The plane has landed, the seatbelt sign is off, and your program abroad has officially started. For many participants, this is the first time arriving in a new country alone, and the first hour at the airport can feel like a lot to handle.
The good part is that most airports follow the same order: immigration, baggage, customs, then the arrival hall. Once you know what comes next, each step is much easier. This guide walks you through it, from the documents in your bag to the ride that takes you to your host property.
1. Keep Your Travel Documents in Your Carry-On
Immigration officers can ask for more than your passport, so keep every important document in the bag that stays with you, never in your checked luggage. A simple folder or a zip pouch is enough. Bring printed copies, and save digital copies on your phone too, in case your battery or signal runs out.
Your folder should include:
- Passport, valid for at least six months from your arrival date
- Visa or entry approval letter (based on your destination)
- Program or placement letter from your host property
- Travel insurance certificate
- Return or onward flight ticket, if required for your visa type
- Address and contact person at your host property
2. Complete Your Arrival Card Before Landing
Many countries ask travelers to fill in an arrival card, either online before the flight or on paper during it. Thailand, for example, requires the online Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) for foreign nationals. Check the requirement for your destination before you fly, and keep the confirmation on your phone.
When the form asks for your address, use the address of your host property or staff accommodation. Make sure the details match your passport and visa exactly.
3. Go Through Immigration with Clear Answers
After you leave the plane, follow the signs to Immigration or Passport Control and join the line for foreign passport holders. Remove your hat and sunglasses, and have your passport and documents ready in your hand.
The officer may ask why you are visiting, how long you will stay, and where you will live. Keep your answers short and consistent with your visa. If you are not sure how to describe your program, ask your coordinator before departure so you can answer confidently. Some airports will also take your fingerprints or a photo, so just follow the officer’s instructions.
4. Collect Your Luggage and Clear Customs
Check the screens near the baggage hall to find the belt number for your flight. Before you leave with a suitcase, look at the tag to make sure it is really yours, since many bags look the same.
If your bag is missing or damaged, report it at the airline’s baggage service counter before you exit. You will receive a report reference number, so keep it safe. After that, pass through customs. If you carry nothing to declare, use the green channel. If you carry large amounts of cash, food products, or items you are not sure about, use the red channel and ask.
5. Get Connected and Let People Know You Have Arrived
Once you are in the arrival hall, your first task is getting online. Airport Wi-Fi is fine for a quick message, but a local SIM card or eSIM will help you much more in the first days. Many airports have SIM counters near the exit, and buying an eSIM before departure saves time.
As soon as you are connected, send a quick message to your RMC Asia coordinator or host property contact to confirm your arrival, and let your family know that you have arrived safely.
6. Make Sure You Have Sufficient Local Currency
Bring enough money to cover your living expenses for your first month, as you will not receive your first monthly allowance immediately upon arrival. You can exchange your money at a money changer either in your home country before departure or after arriving at your destination. However, keep in mind that exchange rates at the airport are usually less favourable, so it is best to compare rates and exchange your money in advance whenever possible.
Alternatively, you can withdraw local currency from an ATM after arrival. Before travelling, check with your bank regarding international withdrawal fees, daily withdrawal limits, and whether your debit or credit card can be used overseas. It is also a good idea to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any unexpected card restrictions.
Most importantly, ensure you have enough funds to cover your personal necessities and other daily expenses until your first allowance is received. It is always better to prepare a little extra for unexpected expenses so you can settle in comfortably without financial stress.
7. Find Your Transport to the Host Property
Transport arrangements depend on your destination and host organization, so confirm them with your coordinator or host property before you fly.
- If a pickup is arranged, check the meeting point, the name of the driver or company, and the contact number. Drivers usually wait at the arrival hall exit with a name sign.
- If you travel on your own, use the official taxi counter or a trusted ride-hailing app. In Thailand and Vietnam, for example, Grab is widely used. Avoid people who offer rides inside the terminal.
When you reach the host property, ask for the HR department or the contact person written in your placement details.
8. Know Who to Contact If Plans Change
Flights get delayed, connections get missed, and sometimes your pickup is not at the meeting point. If this happens, stay inside the terminal and contact your coordinator and your host property contact directly. Save their numbers on your phone and on paper before you depart, so you can still reach them even if your phone dies. If you miss a connecting flight, go to your airline’s transfer desk first. They will help you rebook.
Ready for Your First Landing?
The airport is only the first stop, and with your documents ready and a clear plan for each step, it can be one of the smoothest parts of your journey. What comes after is the experience you came for: hands-on training at an international hotel or resort, a new culture to learn, and a career story that starts the moment you land. Explore RMC Asia’s programs and find the destination where your hospitality journey begins!
