BB Fact Sheet – Travel - Countries Customs and Traditions

Informing yourself before you go

• Your holiday is important and it helps to have an understanding of how to interact with people you meet in other countries.

• Take a moment to consider how your understanding of other countries Customs & Traditions may impact your trip, and take into consideration factors such as giving the wrong impression, being unable to communicate effectively, unintentionally giving offence, getting on the wrong side of officials who may have rights over your liberty.

• Discuss some of the likely scenarios with your travel agent, or seek information about specific issues via phone, or the internet from the Australian Government website – www.smartraveller.gov.au. Enquire about your rights under Australian Law if you inadvertently fall into a situation that may impact your trip, and what you can do if you get into trouble while Overseas.

• Find out information that will improve your chances of limiting these difficulties while are away. 

Baby Boomers and Other Countries Customs and Traditions

• Baby Boomers are often travelling to places around the Globe where there are different Customs and Visa requirements, and Traditions. It is prudent to be well informed before you go, and it can be great fun to discover something about the people or places you are planning to visit.

• The experience of having travelled before, and visiting different Countries, is helpful, but one cannot assume that the same situation and conditions still apply.

What can I do?

• Learn a few phrases in the local language – even if it’s just ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’, your efforts will be appreciated.

• Research a little about each country you are going to before you go, and while you are there, show that you are interested in their Customs & Traditions.

• Dress appropriately. A good way to judge is to look at what the locals are wearing and be sensitive to local standards, particularly in those countries where religion is important. Women should dress modestly in countries with strong Islamic customs.

• Ask permission before taking photos of people and respect their wishes if they decline. Note that in some countries it is illegal to take photographs of certain places, including government buildings, airports and ports, or anything to do with the police or the military.

• Register your travel & contact details with the Australian Government Dept. Foreign Affairs & Trade (DFAT): https://www.orao.dfat.gov.au/orao/weborao.nsf/

• Be aware that in some countries it’s not acceptable for couples to be overtly affectionate in public, so be discreet.

Contact your Travel Insurer or Travel Agent first.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre -  +61 2 6261 3305 or

                                                            - 1300 555135 (local call cost within Australia). 

 Australia - http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

Travel Advisories – either by country or specific events or issues - http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

List of National Days of Celebration for other countries  - http://protocol.dfat.gov.au/NationalDay

Commercial Publication about Cultures of other Nations - http://www.culturebriefings.com/

Country Profiles fact sheets (UK site)          - http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/country-profiles.html

Useful Phrases (other languages) (UK site) - http://www.kwintessential.co.uk/phrases.html

Please contact your Travel Agent or Insurer first

List of Australian Embassies, High Commissions & Consulates - http://www.dfat.gov.au/missions/index.html

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This article was created by Elisabeth Watkins for babyboomers.com.au - Australia's leading website for Baby Boomers. Sources include Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, and www.smartraveller.gov.au. Babyboomers.com.au is a resource to help people find information and services on Health, Money, Travel.
 
Disclaimer: The information contained in this section should not be used for individual advice. Please see your travel Agent or contact The Australian Government if you have concerns or specific questions relating to Customs or Border Security.