Where to Find Allergy Translation Cards for International Travel

If you have food allergies and you're planning to travel to a country where you don't speak the language, consider packing an allergy translation card to help you communicate with staff members at restaurants, cafes, and hotels.

An allergy translation card is a credit card-sized document that you can give to waiters, concierges, physicians, and other people who may be in a position to help you with food service needs while you're traveling abroad.

This article describes an allergy translation card, where to find them, and other tips while traveling when you have a food allergy.

What Is an Allergy Translation Card?

Allergy translation cards indicate your allergy needs in the language and dialect of the region you'll be traveling in. Typically, these cards will state that you're allergic to a particular type of food or ingredient.

There are also more elaborate allergy translation cards that may list ingredients and dishes that typically contain your allergen, and may list potential substitutes that a chef could use to prepare a meal without your allergen.

Allergy Translation Card Basics

A small cottage industry has sprung up in translation cards, with prices ranging from free to around $8 to $10. Here are some features to look for and issues to consider:

• Cards should indicate all of your dietary needs and should mention the possibility of cross-contamination. They ideally recommend that completely clean utensils, pans, and cutting boards be used for your food (since it will be difficult for you to clarify your needs with the kitchen, especially if the restaurant staff speaks a different language).
• Make sure you have at least two copies of your card (in case of loss or if you accidentally leave one in your hotel room). If you're flying through a country in which you're not fluent in the local language en route to your final destination, consider buying one for the language of your stopover city in case your flight is delayed, especially since these cards are inexpensive and portable.
• If you're ordering a card that needs to be delivered, order it early enough to check for completeness. Many cards can be ordered via PayPal or credit card and printed on your computer. Consider laminating the cards you print yourself or backing them with cardstock for durability.

Where to Find Allergy Translation Cards

Here are companies that offer allergy translation cards, along with some of the features of each. You'll find that most languages and diets are already represented by these companies, but if you don't see the language you need, Select Wisely offers custom translation services.

• Select Wisely offers cards in over 25 languages and for over 40 foods, including the eight most common food allergens, plus other relatively common allergens like MSG, alcohol, corn, rice, gluten, mushrooms, onions, and peas. Their cards are based on simplicity and brevity. It offers a "strongly worded" allergy card stating that your allergies are severe enough to require emergency services should you eat a trace of your allergen. The cost of the food allergy cards is $14.95. They can also create special orders for unusual languages or diets.
  
• Equal Eats offers cards in 49 languages for 13 allergies, multiple allergies, and nonfood allergies (such as latex, aspirin, and penicillin), as well as cards for over 10 special diets (such as halal, vegan, and diabetic). The company has a three-step process for creating the cards: professional translation, expert proofreading, and evaluation by a native speaker. The cost of these cards ranges from free to $15.49 for the print-from-home version.
• Food Allergy Card is a free app that creates your card to store on your smartphone and works offline. You can create a card for more than 40 languages and there are 14 food allergens to choose from. This app also has a vocal feature to communicate with the people in contact with your food.

Allergy translation cards are available in the languages spoken for most travel destinations. However, if your dietary needs can't be met by any of these companies, consider contacting the nearest major university or a local translation firm to inquire about hiring a professor, graduate student, or professional translator to create a custom translation card.

Tips for International Travel With Allergies

These tips can help ensure your safety when traveling internationally with food allergies:

• Before traveling, ask your healthcare provider and/or an allergy support group for recommendations for restaurants, hotels, activities, etc. in the countries you'll be traveling in.
• Ask your doctor to write extra prescriptions that you can carry with you. Learn their generic and brand names in the countries you’ll be visiting.
• Start planning early. Talk with someone at your hotel(s) who speaks English. With many Internet translation services available, email can also be an effective way to correspond leading up to your stay.
• Research whether any doctors in the area specialize in allergies. Find out if can write you a prescription for additional epinephrine auto-injectors or medications if you need them.
• Locate the hospital nearest to where you will be staying, just in case.
• Bring several copies of your food allergy translation card. Keep this document is with you at all times (along with your medications).
• Bring non-perishable food that is safe for you to eat. Dried pasta and allergen-free snack bars are good options. Don’t assume the same products manufactured in other countries will contain the same exact ingredients.
• The International Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Alliance (IFAAA) has a travel plan document for international travelers. Use this resource as a complement to your food allergy translation card.
  

Summary

Allergy translation cards are key to avoiding allergic reactions (and potentially more serious symptoms that require medical attention) while traveling internationally. Allow plenty of time before traveling to obtain an allergy translation card, as well as other supplies and information to ensure your trip abroad is safe and enjoyable.