Asia Travel Guide

Most parts of Asia are safe to visit and I felt safe in every Asian country I've visited. However, you may confront delays, cancellations, scams, thieves, and other such problems in most parts of Asia. You have to take care of yourself and your valuables like money, credit or debit cards, gadgets, and bags while traveling. Some of these precautions can help you while in Asia. Try to avoid walking on isolated roads and streets at night: in Flores, someone tried to rob our handbag. Carrying a money belt is helpful to avoid being the prey of bumps and grabs as well as pickpockets. Try to split your money and keep them in different places. Store expensive items in the locker of your hotel or hostel. While traveling on local buses or metros, you can have your bag in front of you. Always follow local rules and respect them as offending the natives can, at times, cause 

Though many countries in Asia accept the US dollar, it is always safe to keep the local currency as cash in your hand. Some of the countries in Asia that take the US dollar are Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. You must know about the exchange rates as it will help you keep track of the money spent. Another essential thing regarding currency is to always carry your debit or credit card in Asia. E-wallets for payments are another great way of making transactions while traveling. Though most ATMs in Asia accept foreign cards, the withdrawal charges can be high. It is always better to withdraw a bulk amount based on the requirements or visit an exchange office. Having backup currency with you is necessary as in rural areas, online or card transactions are not always possible.

Tipping is encouraged in Asia. However, in some countries, the natives consider it impolite. In China, Singapore, and Malaysia, people don't give tips in local shops and restaurants. But, in western restaurants and luxury hotels, you can provide around 10% of the bill as a tip. Even in high-end restaurants in Singapore, it is better to tip no more than 10% of the bill. In many Asian countries, there is a service charge of 10-15%. In such places, tipping is not necessary. However, in some countries like Vietnam and Thailand, service charges are not collected. So, it is essential to give a 10% tip. In these countries, you can also tip in dollars.

It is pertinent to ensure that we consider future generations while traveling. Sustainable tourism is a way of traveling where you care for the ecosystem and resources. You can travel responsibly by bringing some changes by relying on shuttle buses, trains, or metros for traveling from one place to another. Opting out of laundry services is also a way to travel sustainably. Overtourism in Asia is a significant issue. From 2005 onwards, Bali has been implementing sustainable tourism measures. Vietnam is another country that focuses on green tourism. You can always travel sustainably by opting for eco-friendly tour operators and accommodations. You can always participate in eco-friendly programs like Angkor Wat Marathon.

Vaccinations for Asia differ across countries. The WHO and CDC provide a list of vaccinations that one has to take before traveling to Asia. Getting vaccinations can act as a great preventive measure. In most parts of Asia, travelers are often affected by Yellow Fever and Cholera. Other vaccinations to be taken are for Measles, Hepatitis, and Typhoid.

Many countries in Asia provide on-arrival Visas and e-Visas. The need for a visa while visiting Asian countries depends on two factors. They rely on your nationality and the duration of your trip. Several countries in Asia allow tourists to travel visa-free if they are planning for a short-term visit (15 to 30 days). India, Cambodia, and Vietnam offer e-visa options for travelers. In countries like China and Japan, a visa is mandatory regardless of your nationality. It is always best to cross-check with the official websites of the countries before planning your trip.