What to do before you go to Asia.

• Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your return date
• At least two blank passport pages for stamps
• Check visa requirements per country — many offer e-visas (Vietnam, India, Sri Lanka, Indonesia)
• Print return-flight confirmation — sometimes asked at check-in
• Save digital + paper copies of passport in separate bags

Visit a travel clinic 4–6 weeks before departure — some vaccines need multiple doses. Common recommendations across Asia:

• Hepatitis A — recommended everywhere
• Typhoid — recommended for South/Southeast Asia
• Tetanus booster — if more than 10 years since last dose
• Japanese Encephalitis — if rural areas for more than 30 days
• Rabies pre-exposure — for long stays or remote travel
• Malaria tablets — for specific regions only, not blanket

Bring a small medical kit: rehydration salts, paracetamol, anti-diarrheal, antihistamines, plasters, a strong reef-safe sunscreen and DEET-based insect repellent (30%+ for evenings).

A single hospital night in Bangkok or Singapore can cost more than your entire trip. Comprehensive travel insurance with medical evacuation is non-negotiable.

• Minimum $100,000 medical coverage, $500,000 for evacuation
• Explicit coverage for motorbike use (if you'll rent one)
• Coverage for adventure activities you actually plan to do
• Reputable providers: SafetyWing, World Nomads, IMG, Allianz

• Notify your bank of travel dates to avoid card freezes
• Bring two cards on separate networks (Visa + Mastercard)
• Wise or Revolut multi-currency card — lowest FX fees
• Some USD or EUR cash for visa-on-arrival fees and emergencies
• Avoid airport currency exchange — rates are 10–15% worse

ATMs in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia often charge $5–7 per withdrawal — take out larger amounts less often. Cambodia and parts of Laos accept USD directly.

A local eSIM is the easiest option in 2025. Activate before you land:

• Airalo and Holafly — regional Asia eSIMs from $5
• Or buy a local SIM at the airport on arrival (always cheap in Asia)
• Download offline Google Maps for every city you'll visit
• Install Grab, GoJek and your bank app before leaving home
• Enable WhatsApp — universally used in Asia

Pack light. Laundry in Asia costs $1–3 per kilo and turns around in 24 hours. A 40L backpack handles a month easily.

• Lightweight linen or quick-dry clothing — humidity is real
• One set covering shoulders and knees for temple visits
• Reef-safe sunscreen — many Asian islands ban oxybenzone-based formulas
• Compact rain jacket — even outside monsoon, downpours are sudden
• Reusable water bottle with built-in filter (LifeStraw, Grayl)
• Quick-dry travel towel and a sarong (doubles as blanket, scarf, beach mat)
• Universal travel adapter — Asia uses several plug types
• A small dry bag for boat trips and waterfall hikes

• Cover shoulders and knees at all religious sites
• Remove shoes before entering temples and most homes
• Never touch anyone's head — sacred in Buddhist cultures
• Use your right hand for giving, receiving and eating in South Asia
• Learn five words: hello, thank you, sorry, yes, no — in each country's language