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Home > Our
Publications > Travel Australia
and New Zealand > March 2006
Where to get help
TRAVELLING
abroad, in any country, has its problems - many of them unexpected and
while the British Government's local representative can provide
assistance they cannot, for instance, get you out of prison.
You should always respect local laws and customs.
For instance, in the UAE it is a punishable offence to drink in public; offenders may be put in prison.
Eat and drink carefully: Find
out if the local tap water is safe to drink. If not, drink bottled
water and avoid having ice in your drinks. To avoid contaminated food,
don't eat food that has not been freshly cooked.
Keep in touch with home: Especially
for long trips. If they know you are safe, they won't need to panic if
there's an emergency in the country you are visiting.
Be security conscious: Avoid unlit streets at night and only carry the minimum amount of cash when sightseeing.
Protect yourself from the sun and mosquitoes:
If you are travelling to any country where the sun is hot then take
care always use sun lotions with UVA and UVB protection and avoid the
sun between midday and 3pm. To reduce the chances of being bitten while
abroad - .use insect repellents, wear long shirts and long trousers and
sleep under a mosquito net.
If things go wrong: If you do get into trouble .abroad you will need to know how Consular Officials can and cannot help you.
Consular Officials can:
issue emergency passports; put you in touch with local lawyers,
interpreters and doctors; visit you if you have been arrested or put in
prison; contact relatives and friends if you need emergency money or
tickets; arrange for next of kin to be told of an accident or a death
and advise on procedures.
Consular Officials cannot:
pay your hotel, legal, medical or any other bills; give legal advice;
intervene in court cases; get you out of prison; get you better
treatment in hospital or prison than locals; replace lost airline
tickets.
* This information has been provided by the Foreign & Commonwealth
Office. For more info and details on countries check their web site at
wwwfco.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
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