[flowerchildA]

Did you wear your diamond wedding ring to Kaz or just a band? I have a 3/4 carrot ring, should I wear this or not? Thanks!!


Leaving Oct. 8th!!

[babypayne111]

just a band is what we did. i would not take it. good luck

[Mich71]

I also just wore a band. It was one less wore about losing the diamond. And of course draws less attention.
Safe Travels!

[sak9645]

If you have a large diamond engagement ring, or a wedding band with several diamonds, or even one of the more expensive brands of wristwatch, you should leave it at home, preferably in a safe deposit box at your bank. There is no point in risking a mugging by taking expensive jewelry when traveling overseas, unless you are going to some event where it will be appropriate, such as a glamorous party.

Don't go ringless. People might raise questions about whether you are really married, since most people around the world know that it is the American custom for married women to wear a ring on the finger next to the pinky of the left hand. So do buy an inexpensive gold band to substitute for a fancier wedding ring, forget about the engagement ring, and wear something like a Seiko watch instead of a Rolex.

If you DO wear expensive jewelry, and I strongly recommend against it, do not leave it on your nightstand when you take a shower in your hotel. If a chambermaid with a passkey enters and sees it, it could be just too tempting. Most hotel chambermaids do not make much money, and your jewelry may be worth more than she makes in several months. If a chambermaid has, for example, a sick child who needs an operation, you can imagine that she might put aside her normal honesty. ALWAYS put expensive jewelry into your in-room safe or in a safe deposit box at the hotel cashier's office when it is not being worn.

I know that engagement and wedding rings have very strong sentimental value, in addition to their monetary value, and that people don't like to be without them. But just remember that spending a few weeks without your engagement ring is better than spending the rest of your life without it, because it was stolen. And it is also better than sustaining a serious injury in a mugging by people who want to steal it.

My advice pertains to all travel, and not just in the case of travel to Kazakhstan. People in Kaz are no more violent or dishonest than people living anywhere else. But there are "bad guys" in every country of the world, including the U.S., and it's smart to avoid them. Even if you were going to New York City or Los Angeles, and had no particular need of fancy attire, I would generally suggest traveling without expensive jewelry.

Sharon

[JenniferKaz]

We left our jewelry at home and no one questions our lack of rings.

We didn't leave them at home for safety, we just didn't want to worry about them with so much else on our minds.

My husband also bought a cheap timex watch to use while there in case something were to happen to it....our son enjoyed chewing on it. And it was nice that it had both the local and home times.

Simplify. Leave at home what you really don't need.

[dlbmcgill]

I wore my .5 carat diamond to Kaz last year and it was no problem. But, if it's going to be one more thing to stress out about, I'd leave it home.

[lovestruck]

I left my diamond at home and only wore the band.

I wore very tiny silver hoop earings and a cheap running type watch that I bought at Target.

People will stop to talk to you at various places when they hear you talk American simply because they want to practice their English. They will also ask why you are there. We were told not tell that we were the because we were adopting. People know that if you are American and if you are adopting you definitely have cash on you.

In saying that, we had no troubles ever. The people were very friendly and kind.

Anyway, all that to say, I'd just wear your band.

Happy travels. I'll be checking your blog regularly.

[hml1976]

I wore my 1ct ring both adoptions, no problems but it is insured.