International travelers of Reddit, what advice do you have for a person's first time abroad?

You can download an app for maps to use offline. Make sure before hand you download the map for the specific place(s) you're visiting and you will be able to find your way without needing any Wi-Fi or data.
— jmgtz94

Pack light. Seriously, you'll need maybe a few shirts, a couple pants, some socks and some toiletries outside of what's on your person. Leave plenty of room to bring things back. As for the logistics, make sure you know the visa requirements, customs limits, and any vacs you might want to get if you're going too far, or into the third world.
— ReptileGaming

Pack a change of clothes on your carry on luggage. That way you definitely have something to change into after the long haul flight even if somehow your checked baggage gets lost. Accessing money and using my phone are the two things I tend to forget to organise until it's almost time to leave. Check with your bank if you'll be able to access your account in Europe (and the fees for doing so), they might have a special traveller account you can switch to for the time you're away. I use the cashpassport cards. Buying a sim in the country you're going to will probably be cheaper than using international roaming. Or maybe get a lycamobile sim or something that's specifically made for travelling. Travel insurance. Get it. Hope you don't need it. Check out sites like Couchsurfing and find groups for the city you'll be staying in. A lot of the time there are group meets happening (or you could organise one!) it's a great way to meet some locals. The Czech Republic borders on a bunch of other countries and the rail system is great in Europe. Don't be scared to have a weekend away exploring somewhere else.
— PieceOfCait

Check which everyday items are not allowed in the country you're visiting. I live in a kinda rough area and I have pepper spray in my car door panel. Totally forgot about it until I was asked about it at the US/Canadian border. Yeah, those nice Canadians tore my car up looking for other weapons.
— fastfood12

1. Check out stuff to do while you're there before you leave. Go for the basic tourist stuff rather than only shoppingand going to the beach. Im talking monuments, parks, museums, anything really. 2. Find yourself a couple decent restaurants you would like to eat at. I'm from Norway and eating at a restaurant here is hella expensive. Chances are you can treat yourself to some pretty good meals for a cheap buck.
— IamDoneMakingNewAcco

If someone stops you to beg for money/food at a train station or something like that[,](https://imgur.com/cXA7XxW) watch out for their buddies circling around behind you. Seriously, paying attention to where people were standing and who with when you walk into a room or an area is gonna cut down on anything like pickpocketing or purse theives by like 95 percent. If two people were standing on the platform across from you, and then all of a sudden one of them is talking to you on your platform and the other one is nowhere to be seen, thats shady and hold on to your shit. Also, if you look smart and aware they won’t target you.
— BlatantConservative

Research about the normal life in the country, and trust others by your gut and try not to get ripped off, Also store stuff like passports where you are staying and not on you.
— __Dead_Inside__

Don't dress too "flashy", this *screams* "**I am a tourist**" and will draw the attention of any bums or muggers.........scruffy is *always* better.
— Barseps

Learn basic phrases (Hello, Thank You, Do you speak english, etc) of that country's primary language and watch your back!
— I_am_who

As someone who is currently studying abroad, don't neglect making friends with locals. A lot of the best things about a place can be hard to find, even with the internet.
— Sorenrising

All the stuff already mentioned, but I'll add some small things. Earplugs...small and good for sleeping. Seems there are dogs and chickens everywhere. Bose Quiet Comfort headphones for flights (at a min). I got mine used on ebay and they are the best travel purchase I've made. Since you're studying, these could also help in your room. Encrypt your sh*t and be prepared to have it confiscated. Unlikely, but be prepared with a back up plan. See EFF for [pocket guide](https://www.eff.org/document/eff-border-search-pocket-guide) and full [executive summary](https://www.eff.org/wp/digital-privacy-us-border-2017). Good intl credit card with no intl fees (aside from exchange). They usually offer a better exchange rate. Credit union ATM card which is on the Visa atm network. This will usually get you free/low fee atm access to your cash at a decent exchange rate. Print and keep a copy on you of all your travel details, confirmation number, addresses, directions. This is in case you don't have wifi, power or lose/stolen device. Oh, and when I last traveled about 4 months ago AirBNB did not have offline access to your bookings (which is feking stupid for that app). The less you carry the less of a target you are. Pack light and buy local and you'll blend more. If you're a dude, wait a bit a get a local haircut. Could be a cool experience and maybe help you seem more local. Dubious results but fun nonetheless.
— w33dcup

The man with the uniform and a gun is in charge. If you don't speak his language and he starts talking to you make no sudden movements and tell him you don't understand what he is saying. Wait and eventually someone will translate. Be polite, he has a gun. Whatever you are being offered that sounds illegal probably is. You are not a badass. Badasses are scary. You are a polite person who is dumb as rocks with no money. You do not want to go to jail abroad. Stay with crowds. No matter how awful it is keep in mind this is someone's home. Treat it with the respect you want your home treated with. Pack light.
— pm_your_lifehistory

Remember that people are people- yes there will be scammers and thieves but also a lot of very normal folks who are probably just as interested to meet a foreigner as you are to meet them. Have fun.
— DethNaRoK

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