Going to a concert abroad? Safeconcerts tips to make it safe and happy

Safeconcerts is working in collaboration with others to give you some ideas of what you can do to make sure that you have a good (and safe) concert experience when you go off to foreign climes - this will be a 'work in progress' so if you've got some good ideas you'd like to share with others send them to us so we can include them in the guide.

Safeconcerts wants everybody who attends a concert or festival to have a good time and to take home memories to treasure and mull over during those long winter nights when you're busy anticipating the next years round of festival fun. There are some amazing professionals out there who also want to be certain that fans have the best time ever - it's a joint responsibility, so arm yourself with some basics and get out there and have fun!

The introduction of 'budget' or ''low cost' airlines has made it cheaper and easier than ever before to travel across the world. It's now comparatively easy to combine a short break and see your favourite artist in concert, despite its shortfalls the UK has the best guidelines for concert safety and these are not necessarily replicated in other countries. At safeconcerts we want to ensure that you have a great time whether in the UK or abroad so we've put together a survival strategy that will hopefully serve to give you a few ideas that could make sure that your trip is a great one.

So - surviving the experience - what do you need to know?

• Those important Event/Concert tickets ! - make sure you've got this sussed
• Accommodation - do you know where you'll stay?
• Air Transport - flirting with flying?
• Car Rental - don't forget that driving license
• Public Transport - what do you mean there's no London Buses?
• Taxis - traveller beware and be wise
• Passport/Visa - don't fall at the first hurdle!
• Travel and Health - be wise, be safe, take care
• Money - keep your hard earned cash safe and know what to use where and how
• Language - learn some basics to get by - could pay dividends and you might make new pals
• The Event/Concert - getting in and getting out - where is this gig?
• Drugs and Alcohol - think about it
• Clothing - getting it right for you
  
• And Finally - the last word!

Event/Concert tickets

Buy your tickets before you travel, don't forget to take them with you and make sure you keep them in a safe place. It's not wise to leave it to chance and aim to buy your tickets there, but if you choose to you'll need to check in advance and make sure that there will be tickets available, even then you can't be certain unless you book in advance - ask yourself - is it worth the risk?

Check the event cancellation policy before buying your tickets. If the event gets cancelled can you get your money back or will the ticket be validated for another date? validation for another date means another trip (flight costs, hotel costs, ground transport costs). Money back won't ease your disappointment, but may help you enjoy the rest of your short break.

Buy your tickets from a reputable place, whatever you do DON'T buy from ticket touts. Remember you are in a foreign country with a foreign language … the ticket you think says your artists name on it may read 'sucker' in the native language. You'll be so hacked off if you get ripped off, and what's worse is that you'll only have yourself to blame!

Check that you are buying tickets for the area you want to be in… asking to see a floor plan or at least to know if they are reserved seating or general admission may save you disappointment later. Some venues abroad sell general admission tickets for the seated areas as well as the arena floor area.

Make sure that you know the currency exchange rate when you buy your ticket… don't pay over the odds because you're a guest of the country. (Remember that one - you are a 'guest' in this country)

Check the terms and conditions on the tickets with regards to what items you can and can't take into the event with you. If it is written in the native language ask the box office where you buy the ticket or the concierge / front desk of the hotel to translate what it says. Don't turn up at the front doors with prohibited items… it could be a long trip back to the car or hotel to deposit them if the venue doesn't have a storage area.

Check out websites, does the artist have any info on their website? Does the venue have a website? If it's in a different language use a translation programme to get it translated (google does this) you may get valuable information about the venue etc.

Make sure you know what time the concert starts and finishes and what time the venue opens (should be on your ticket but not all of them do this so check with the venue)

Accommodation

Do your research before you book. All cities have different areas… some good, some bad. Check with the local tourist office for recommended areas and hotels.

Book your accommodation to fit with your trip not the event. Some stadiums and concert halls may be some way out of town, if you plan to stay a couple of days book a hotel in the city and make one trip to the venue … it'll be cheaper than making the journey into the city 3 or 4 times because you booked a hotel out by the venue.

Reconfirm your booking before travelling … mistakes are made and the last thing you want after a flight or long car ride is to find out your booking was mislaid or your room was double booked and you don't have a room.

Most hotels will want a copy of your passport for registration when you cheque in, they may ask you to pick it up later. Don't leave your passport; ask them to make a copy whilst you wait.

Always use the safety deposit box if one is available.

Travel by Air

However you plan to travel make sure you do just that …plan and DON'T FORGET YOUR PASSPORT(S) !!!

