Here are some practical and useful travel information and tips to help make your trip to Myanmar a memorable one.

TIME ZONE
GMT+6.30

POWER PLUG
• Voltage: 230 volts
• Frequency: 50 hertz
• Power socket: Plug types C, D, F, G

CURRENCY
Burmese kyat (MMK)

Denominations
• Notes: K1, K5, K10, K20, K50, K100, K200, K500, K1,000, K5,000, K10,000
• Coins: 1, 5, 10, 50, 100 pyas

US dollars and euros are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, domestic airline offices and road transport services while kyat is preferred at local markets and shops.
US dollar or euro banknotes should be in pristine condition. Banknotes that are slightly creased, have small tears or have writing or ink stamps on them will most likely not be accepted. When accepting US dollars or euros, inspect the bills carefully.

US $100 bills with series beginning with CB may not be accepted because they are associated with a counterfeit “superbill” which was in circulation some time ago. Money exchangers may also not accept US bills issued before 2006.

VISA
Visa Exemption
Citizens of Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Philippines, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam can enter Myanmar without a visa.

eVisa Online
Apply and pay online for a Myanmar visa here.

CULTURAL DO’S & DON’TS
Do’s
• Greet others with a smile and by saying “Mingalarbar” (roughly translated as “auspiciousness to you”).
• Address locals with the honorific title “U” for older men or “Maung” or “Ko” for younger men, and “Ma” for older women or “Daw” for younger women before their first or last names.
• Show respect to the elders by lowering your head when you are passing through in front of them and allowing the oldest to be served first.
• Remove your shoes before entering pagodas, monasteries or private homes.
• Always ask permission before taking photographs.
• Always use both hands to pass items to others.
• Always treat Buddha images in the temples as well as Buddha-themed souvenirs with respect. If you have religious tattoo images on your body, be sure to cover them up.

Don’ts
• As the head is considered the most sacred part of the body and the soles of feet the least, do not touch a person’s (even a child’s) head or use your foot to point at a person or any object.
• A man should not shake hands with a woman unless the woman extends her hand first.
• Women should not touch Buddhist monks or hand anything directly to them.
• Do not sit with your back towards Buddha images. Your feet should also not be pointed towards Buddha images.
• Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, short skirts or shorts when visiting temples.
• Do not show physical affection in public places.
• Do not discuss religion with any local.

The post Know Before You Go Myanmar appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Here are some practical and useful travel information and tips to help make your trip to the Land of Smiles a memorable one.

TIME ZONE
GMT+7

POWER PLUG
• Voltage: 220 volts
• Frequency: 50 hertz
• Power socket: Plug types A, B, C

CURRENCY
Thai baht (THB)

Denominations
• Notes: 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000 baht
• Coins: 1, 2, 5 and 10 baht, 25 and 50 satang

Foreign currency is rarely accepted for small transactions so be sure to have Thai baht on hand.

ATMs are easy to find in Thailand (except in remote areas) and most accept major credit cards so you can easily withdraw Thai baht. Note that most Thai banks charge a fee for each withdrawal that uses a foreign credit card.

Most hotels, restaurants, businesses, shopping centres and tourist shops accept major credit cards.

VISA
Visa Exemption
• All citizens of countries in Southeast Asia can enter Thailand without a visa.
• Citizens/passport holders of over 50 countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Poland, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, UK, US can also enter Thailand without a visa. Click here to see the full list of countries.

Visa On Arrival
Apply for a Thailand Visa on Arrival online here.

CULTURAL DO’S & DON’TS
Do’s
• Greet others with a smile and by saying “sawasdee” followed by “khaa” if you are a lady (“sawasdee khaa”) or “khrap” if you are a guy (“sawasdee khrap”).
• The traditional way of greeting in Thailand is known as the wai, where your palms are pressed together in a prayer-like manner in front of your chest with fingertips pointing up and giving a slight bow with your head. When greeting monks, your fingertips should touch your forehead to give a higher wai.
• Address locals with the honorific title “khun” for both men and women, followed by their first name, or both first and last name. Note that nicknames are common in Thailand.
• Remove your shoes before entering a temple, a building which has a Buddha image within or a home.
• Always use the right hand to receive or give something, as the left hand is considered unclean.
• Stand in respect when the Thai national anthem is played.

