Visa to emergency numbers,everything before you go

It depends on your passport: the same country gives different visa-free stays to different nationalities, and some places need an online approval before you fly even without a visa (such as the US ESTA or the Australian ETA). Check the visa and entry cards on each country page.

It varies. Many countries want six months beyond your arrival or your stay, while the Schengen countries ask for at least three months beyond your planned departure. Some also want blank pages. Each country page has its rule.

In many countries cards work almost everywhere, so there is no need to change it all into cash. Carry enough for the first day’s transport and meals, and pay the rest with a card that has low foreign fees. Where cash still matters, the country page’s money section says so.

An eSIM connects the moment you land and has nothing to return, but your phone must support it. Pocket Wi-Fi suits a group sharing one connection, but you carry it, charge it and return it. Roaming is the easiest to set up and usually the most expensive.

Call the local emergency number first (each country page lists them under emergency). For a lost passport, an arrest or an accident, your embassy or consulate can help.