Here is a selection of recent questions relating to travel documentation, money requirements and the logistics of traveling abroad. Planning ahead is key.
We want to ship our motorcycle to Germany. Where can we purchase a green card for insurance?
You should be able to purchase your green card from the insurer who issued your motorcycle insurance policy. If your insurer is AAA, then please contact your local office. The American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) and Motorcycle Express (which is endorsed by the AMA for shipping motorcycles overseas) may also be useful contacts.
Can we cross the border in and out of Canada with fruits and wine? Is there a limit to bottles of wine purchased in Canada to bring back to the U.S.? What is the law in Canada about seatbelts in the front and back seats?
See the U.S.-Canada Border Information link listed below. There is a section that notes the allowable amount of alcoholic beverages you may bring back. While some agricultural products of Canadian origin, such as fruits, may be brought into the U.S., others are restricted to prevent the introduction of plant and animal pests and diseases. All fruits and vegetables must be declared at the U.S. border. Visit the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service or U.S. Customs for more information.
• U.S. Canada Border Info.pdf
• Driving Regulations.pdf
Seat belt use is mandatory in all Canadian provinces. See Driving Regulations for some additional details.
I will be traveling in England and Wales. I have heard that you must take cash because many small towns do not accept general credit cards, credit cards from the U.S. or traveler's checks. Is this correct?
We find it best to take a combination of payment options, such as cash and credit cards. If you are spending a small amount of money at a small retailer, it may be difficult to pay by credit card. If you use public transportation, than you will probably need cash (though train tickets can be bought using credit cards). Most retailers accept major credit cards, such as Visa and MasterCard, no matter which country they are from. However, primarily U.S. cards, such as Discover, might be less widely accepted.
There are a few things that you should do before using your credit cards abroad:
1. Check if your bank charges fees for using cards abroad.
2. Find out what exchange rate your bank uses and if it seems reasonable.
3. Let your bank know that you will be using your card abroad.
My mother and sister are coming to China (PRC) to visit me just outside Hong Kong in mainland China. Do you offer visa services?
Many AAA offices provide travel visa processing for China and a number of other countries in addition to passport services, international driving permits and other travel documentation. Depending on the type of visa you are looking for and the speed with which you wish to obtain it, there are varying processing fees for the service. Your mother and sister's local AAA office can provide additional details. AAA works with Travisa, our preferred passport and visa service provider, to support travelers from the United States and Canada. There may be savings for AAA members, so it may be better to process their travel visa through their local AAA office.
My son, a AAA member, is in Japan and needs an International Driving Permit (IDP). What is the best way to secure one when already in country?
For more information, please click on this link: How to Apply for an IDP and an IADP. If you are currently overseas, see the “What do I need to do next?” section.
I am an American citizen living in Latvia (10 years). I have a Latvian driver's license, and I plan on renting a car in Sacramento, Calif., in October. Latvia does not issue International Driving Licenses – can I get one through your organization? If so, how?
You do not need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in the U.S. You can do so with your Latvian license. There are some caveats regarding residency (e.g. staying here for a job, etc.). And, if you are renting a car, the rental company will very likely insist on insurance. See the California Driver Handbook for more information.
On a cautionary note, an International Driving License (IDL) is not a legal document or a valid driving license. There are a number of unscrupulous organizations that advertise on the Internet to sell IDL’s. These documents are not legitimate.
International Driving Permits, which AAA issues, are available here in the U.S. to holders of U.S. driver’s licenses. The U.S. does not require visitors to carry an IDP. See How to Apply for an IDP and an IADP for details.
I am traveling to Western Canada for nine days soon. I plan to use a credit card for most restaurants and shopping purchases. Do vendors in major tourist areas (Banff, Jasper, Vancouver, etc.) take U.S. money (cash)? If not, what is the best (i.e. least expensive) way to obtain Canadian dollars?
We have found that Canadian locations near the border will accept U.S. dollars as payment; however, farther inland you will need to use Canadian currency. In the tourist destinations you mentioned, some will accept U.S. dollars, but the exchange rate may not be the most favorable.
Since you are already planning to use credit cards, our recommendation is to exchange some petty cash at your bank or local AAA office to start with and withdraw money from ATMs if needed while in Canada. If you are driving between destinations rather than flying or going by train, plan to take more cash.
Other relevant blog posts:
The “Travel Documents” and “Before You Go” topic sections of the blog have a number of posts worth reading.
• Travel Documents
• Before You Go
