Continental Currency Exchange wants to ensure that you travel as safely and securely as possible.  We have prepared a checklist to help get you prepared and we have also provided you with some valuable tips.

Before You Go

Be prepared in case you experience trouble abroad.  Prior to departure, ensure you know where the nearest Canadian government office is located.  Visit www.voyage.gc.ca/alt/canoffices.asp

It is suggested to carry some local currency, unless the importation of the local currency is forbidden.  Contact your local Continental Currency Exchange branch for more information.

Canadian currency and Traveler's Cheques in Canadian dollars are not widely accepted abroad and are subjected to high service charges and exchange rates.  Ask your local Continental Currency Exchange representative for the appropriate currency to carry.

In some areas, debit or credit cards may not be accepted, therefore do not rely solely on them.

Foreign travel may sometimes be more expensive than planned for.  Before you leave, make arrangements for how you will obtain additional funds, if needed.

Consult the country travel reports and current issues section of the website www.voyage.gc.ca for up-to-date information on safety and security conditions, health issues and entry and visa requirements for over 225 destinations.

Check the expiry date on your passport.  Some countries will not let you enter if your passport is due to expire within 6 months.  You can check with the destination country's embassy or consulate in Canada for rules and restrictions regarding passport validity and expiration.

Make sure all forms such as entry visas are filled out.  Also, check if you will need to pay a departure tax to return.

Before you leave Canada, locate and register with the nearest Canadian government office abroad, in case of emergencies.  You can also register online at www.voyage.gc.ca/main/sos/rocapage-en.asp.  Also, see our list of Consular assistance toll free numbers to assist you in any country .

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While You Are There

Use a money belt or case with concealed sections for valuables.

Your passport is the only proof of Canadian citizenship and identity that is accepted in all countries.  Passport applications are available at www.ppt.gc.ca or at a passport office and postal outlets in Canada, and at Canadian government offices abroad.  If your passport is lost or stolen, contact the nearest government office immediately for a replacement after reporting the loss or theft to the local police.  Make sure you get a copy of the police report or the report number.  Proper procedure and identification requirements will need to be filed before a new passport can be issued.

Never carry your passport, travel tickets, identification documents, cash/credit cards and insurance papers together.  If they are lost or stolen, you run the risk of being left with no identification and/or funds.

Leave copies of your important documents with family and friends at home.  This will speed the replacement process if required.

Make copies of the identification page of your passport, and any identification cards you are bringing with you.  Carry the copies and leave the originals in the hotel safe/safety deposit box, along with all your other valuables.

While travelling, remember that the laws of the country you are visiting, apply to you as well.  Thousands of Canadians are currently imprisoned outside Canada for various offences.  The laws and customs of countries around the world can be very different from those in Canada.  Your Canadian citizenship offers no immunity.

When travelling in a foreign country, familiarize yourself with the way of life there.  Respect the country's laws, religions and culture.  In many countries, appropriate attire is very important and may be legislated.  Penalties for disobeying local laws can be quite severe.

Be respectful to all sites of religious beliefs, as many areas are off limits to foreigners or non-members.  Ask permission before taking photographs of religious artifacts or buildings.  Never photograph military facilities or harbors where naval vessels are docked.  You may lose your film or camera and could become under suspicion of espionage.

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Upon Return

Some countries impose a departure tax or service fee at the airport.  Make sure to set aside enough currency to cover such a tax.

All physical import and export of currency equal to or greater than $10, 000 CAD must be reported to Canadian customs.

If you are away from Canada for 7 days or more, you may bring back goods worth up to $750 CAD without paying duties or taxes.  When calculating the number of days you are absent, do not include the date you left Canada, but include the day of your return.

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