It May Not Be 911

The United States makes it easy to call for assistance. Whether your needs are medical, police-related or firefighting, you can push the same three numbers on the phone: 9...1...1.

Believe it or not, one of the more common mistakes Americans on foreign vacations make is to try to use 911 abroad for emergency assistance. If staying abroad, make sure that you have all the proper numbers for reporting an emergency. And make sure that you are instructed in the correct way to dial. For example, are certain prefixes needed if you are staying in one village but the nearest ambulance service is located in another village? Make sure you understand the proper way to say your address according to local custom. You also need the correct names of the nearest main road and all the connecting roads leading to your property. It doesn't hurt to be able to list landmarks near your property, either. It is imperative that you write down all the above information. The speed at which you can direct an emergency vehicle to your property may make the difference between life and death. You don't want to test your memory in an emergency.

Important Numbers

Ask for the property owner's cell phone number or that of the manager. Don't be shy about asking if someone will be available any hour of the day. Emergencies have a fondness for occurring outside of business hours. Have phone numbers for the police, fire department, ambulance service, hospital, family practitioner, dentist, animal control, a tow truck service, an automobile repair shop, plumber and electrician.

Why have the number of household repair services? If any item around the property needs repair, of course, you'll want to report it to the proper person, but if you can't reach that person and the lights go out as you are about to have dinner, you'll probably decide to call an electrician and have him bill the repair to the property owner. Double check to make sure you are not in violation of your rental agreement before calling, however.

The Not So Great Melting Pot

Despite open borders and cultural mixing, the world is still a fragmented place. If you plan to rent vacation property, whether at home or abroad, it pays to investigate whether the area where the property is located is known for its tolerance or intolerance. You don't want to place yourself or family at risk if your ethnicity, nationality, religion, or way of life will make you a target of hostile neighbors. Better to find out ahead of time.

You also want to determine if anything will cause you offense and what can be done about it. For instance, the rental property's decor may make liberal use of statues, icons and other art works promoting a certain belief system. If your beliefs are contrary to those of the property owner's, will it bother you to share a week or more with a painting of Jesus, a statue of Buddha, a Shinto shrine, right-wing or left-wing militant paraphernalia or risque photos?