CONTENTS
Subchapter 400 - GENERAL
401 HEALTH CARE
401.1 PROPHYLAXIS MEASURES
401.2 PERSONAL PRESCRIPTIONS
401.3 SHOT RECORD
401.4 EMERGENCIES
402 EMBASSIES/CONSULATES
403 OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
404 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON COUNTRIES
404.1 COUNTRY PROFILES
404.2 BACKGROUND NOTES
404.3 HEALTH
404.4 BUSINESS AND NEWS
405 MONEY
405.1 TRAVELER'S CHECKS
405.2 CURRENCY
405.3 TIP PACKETS
405.4 CURRENCY EXCHANGE
405.5 CREDIT CARDS
406 LODGING
407 TRAVEL TICKETS
408 ARRANGING TRAVEL WHILE ABROAD
409 LUGGAGE
410 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
411 TRAVEL ADVISORIES
412 PER DIEM RATES
413 FOREIGN CULTURES AND MORES
414 U.S. CUSTOMS AND DUTY
415 PERSONAL SECURITY MEASURES
415.1 MONEY
415.2 PERSONAL
415.3 VALUABLES
SUBCHAPTER 400 -
GENERAL
The purpose of this chapter is to provide general guidance to international
travelers. Most investigators/analysts feel comfortable performing the
actual inspections. However, personal situations may arise during international
travel that would not be encountered during travel in the U.S.
Information contained in this chapter originated from experienced travelers.
DFI strongly urges international travelers to submit ideas and suggestions
to enhance the information contained in this chapter.
401 HEALTH CARE
See also Sub Chapter 232.2 of this guide.
401.1 PROPHYLAXIS MEASURES
It is in the best interest of the traveler to take whatever prophylaxis
measures are necessary to maintain good health during international travel.
Travelers should carry over-the-counter cold preparations, aspirin, antidiarrheal
products, antifungal products, etc. If allergies are a concern, remember
to carry appropriate medications.
401.2 PERSONAL PRESCRIPTIONS
If you use prescription medications, be certain to take a sufficient supply
to last throughout the trip, plus an extra supply. Carry copies of the
actual prescription for the drug so a new supply can be obtained in case
of emergency.
If the traveler wears glasses, and/or contact lenses it is suggested that
they carry a second pair, and a copy of the prescription.
401.3 SHOT RECORD
Keep and carry an up to date shot record. These are available through
the CDC, PHS health unit or personal physician. Many inoculations are provided
free through the CDC, PHS, or other public health units. It is suggested
that travelers obtain verification from their personal physician if unsure.
Inoculations should be taken well before leaving on the trip to allow for
possible reactions.
401.4 EMERGENCIES
If a medical emergency arises, you should seek medical attention as soon
as possible. Contact the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate for guidance regarding
which local medical institution is recommended. After being properly treated,
immediately notify DFI with the status of your condition. It is permissible
to abort an international trip due to health reasons. Advise DFI who to
contact regarding the situation (district management, family, etc.). The
traveler should not attempt to travel home until certain that they are
fit to travel and have notified DFI.
402 EMBASSIES/CONSULATES
The U.S. consular offices are located at U.S. embassies and consulates
in most countries overseas. They are available to advise and help you,
if you are in any SERIOUS trouble (civil unrest, unstable political climate,
a natural disaster, etc).
Contact your trip planner first to solve any problems before contacting
the U.S. consulate.
Review the State Department Consular Sheets provided in briefing package.
In the event of some unexpected circumstance, it is advisable to know the
location and contacts for the U.S. Embassies and Consulates in the country
to which travel is planned. Prior to departure, obtain information for
those countries to be visited and keep this information available at all
times. It is of no value if it is checked in luggage when needed. Embassies
and consulates should only be contacted for assistance in case of emergencies
or critical situations and not for routine matters.
The consuls CANNOT act as travel agents, information bureaus, banks, or
law enforcement officers. If you get into legal trouble, the U.S. Federal
law forbids a consular officer from acting as your lawyer. Consular officers
cannot get you visas, act as interpreters, search for missing luggage;
call your credit card company or bank, replace stolen travelers checks
or settle disputes with hotel managers.
Check the current listing at:
ww.usembassy.state.gov OR
http://foia.state.gov/MMS/KOH/keyofficers.asp
403 OFFICE OF INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS
The Office of International Affairs (OIA), HFG-1, can provide valuable
travel information concerning the different countries to which travel is
planned. If DFI is unable to provide the information desired, OIA will
be contacted in an attempt to obtain that information.
404 BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON COUNTRIES
404.1 COUNTRY PROFILES
ORA has developed a Country Profile System which has information regarding
several countries, as well as data the Agency has compiled relative to
them such as, import alerts, problem products and agreements with countries.
Country Profile information is available via the FDA Internet.
404.2 BACKGROUND NOTES
The Department of State publishes general information on over 160 countries.
Some information such as entry requirements, travel conditions, and available
medical facilities can be very helpful. This information is available through
the Internet at:
www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/
The CIA Fact Book contains a wealth of information about countries, including
information about climate and major natural phenomena; population by sex,
age and religion; life expectancy and infant mortality; political parties;
and the structure of the economy. This information is also available on
the Internet at:
www.odci.gov
Click on the “Library & Reference” section.
