BRINGING YOUR OWN CAR, PLANE OR BOAT
If you plan to drive to Central or South America or arrive in
a private plane or boat, contact the embassy or consulate of each
country you plan to visit to learn what is required for entry
and exit. You may not be able to enter certain countries unless
you have had your vehicle documented by that country's embassy
or consulate before you leave the United States. Besides title
and ownership, at most borders you will need to show insurance
coverage effective for the country you are entering. If your U.S.
insurance does not cover you abroad, you can usually purchase
insurance when you enter a country. In some countries, if you
are involved in an accident that causes injury, you will automatically
be taken into police custody until it can be determined who is
liable and whether you have the insurance or financial ability
to pay any judgment. There may also be criminal liability assigned
if the injuries or damages are serious.
If you are a visitor, you will not ordinarily have to pay import
duty on your car, but you may have to post a bond or otherwise
satisfy customs officials that you will not sell or dispose of
the vehicle in the country. Before you get behind the wheel, be
sure you are in compliance with the automobile import regulations
of your destination country or countries.
If driving, check the Consular Information Sheet for information
regarding security threats that might be encountered on the highway.
You should also keep in mind that in many countries road conditions
and local drivers' concern for safety fall far short of what is
customary in the U.S.
HEALTH
Information for travelers on health precautions, immunizations
and areas with specific health issues can be obtained from local
health departments, private doctors, travel clinics or the Centers
for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia (CDC).
The CDC can be reached by telephone at 404-332-4559, or, you can
visit their home page on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov. General
guidance can be found in the U.S. Public Health Service book,
Health Information for International Travel, available for $14.00
from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.
Insurance. Review your health insurance policy. If it
does not cover you abroad, consider purchasing insurance that
does. Also consider obtaining insurance to cover the very high
cost of medical evacuation in the event of accident or serious
illness.
Insects. Mosquito avoidance measures, if used day and
night, may help prevent malaria and other less prevalent insect-borne
diseases found in parts of Central and South America.
Food. Throughout most of Central and South America, fruits
and vegetables should be washed with care and meats and fish thoroughly
cooked. Water is generally not potable and should be boiled or
chemically treated. Diarrhea caused by contaminated food or water
is potentially serious. If it persists, seek medical attention.
Beaches. Certain beaches in the region are dangerously
polluted. Avoid swimming at beaches that might be contaminated
with human sewage or dog feces. Swimming in fresh water in the
areas where schistosomiasis is found should also be avoided.
Mountains. Visitors in the Andes may experience symptoms
of altitude sickness such as insomnia, headache, and nausea. If
you become sick, descend to a lower altitude if possible. Mountaineers
should learn about the symptoms of high altitude pulmonary edema,
a condition that is fatal unless remedied by immediate descent.
Another hazard of high altitudes is sunburn. Exposure to ultraviolet
radiation increases not only as you approach the equator, but
also as you ascend in altitude. Sunscreens may help prevent this.
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