Don’ts
• Never show anger, speak loudly or criticise anyone in public as Thais consider these actions inappropriate for an adult.
• As the head is considered the most sacred part of the body, do not touch a person’s (even a child’s) head. As the feet are considered unclean, never use your foot to point at a person or any object, or put your feet up on a desk or chair.
• Do not cross your legs in the presence of the elderly or monks.
• Women should not touch or hand anything directly to a Buddhist monk.
• Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, short skirts or shorts when visiting temples.
• Do not touch a Buddha statue or climb upon any Buddha image to take a photo. Always ask permission before taking photos in temples.
• Buddha images, Bodhisattva images or fragments, part of ancient monuments and prehistoric objects, are not allowed to be taken out of Thailand. Newly cast Buddha images in complete condition can be exported for worship, cultural exchange or educational purposes with licenses issued by the Fine Arts Department. Not more than than pieces per person shall be allowed. Reproductions of antiquities can also be exported with licenses.
• The monarchy is highly respected in Thailand and its strict lese-majeste laws make it a crime to criticise, defame or insult members of the royal family.
• Avoid buying any products or souvenirs made from wild animals including snakes, monitor lizards, turtle shell and ivory.
• Avoid patronising local restaurants that serve wild animal delicacies as it’s against the law to slaughter wildlife for food in Thailand.

The post Know Before You Go Thailand appeared first on Southeast Asia.

TIME ZONE
GMT+8

POWER PLUG
• Voltage: 220 to 240 volts
• Frequency: 50 hertz
• Power socket: Three-pin square – plug type G

CURRENCY
Singapore dollar – SGD

Denominations
• Notes: $2, $5, $10, $50, $100, $1,000, $10,000
• Coins: 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents, $1

How Much Currency You Can Bring In/Out
If you are entering or leaving Singapore with money exceeding S$20,000 (or its equivalent in a foreign currency), you must fill in the Physical Currency and Bearer Negotiable Instruments Report (Traveller) or NP727 form. The form is available at all checkpoints and police establishment or can be downloaded from the Singapore Police Force website. Submit your completed form at the Customs Red Channel on arrival in Singapore, and at the immigration counters on departure from Singapore.

VISA
Free Visa
All citizens of countries in Southeast Asia enjoy visa-free entry to Singapore.

Most visitors may stay in Singapore for up to 30 days. Citizens of some countries (e.g. Australia, European Union, Norway) may stay in Singapore for up to 90 days.

To stay longer than 30 days, you can apply for a Short Term Visit Pass here.
Click here to check which countries require a visa to enter Singapore.

CUSTOMS
Prohibited & Controlled Goods
These items cannot be brought/imported into Singapore:
• Chewing gum (except dental and medicated gum)
• Chewing tobacco and imitation tobacco products (e.g. electronic cigarettes)
• Cigarette lighters in the shape of a pistol or revolver
• Controlled drugs and psychotropic substances
• Cross bow
• Endangered species of wildlife and their by-products
• Firecrackers
• Flick knife, gravity knife, wasp knife, throwing knife
• Knuckleduster, ninja star, catapult/slingshot
• Obscene articles, publications, videotapes, videodiscs and software
• Reproductions of copyright publications, videotapes, videodiscs and laser discs, records and cassettes
• Seditious and treasonable materials

QUIRKY CULTURE
Chope
If you see tissue paper packets (or sometimes an umbrella, book, business card, keys and other personal belongings) on empty seats or tables at a hawker centre or food court, that means those seats or tables are choped (“reserved” in Singlish). It is common local practice to reserve a seat this way especially during peak hours so do the same to chope your place before buying your food!

