Security Research Checklist Security risks Research your destination s local security risks, such as types of crimes, crime rates, and areas to avoid. When at your destination, read and watch local news. Research local events, be aware of significant cultural and political dates, and avoid large gatherings. Customs and laws Research local customs, etiquette and laws. The do s and dont s can be different from one part of the country to another. When at your location, ask local contacts, advisors, or contact International SOS for advice. Phrases Research and practice the local language; learn basic vocabulary and common phrases. Place them on index cards, and carry them with you. These may include: Yes / No Greetings Thank you Numbers up to 1000 Time of day Asking and giving directions Buying goods Purchasing transport tickets (train, bus, airport) Local currency Avoid fumbling with money in public. Learn the local currency before you go or in private. Accommodation Research local threats avoid staying in risky areas When at your lodging, find out where the emergency exits and escape routes are located Always keep your door locked, even when you are occupying. Use a door wedge. Don t open doors to strangers, Use the door peep hole and ask for identification before opening the door. Travel Documents Checklist Research the entry requirements for your destination. Depending on the location, you may need to have some or all of these items available: Tickets (including transfers) Passport Visas Immunization certificates Travel insurance Photo identification (besides your passport) Proof of funds 2013 AEA International Holdings Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved. Unauthorized copy or distribution prohibited. 1
Precautions to take before you go: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your arrival date at your destination. Carry a copy of the identification page of your passport which you will keep separate from the original. Provide friends or family with a copy of the identification page of your passport, your itinerary your insurance policy and membership card. Organise any visas well in advance of the trip. Foresee your financial needs: local currency, accounts traveller s checks, taxes on air transport, etc. Sort out health issues prior to your trip; vaccines, prescriptions, medical certificate, medical supplies, extra pair of glasses. If you have double citizenship check that there will be no issues in the country where you will be travelling. Obtain an international driving license (if it is necessary). Keep your International SOS membership card with you when you travel. Carry-on Luggage Checklist Think carefully when packing your carry-on luggage. First, find out any size and weight restrictions and if any items are prohibited in your destination or in countries you transit through. Then think about what s essential to have on hand, and what you need to stay safe and comfortable for 24 hours in case of delays. All your travel documents Electronic equipment, like a laptop, tablet and your phone A small amount of cash Any medication you need daily Comfort items, such as toiletries, hand-wipes and hand sanitizer One change of clothes Keep valuables on your person when in transit, such as travel documents, phone, and identification. Avoid placing in the overhead locker. Know the specific guidelines for your flight. Guidelines may include: Size and weight restrictions Liquids and sharp objects 2013 AEA International Holdings Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved. Unauthorized copy or distribution prohibited. 2
Go Bag Checklist The Go-bag - is for ex-pats staying in-country for several weeks / months / years. Focus on items to remain comfortable during a natural disaster or an evacuation (think 24-72 hours.), rather than long-term survival. Several Go-bags may be necessary (Office Home Car). The Go Bag Allows you to move hands-free Does not draw attention (military look, etc.) Know what you have and where to find it Contents are for emergency use only When items are used, refill at next possible occasion Consider these categories when developing your own go-bag / survival kits: Maps: Embassies, hospitals, police stations, airports, assembly areas / linkup points, possible evacuation routes, etc. Radio: Battery or crank-operated Cash: (ATMs may not be available during an emergency or evacuation) Positive Identification: (passport, drivers license) Personal medical information & required prescription medicines (sufficient for an extended evacuation) First Aid Kit Water: Key component (minimum 4 liters per person per day) Water purification and/or filtration supplies Water bottles Shelter: Weather appropriate clothing (e.g., raincoat, hat, gloves, etc.) Sleeping bag and/or lightweight blanket ( snuggie or poncho liner) Signal: Flashlight and/or chemical light sticks /cigarette lighter, etc Food: Energy bars / beef jerky / biscuits or crackers / peanut butter / powdered drink mix Tools: Lock-blade knife and/or multi-tool Duct Tape, lightweight rope, cord or parachute line (550 cord) 2013 AEA International Holdings Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved. Unauthorized copy or distribution prohibited. 3
