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Post by cnlneenan2 on Jan 7, 2004 17:46:34 GMT -5
I read somewhere that the hostel that you are staying will require your passport during your stay (as a deposit I guess??). Is this true or did I read this from an untrustworthy source? In thinking about how important the Passport really is (especially while we're stuck in that country), I don't think I'd feel all that comfortable giving over my Passport. We'll probably be staying in some hostels for longer than 5-7 days, do you never need your passport once you're in the country?
One other thing...if they DO have to take it while you're staying there, what do you do about an ID? While I know the drinking (and smoking in Amsterdam) age is typically 18...I have a tendency to look younger, in the rare case that I may be carded, do I need my passport to prove that or should I bring my US drivers license along as well?
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Cynthia
Full Travel Member
Posts: 37
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Post by Cynthia on Jan 8, 2004 1:16:05 GMT -5
There are certain countries where accommodations require your passport for a limited amount of time (I think they need to register you with the local police in Italy...as an example) This seems strange at first however I've surrendered my passport several times and there has never been a problem getting it back...usually in a matter of hours.
Before you leave you should photocopy the page of your passport with your pic on it in additon to carrying 1-2 additional passport photos. This is good practice.
Yes, it is a good idea to always carry your passport, preferably in a moneybelt that goes under your clothing.
Keep it in a small ziplock bag so it doesn't get damp.
I wouldn't worry too much about being asked for ID in nightclubs, etc overseas. Could happen but at well touristed places, the policy is often generous. If you have a photo driver's license you can try to use that at times. It isn't so great an issue if lost.
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snorkelman
Senior Travel Member
Travel Guru
Posts: 220
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Post by snorkelman on Jan 28, 2004 16:56:16 GMT -5
yep, just expect that some hostels and hotels will ask for it and you will not get it back until you check out. Now that you know to expect that, you shouldn't flip out when it is requested.
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Post by MuvverRussia on Jan 29, 2004 18:38:16 GMT -5
Lots of places only require your passport for a short initial period (between a couple of hrs and a day)- you can then request it back. It may be different for me though as I'm an EU citizen.
As for ID- if you're in any major city and want to go out etc make sure you have something like a driver's licence with you- I prefer carrying mine compared to my passport as it fits in my wallet and means I'm not worried about my passport.
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Post by beveridge on Jul 27, 2004 3:27:15 GMT -5
ive heard that some trains, especially the overnight crossborder trains, also require you to give your passport to the conductor. i would hate having to do this do is it true?
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Post by ERIKAerikaErika on Jul 27, 2004 13:31:24 GMT -5
ON the train from Paris to Barcelona we had to give our passports to the conductor and we got it back in the morning. I did'nt want to surrender mine, but i had to. Dont give your passport to the hostel, all they need from is it the passport number, and you can fill out that info yourself
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Post by me on Aug 6, 2004 22:34:20 GMT -5
i figgure my passport is safer in the hostel safe. i'd hate to lose it while sightseeing!
- d
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