What are the first things you do when you get off the airplane in a foreign country?

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Ellen

I can't remember which one comes first (I've been to Greece, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, England, Germany & Mexico) but I know you need to get your luggage and go through customs. I believe it's luggage first and customs second.

Once you're free from airport security, change over the equivalent of $100 in foreign currency. Airports usually don't have the best rates because they are convenient so they can rip people off, but you should have some emergency money right off the bat. Change the rest of your money at a local bank.

Check in with your family/friends; let them know you've arrived safely and keep in contact when possible.

Contact where you are staying if it is a hotel or family, let them know you've landed and will be there in ____ hours/minutes/days.

Check your carry-on. Make sure you have your passport, wallet, travel information, cellphone, camera, etc. If anything is missing, report it to the airport security.

Study up on local attractions. Make sure you know what to do when you get where you're going!

[edit] Setup a Skype account: Skype is 4 cents a minute (American) to connect, and 2 cents a minute to talk. You can call any land line or cellphone; I used less than $10 in 6 weeks in England calling my family & boyfriend daily. It's the easiest way to communicate! [/edit]

Ozeki

eat

rhsaunders

You first go through immigration; they check your passport, and if you need a visa, whether you have one. Then you proceed to baggage, pick up your luggage, and go through customs. (Your baggage may be inspected for contraband.) After that, you proceed to the street and look for ground transportation. Previous answers are incorrect.

packerjan

Sometimes it's better to buy your money ahead of time from your local bank. They may charge five bucks or so, but then when you land you do have the right currency. That way you are prepared.

James C

Make sure you have your passport and visa if necessary before you board the plane?

Amber E

they'll have you go through customs then pick up your luggage. at customs they'll stamp your passport. afterwards you should be able to exchange some currency

jkfij J

u get off airplane u go do the passport thing work grab ur stuff and leave the airport

Curious

Yep - go down the ramp and get your luggage. You will go through customs with your luggage. have your passport ready and answer any questions the customs agent asks you.

You can change money at the airport, but they usually have the worst rates. Try a bank in town for better rates, but of course you have to stick to banking hours. Many credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, AmEx) will work in most foreign countries - it is easier to put big purchases on the card and let them worry about the exchange rates - it's usually fair. Better than tourist exchange rates anyhow.

But if you can, change some money before you go at your local bank (they may need to order in the currency - they may not have it in the bank branch right away...) That way, you have some local currency right away to pay for small things.

Know where you want to go after the airport - is someone picking you up? Will you have to take a taxi? Will you need to take a shuttle bus or van to a hotel? Ask at the airport information desk for anything you need.

Enjoy your trip!!!

s t

i would have at least some of that countries money already, before you even get on the plane.....

at some point, the flight attendant will give you a card to fill out detailing who you are and where your staying,, so,, pack a pen on your carry on,, and fill it out on the plane before you land or you will stand in a long line once you get off.... and know the address of where you are staying.

have fun on your trip! and pack a few candy bars,,,who knows, you may have trouble finding food.

hamrrfan

You should change a little of the money at home. You may need to use it before you can find a place to change over your money.

iREP BULGARIA

well iim not frum america so im foreign to dis country but i guess u go to ur hotel???

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