Flying International for the First Time? What You Need to Know
It can be very stressful flying international for the first time, wherever you may be in the world. I’ve compiled this FAQ filled with tips and tricks to help you prepare for your first international flight! I hope this guide will make your experience smoother using these tips!
Before You Fly
- Make sure you have a valid passport that isn’t expired or won’t expire for at least 6 months during your travel.
- Some countries require you to apply for a visa before arriving. Research if you need to apply or if your country has visa-free entry.
Note: Don’t trust ChatGPT about visas – make sure you go to official websites.- If you have an international layover, check if you need a transit visa.
- Have physical and digital copies of the following, in case they ask at immigration:
- Passport
- Flight details (including return)
- Visa (if you need to apply for it)
- Travel itinerary
- Travel insurance
- Why would they ask for these at immigration? This happened to someone in our group: their e-visa wasn’t valid because of a mistake they made while applying. The immigration counter asked for everything – his flight details (including domestic flights), his hotel details, if he booked any activities etc.
➡️ Should You Get Travel Insurance? (post coming soon!)
Luggage Limits
- Unless you booked a budget airline, they wouldn’t usually check how heavy your carry on is. Just make sure that your carry on doesn’t look heavy or too full.
- If you’re planning to do a lot of shopping, bring only the necessities for your trip, to leave a lot of room in your luggage for your shopping!
- If your airline has a weight limit, you can usually check in multiple luggage as long as it’s within the weight limit. It’s best to check with the airline though.
Money (Cards, Withdraw, Exchange)
Withdrawing Cash at ATMs
- Can be the best rate out of the 3 options
- Check if your current cards can work internationally. Consider getting a Wise card
- Note that there will be ATM transaction fees if you use a foreign card, and some ATMs will have transaction fees unless you personally bank with them.
Credit Cards
- My personal favourite way to spend money overseas. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re good with your finances, consider this option
- Look for credit cards that offer: no foreign transaction fees and some sort of travel points to get the most of your card
- Do not use this card to withdraw cash
- Do not use this card if it has foreign transaction fees – they add up.
Exchanging Currency
- Can be the worst rate out of the 3 options
- Avoid exchanging money at the airport – you will get the worst rates
- Some currency exchange counters provide a better exchange rate for large bills
At the Airport (Departure)
- Always check in online, if it’s possible. Sometimes, at baggage counters, there are lanes for those who checked in online, and it’s faster than the normal line.
- Baggage counters generally open 3 hours before departure.
- If your international flight is early in the morning, make sure to check the opening times of your airport. Some airports aren’t open overnight.
Security Screening
- Trolleys are usually not allowed when you’re lining up for the security screening
- Liquids must be in containers under 100mL
- Some requires you to remove your laptops from your carry-on bag
- If you’re wearing jackets and boots, you definitely have to take them off
- In some airports, they require you to remove your shoes, regardless if you’re wearing boots or not
- Once you’re through the security screening, you can fill up your water bottles.
During Flight
- Keep your passport, wallet, phone, and any medication in your carry-on bag. Ideally, have a smaller bag for these items, that way even if you need to put your luggage on the overhead locker, you can put the smaller bag under the seat in front of you.
- Have a pen available – you may need to fill up physical landing or customs form that they hand out during the flight. This saves you time after arriving to your destination.
International Transfers
Scenario: You’re from London and travelling to Sydney, but have a layover at Tokyo.
- You do not need to go through immigration or customs at your layover (Tokyo). However, depending on the airport, you have to go through security again.
- Ideally, you should have at least 3 hours layover. Why?
- Larger airports have different terminals, and you might need to walk from one end of the airport to another
- Airport layout may get confusing and you could get lost
- Lots of people arriving at the layover airport as you, therefore creating a congestion at security
- Your flight was delayed, and now you have less time at your layover
Arrival in Another Country
- If your destination has a digital landing or customs form, make sure to fill those out before flying. This will cut down on your time in immigration
- Declare restricted items. If you’re unsure, declare anyway. There can be high penalties if you don’t declare and they find restricted items while checking your bag.
- Check local laws if the medication you need is allowed in their country
- Beware of taxi scams. It may be better to use public transport or use a ride-sharing app to avoid overpaying. If you have a lot of luggage or travelling with family, consider getting a private airport transfer.
➡️ Should you Book a Private Airport Transfer in Vietnam?
Returning Home
- Make sure you have a portable scale to check your luggage don’t go over the limit.
- Check duty-free limits too – know how much goods you can bring back without paying tax
- Some airports have tax refund counters. Keep your receipts to provide as proof. If you’re doing this, consider getting even earlier at the airport (especially if the airport is a busy one).