Air Transport … check the following

What airports are you travelling from/to? … e.g. London has 4 airports, all some distance from each other. Some of the budget airlines fly to smaller airports that could be as much as 100 miles from the city you want to be in!

If you're taking your car to the airport check where the parking is situated and allow time for the bus journey to the terminal. Booking parking in advance could save you a few pounds too.

Do you have a paper ticket or an e-ticket?... some airlines now use e-tickets (electronic tickets) where you will need to give your booking reference number instead of a paper ticket when checking in.

Check your baggage allowance both for the hold and carry on before you leave … the amount that you can take varies quite drastically from airline to airline and excess luggage could prove costly.

Check in early… missing your flight will ruin the whole experience. Security controls at airports have increase since the incidents in the US and can take some time. Don't, whatever you do, make jokes or smart comments about terrorism - you WILL be transported to a police cell very unceremoniously.

Do make the airport part of the trip … you'll also get the pick of the seats on the plane. Remember, if you're travelling with children, checking in early is a must to get your seats together. The budget airlines normally board on a first come first served basis … although a family with children or special needs passengers will normally be allowed onboard first.

Don't wait until it says 'last call' on the screens showing the flight status to go to the gate … it has been known for people to forget to change these. Check the boarding time when checking in and on your boarding card and be at the gate in plenty of time.

Car Rental

REMEMBER TO TAKE YOUR DRIVING LICENCE!!!

Book your car from a reputable car rental company before travelling, some rental companies have specific requirements that need to be met, you may get a discount and you'll be assured that a car will be available to you when you arrive.

Check if the vehicle you are getting is a manual or automatic transmission.

Get a road and city map before you travel … mark your accommodation, the venue and other points of interest (Hospitals, Police Stations, Museums, Shopping areas etc.) before you travel. It will be easier to navigate without getting lost. Remember the road signs will be in the native language, familiarise yourself with them.

Remember, check which side of the road you will need to drive on.

Check your insurance or the insurance that comes with the vehicle … if you don't understand the cover ASK!!!

Check the parking facilities at the venue before the event, how much does it cost, are there any, how far are they… it may be cheaper to take a taxi or use public transport!!

Public Transport

Get a local transport guide prior to travel … this can usually be found on the internet. Remember stops will be shown in the local language. E.g.. In Russia it is possible to get a map of the subway system that has been translated into English. Great, you might think, until you get to the subway and all the signage is in Russian and then you cannot even match the writing on the map with the writing on the signs … very confusing. If you're clever you'll get both and it will make it easier to cross reference.

Check timetables and costs prior to travel… check the times of the first and last departures/returns.

Have change available to purchase the tickets … do not show large amounts of cash when purchasing tickets. If you don't understand the currency it is very easy to be given the wrong change.

Taxis

Use official taxis only, they are normally regulated by the local authority and have to meet strict guidelines with regards to the road worthiness of the vehicle, insurance, pricing etc.

Be confident, and make sure that they turn on the meter.

Note down the Licence number of the taxi and the driver, they are normally on show. It may help you if you leave something behind or you feel like you've been ripped off.
Write down where you want to go in the local language and show it to the driver… he may not understand your English but he should be able to read his own.

Get a rough idea of the cost of the trip from the hotel or the driver before you leave … if they say it should be €10 and the meter is reading €20 you know they are taking you 'the long way'.

Passport/Visa

Will I need a passport?

You should be able to find specific instructions on what type of paperwork you'll need from the embassy or consulate of the country you'll be visiting.

The passenger is completely responsible for all travel documents. Just having a ticket to get there won't do you any good.

If you don't have a passport, apply for one at least 3 months before travel.

If you already have a passport, make sure it will still be valid for your entire trip.

If your passport will be within six months of expiration while you're travelling, you may want to get a new passport since some countries now require that your passport must be valid six months after your return to the UK

Will I need a visa?

Some countries in the world require that you be issued a visa before you are allowed to enter their country. You'll need to make sure to have all the papers you'll need. All travel documents are the responsibility of the passenger. Your ticket to get there won't do any good if you don't have the required paperwork. You should contact the embassy or consulate of the country you'll be visiting for information on the paperwork needed for entry.

Remember to allow plenty of time for the paperwork to be processed before you travel. Visas often require several weeks to be processed. It could be costly if you can't go because you didn't get your passport back in time.

What should I do if I lose my passport?

