'Found out the hard way': Vital ID rule you need to check before travelling
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Many people like to tuck away their passport and driving licence somewhere safe when on holiday, like the hotel safe.
But some countries require you to carry ID at all times, and you could be in big trouble if you don't.
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Having this on you at all times when on holiday is more important than you might think. Getty
Italy, for example, requires you to "ensure you're carrying valid identification" according to Smartraveller. Japan has a similar rule.
For China Smartraveller says "You must always carry identification and show it to the police if they ask". Spain is also the same.
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"Always carry personal ID. You should carry a copy of your Australian Passport for ID, either as a hardcopy or as a photo on your phone. Police can detain you until they can confirm your identity," Smartraveller advises.
For Germany, the experts also advise holidaymakers to always carry photo ID.
It's important to check which countries you're going to before travelling so you can ensure you take whatever ID is needed out with you.
Photo ID is needed in many nations. Getty
The USA also remains fussy about ID, while Smartraveller doesn't advise it's a rule, you should usually have some.
I found that out the hard way.
We were headed to a bar (actually a musical theatre singalong bar) called Tramp Stamp Granny's in LA.
It's owned by Glee actor Darren Criss and I would recommend it (though a similar one in NYC, Marie's Crisis is my ultimate favourite).
However, at first, they would not let me in, because I didn't have any ID. Clearly I am over 21, but we know how the USA is strict with these things.
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The USA also remains fussy about ID Getty
And while some days I would have just given up and gone home, I was so desperate to get in opted to go all the way back to my hotel and fetch it.
That was a good 20-minute walk both ways.
So, when you're in America, if you want to have a tipple or even just go into a some bars or clubs, make sure you carry ID on you.
Some states like NSW also allow you to access your ID online via the app too, so make sure you set it up before you leave and have access to the internet.
Keep your ID on you even when you're not in the airport. CNN
Meanwhile, there's a reason you can't smile in passport pics.
The reason smiling in passport photos is not allowed in many countries has to do with international security measures.
Many airports now use advanced biometric scanning devices that contain facial recognition software.
The software scans a person's face for distinctive biometric patterns, such as the distance between a person's eyes or the shape of their mouth, and compares that to passport photos submitted.
Smiling – or even having your mouth open, or showing teeth – can distort a person's eyes and change the relationship between biometric points.
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Drop us an email with all your wisdom to travel@nine.com.au, and your tip could be featured in an upcoming story on 9Travel.
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