With the upcoming busy Christmas holiday period, the Australian Government has launched a new advertising campaign to help the Filipino community and other nationalities be even more informed and prepared when travelling home to visit family and friends.
An initiative of the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT), the smartraveller website smartraveller.gov.au offers a range of an online resources to assist all Australians be prepared and self-reliant when travelling overseas. It includes travel advisories, information for dual nationals, tips on what to do in an emergency, and a guide to buying the right travel insurance.
Regardless of whether you’re travelling to a familiar place or have the support of your family and friends, the unexpected can happen. It’s vital to be well informed and prepared, so you’re equipped to handle unforeseen circumstances. Accidents can happen to anyone, even in familiar locations.
Without the right insurance you are personally liable for any medical or other costs resulting from unexpected incidents. Smartraveller offers a travel insurance guide to help you get the right travel insurance for your trip.
Smartraveller provides information on the type of assistance the Australian consulate can provide in an emergency and when Australians are expected to use the resources available to them before turning to the Australian Government for assistance.
Smartraveller also offers important information on the laws and restrictions that apply in the country you’re travelling to. For example, in the Philippines, possession of even small amounts of so-called ‘soft drugs’ attracts mandatory jail sentences.
Smartraveller contains a concise, translated summary of the key information you need to know before travelling overseas. This useful resource can be found at smartraveller.gov.au/philippines.