404.3 HEALTH
The Center for Disease Control has information on diseases that are prevalent
in specific countries, the risk of contraction, and preventative measures.
Their Internet site is: http://www.cdc.gov.
404.4 BUSINESS AND NEWS
Other Internet sites that may be useful to international travelers includes:
Business Travel News:
http://www.biztravel.com
Airport Information:
www.quickaid.com/airports
Currency conversion/language dictionaries:
www.travlang.com
International Time zones:
www.globalmetric.com/time
News, travel and city guides:
www.cnn.com/travel/
Weather:
www.accuweather.com
click on “World”, for international weather conditions
405 MONEY
405.1 TRAVELER'S CHECKS
It is recommended that the majority of the travel advance be carried in
traveler's checks. The fee for obtaining traveler's checks is reimbursable.
Traveler's checks are readily accepted, and can be replaced at no cost
should theft or loss occur.
It is recommended the traveler's checks be purchased in 100
dollar increments.
405.2 CURRENCY
Under normal circumstances, carrying large amounts of U.S. currency is
not necessary. However, some U.S. currency for necessary purchases, tips,
and transportation fees on departure/arrival to U.S. will be required.
405.3 TIP PACKETS
Some banks will provide (at a cost) a service called "Tip Packets." This
service will provide the traveler with 20 or 30 U.S. dollars' worth of
international currency for the countries to which they are traveling. The
advantage of this service is that it allows the foreign traveler to have
enough international currency to pay for transportation from airports,
rail and bus stations, etc. to hotels without being concerned whether or
not the currency exchange at the transportation hubs are open.
405.4 CURRENCY EXCHANGE
Fees for exchange of U.S. dollars to international currency are reimbursable.
Records and receipts of such exchanges are necessary. Also keep a log of
the exchange rates for use in preparation of the travel voucher. With very
little effort, the best places to obtain the most favorable currency exchange
rate can be determined.
The most convenient and cost effective locations to exchange currency
are transportation hubs such as major airports and train stations. Banks
often offer the best conversion rates, however due to inconvenient banking
hours, it may be difficult to utilize their services. Post offices are
another good alternative for currency exchange.
Under NO circumstances should travelers attempt to take advantage
of exchanging U.S. dollars for foreign currency on the "black
market." Although the exchange rates offered in such
markets is highly tempting, they are illegal. Several countries
have undercover police agents who attempt to lure unsuspecting
travelers into such an exchange. Once such an exchange is
completed, the traveler is arrested.
Each foreign country has their own rules and regulations regarding currency
exchange. Some countries will exchange their currency only within the confines
of their country. That is, it cannot be taken out of one country and exchanged
in another. Examples are: India, Korea, China (PRC) and Eastern European
countries.
Current exchange rates are available in major newspapers and on the Internet.
405.5 CREDIT CARDS
Use of government or personal credit cards during international travel
has a number of advantages. Use of the credit card, especially at the outset
of the trip, allows a "cushion" of available funds should emergencies
arise. The credit card companies generally obtain the best exchange rate.
Major credit cards are accepted in most places, however, some less common
credit cards may not be accepted outside the U.S.
Immediately report the loss or theft of credit card or traveler’s
checks to the credit card companies and to the local police.
Before leaving on your trip, you may want to check with your bank to see
if the country or countries that you plan to visit have Automated Teller
Machine (ATM) service. The bank should be able to tell you if you can use
your ATM card during your trip abroad.
406 LODGING
Upon arrival at a hotel, the individual should inquire about the room
rates available. If available, a considerable amount of money can be saved
by utilizing available discounts. Discounts are sometimes provided pending
the method of payment such as with cash, credit card or traveler's checks.
It is sometimes useful to provide DFI with hotel information such as,
location relative to a major transportation hub (airport, bus or rail station,
etc.); its cleanliness; undesirable location etc.
Occasionally, a firm will attempt to pay or offer to pay for an investigator's
lodging. As is the case domestically, FDA cannot accept such offers from
regulated industry. Make every effort to avoid this type of situation.
However, if there is no alternative, contact DFI with details as soon as
possible. See Sub Chapter 244 of this guide.
407 TRAVEL TICKETS
Airline tickets as well as your passport and money should be guarded carefully.
Airline tickets are a very valuable commodity and can be resold on the
black market. Attention should be given to airline rules and regulations
concerning reconfirming flights.
Generally, all international flights should be reconfirmed no later than
72 hours in advance of the flight.
Should it be necessary to purchase airline tickets while abroad, receipts
must be obtained for voucher purposes.
Retain copies of all used airline tickets to be submitted with the vouchers.
Refer to Sub Chapter 211.4 for details on reimbursable transportation expenses.
408 ARRANGING TRAVEL WHILE ABROAD
Generally, all surface, and possibly some air transportation will have
to be arranged by the traveler while on international travel. This can
be facilitated if the companies being inspected can provide guidance. Many
companies have their own travel unit and are more than happy to arrange
further travel. These companies generally will also assist to reconfirm
any reservations necessary. However, do not accept tickets without payment.