LAWS & FINES
Singapore is known for being a “fine” city. Laws are strictly enforced, so observe the rules and you’ll be just fine!

Fines
Fines are imposed if you are caught:
• Littering
• Spitting
• Jaywalking
• Vandalising
• Selling chewing gum (chewing gum is ok)
• Possessing drugs
• Drinking or eating on the MRT or the bus
• Not flushing public toilets or urinals
• Urinating in a public lift
• Feeding the pigeons
• Tapping on someone’s Wi-Fi
• Singing, reciting or uttering any ballad or obscene song in public

Smoking
Smoking is not allowed in all air-conditioned places such as malls, eateries, bars, clubs, lounges, hawker centres, banks, cinemas, offices, lifts, toilets, libraries, museums, bus stops and interchanges, MRT stations, parks, playgrounds, reservoirs and airport terminal buildings. There are designated smoking areas in some entertainment outlets, hawker centres and open-air eateries.

Note that all public areas within the Orchard Road precinct have been designated as a No Smoking Zone and smokers are only allowed to smoke at Designated Smoking Areas. Click here for a map of the smoke-free zone.

TAX REFUND
Visitors may claim a refund on the 7 percent Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid on their purchases if they spend more than $100 at participating shops. Click here for more details.

NEW AIRPORT DEVELOPMENT LEVY
From 1 July 2018, passengers flying out from Changi Airport will have to pay $13.30 more (total $47.30) in departure charges, which includes a new Airport Development Levy (ADL) to fund airport expansion. The ADL is chargeable at $10.80 for departing passengers and $3 for transit passengers.

WI-FI & CONNECTIVITY
2G Networks
Note that 2G network services are no longer available in Singapore.

Prepaid SIM Card
The card can be easily purchased at local telcos’ (M1, Singtel and Starhub) retail counters and convenience stores such as 7-Eleven and Cheers islandwide, and Changi Recommends counters at Changi Airport. Your passport is required for registration when purchasing the card.

Pocket Wi-Fi
This mobile hotspot device provides data access via the cellphone network for your laptop, tablet and/or smartphone. The device can be rented from Changi Recommends counters at Changi Airport or other pocket Wi-Fi rental companies in Singapore.

Free Public Wi-Fi
• Wireless@SG
Hotspots of Singapore’s largest free Wi-Fi network are available at places such as Changi Airport, MRT stations, malls, museums, public libraries, community centres and Sentosa Island. To get connected, register for an account with your foreign mobile number at any Wireless@SG hotspot and you will receive your login details via an SMS message. Overseas charges may apply. Click here for more details.

• Changi Airport
Free Wi-Fi service is available in the transit areas of Changi Airport with #WiFi@Changi. Click here for more details.

• Shopping Malls
Free Wi-Fi service is available at some malls, restaurants, cafes and entertainment outlets.

The post Know Before You Go Singapore appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Here are some practical and useful travel information and tips to help make your trip to Vietnam a memorable one.

TIME ZONE
GMT+7

POWER PLUG
• Voltage: 220 volts
• Frequency: 50 hertz
• Power socket: Plug types A, C, F

CURRENCY
Vietnamese dong (VND)

Denominations
• Notes: VND500, VND1,000, VND2,000, VND5,000, VND10,000, VND20,000, VND 50,000, VND100,000 VND200,000 VND500,000
• Coins: 5,000, 2,000, 1,000, 500 and 200 dong

Many of the dong notes have similar colours and therefore, can be confusing, so it’s best to carry small notes when possible, and arrange your notes in your wallet in ascending order.

As the dong is pegged to the US dollar, the latter is accepted at most hotels and big shops. In tourist areas, some prices are often quoted in US dollars.

Ensure that your US banknotes are in good condition. Creased or torn notes or those with writing or ink stamps on them may not be accepted. US bills issued before 2006 may also not be accepted.

VISA
Visa Exemption
All citizens of countries in Southeast Asia, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, South Korea, Sweden, UK may enter Vietnam without a visa.

e-Visa Online
Apply and pay online for a Vietnam visa at Vietnam Visa. 

