're consistent...
Didn't expect that.

Well ... they want to make money. If they can charge you duty on anything you bring across, it makes their day. So it doesn't matter to them if the item you are bringing across is a digital camera, or a laptop, or a bicycle, or a car ... in fact, even better if it is a car, they would get to rake in more money!!

Everyone I know has a birth certificate! You have to have a birth certificate in order to get your social insurance number ... and you have to have a social insurance number in order to work! Therefore, no birth certificate = no employment .... no money, no place to live, no food to eat, and no bicycles. It is vitally important to have a birth certificate!

Plus, you need your birth certificate in order to get your passport. And for crossing to the US, you currently need either a passport, or the combination of your birth certificate plus ID with a photograph (i.e. Driver's Licence).

For a while I was also hauling around copies of my marriage and divorce certificates, but I probably don't need to do that anymore, now that all my identification is back in my maiden name.

Another useful thing is to email yourself pictures of your bike, detailed bike discription, .pdfs of important documents, etc. so that if you need copies while travelling you can down load them in an internet cafe.

You will probably need a "hotmail" type of account to be able to access it from sites other that through your local internet provider. This method has the advantage of giving you (and only you) access to pictures, etc if all your gear was stolen. But it does require internet access, so best to carry hard copies with you and use the internet a back-up.

I would like to hear more about bike insurance. I have a US$800.00 folding bike that received about US$1000.00 in upgrades. The bike is only available in Japan, so getting another one would be costly.

Is there a way to have all of that covered in case it is stolen?

I would like to hear more about bike insurance. I have a US$800.00 folding bike that received about US$1000.00 in upgrades. The bike is only available in Japan, so getting another one would be costly.

Is there a way to have all of that covered in case it is stolen?

When I got my bicycle insured, I called around to a bunch of places who were reluctant to insure a "toy" but would do so if I wanted to pay an outrageous amount. Finally though I found a company that would take me seriously and all I had to do was to bring in my receipt and serial number ... and if anything happens to my bicycle they will pay me the amount on my receipt because that is the amount it is insured for.

Oh, one other point ... my insurance is with my home insurance provider. In my case, I had to change providers because my original one thought of my bicycle as a toy. My new one does not. The bicycle insurance is just an additional clause on the policy, just like if I were to insure an expensive painting or grand piano or something.

If you still have all your receipts call you home insurance provider and see what they say.

Bumped up for ernok1923

For Canadians cycling in the USA, be sure to get the "green card" from the Canadian side to avoid hassles on the way back. I have my camera, MP3, GPS and bike on it. Especially important if the item is new. A group of 14 from our club is heading to the Theodore Roosevelt Park in ND for Easter this year. Check out past trips at http://www.wascanafreewheelers.ca Why don't you join us?

I am trying to ship my son's bike to him at a APU university in Japan and finding the UPS cost to ship is over $400. I can't get even just the frame in a box small enough for the US Postal Service. He insists he is unable to find a used road bike over there. Any suggestions?

Bicycler1

I am trying to ship my son's bike to him at a APU university in Japan and finding the UPS cost to ship is over $400. I can't get even just the frame in a box small enough for the US Postal Service. He insists he is unable to find a used road bike over there. Any suggestions?

Bicycler1

If your son is over 6 feet tall, I believe him.

International Driving Permit: This is a must have in many countries if you intend to rent a car. You can get it from the AAA or CAA for about ten bucks. It's also good because it looks somewhat similar to a passport and can be handed over at the front desk of cheap hotels that require a passport deposit and used as a second "official" identification document. This is more for those heading out on long-term trips.

CREDIT CARDS: Merrill Lynch offers the Signature Visa (https://www.card.ml.com/MLRewardsCenter/View-Cards/Signature-Rewards/ML-Cards-Signature-Rewards-Travel.htm)that has three great features for travelers. 1. Cardholders get 100 free withdraws from ATMs anywhere in the world. 2. FREE Emergency Evacuation Insurance (this costs a bundle) 3. Great exchange rates on international withdraws. Someone in Brazil began charging using my card number a few days after I crossed into Argentina. Merrill Lynch shut off access to the card and had a new one to me in a matter of days -great service.

