Phone cards
You can buy phone cards through EFCB before you go. EF eKit phone cards are a convenient way to keep in touch with those you've left behind. Find out more and purchase an eKit phone card
You can also buy international phone cards at many shops and kiosks in the cities abroad. Calling rates depend on who you're calling and where you're calling from.

Internet cafes
The world's a lot smaller than it used to be, and it's easy to drop a quick line to family and friends to let them know how much fun you're having.

There are internet cafes all over these cities, but we warn you: try to limit your usage. You'll have a much better time if you let home stay home and immerse yourself in your new surroundings. That said, your tour director will be happy to direct you to some internet cafes. Prices will vary, but expect to pay at least $10/hour.

Power conversion
Other countries use different voltage standards, so you don't want to plug anything into an outlet without a converter (unless you'd like to fry it).

Here are some basic voltages in use around the world:

U.S. 120V
European Union 230V
Mexico 127V
Costa Rica 120V
China 220V
Australia 240V

Some newer electronic equipment (including iPod chargers) have built-in converters, so all you'll need is an adapter to fit the plug into the foreign outlet.

General safety tips
As at home, safe travel is a matter of using common sense. Here are some tips to abide by to make sure you don't run into anything unexpected:

• Don't wear expensive-looking clothes or jewelry.
• Don't walk around alone at night, and stay off dark streets and alleys.
• Always keep your hotel's business card handy.
• Be aware of your purse/wallet and keep it in a safe place, especially in areas with a lot of tourists.
• Keep a low profile—avoid being loud.
• Don't flash wads of money around.