For more details on visa matters, click here.  

CULTURAL DO’S & DON’TS
Do’s
• Greet others with a smile and by saying “xin chao” (“hello”).
The Vietnamese generally shake hands both when greeting and when saying good-bye. Shake with both hands, and bow your head slightly to show respect.
• Remove your shoes before entering a pagoda or temple, or someone’s home.
• When visiting pagodas or temples, dress modestly and cover up your legs, arms and tattoos (if any).
• Always use both hands to pass items to others.
• Always ask permission before taking photographs of people or payment may be expected in touristy places such as UNESCO World Heritage town Hoi An Ancient Town.
• When crossing the road, raise your hand to draw attention to yourself and also allow the drivers to see you easily.
• When eating rice from a bowl using chopsticks, hold the bowl close to your mouth and use your chopsticks to push the rice directly into your mouth.

Don’ts
• Do not sit with your feet pointing towards a family altar if you are staying at someone’s house.
• Don’t take pictures of any military installations or equipment as that can be considered a breach of national security and you could end up in jail.
• Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, short skirts or shorts when visiting pagodas/temples.
• Do not show physical affection in public places.
• Do not lose your temper in public and do not cause embarassment to any Vietnamese.
• Do not bring up the topic of the Vietnam War.
• Do not wear too much jewellery or flaunt your wealth.
• Sticking your chopsticks vertically in a bowl of rice is considered taboo as it is associated with death and funerals. Do not leave your chopsticks crossed on the bowl, tap your chopsticks on the edge of your bowl or use your chopsticks to point at someone or something.

The post Know Before You Go Vietnam appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Here are some practical and useful travel information and tips to help make your trip to the Philippines a memorable one.

TIME ZONE
GMT+8

POWER PLUG
• Voltage: 220 volts
• Frequency: 60 hertz
• Power socket: Plug types A, B, C

CURRENCY
Philippine peso (PHP)

Denominations
• Notes: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000 peso
• Coins: 1, 5 and 10 piso (peso); 1, 5, 10 and 25 sentimo (centavo)

In smaller cities, functioning ATMs may be difficult to find so be sure to stock up on cash (especially small change) before visiting smaller islands and towns. Using ATMs attached to banks is the safest option. Many ATMs may only dispense up to 10,000 pesos per transaction and there may be a fee of up to 200 pesos per transaction.

Credit cards are mostly accepted in big cities like Manila and Cebu or tourist places like Boracay. Note that many businesses charge an extra commission of up to 10 percent for credit card transactions. For daily transactions, cash is the way to go.

VISA
Visa Exemption
All citizens of countries in Southeast Asia may enter the Philippines without a visa. Click here to check if you need a visa to enter the Philippines.

Visa Upon Arrival
For details on visa upon arrival, click here.

CULTURAL DO’S & DON’TS
Do’s
• As respect for elders is taken very seriously by Filipinos, show respect to elders by standing up when they enter the room and by using “po” at the end of your statement/sentence. For example, “thank you po” or “you’re welcome po”.
• Address someone older with titles such as ate (older sister), kuya (older brother), tita (aunt), tito (uncle), lola (grandmother) and lolo (grandfather) instead of their first names.
• Address government officials by their respective titles (for example, senator, congressman or director).
• Remove your shoes before entering someone’s home. You may be offered a pair of slippers to wear inside the home.
• Casual attire is acceptable in most places but in Muslim areas and places of worship, do dress modestly.

Don’ts
• Avoid raising your voice and showing outward frustration which may cause locals to “lose face”.
• Don’t lose your temper in public, and avoid being cocky and intrusive towards Filipinos.
• Don’t refuse food that is offered by your host during a home visit as Filipinos believe that it’s unlucky to turn away guests.
• It’s considered impolite to arrive on time for a meeting or gathering in the Philippines. About 15 minutes late is the socially acceptable arrival time.
• Don’t insult the country or its people.
• Avoid getting into a discussion on religion with the locals.
• When visiting a karaoke bar, be sure to take the singing seriously and don’t laugh at others who are singing.

