Checklist

Written By Ani Xu

Although every destination will have different requirements and characteristics, there are a number of things we recommend to have on hand for everyone going anywhere.

Documents

Note: we also recommend taking pictures of said documents in case anything gets lost.

  • Passport with >6 months of validity

  • Visas

    • For your destination country, as needed

    • For your country of long-term residence, if you’re not a citizen

  • International driving permit and up-to-date license, if you drive or plan on driving

  • Travel insurance

Financial

  • Bank cards (ideally more than 1 credit and debit card)

    • Fee-free ATM cards if possible (Schwab, Alliance)

    • WISE works in a majority of locations

    • Travel credit cards are helpful if you’re planning to consistently travel between locations and many of them do not have foreign transaction fees

  • Nominal amount of cash in case of emergencies

Apps

  • Google translate (languages downloaded offline)

  • Map app based on your destination (eg: NAVER, Amap) and Google maps downloaded offline

  • WifiMap

  • VPN

Misc

  • Unlocked phone

  • Medications (we usually bring Ibuprofen, allergy medication, and anti-nausea/stomach problem medications)

  • Power converters/adaptors

  • eSIM/local SIM

Optional

  • Power bank

  • Noise-cancelling headphones

  • Portable router, especially if going to less developed infrastructure areas

  • Fast drying towel (small is fine)

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Zip lock bags

Ani Xu
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Malaysia