Grab Bag Checklist The Grab Bag is for normal travel, short-duration hotel stays, etc. Packed nightly and during travel. Ready to grab-and-go in case of emergency such as hotel fires, etc. Things to consider packing in your Grab Bag: Essential Items: Passport Money Phone Required prescription medications (enough for 72 hours) Glasses / contact lenses and solutions Items to also consider: Laptop Flashlight / torch Multi-tool (must be placed in checked baggage when flying) Personal alarm ( Screamer ) Maps (do not rely upon electronics batteries go dead, signal fails & GPS does not always work) Flash drives (sensitive files) Comfort items such as soap, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, hand-wipes, hand sanitiser Mosquito repellent (if necessary) Extra set of socks and underwear Mugger s Wallet & Money To make the wallet appear real, the "Mugger s Wallet" contains: Expired credit cards Cash about $25 USD in small denomination bills. Meaningless receipts you don t need Business cards you may have picked up Use US currency because it all looks very similar, Mugger s money is carrying about $25 cash in an easily accessible pocket. If you are asked to hand over money, you do not need to take your wallet out. 2013 AEA International Holdings Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved. Unauthorized copy or distribution prohibited. 4
Sample Travel Itinerary Complete an itinerary Print out copies to take with you Leave a copy with someone at home Save a copy in the cloud Email a copy to yourself Sample planned itinerary: Date Location Travel arrangements Contact details at location / destination Confirm travel/location details and a safe arrival with someone (use Journey Management Plan template if activity is not part of normal itinerary) Monday May 20 In transit from <home> to <destination> Flight #: <carrier/flight number> Departure time: <date/time> Arrival time: <date/time> Pick ups/drop offs <Locations/Times/Contacts> Location contact details: <name/address/phone> Local emergency numbers Confirmed with: Name / Contact details Confirmed time of scheduled contact: <time> Confirmed who to contact if no check in. Monday May 20 Accommodation: <Address/contact details> Any details if planned regular activity/travel outside accommodation location. Location contact details: <name/address/phone> Local emergency numbers Confirmed with: Name / Contact details Confirmed time of scheduled contact: <time> Confirmed who to contact if no check in. Tuesday May 21 To <Date> Locations during the study <Addresses/contact details> Any transport planned? <yes/no) Mode of transport: Departure time: <date/time> Arrival time: <date/time> Pick ups/drop offs <Locations/Times/Contacts> Location contact details: <name/address/phone> Local emergency numbers Confirmed with: Name / Contact details Confirmed time of scheduled contact: <time> Confirmed who to contact if no check in. Make sure you tell someone if you plan an activity off your normal itinerary, Plan check ins, particularly if you are going somewhere new or remote. Communicate a Journey Management Plan let someone know where you are going, when you will return, and contact details if they don t get a schedule check in. 2013 AEA International Holdings Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved. Unauthorized copy or distribution prohibited. 5
Journey Management Plan TEMPLATE Your name: Your primary contact details (while travelling): Your secondary contact details (while travelling): Destinations (and any meeting points): Planned activities: Departure date: Arrival at destination date: Return date: Departure time: Arrival at destination time: Return time: Mode of transport: <include carrier details> To destination: Return trip: Travelling with: Destination contact details <name/address/phone>: Lodging (if not the same as above) <name/address/phone>: Local emergency numbers (destination): Police: Ambulance: Local hospital: Emergency Assistance numbers: Check in person contact details: Method of contact (call/sms/email): Confirmed check in date/times: Arrival at destination: Safe return: How to report it if the check in person missed a scheduled call: 2013 AEA International Holdings Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved. Unauthorized copy or distribution prohibited. 6