The post Know Before You Go Philippines appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Here are some practical and useful travel information and tips to help make your trip to Indonesia a memorable one.

3 TIME ZONES
• GMT+7
Western Indonesia Time
Sumatra, Java, Madura, West Kalimantan, Central Kalimantan

• GMT+8
Central Indonesia Time
East and South Kalimantan, Sulawesi, Bali, Nusa Tenggara

• GMT+9
Eastern Indonesia Time
Maluku and Irian Jaya

POWER PLUG
• Voltage: 230 volts
• Frequency: 50 hertz
• Power socket: Two-pin round – plug type C and F

CURRENCY
Indonesia Rupiah or IDR

Tips
• As amounts in rupiah tend to be quite large because of all the zeros, take care when changing money. Always be the last person to count your cash before leaving.
• Some ATMs issue Rp 100,000 banknotes (the largest denomination) which may be difficult to break outside of large hotels and eateries. Go for smaller denominations when possible.
• Most currencies can be changed at authorised money changers in tourist areas. The exchange rate is always displayed on a signboard outside. The rates generally do not change on a weekend as the banks are closed. Note that some money changers may charge a commission, so check beforehand. Always ask for big notes such as Rp 100,000 or Rp 50,000 to prevent confusion of counting smaller denominations.
• Always change your money only at dedicated money changers. Avoid changing money at souvenir stores that often tout rates that are too good to be true.
• Banks are safer although the exchange rates may be less. Some banks may only accept clean, crisp, unfolded, unmarked and unsmudged bills.
• US dollars and euros are generally accepted everywhere. Note that US dollar bills older than 2003 are not accepted (check that the bills have a blue stripe on the front).

Coins
Coins in circulation include Rp 1,000, Rp 500, Rp 200, Rp 100 and Rp 50. Coins are not often used as amounts are usually rounded up. Instead of giving change in coins, some shops and supermarkets may give out a handful of sweets to make up the difference in change.

Denominations
• Rp 1,000 banknotes are a mix of blue, pink, purple
• Rp 2,000 banknotes are grey
• Rp 5,000 banknotes are brown
• Rp 10,000 banknotes are purple
• Rp 20,000 banknotes are green
• Rp 50,000 banknotes are blue
• Rp 100,000 banknotes are pink

Note that prices are given with the “thousand” implied. For example, if someone says something costs “30,”, that would mean Rp 30,000.

Credit & Debit Cards
Credit and debit cards can be used in larger stores, restaurants and hotels. For smaller transactions at shops and markets especially in rural areas, it’s best to use cash.

VISAS, FEES & TAXES
Visa Exemption
Validity: 30 days (non-extendable and cannot be transferred into any other type of stay permit)

All citizens of countries in Southeast Asia enjoy visa-free entry to Indonesia.

Currently, citizens from 169 countries enjoy visa-free entry to Indonesia. Click here to check the list of countries.

Visa On Arrival (VoA)
Cost: US$35
Validity: 30 days (can be extended for another 30 days at immigration offices in Indonesia)

VoA can be obtained at designated entry airports and sea ports.

Currently, citizens from 68 countries require VoA. Click here to check the list of countries.

Airport Departure Tax/Passenger Service Charge
With effect from 9 February 2015, the airport departure tax will be included in the air ticket price. This applies to both domestic flights as well as international flights departing from Indonesia.

CULTURAL DO’S & DON’TS
Do’s
• Learn local phrases such as “terima kasih” (“thank you”) and “boleh?” (“can?”) to show respect to the locals.
• Remove your shoes before entering an Indonesian home, a mosque or a temple. When entering a mosque, men should wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt to cover their arms. Women should also dress modestly and cover up their bodies as well as their hair.
• Always seek permission before photographing locals or places of worship.
• It is polite to accept even just a little food or drink when offered.
• Use only the right hand to receive or give something, as well as to eat as the left hand is considered unclean. Use your right thumb to point instead of your forefinger.

