OT - I'm doing a worldwide tour for about 18 months or so, I need help Options

[seanery]

Hey, well the gig I was supposed to get in December has rolled into a Worldwide Tour. I go to York, England in May for 6 weeks of rehearsal and tech and then off on a tour of Europe & Russia then Japan in mid 2010.

It doesn't look like I'll be home before May 2010 while the gear is on a boat to Japan.

I've never really been anywhere outside of the US. When I lived in La La land Sherry and my brother took to me to TJ a couple times, but that doesn't really count.

I need recommendations on power adapters, cell phone, etc...I currently use AT&T with the iPhone - it looks like it's supposed to work international, but I'm not sure if it's the most cost effective.

Also, any experiences with monies, etc...

Thanks!

[r_towle]

I did WW sales for about 18 years.
Lived in airports.

So, passport...agree, bring copies, copies of your birth certificate, and copies of your social security card and license.
I have them here, Fedex can ship overnight anywhere in the world.
Leave a few hundred of emergency cash HERE...with someone you trust.
2-500 will get you through a few days if you loose everything.

I never lost anything...but if it happens, you can wire money (cash) in moments to a local bank/wire service...that gets you cash to get a cab to the embassy.
All your copies of everything should be on 8*11 paper so they can be faxed from the states...again...takes minutes, not days.
Origirnals can be fedexed over for a passport if needed.

Power.
Get a world traveller kit.
Toos the elec razor...go with blades...every airport has a pharmacy etc...when you land, buy new razors etc before you leave the airport...its the last place you will easily find these types of american things...in english.

Cash/wallet/passport.
You have front pockets, breast pockets...use all of them, split it up so if you get pickpocketed...you only loose one pockets worth.
I never have gotten picked...several attempts..I keep my stuff in my breast pocket, coat always closed/zipped or pocket zipped/buttoned...just dont make it simple...be smart.

Phone.
Hmm
Europe, UK, and most of NE Asia uses GSM (Like the I phone ATT network)
Parts of Asia use different technologies...country by country it changes.
In a GSM country, buy a SIM card for you Iphone. As stated above its way cheaper. Its a pay as you go card you get at the Airport.

In non-gsm countries, DO NOT use the phone...it will net you 10 dollars a minute.
Contact ATT, put in the list of countries...each one is different..check your route.

From there, enjoy life..have a great trip.
The world is a wonderful place to see, its relatively safe..just be smart.
Try to dress native...no NIKE sneakers...no sneakers at all...
Dress native and you get left alone by the theives.

I travelled alone in Europe, Asia, alot of the middle east...never had any problems.
Dont be stupid and go for a walk alone in a city at 2am in nike sneakers and sweat pants with an american flag on them...


Rich