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!

[effutuo101]

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Nothing to worry about with using ATM's overseas. The vast majority have an english button.
I have a Verizon world phone (black berry) That I took with me to Europe last fall. I do have the SIM and activated the countries I would be traveling through. It costs an extra $15 a month and you are running about .35 - $1.00 a minute. Expensive, but, easy to use. I didn't have to add any odd numbers to call home and my wife could reach me any time she needed to. I got all of the different power plugs with the phone and the charger would handle the different voltages.

Next to that, I would get a pay as you go phone once you land that is valid in all of Europe. That way, you can dump it when you are done and reactivate it when you return. Pretty easy to do.

I also picked up a 7-1 plug converter just in case. I did have to use it once. Made life easy and it all fits in the palm of your hand.

I would scan all of your documents and send them to an account that you can access from anywhere world wide. (I sent mine to my hotmail account and copied my parents).
Passport
SSN
Shot records
flight numbers, boat information, eticket numbers.


If you have an e safe on your phone, That is where I would put my credit card numbers, pin numbers, and the credit card phone numbers. hotel numbers the consulate number for each country and the address.

A small phrase book for every country I would be going to. A small note book and pencil/pen. If somebody talks way to fast, you can have them write it down and translate it.

If you can, keep about a 500 in Euros in small bills scattered through your clothes and luggage. I found that getting an ATM withdraw's easy. Find out the major banks and you will minmize your problems.


That looks like a great trip. Enjoy!