letters to help during travel

[mikeleighb 0]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone might have some help here. My mother-in-law will be coming for a visit to the USA for the first time this weekend. She doesn't speak any English. I had an idea that I could provide her with a letter to carry with her that she could show people at the airport explaining where she is from, where she is going, her language issues, etc. That way she can maybe get some help when she feels lost. We are picking her up at the POE so there is no flight changes but I know how crazy it can be to come to a new country for the first time and it must be worse for her because she can't speak English and she has never even flown before.

My wife also had an idea that maybe we should give her a letter to hand to the customs officer? Does anyone think this is a good idea? I am not really sure what I would write in there.

If you have any examples of either of these types of letters that I could use as a guideline I would really appreciate it.

Thanks in advance.

Mike and Liying

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I don't have anything to use an example but I would think answers to the standard:

1. Did you pack your own bags?

2. Do you have anything to declare?

3. Where are you headed?

... those are the kind of questions that customs asks.

I would also put your contact info on there (or someone else that speaks the language). Write what language she speaks so they can organise a translator if needed/wanted. I would also make sure she carries a copy of her flight info.

I would also give HER a list of instructions in her own language.. stuff like what to do if she misses her flight, how to contact emergency services, where to wait for you. How to use a pay phone over there and how to obtain money to use said payphone (or cell phone if she has one). What to do if she can't get in contact with you or someone else (so she doesn't panic). Have a list of statements in her language and in English so she can find the question she wants to ask and can just point to the corresponding english under it if someone asks a question (stuff like: Could you tell me where I'm supposed to be?, Where is the lady's room?).

Basically think of anything YOU would want to know if you were to travel to somewhere you didn't know. Most people know what the "information" sign looks like.. she might not. She might not know how to locate her gate so maybe a map.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

If it's a non-stop flight from China then don't worry about it. There will be plenty of people on the flight who speak both Chinese and English, including the flight crew. Any of them will be able to help her. When she gets off the plane in the US she just follows the crowd - everyone will be going to the same place. CBP is also accustomed to dealing with people who don't speak English.

[bigdog 376]

She will be fine, good idea though, hope she enjoys the stay.