Asia

Asia is a popular and safe destination for millions of travelers each year. Traveling is generally safe, but safety can vary by country and region. Popular destinations such as Japan, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia have a low risk of crime and are tourist-friendly. However, it is important to take basic precautions, such as keeping a close eye on your belongings in crowded areas. Some regions may experience political instability, natural disasters, or health risks, so it is wise to check travel advisories and familiarize yourself with the local situation before you travel.

It is highly recommended that you take out travel insurance when travelling to Asia. This will cover unforeseen costs such as medical assistance, especially as healthcare costs can be high in some countries, and repatriation in case of emergency. A good travel insurance can also provide cover for lost luggage or cancellations, making your trip a lot more worry-free.

• Travel Insurance

Traveling in Asia is generally affordable, but costs vary by country. Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia are budget-friendly, with low prices for accommodation, food and transport. For around €20 to €40 per day, backpackers can travel comfortably. In more expensive countries such as Japan and Singapore, costs are higher, especially for hotels and transport, where you can expect to spend between €50 and €100 per day. Luxury travellers can spend more, depending on their preferences. However, Asia offers a suitable travel option for every budget, from cheap to luxury.

As for means of payment, in many countries you can easily pay with a credit card in hotels, restaurants and larger shops, especially in tourist areas and big cities. In more remote regions and smaller villages, however, cash is necessary. It is useful to bring a (prepaid) credit card, but also make sure you always have some local money on you. ATMs are usually available in cities, but check in advance whether your debit card is accepted, as some machines do not accept foreign cards.

• (prepaid) credit card

In many Asian countries, you can communicate reasonably well with English, especially in tourist areas, big cities and among younger generations. However, the extent to which English is spoken varies from country to country.

In countries such as India, Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia, English is either one of the official languages ​​or widely spoken, making it easy to get by. In other countries, such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Indonesia, English is mainly spoken in tourist areas such as hotels and restaurants, but outside of those areas it can be more difficult to get by with English.

In countries like Japan, China and South Korea, English is less widely spoken, especially outside of the big cities, but in tourist areas there are often English-speaking facilities. It always helps to learn basic phrases in the local language to make the experience smoother, but generally speaking, English is a good language for travellers in many parts of Asia.

There are many good travel agencies operating in Asia. The difference between these agencies lies mainly in the budget you are willing to spend. If we had to recommend three travel agencies with different budget options, they would be:

• rickshaw travel
• sawadee
• Asiadirect

In many parts of Asia, tap water is not safe to drink directly, especially for travelers who are not used to the local water quality. Water quality can vary greatly between countries and regions. In countries such as India, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand, it is often advised not to drink tap water. Here, it is better to buy bottled water or use a water filter. In other countries, such as Japan, Singapore and parts of Hong Kong, tap water is safe to drink. It is always wise to follow local advice and, if in doubt, use bottled water to avoid health problems.

• lifestraw

Yes, in many Asian countries you will need a world adapter, as the sockets and voltages vary from country to country. Most countries use type C, D, G or M plugs, depending on the region. It is useful to bring a universal adapter so that you can charge your devices everywhere.

• Voomy World Plug

In certain parts of Asia, travelers may encounter dangerous animals, especially in tropical and mountainous areas. In rainforests and remote areas, snakes, scorpions, and spiders can be poisonous. In areas such as Thailand, India, and Indonesia, wild animals such as elephants or tigers can also be dangerous if you are traveling in nature reserves or game parks. In addition, mosquitoes can transmit diseases such as dengue or malaria, especially in tropical areas. The use of DEET and mosquito nets is strongly recommended to prevent mosquito bites.

Yes, Asia is prone to different natural disasters, depending on the region. Countries like Japan and the Philippines experience earthquakes and typhoons regularly, while Southeast Asia can be prone to flooding and landslides during the rainy season. Indonesia and the Ring of Fire are volcanically active areas, where volcanic eruptions can occur. It is important to stay up-to-date on the weather and local warnings, especially during the rainy season or when traveling to high-risk areas. Many countries have emergency procedures for tourists in the event of natural disasters.