Reprinted (with little change) by kind permission of the Latin American Parent Association)

The guidelines follow, but first you must know that it is very important to speak by telephone or in person to several families who have traveled recently to the same country that you will be visiting, and have used the same source, if possible, because they will have the most up-to-date information on customs and other practical matters.

**DON'T**

*be impatient;
*be inconsiderate, loud, noisy or argumentative;
*overdo on alcohol;
*put yourself on a time schedule and/or set deadlines that your hosts either cannot meet or will have no inclination to try to meet;
*try to "buy" your way for faster service;
*seek or expect to find your culture in the foreign country;
*form a clique with other North Americans and shut out others;
*be afraid to socialize with your hosts;
*make demands and expect everyone to cater to you;
*indulge in political conversation with people in your host country (unless you know them very well, and maybe not even then);
*expect a foreign bureaucracy to work any more efficiently or swiftly than one of ours;
*complain about or criticize different customs and attitudes found in the host country;
*argue if you are told to return tomorrow by the orphanage or passport office, etc.;
*be afraid to ask questions, but phrase them carefully;
*expect sterile conditions, but remember your child made it this far, and will survive even if conditions are not up to your standards of cleanliness or newness;
*take offense if you are treated rudely or brusquely; the best way to handle such situations here or there is to rise above them, stay calm, and not respond in kind.
(Reprinted (with little change) by kind permission of the Latin American Parent Association)

**DO**

*read up on your host country before you travel (check with your local library for reference and travel books);
*be patient with the process and courteous at all times;
*be considerate and aware that you are in a different culture;
*remember that you are a visitor and guest in their country and behave accordingly;
*if possible, stay with local people who have been recommended and who may know the adoption procedures;
*listen to the advice of your guide or host;
*show an interest in the host country's customs and culture and try to adapt to those customs;
*go sightseeing if possible (and take plenty of photographs);
*bring small gifts (flowers, candy) for guides, administrators, etc.;
*dress appropriately for different occasions (meetings with involved officials, sightseeing, etc.);
*dress your child nicely when meeting social workers or other special persons involved with your adoption;
*be flexible about the length of your stay;
*remember, when there is a setback, that with patience and persistence, it will pass and you will go home with your child;
*make apologies for mistakes you may make;
*learn some of the country's language before you travel, and use it: your efforts will be appreciated;
*bring your country's language dictionary with you, and try to learn more of the language while you are there;
*remember that others will adopt through your source after you. Try to leave the country with a favorable impression so as not to make things more difficult for those following you.