COLOR COPIES OF DOCUMENTS: I used a laminated color photocopy of my California drivers license for our entire three year journey and it was never refused or questioned. Often third-world police officers walk away with your documents in an effort to encourage you to give a bribe. If it's only a copy, you can walk away with no worries.

ISIC/ITC CARDS: International Student Identification Card. You can get them at Council Travel or STA Travel (on most college campuses). Generally, if you are purchasing a flight with STA or CT they will look the other way regarding proof of student or teacher credentials. This card is great for discounts admissions to museums and archeological sites worldwide.

PERSONAL/BUSINESS CARDS: Before leaving on our last trip I printed up some cards with a photo, names, address, our web site, and email information. We handed them out to fellow travelers and new friend.

TAX INFORMATION: Before leaving home I made pdfs of the documents we would need to file taxes from the road. (We were gone for three years) We used turbotax the first two years and downloaded paper and filed at a consulate the last.

LIST OF IMPORTANT DATA: Telephone numbers, bank account numbers, passwords, user names, etc... Since we use them every day we assume they will always be in the front of our mind, ready when we need them. It's amazing what two months on the road will do to make those pieces of information disappear from memory. Type them up on a card in such a way that only you will understand then laminate it and put it in your handlebars, money belt, and send it to yourself by email.

MEDICAL ALERT: If you have any health problems you should have one of these. I met some Germans in Africa who painted their names, passports and blood type on the doors of their vehicle in case of accident.

CURRENCY: Carry some small denomination U.S. Dollars and some of the most stable/convertible currency from the region (Rand in Southern Africa, Chilean Peso in South America, Euro in Asia and the rest of the world) When you get to a border and the money exchange is closed or nonexistent, you will be able to pay any fees or get the food/lodging you need before you can get to the first large town and a bank. We used our ATM in nearly every country in Latin America and Southern/East Africa with few difficulties.

REPAIR INFORMATION: We made our trip in a VW Campervan but this information will go for bikes as well. We carried a laptop and I spent an afternoon saving the files from various VW web sites on how to repair common problems that plague VWs. This saved us a few times. I plan to save some of the "how to" pages from Sheldon Brown for our upcoming cycling journey.

Happy Travels
Rich Ligato
www.vwvagabonds.com
Latin America and Africa in a Volkswagen

To all you Americans and Canadians out there:

Starting in 2007 you MUST have a passport to cross the US/Canada border.
In 2006, you must show proof of citizenship. Driver's license with Social Security card or voter's registration will no longer suffice. My sarcastic comment about having to be a citizen to vote won me no friends at the border last year.

The days of simple border crossings are no more. I wouldn't be surprised to see them want to put up concertina wire and machine gun bunkers. It amazes me that one can probably sneak in a zillion pounds of chemicals to make explosives with in all the uninspected containers that arrive at our ports, but God forbid some cyclist wearing a hankie tries to cross the border between Alberta and Montana (or pick any other pair).

Still -- be forewarned,

Best - J

The Northern Tier route goes into Canada and I was planning on taking that route in addition to part of the TransAmerican. Will I really need a Passport? What exactly constitutes proof of citizenship more so than a Driver's Licence and SS card?
I may just take the alternate route if it's that big of a deal. That is kind of disappointing because if you want to take the alternate route to bypass the America-Canada border crossing, then you have to bypass Logan Pass and the majority of Glacier National Park as well.

The Northern Tier route goes into Canada and I was planning on taking that route in addition to part of the TransAmerican. Will I really need a Passport? What exactly constitutes proof of citizenship more so than a Driver's Licence and SS card?
I may just take the alternate route if it's that big of a deal. That is kind of disappointing because if you want to take the alternate route to bypass the America-Canada border crossing, then you have to bypass Logan Pass and the majority of Glacier National Park as well.


Evidently you will need either a passport OR one of those special ID cards your government has decided will do instead of a passport. Apparently it is about half the price of a passport. Your government has been trying to get my government to follow suite and go with these special ID cards, but so far my government thinks that the passport or combination of birth certificate and driver's licence should be fine ... rather than creating a whole new card. That's what I heard a couple months ago ... I haven't heard any updates since.

