Adequate preparation is necessary for a trip
Do you enjoy traveling? Traveling is charming, especially solo travel, which is an adventure full of challenges and surprises. To ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey, some homework and preparations are essential before going abroad. Let's take a look at what you need to bring and the essential safety precautions with Bone!
Passport
For Bone friends applying for a passport for the first time, if you are a Taiwanese national, you can visit any household registration office nationwide, bringing two 2-inch headshots taken within six months and your identification card to apply at the counter. It's important to note that the applicant for the passport must appear in person. Household registration offices now assist with proxy submission, eliminating the need to visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office separately. This arrangement is to prevent passport fraud. Government agencies will verify whether the applicant's face and photo match.
For Bone friends who already have a passport, if your passport is lost, damaged, or expired and needs to be reissued, you may not need to go to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs yourself. Just visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs offices in various locations.
The approximate time to receive the passport is about 4 working days after the application is submitted. If applying for a passport reissue, it will take 5 working days. During the waiting period, applicants can plan their travel and make the most of their time.
Visa Application
A visa is an essential part of international travel, serving as the "ticket" to enter a particular country. Think of it like needing a valid ticket to enter a movie theater. Each country has its own visa system, ensuring the legal status of entrants and serving as permission to enter that country. According to general principles of international law, countries are not obligated to permit entry by foreigners, making the visa a crucial procedure.
Unlike a passport, which verifies individual identity, a visa is the permission document to enter a specific country. While a passport is the basic document for all international travel, visas vary depending on the country and purpose of entry. For Taiwanese citizens, many countries offer visa exemptions or free visas, making travel more relaxed and convenient. Here are some visa-free countries commonly visited by Taiwanese citizens. Before departure, besides ensuring that your passport is valid for more than six months, pay attention to the allowed length of stay in each country to avoid violating local regulations and incurring fines.
Japan (90-day stay allowed)
Korea (90-day stay allowed)
Thailand (visa-free from November 10, 2023, to May 10, 2024, 30-day stay allowed)
Singapore (30-day stay allowed)
Malaysia (30-day stay allowed)
Macau (30-day stay allowed, check the Mainland Affairs Council website for the latest information)
Guam (45/90-day stay allowed, pay attention to relevant matters)
Palau (90-day stay allowed)
New Zealand (90-day stay allowed)
Air Tickets
Before purchasing airline tickets, flight safety is the most concerning factor for travelers. According to the latest flight safety rankings, the top five safest airlines in 2024 are New Zealand Air, Australian Airlines, Virgin Australia, Etihad Airways, and Qatar Airways. These airlines are known for their excellent safety records and outstanding flight safety standards.
In addition to flight safety, comfort is also a consideration. The choice of comfort mainly depends on the length of the flight. For short flights, such as one or two hours, seat comfort may vary depending on personal preferences and acceptability. For long-haul flights, seat space, seat recline, airline service ratings, and the quality of airplane meals are factors that determine the traveler's experience. Choose according to individual needs to ensure a good flight experience.
When considering purchasing airline tickets, price is also a concern for many people. Airline ticket prices may vary depending on the airline, flight duration, flight date, and booking time. Common purchase platforms include airline official websites, third-party travel websites, and travel agencies. Airline official websites usually provide the latest promotions, while third-party travel websites may offer more choices and price comparison features. Additionally, booking airline tickets through travel agencies is convenient for travelers who prefer customized itineraries.
Ensuring Communication
In unfamiliar territories, networking for sharing updates, general communication, and emergency contacts is indispensable. The author outlines four main internet connectivity methods: network SIM cards, eSIM cards, WiFi routers, and telecom companies' international roaming, for travelers to choose according to their needs.
Firstly, let's look at network SIM cards. These cards, akin to prepaid card schemes, are suitable for travelers, businesspersons, or short-term users. The main advantages include easy internet access with card replacement, disposal post-use without returns, diverse purchase channels, and relatively low prices. However, note that some internet cards may require additional settings or profile installations before use.
Secondly, considering the convenience and cost-effectiveness of network SIM cards, many prefer this method. Whether for travel, short-term study abroad, or business trips, simply swapping SIM cards at the destination enables internet access without additional equipment. The network quality and prices are also attractive, making it a worthwhile option.
The second option is eSIM functionality, a rising new virtual SIM card technology in recent years. Unlike traditional physical SIM cards, eSIM cards do not require insertion and are directly embedded in the phone's hardware, enabling number activation and network connection through software settings. This new technology offers a more convenient user experience and provides users with more choices.
While eSIM cards offer many benefits, there are also challenges and limitations. Firstly, not all phones support eSIM functionality, so check if your phone supports the feature when choosing a phone. Secondly, while eSIM card usage does not require insertion and removal, signal reception and network coverage may vary in different regions, so users should select service providers based on local network conditions.
Additionally, while eSIM cards are convenient to set up, they may face usage restrictions or higher prices in some regions. Therefore, when choosing eSIM cards, users should carefully compare the pros and cons of different service providers and make appropriate choices based on their needs and budgets.
Although eSIM offerings and pricing are currently not diverse enough, with technological development, it will likely become the mainstream choice in the future.
The third option is WiFi routers, especially suitable for situations where multiple people travel together. It provides hotspots for internet access without the need to change SIM cards in mobile phones, allowing multiple people to use it simultaneously. However, it requires additional devices and mobile power sources, and it is not very convenient when moving separately, so its practicality in actual use is low.
The last option is telecom companies' international roaming services. International roaming allows using existing phone numbers and networks abroad. The usage method is relatively simple: contact your telecom provider or apply for international roaming services through the telecom provider's app before going abroad. Once arriving in the destination country, your phone can automatically connect to the local network, allowing you to make calls, send SMS, and use the network with your existing phone number.
International roaming services ensure that we can still use familiar numbers and services abroad without the need to change SIM cards or purchase other communication devices. For those who need to stay in touch with family, friends, or work, international roaming provides a convenient solution.
However, international roaming also has some drawbacks. Firstly, international roaming costs are usually high because using communication facilities abroad incurs additional costs, including calls, SMS, and data usage. Therefore, we should control our usage when using international roaming. Secondly, the billing system is relatively complex, and different telecom companies may adopt different billing standards, including charges based on data usage or daily rates. Therefore, we should understand the relevant billing methods and fee structures to avoid unexpected charges.
Bone Collection Recommended Travel Essentials
The Bone Crossbody/Lanyard Phone Tie 4 keeps your phone convenient and close while traveling abroad. It's easy to locate and having your phone on you also prevents theft. With adjustable strap length, you can switch between neck, crossbody, and side bag styles. Not only does it protect your phone, but the Crossbody/Lanyard Phone Tie 4 also adds to your fashion statement!
Whether inbound or outbound, different important documents need to be presented. The Bone Lanyard Passport-Lite makes it easy to store your passport (2), boarding passes, cash, and 3 cards. Also, an essential for traveling abroad is swapping out SIM cards, and Bone Collection has you covered! With an exclusive integrated communication accessory storage design, it accommodates SD cards/MMC cards, pins, Micro SD cards, Nano SIM cards, SIM cards, and more, ensuring no small accessory gets lost during international communication.
This time, the author shares with you four important items for traveling abroad, and next time, we'll cover luggage preparation, accommodations, and itinerary planning. These fundamental essentials will help make your self-arranged travels smoother. Get ready to embark on a wonderful journey with a relaxed mindset!