It should be made very clear, upon requesting assistance in making travel
arrangements that the FDA traveler must make payment for transportation
charges.
409 LUGGAGE
For first time travelers, it is often helpful to talk to more experienced
travelers. They can offer suggestions on what types of luggage are best,
and what to pack. Most veteran travelers will confirm that they vastly
over-packed on their first international inspection trip. It is advantageous
to pack light, as luggage may have to be moved from place to place where
porters are unavailable. Luggage may have to be lifted to shelves overhead,
or in and out of taxis and/or trains.
Do not pack extra pair of glasses or necessary daily medication in your
luggage. Carry it in your briefcase, purse, or pocket. If luggage is lost,
you may not be able to get to them when needed.
It is advisable to keep a change of underwear and toiletry items in your
shoulder bag. This will assure personal comfort if your main piece of luggage
is lost in transit.
Some experienced travelers carry a bottle of laundry detergent (e.g. Woolite)
to wash clothes during the trip. Laundry is not a reimbursable item. Laundry
services in locations outside of the U.S. are generally very expensive.
Travelers are typically in a given town for less than three days and it
may be impossible to get laundry returned in that time.
It is also advisable to keep some form of identification in each piece
of luggage in case of loss or any question of ownership. One suggestion
is to photograph each piece of luggage. This will greatly assist identification
should it become lost. These pictures easily show the airline representatives
exactly what the luggage looks like.
Never place your valuables (jewelry, money, traveler’s checks) in
your checked luggage. Never leave your bags unattended.
410 TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
Photocopy all plane tickets, itineraries, and the front portion of official
passport (with your picture). These copies may become extremely useful
should any of those travel documents become lost or stolen. Keep a set
in each piece of luggage as well as on one's person. It may be helpful
to leave an extra copy at home.
While abroad, guard travel documents the same as other valuable possessions.
It may be advisable to obtain a locked safety deposit box at hotels.
411 TRAVEL ADVISORIES
The Department of State routinely issues travel advisories that include
helpful information such as notification of political unrest, terrorist
threats, large public events and festivals which may make it difficult
to obtain lodging, etc. It may be beneficial to check for any advisories
that have been issued by checking with DFI or at the website described
in Sub Chapter 404.
412 PER DIEM RATES
The current per diem rates for cities on the itinerary will be indicated
on the travel order. Check for per diem rate changes upon return in order
to accurately prepare the travel voucher. Current per diem rates are available
on the Internet:
www.state.gov/m/a/als/prdm/
413 FOREIGN CULTURES AND MORES
It is helpful to learn as much as possible about the cultures and mores
of countries before traveling. Refer to local libraries, the Department
of State, and commercial travel guides to assist in learning the customs
and mores. DFI has a limited number of useful publications available on
loan to travelers prior to departure. Some travel publications include
a section of "do's" and "don'ts" while in foreign countries.
Another source of information are fellow travelers. Useful websites:
www.lonelyplanet.com
www.fodors.com
www.nationsonline.org
414 U.S. CUSTOMS AND DUTY
Travelers should familiarize themselves with the rules and regulations
concerning U.S. Customs and duty requirements. This may prevent embarrassing
moments upon reentering the U.S. Refer to the U.S. Customs website:
www.customs.gov
Click on traveler information for useful information
415 PERSONAL SECURITY MEASURES
Refer to Exhibit 4-B entitled "Security Considerations When Traveling
Abroad. "
415.1 MONEY
As previously stated, travelers should guard cash and traveler's checks.
Do not carry more cash than absolutely necessary. Most hotels have locked
security boxes available for depositing money and other valuables. When
exchanging money in cities, caution should be taken to display of large
amounts of money in public. Pickpocketing is somewhat of an art in some
European countries. Money should be carried in such a place or manner that
it would be difficult for pickpockets to be successful. Holster type pouches,
meant to be worn under a shirt are available and excellent for protecting
money and documents from pickpockets.
Under NO circumstances should travelers attempt to take advantage of exchanging
U.S. dollars for foreign currency on the "black market." Although
the exchange rates offered on the black market are quite attractive, they
are illegal.
415.2 PERSONAL
Personal security is of utmost importance while traveling. Be aware of
your surroundings. FDA's mission cannot be completed if security is compromised.
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home. Travelers
should not place themselves in compromising situations. If civil disturbances
erupt, the area should be evacuated as soon as possible. Do not loiter
around undesirable places or in politically sensitive areas.
Individuals must not become engaged in heated conversations concerning
politics or religion at anytime, but especially with strangers in an after
hours location.
415.3 VALUABLES
Do not bring anything on your trip that you would hate to lose, such as
expensive jewelry or objects of sentimental value. If you bring jewelry,
wear it discreetly to help prevent snatch-and-run robbery. Guard your valuables
and avoid carrying excessive amounts of cash. Keep credit cards at a minimum.
Leave department store credit cards at home. Travelers checks are much
safer to use and the cost of purchase is reimbursable. As already suggested,
travelers checks and other valuables can be kept in a safety deposit box.
If cash is necessary for payment of bills, convert travelers checks just
prior to payment
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