Five Things You Must Do in the "First 5 Minutes" After Arriving at an Overseas Hotel: From Checking the Evacuation Route to Inspecting for Bed Bugs and Handling Deposits

Introduction: Why the "First 5 Minutes After Arrival" Matter

Exhausted from a long flight, you finally arrive at your hotel room. Many Japanese travelers might feel inclined to "just drop off their luggage and take a breather…" However, overseas, the initial actions taken here can be the deciding factor in ensuring safety and avoiding financial troubles. The U.S. Department of State's travel safety page emphasizes actions to take the moment you enter the room, such as "locating the nearest emergency exit and evacuation route immediately upon arrival." travel.state.govtravel.state.gov

If you're accustomed to Japanese hotels, you might not even notice the evacuation route map hanging on the back of the door, and you might think, "Is the safety chain really a security measure?" However, what is considered "normal" changes with different cultures and laws. Additional fee systems like incidental deposits and resort fees can also be confusing points for Japanese travelers. SoFiengine.comFederal Trade CommissionNew York Post

Below, we thoroughly explain five actions that are "not familiar to Japanese but globally standard and important," complete with specific steps, reasons, failure stories, success examples, and additional tips.

Five Essential Actions

1. "Learn" the evacuation route, emergency exits, and actions during a fire by heart

Checklist of Things to Do

• Read or photograph the evacuation route map on the back of the door.

• Count the number of doors to the emergency exit (in case of power outage or poor visibility due to smoke).

• Check the sound of the fire alarm and the location of sprinklers.

• Place the key by your pillow and be sure to take it with you in case of an emergency. travel.state.govCity of EphrataPlainview Volunteer Fire Department

Why is it necessary?
In hotel fires overseas, evacuation route maps may not be posted. U.S. fire agencies and local disaster prevention materials recommend specific actions such as "confirming two or more evacuation routes" and "counting the number of doors." The action of "counting," which is not often taught in Japanese evacuation drills, can save lives when visibility is zero due to smoke. City of EphrataPlainview Volunteer Fire Department

Common Misunderstandings

• "Escape by elevator in an emergency" → Strictly prohibited during a fire. Use stairs only. City of EphrataWhfd

• "Call the front desk for help" → High possibility of lines being congested due to simultaneous calls. Prepare for self-help first.
  
  

2. Ensure the "physical" safety of doors and windows (check locks + door stopper)

Checklist of Things to Do

• Check that the main lock, deadbolt, latch/chain close properly.

• Insert a portable door stopper/jammer if necessary.

• Request two room keys and use one to create the impression that someone is in the room. travel.state.govThe SunTravel Stack Exchange

Why is it necessary?
Many break-ins occur when "internal locks are not used." The U.S. Department of State clearly states "always lock doors and windows" and also recommends additional simple locks (such as door wedges). travel.state.govRick Steves Community

Additional Tips

• If the room number is mentioned verbally at reception, request it to be written down to prevent others from overhearing. The Sun

• At night, place easily toppled water bottles or cups in front of the door as an "analog alarm." Fodor's
  
  

3. Inspect for bed bugs, mold, and damage using a light

Checklist of Things to Do

• Do not place your suitcase on the floor or bed; first use the luggage rack or hard floor.

• Use your phone light to check the seams of sheets and mattresses, tags, around the headboard, and gaps in sofas and chairs.

• Check for small black spots (feces), reddish-brown blood stains, or moving insects.

• Photograph any stains, damage, or odors that might lead to charges later. Consumer Reportsjcehrlich.comCorpay LodgingTravel + Leisure

Why is it necessary?
Bed bugs are resurging globally. In Europe and America, "checking for bed bugs as soon as you enter the room" has become common practice, but it has not yet become widespread among Japanese travelers. Missing small insects or black spots can lead to bringing them home, additional cleaning fees, and health issues. Consumer Reportsjcehrlich.comSELF

What to do if you find them?

• Contact the front desk immediately and request a room change.

• To prevent attachment to luggage, place clothes in sealed bags.

• After leaving the room, wash and dry clothes at high temperatures at home to eliminate them. Consumer Reportsjcehrlich.com
  
  

4. Photograph/record the room, minibar, and amenities as "evidence"

Checklist of Things to Do

• Immediately after entering, photograph the entire room, furniture, bathroom, and inside the minibar.

• Report any damage, dirt, stains, or missing items to the front desk immediately and document them via email or chat.

• Photograph again before checkout for a Before/After comparison. Travel + LeisureConsumer Reports##HTML_TAG