Immediately notify the local police and the British Embassy or Consulate, so they can begin to work on a replacement and grant you permission to re-enter the UK. Hopefully, you will have made a copy of your original passport and brought along some extra passport photographs to expedite the process.

How can I find the British Embassy or Consulate in the country that I'm visiting?

Visit the UK's Foreign Office website -www.fco.gov.uk has travel advice and a list of embassies and consulates in each country

Travel and Health.

Make sure that you have adequate travel insurance for your trip. Be sure to read the trip insurance policy carefully, noting any deductibles, exceptions or exemptions for pre-existing conditions, activities, diseases or areas of the world. For the small amount that it may cost, should you fall ill or have an accident, it may save you a fortune… some countries do not have the same national health system as we do in the UK.

Even if you are covered, you may still be expected to pay the bill in cash and be reimbursed from your insurance. Make sure you receive a completely itemised bill, in English, if possible.

You may be making your travel plans months in advance. Many things can happen in that time that would cause you to have to cancel your trip and possibly lose your deposit. You are susceptible to travel delays, often ones beyond your control, which can cause you to miss all or part of your trip. Check the policy to make sure you are covered for expenses caused by travel delays, as well as, cancellation coverage.

If you have any food allergies, learn the names of those foods in the languages used in the countries you'll be visiting. This way you'll be better equipped to stay on the look out for them.

You should consider a dental appointment if you haven't had a check up in a while.

What health information should I carry with me?

Complete and take with you a personal medical history. Your doctor should be able to help you complete the history. It should include:

• Your Insurance Company's name and address.
• Trip Insurance contact information.
• Contact person in case of emergency.
• Your blood type.
• A copy of your eyeglass prescription.
• A list of current medications with their generic names, brand names can vary in foreign countries.
• A list of allergies, including any known food or drug allergies.
• A list of immunisations with their dates.
• A basic description of your past and present medical condition, including past hospitalisations and any current problems.
• Make sure that you take any prescription medications you need to take regularly with you, in their original bottle/packaging with your name written on them. It's a good idea to take a note from your doctor confirming that you need prescription medication because drug laws in different countries can be complex.
• Take some basic medical supplies such as paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tablets for that jippy stomach (just in case).
• Unlikely we know but if you are going further afield than Europe check what immunisation you need and whether you will need to take malaria tablets
  

Money

Make yourself aware of the currency of the country that you are going to… most countries in Europe now use the € euro, but not all … Switzerland is one.

Get familiar with the exchange rate… if you don't know how much £1.00 is worth you won't know if someone's trying to rip you off. Changing cash can be done in the UK at banks, airports, post offices etc. the rule should be to shop around before leaving. Try changing money at an establishment that will allow you to change any leftover money back commission free … this can save you a few pounds.

Credit cards are a good tool to have whilst you are abroad here are some tips …

What credit cards do I need to take with me?

Take your major credit cards, such as, Visa, Master Card and American Express.
Make sure they are really credit cards and not just debit cards with a credit card company's logo on them. Many locations require a credit card and will not accept a debit card, so they may have limited use on your travel.
Leave all your local store credit cards in a secure location at home; there will be no need to carry them with you.

Why should I contact my credit card companies before I leave?

You want to notify them of your trip. They may delay you if they are unaware you are travelling. The unfamiliar spending patterns might cause them to suspect that the card is being used fraudulently and delay your approvals. They will be able to explain many of the services that they can provide while you are on your trip.

How can my credit card company help prepare me for my trip?

• You can arrange to pay bills that will come due while you are gone.
• They will be aware that you will be making charges from another country.
• They will be able to give you an idea of how acceptable their credit card is in that particular country.
• They can verify acceptance at certain foreign locations.
• They'll be able to see if your PIN number will work in the countries you are visiting. They can also issue you another PIN number if your current PIN is unacceptable to the foreign bank's system.
• They can explain cash advance, ATM, foreign purchase and foreign exchange rate policies and fees.
• They can explain any services they offer, such as, extra insurance for your rental car, luggage or purchases. Make sure the coverage offered extends outside the United Kingdom and will be valid in all the countries where you'll be travelling. Also, be sure to note any other exceptions.
• They may need to give you another phone number to call in case you need to reach them. The 800 number listed on the back of your card may not work from foreign locations.
• You can find out if they charge a currency conversion fee, so you can find the most economical card on which to place your foreign purchases.

Should I use my credit card when I travel?

