The diversity of cultures, languages,
laws and customs of different countries makes it a bit difficult to travel in
different continents and countries within it. But, if you learn some info about
the place you want to travel through and take some precautions, it gets much
easier to have a great trip to any place of the world. So, we are presenting
you the 6 most important things that you should and must know before you travel
in Asia.
Spoken Language
Language
is the greatest problem that travelers ever face in a foreign land. Let’s take
examples of few countries and cities in Asia.
·
Singapore is a country
where English is widely used. So, it won’t be difficult for you to communicate with
the locals while you are in there. Sometimes, if you find that the locals are
not understanding you; just talk a bit slower, but a bit loud. People there
simply talk in English, Malay, Hokkian, Mandarin and some other languages. So,
if you think you want to learn another language to communicate better, Malay is
your best shot.
·
Now, let’s talk about Japan.
English doesn’t work much better in Japan, as the Japanese seldom talks in
English. So, if you are in Japan, you need to learn Japanese a bit to
communicate with the locals. While talking with the locals in English, talk
slowly and use body language in a polite manner, also try to use some Japanese
in your English.
·
You know, even people
in a country talks in different languages based on their cities. For example-
in Malaysia, English is widely used in its national capital city, Kuala Lumpur. But, in the state of Johor in Malaysia, you
will hardly find any people who can talk in English. So, in that case, learning
Malay language a bit is only the best way to travel independently in Malaysia.
Portable Water
Portable drinking water is another
big issue which can make you suffer a lot while traveling. So, you should learn
about which water is safe to drink in which country, before you pack your bag
for a tour.
·
In Singapore, even the tap water is as safe as the boiled
water. But, in case of doubt, you can boil it if you wish. The quality of the
tap water of Singapore complies with the standard of WHO. It also tastes as
good as the mineral water.
·
In Japan, the situation is almost as same as the one in Singapore.
The tap water quality is pretty high and there is no detrimental substance in
the water which can harm your body. But, never drink the water from the sink in
the toilet.
·
Now, let’s talk about some underdeveloped countries in Asia,
like- Cambodia or Nepal, etc. But, it’s better not to drink the tap water as
the taste is not so good. But, you can use the tap water to brush your teeth or
wash your face. In restaurants, the safe bottled mineral water is available to
purchase. The situation is almost same in Nepal and all other underdeveloped
countries in Asia.
·
Let us alarm you, when you travel in the Philippines, never
drink the tap water. Thousands of people in Philippines die every year by
drinking the contaminated water in the Philippines. Better buy the 5 liters’ mineral water bottle in
cost of 150 PESOS.
Tipping
Tipping culture also varies from
one country to another. Better you know, than facing an embarrassing situation.
·
Tipping is considered as an “offensive and rude gesture” in
Japan. There nobody gives tips and nobody expects as well. So, if you tip
someone there either he is a waiter or taxi-driver, there is a 100% possibility
that he will give you the tip-money back. It’s treated like a ‘bribe’ to them. So,
better be polite and express your satisfaction, just by thanking the waiter or
taxi driver. But, if you really want them to tip, don’t offer the money
directly from your pocket. Just put the money in an envelope and then give it to
them.
·
In Vietnam, people rarely give or receive tips, but it’s
highly appreciated there. So, if the service exceeds your expectation, don’t
hesitate to tip in Vietnam. Usually the bar staffs are paid very little by
their employer in here. So, if you tip them, they will be highly grateful to
you. The trend of tipping is quite common in the spa and massage parlors in Vietnam.
Laws
You will face different and somewhat, weird laws in some
countries in Asia. Let’s take a look.
·
Smoking is prohibited in most of the public places in
Singapore. But, you can smoke cigarettes in your home or hotel room.
·
Drugs are also prohibited in Singapore. The police in Singapore
conducts random drug test on both visiting foreigners and locals. So, better to avoid drugs, even before
entering into the country.
·
You may have to spend 3 months in the Singaporean jail, if
you recite, utter or sing any ballad or obscene song in the public place.
·
According to Singaporean cyber security act, you can’t
connect to other people’s WiFi and if you do, you may end up in 3 years
imprisonment or $10,000 fine.
·
Stay away from pigeons in Singapore, as if you feed them, you
have to cost $500 as a fine.
·
Homosexuality is also prohibited in Singapore.
·
In Singapore, always flush the toilet after using it or have
to pay a fine of $150.
·
Don’t spit in a public place in Singapore, or you have to pay
$1000. Here, walking naked around your house will cause you $1,000 fine and littering will cost you $300. Also,
remember, selling chewing gum is prohibited here.
·
In Thailand, criticizing, defaming, threatening or insulting
the king, queen or any other heir-apparent or regent or their photos are
strictly prohibited and can cause you 15 years imprisonment.
Food Hygiene
Food hygiene is another vital issue which can trouble you a
lot while travelling. You may end up to a hospital during your tour due to
taking unhygienic foods from some cheap restaurants or street hawker stalls. So,
better to have some knowledge about where and how to find safe and hygienic
foods while traveling in Asia.
·
Restaurants in Singapore are generally neat and clean. But,
better to notice the queue of locals as it reveals which restaurants are
better. Also, don’t eat the pre-prepared foods with flying flies. Try to eat
hot and “just now” cooked foods. In case of the street hawkers, you will find a
lot of neat and clean hawkers with high food hygiene. But, better to leave the
stall, if you doubt about their cleanliness. Most of the restaurants and street
hawkers in Singapore follow the standard hygiene procedures. So, the food is
quite safe and delicious as well.
·
In Bangkok, it’s also very easy to find a clean and fly-free
restaurant or street hawker stall. But, it’s better to check the cleanliness of
the stall before you eat any food from there. Tell the vendor to provide you
washed bowls and other utensils. It will save you from having any health issue
due to having the food.
Toilet
Toilet cleanliness and toilet types can make you fall in an
irritating and disgusting situation when you are out of your own country. Most
of the American and European people are accustomed to use modern toilets. But,
in Asia, squat
toilet is the most common type of toilet that’s available all around. So, you
should learn a bit about the cleanliness and pattern of toilets in Asia, if you
have decided to travel through it.
·
The
Japanese are quite concerned about hygiene and cleanliness. So, you can’t enter
into a home wearing your shoes and you must have to use the toilet slippers in
the toilets. Sometimes, you may not find any toilet paper in the toilet, as
they don’t usually stock toilet paper. But, the facilities and hygiene of the public lavatories are very
impressive. From music to heating- everything is available there. Most of the
Japanese public toilets are typical Asian squat toilets and so, you can’t sit
on them directly. But, you will find the modern toilets with sophisticated
electronic devices in hotels, motels, houses and restaurants.
·
There are more than 30,000 public restrooms in Singapore and
most of them are at least "three-star" clean.
·
In Vietnam, squat toilets can only be seen in the public
places. You have to carry your own toilet tissues, as you may not get those
there. On the other hand, the toilets in the tourist spot, hotels, and
restaurants are normally clean and well-maintained.
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