I don't know if the passport/special ID card thing is in place just yet or if it comes into effect January 2007 or something, but you will want to check that. If it is not in effect yet, you can still get away with a Birth Certificate and Driver's Licence (I doubt your SS card will help you).

[QUOTE=Machka]Evidently you will need either a passport OR one of those special ID cards your government has decided will do instead of a passport. Apparently it is about half the price of a passport. Your government has been trying to get my government to follow suite and go with these special ID cards, but so far my government thinks that the passport or combination of birth certificate and driver's licence should be fine ... rather than creating a whole new card. That's what I heard a couple months ago ... I haven't heard any updates since.

QUOTE]

Sounds like something our Congress would do.

There used to be a place to go online to apply for a passport (in the USA?), anyone know of it?

Evidently you will need either a passport OR one of those special ID cards your government has decided will do instead of a passport. Apparently it is about half the price of a passport. Your government has been trying to get my government to follow suite and go with these special ID cards, but so far my government thinks that the passport or combination of birth certificate and driver's licence should be fine ... rather than creating a whole new card. That's what I heard a couple months ago ... I haven't heard any updates since.

I don't know if the passport/special ID card thing is in place just yet or if it comes into effect January 2007 or something, but you will want to check that. If it is not in effect yet, you can still get away with a Birth Certificate and Driver's Licence (I doubt your SS card will help you).

I just came acoss this http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/travellers.html and it seems to "update" your post.

All these instructions, warnings and precautions.....enuf to make a body want to stay home under the covers and never venture any where

Passporte, 2 atm cards,no more than equivililent of 50$ couple extra pix and my bike and gear in 2 panniers and a H/B bag, 4 months, almost 3500Kms Paris to paris and much of Europe as far east as Prague and Budapest, never asked for P/p except at a couple of BnBs, never asked for other ID EVER
Entering France from USA wasn't stopped at entry nor departure upon return to USA waited 20 minutes with 375 others deplaning to get P/P checked, no customs check
Told ATTY if I die on the trip to have me cremated on the spot

And thats all folks!!!!

All these instructions, warnings and precautions.....enuf to make a body want to stay home under the covers and never venture any where

Passporte, 2 atm cards,no more than equivililent of 50$ couple extra pix and my bike and gear in 2 panniers and a H/B bag, 4 months, almost 3500Kms Paris to paris and much of Europe as far east as Prague and Budapest, never asked for P/p except at a couple of BnBs, never asked for other ID EVER
Entering France from USA wasn't stopped at entry nor departure upon return to USA waited 20 minutes with 375 others deplaning to get P/P checked, no customs check
Told ATTY if I die on the trip to have me cremated on the spot

And thats all folks!!!!


When was that?


And actually, most of the stuff I listed is just the standard stuff I've got on hand all the time anyway. Things like itinerary plans or accommodation information I pass along to my parents as a common courtesy.

Bump

Take those same documents and papers and:
(1) scan them to electronic form
(2) mail them to yourself at an account like a gmail account
(3) keep an electronic copy on USB key
(4) leave a copy with someone back home
This way you have multiple possibilities of getting to scanned versions of documents.

Who even has a birth certificate? I don't think I know a single person around here who would even know where to get one.

You have to have a copy of your birth certificate to get a passport.
You get the birth certificate from the Records Department, of the County you were born in.

Well. I admit that I don't bring half the stuff listed in this thread, but most all of it seems a good idea. I'm embarassed to admit that I have something to add to the list that may help you get across international frontiers.

Of course you will be at the mercy of whomever is stationed at the border, so start with a smile and politeness rather than fear and suspicion that you'll have to offer a bribe. If they like you, life will be easier. And one way to make them like you is to make sure that your spouse and you share the same last name in your passport. My wife retained her maiden name for all purposes except her passport, which is hyphenated Ms. Maiden name/My name. In conservative countries, like Turkey, you will immediately be seen as an adventurous married couple. With separate names, you are freeloaders living in sin.

Of course this aint' so, but if what matters is getting across that border, it doesn't hurt to be clearly, legally, married.