Yes, using your credit card can be more valuable than using cash, so use it when you can. You'll probably be able to get a better exchange rate than changing money to spend yourself. You'll be in a stronger position; the credit card company can often charge back disputed charges. Many times your credit card will offer an extra guarantee or warranty when you purchase items with your card, but you'll want to read the fine print for exceptions. You won't have to risk your safety by carrying and displaying large amounts of cash. If you lose your card, most credit cards have a low maximum liability limit if you quickly report the card as lost.

Should I use my ATM card while travelling?

Yes, with the ability to draw out small amounts of cash as needed, you can avoid the risk of travelling with large amounts of cash. Using your ATM card can also be a good way to get cash in foreign countries. The ATM will issue money in local currency. You should exchange at the bank's wholesale exchange rate. You may still want to shop around to different banks since some will charge a high usage fee for their ATMs. Although, even high ATM fees may be less than others will charge for currency exchanges. Don't wait until you're out of money to go to an ATM, the machines can run out of money or break down.

How can I make sure I'll be able to use my ATM card while travelling?

• Call your bank to make sure your PIN number will work in foreign countries.
• Find out your daily limits and plan ahead. You may need to take out money little by little or ask to have your daily limit increased.
• Use your ATM card before you go, to make sure it is still good.
• If you go through many airport security checks, remember that the security scans can demagnetise your cards. You might want to ask for a visual inspection.
• Don't wait until you're out of money to go to an ATM, the machines can run out of money or break down.

Where can I get quick access to cash while I'm travelling?

www.visa.com/pd/atm/main.html - Visa's ATM locator web page. This site provides a searchable database that locates ATM's belonging to the Visa, Visa Electron and Plus ATM network worldwide.

www.mastercard.com/atmlocator/index.jsp - MasterCard's ATM locator web page. This site provides a searchable database that locates. ATM's belonging to the MasterCard and Cirrus ATM network worldwide.

Travellers Cheques are another method of payment…

What should I know about using travellers' checks?

If the particular brand of travellers' checks are accepted in the country and area you'll be visiting.
How widely they are accepted within the countries and areas you'll be visiting.
Any fees for purchasing and using the travellers' checks.
The travellers check company's loss, replacement and refund policies.

How can I protect my travellers' checks while travelling?

Take the same precautions you would to protect your cash. Be sure to learn and follow the procedures required if you lose your travellers checks. You'll also need to make copies of your travellers' checks before you go and keep separate from them the following information.

Take:
The serial numbers of the travellers checks.
The denomination of the travellers' checks.
The date and location of their purchase.
The phone number to call to report them missing

Leave a copy at home and take a copy with you (keep it separate from the travellers' cheques)

Language - can you communicate?.

How do I deal with the language barriers when I travel?

Build a vocabulary in the local language. Learning even a few words and phrases of the local language in advance of your trip can greatly increase your enjoyment, safety and comfort during your stay in a foreign country. Here's a suggestion list of a few words and phrases you might consider researching to build your new vocabulary.

First, the complicated bathroom, this can be a complex issue when you probably don't have the time to deal with complications. Asking for a "badezimmer", literally a bathroom in German will get you a room for taking a bath. But, it might be lacking the toilet you were seeking. Find out what they call it and ask for it. It is always best to keep it simple and direct. For example:

• How do I get to ….?
• How much for……?
• How many….?
• May I have….?
• Where is the…….?
• When is the…..?
• What time is…..?
• I need help.
• I don't understand.
• Would you please speak slower?
• I don't speak much …
• I would like to speak to someone that speaks English.
• Please, thank you, you're welcome, excuse me, may I?, hello, goodbye.
• Yes, no, accept, decline, agree, and disagree.
• The names of any foods to which you are sensitive or allergic.
• The names of any of your medical conditions or allergies.
  Fire exit, emergency exit, help, police, doctor, hospital.
• Telephone, taxi, bus and bus terminal, train and train station, airport, rental car office, auto repair.
• Toll Road, prohibited, forbidden, exit ramp, entrance ramp, detour, parking, danger, construction, closed.
• Post Office, Tourist Office, Customs Office, Bank, Embassy, Consulate
• Basic numbers, at least one to ten.
• Restaurant, hotel, bar.
• Left, right
• North, South, East, West
  

The Event/Concert.

OK, so you've mad it from the UK to the country you're going to and checked in at your hotel… now it's time to go to the event …Remember … check the conditions of entry and don't take anything you think they won't allow. The staff and signage may only be in the local language, they may not understand you.

