An expiring passport, a blocked bank card abroad, or unexpected phone charges can quickly complicate an otherwise well-planned trip. Fortunately, most of these inconveniences can be avoided by carrying out a few checks before departure.
Administrative documents, health, payment methods, internet connection: good preparation allows for a more relaxed trip and helps avoid unpleasant surprises once you arrive. To help you remember everything, here is a complete checklist of steps to take before leaving for abroad.
And since international spending is one of the things to anticipate, solutions like the Wise account and card can help you manage your money more easily during your stay.
What to do before going on a trip abroad: administrative procedures
Check the validity of your passport and identity card
One of the first things to check before traveling is your identity documents. Depending on your destination, a valid identity card may suffice, particularly within the European Union. However, for many countries, a passport is required.
An often overlooked point concerns the remaining validity of your passport. Many countries require that it be valid for at least six months beyond your intended return date. Every year, some travelers discover this rule too late and are denied boarding despite having an officially valid passport.
Therefore, take the time to consult the entry requirements for the country in question on the website of the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. If a renewal is required, it is best to start the process several weeks, or even several months, in advance, depending on the time of year.
Find out about obtaining a visa and entry requirements.
In addition to a passport, a tourist visa, work visa, or electronic travel authorization (such as ESTA for the United States) may be required to enter certain countries. Procedures, fees, and processing times vary considerably depending on the destination. Contact the embassy or consulate of your destination country well in advance of your departure to avoid any delays that could disrupt your
travel plans.
Plan ahead for car rental with an international driving permit
If you plan to rent a car locally, check whether your French driver’s license is recognized in the country you are visiting. In some countries outside the European Economic Area, an international driving permit is required.
The application is free and is done online via the ANTS website. However, processing times can be quite long depending on the time of year. If driving lessons are part of your plan, it’s best to start the process as soon as possible.
What should you do before travelling abroad for your health and safety?
Apply for the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)
For a trip to Europe, apply for your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) at least 15 days before your departure. This individual card proves your entitlement to health insurance and allows you to receive medical care on-site, according to the legislation in force in the country you are visiting. The application is easy and free to complete through your ameli account. If your departure is too soon, you can download a temporary replacement certificate valid for three months.
Update your vaccinations according to your destination
Depending on the region of the world you are visiting, certain vaccinations may be recommended or even mandatory (such as the yellow fever vaccine in some African or Latin American countries). Make an appointment at an international vaccination center or consult your doctor several weeks before departure to review your vaccinations.
Purchase travel insurance
Medical expenses can quickly escalate outside the European Union. It’s often wise to take out travel insurance that covers medical costs, hospitalization, and repatriation. First, check the coverage offered by your bank card provider or health insurance company. Be aware that your payment card’s insurance may impose a 90-day limit and strict compensation caps.
Register for the Ariane service
The Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs offers travelers the free Ariane service. By registering your travel dates and locations, you will receive security instructions by email or SMS in the event of a crisis in the country you are visiting, such as a natural disaster or political instability.
Preparing your finances: What to do before going abroad?
Notify your financial institution
Before flying, remember to notify your bank of your departure. Banks have strict security systems in place. If transactions are made in an unfamiliar country without prior notice, the bank may consider them fraudulent, resulting in the temporary blocking of your payment card.
Check international bank fees and limits
Find out about the fees your institution charges for payments and withdrawals in foreign currencies. Many financial institutions charge fixed and variable fees for withdrawals, as well as commissions in the form of a percentage.
Furthermore, foreign banks may charge you for using ATMs. Remember to check your withdrawal and spending limits. If they seem too low to cover your expenses, ask to have them increased for the duration of your stay.
Avoid dynamic conversion (DCC)
Be aware of dynamic currency conversion (DCC) when paying or withdrawing cash. In some stores or ATMs, you may be offered the option to pay in euros rather than the local currency. If you accept, the exchange rate used to display the amount in euros will likely be less favorable than the rate offered by your payment provider. We advise you to always choose to pay in the local currency to minimize your costs.
How could the Wise account and card accompany you abroad?
When you travel abroad, bank fees aren’t always limited to withdrawals or payments. The exchange rate used to convert your euros into the local currency can also significantly impact the actual cost of your expenses. Many institutions apply a markup to the exchange rate, which subtly increases the amount you pay.
The Wise card works differently. It allows you to spend in over 40 currencies using the mid-market exchange rate. You can also hold multiple currencies in your account and convert your money in advance when the rate seems favorable.
In practical terms, whether you pay for a hotel in dollars, a restaurant in pounds sterling, or an activity in yen, your payments are made directly from your balance in the relevant currency when available. This avoids unnecessary currency conversions and gives you a clearer picture of the true cost of your expenses abroad.
For frequent travelers, the Wise account also offers the ability to manage multiple currencies from a single application, track spending in real time, and make international transfers when necessary.
Organize your mobile plan and internet connection to avoid exceeding your data allowance
Beware of roaming charges
Using your mobile phone plan outside of France (roaming) can incur significant charges. The European Union has introduced a single tariff, meaning that roaming charges have been eliminated within the EU. However, if you travel outside the EU (for example, to Switzerland or North America), you may be subject to roaming charges. Some operators apply a surcharge to calls and internet usage depending on the country and the type of plan you choose.
Alternative solutions for staying connected
To avoid these costs and stay connected with your loved ones, several options are available to you:
- Use Wi-Fi networks: Favor free connections in hotels or cafes to make calls via messaging applications, while being careful about the security of your data on public networks.
- Get a local SIM card: Buying a prepaid card upon arrival can be very useful. They are often available directly at the airport or from local tobacconists.
- Opt for an eSIM: If your smartphone is compatible, a virtual SIM card allows you to subscribe to a local data plan electronically, even before your departure, without having to replace the physical chip of your French phone.
FAQ – The essentials of a travel checklist abroad
How far in advance should you prepare for a trip abroad?
It is advisable to begin preparing your pre-trip checklist at least two to three months before your departure date. This gives you time to check the validity of your passport, apply for any necessary visas, and schedule medical appointments for required international vaccinations.
Should you take cash or use a payment card abroad?
It’s always useful to have a small amount of local currency for immediate expenses. However, paying by card is often safer and widely accepted globally. Check the fees charged by your service provider and consider using a multi-currency card that allows currency conversion without hidden markups.
What should I do if I lose my identity documents abroad?
Keep digital copies of your important documents (passport, identity card, plane tickets) in a secure online storage space or email them to yourself. In case of loss or theft, these copies will greatly facilitate your renewal or emergency procedures with the French embassy or consulate in your country.
Key takeaways
Knowing exactly what to do before going abroad allows you to plan your trip with peace of mind. By following this international travel checklist , you’ll cover the essential administrative, health, financial, and practical aspects for worry-free travel.
Before you pack your bags, keep in mind that using a standard debit card outside the Eurozone may incur additional fees related to currency conversion and international transactions. Dedicated international payment solutions are available.
For example, the Wise card allows for seamless payments because Wise always uses the market exchange rate, thus avoiding exchange rate markups during currency conversion. Furthermore, the Wise debit card is offered with no monthly subscription or maintenance fees.
For a €7 transfer fee, it offers free withdrawals of up to €250 per month (a 2.69% fee applies beyond that). For residents of France, the foreign currency account offers comprehensive features such as sending and receiving funds, holding multiple currencies, obtaining local account details, and even access to investment features.
