Top Tips for Travelling in Asia

You might be surprised by what you can find on sale in all corners of Asia, often at very accessible prices, so there’s no need to go shopping for extra armfuls of t-shirts, shorts or flip-flops before a holiday in Asia. Should you need any unexpected extras, you’ll most likely be able to pick them up in-country with ease.

The working day starts early, with many locals often taking a ‘siesta’ in the early afternoon. For great breakfast street food, bustling food markets, morning exercise in the parks or monks taking alms, get up at 6 and follow the crowds.

Food safety and hygiene are undoubtedly vital, but don’t presume that food isn’t safe simply because it’s cooked at a street stand. Make sure you order piping hot, freshly prepared dishes and you’ll soon discover real delights of street-side eating.

To find the best restaurants, look where the locals are eating or better still ask for advice; Asian people are mad about their cuisine and it is a subject worthy of conversation.

Don’t worry about packing washing powder or 28 changes of clothes; laundry services in Asia are cheap and extremely efficient. There is something comforting about finding a neat pile of freshly laundered and ironed clothes at the foot of your bed. Most temples in Sri Lanka ask you to remove your shoes at the main precinct entrance, rather than once at any shrine.

What have you got to lose? You’ll often find that your new friends speak better English than you expected (and far better than your Japanese/Thai/Vietnamese etc), and your guide will usually be on hand to help translate.

That said, always make the effort to learn a few basic words; it’s not only respectful to your hosts, but it’s a great ice-breaker too. If nothing else, it will get people laughing!

Whilst there are certainly street cons to be had throughout Asia, as in the rest of the world, try not to say ‘no’ every time. Whilst it’s essential to keep your safety at the forefront of your decision-making (and if you are at all unsure then the always err on the side of caution), there are some wonderful people working on the streets and markets of Asia, and the occasional ‘yes’ can lead to some unforgettable experiences for all the right reasons.

Carrying a small quantity of £UK or $US (low denomination notes) does no harm at all. In most locations throughout Asia you will be able to exchange them for the local currency and often use them to purchase goods, with any change given in the local currency. Small local businesses and cafes may be unable, or unwilling, to give change for large denomination notes.

Ditto any spare notes in Euro, Australian $, Japanese Yen etc. from previous travels; they can all usually be exchanged for local currency at hotels in Asia.