We've split this into 2 sections - Reserved Seating & Festival Seating (General Admission)

Reserved Seating …

If you have a reserved seating ticket and the show doors open at 6.30pm don't turn up at midday and wait in the queue … you already have your allocated seat so go and enjoy the city and country that you are visiting. Arrive in time to find the correct entrance, make it through the security checks and find your seat… remembering that all the signage will be in the local language and it may take a little longer than normal.

If you drove to the venue, make sure you remember where you leave your vehicle in relation to the venue. Pick a point on the outside of the venue as your meeting place for after the event. Remember you may exit from a different place to your entry.

On entering the venue designate another clear meeting place inside just in case you get split from your group (if you are in one), look for the nearest toilets, concession stands, first aid points and emergency exits to your seats. If you want to buy any merchandise do it before or during the show, you're likely to get caught in the queues on the way out if you've not already been asked to leave by the venue staff.

Festival Seating (General Admission)

If you have a festival seating/general admission ticket it is more than likely that you will want to go to the venue early and queue so that you can get a 'good' spot when the doors open. Different venues have different queuing policies and arrangements… some better than others.

If you drove to the venue, make sure you remember where you leave your vehicle in relation to the venue. Pick a point on the outside of the venue as your meeting place for after the event. Remember you may exit from a different place to your entry.

Check before you enter the queuing system whether the stewards/security will take part of your ticket and that you will be allowed to exit the queue and return. Some venues will tear the ticket stub on entry and not allow you to exit and re-enter once torn. If this is the case then before queuing ask what facilities are provided for the queue, (2, 3 or 4 hours of queuing is a long time) are their toilets available and concession stands for food and beverage before having your ticket torn? If nothing is provided think twice about queuing and ask yourself why bother?

If you are allowed to exit and re-enter, yet no facilities are provided, you may wish to find the nearest toilets, concessions stands or shops available for you to use before entering the queue.

You may also want to ask how many people they will let into your queue.

Always tell the security/steward if you are leaving the queue as it may help when returning to your place. Some fans are notoriously territorial and some may think that you are 'jumping the queue' on your return, especially if they cannot understand you. A smattering of the local language will help you here as you can get some rapport going with others in the queue; people might then help each other out by keeping places when you need to nip off to the loo and vice versa!

Take adequate refreshments with you if you plan to queue for a long time. Most venues will not allow food from outside the venue or bottles and cans to be admitted, however if you are going to be queuing outside the venue you may be allowed some of the foil pouch type drinks and some sandwiches etc.

On entering the venue designate another clear meeting place inside just in case you get split from your group (if you are in one), look for the nearest toilets, concession stands, first aid points and emergency exits to you.

Drugs.

Not a good idea in any country as there may be harsh laws and unbelievable penalties if you are caught with any illegal substances. In any case you will need to keep your wits about you, remember you'll be in unfamiliar territory - is it worth the risks in these circumstances? If you get caught in possession of illegal substances you will be dealt with by the laws that govern the particular country you are in, you will not get special treatment.

If you do get arrested on drugs charges (or for any other reason) make sure that the British Consul is contacted, it's a good idea to make sure you have the details of how to contact them in the country you're visiting in any case before you travel abroad. They will not be able to intervene in any criminal investigation but will be able to provide advise on how to get legal representation, interpreters, check that your human rights are not being violated and contact your family for you.

If you do get arrested make sure that you keep calm, are not violent or aggressive and that the British Consul is notified.

Alcohol.

Know your limits and be aware, if you're driving don't drink at all you'll need a clear head. Be aware of the local laws and customs regarding alcohol. Public drunkenness could get you into a whole heap of trouble on a number of levels, not least because alcohol lessens your natural awareness and common sense leaving you potentially very vulnerable. If you're in a Muslim country remember that alcohol is a definite no-no. Whatever you do if you're in a hot concert environment drink lots of water and if you are drinking alcohol temper it with water.

Clothing

Take stuff you'll be comfortable in and think about whether you'll be queuing for hours, will you need a light waterproof that you can screw up and sling in your bag or pocket? (in case it rains). Those stylish and funky stilettos might mean there will be tears before opening time! Is it an indoor or outdoor event? Check the weather forecast - be prepared. Lots of light layers are always best and give you options.

And finally....

Just be aware that when people travel abroad they zap into 'holiday mode' and often indulge in behaviours that they wouldn't dream of at home - this can make you vulnerable. The guide contains lots of advice that will help you to make sure you have a great time, come home safely and bore your friends and family rigid with stories about the best concert you've ever been to. Have a wonderful time and let us know about it!.

Feel free to email us with any questions!