Don’ts
• A man should not shake hands with a woman unless the woman extends her hand first.
• Avoid public displays of affection.
• Never lose your cool, shout, or embarrass or accuse anyone in public.
• Never insult or joke about race, religion or ethnicity.
• Never drink alcohol or play card games in public places.
• Do not give alcohol, anything made of pigskin, non-halal food and items with pig or dogs images or shapes to Indonesians.

The post Know Before You Go Indonesia appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Here are some practical and useful travel information and tips to help make your trip to Laos a memorable one.

TIME ZONE
GMT+7

POWER PLUG
• Voltage: 230 volts
• Frequency: 50 hertz
• Power socket: Plug types A, B, C, E, F

CURRENCY
Lao kip (₭)

Denominations
• Notes: 500, 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000, and 100,000 kip
• There are no coins.

While kip is the local currency, Thai baht and US dollars are also widely accepted (and may be preferred in some tourist areas). Note that the kip cannot be exchanged into other currencies outside of Laos.

VISA
Free Visa
All citizens of countries in Southeast Asia, Japan, Russia, South Korea and Switzerland enjoy visa-free entry to Laos.

Visa On Arrival
Citizens from the European Union, North America and Australia

Apply For Visa In Advance
Citizens from Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Jordan, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Mozambique, Nauru, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Syria, Swaziland, Tonga, Turkey, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Click here or more details on visa requirements.

CULTURAL DO’S & DON’TS
Do’s
• Greet others with a smile and by saying “sabai dee”, which means “hello” in Lao.
• The traditional local greeting involves putting your hands together in a prayer-like manner in front of your chest with fingertips pointing up and giving a slight bow with your head.
• Remove your shoes before entering a wat (temple) or a private home.
• In traditional homes, people sit on low seats or cushions on the floor. Men usually sit with their legs crossed or folded to one side, while women usually do the latter.
• It is polite to accept food or drink when offered.

Don’ts
• As the head is considered the most sacred part of the body and the soles of feet the least, do not touch a person’s (even a child’s) head or use your foot to point at a person or any object.
• Women should not touch or hand anything directly to a Buddhist monk. The only exception to this rule is during the alms-giving ceremony when food or money are placed into the monk’s alms bowl.
• Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, short skirts or shorts when visiting temples. The Lao people are generally very gracious hosts, but there are some important spiritual and social conventions to observe.
• It is illegal to take antique Buddha sculptures out of the county, as many have been stolen from temples.

The post Know Before You Go Laos appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Here are some practical and useful travel information and tips to help make your trip to Brunei a memorable one.

TIME ZONE
GMT+8

POWER PLUG
• Voltage: 240 volts
• Frequency: 50 hertz
• Power socket: Three-pin square – plug type G

CURRENCY
Brunei dollar (BND)
The Brunei dollar is pegged to the Singapore dollar. Singapore dollars are accepted in Brunei and vice versa.

Denominations
• Notes: B$1, B$5, B$10, B$20, B$25, B$50, B$100, B$500, $1,000, $10,000
• Coins: 1, 5, 10, 20 and 50 cents

VISA
Visa Exemption
All citizens of countries in Southeast Asia can enter Brunei without a visa.

Click here for more details on visa requirements.

FRIDAY PRAYER TIME
All banks, businesses, offices, places of interest, retail, food and beverage outlets are closed between noon and 2pm on Fridays to observe the Friday prayer time for Muslims.

CULTURAL DO’S & DON’TS
Do’s
• Remove your shoes before entering a mosque or place of worship. Some mosques provide robes and shawls for female visitors. Remain quiet while touring the mosque.
• Seek permission before taking photographs of locals, mosques, landmarks or government buildings.
• Bruneians may shake hands and then bring their right hand over their chest in a salam gesture which means “I greet you from my heart”.
• Greet the locals politely by smiling and nodding your head with eye contact.
• Use the thumb of your right hand with four fingers folded under instead of your right index finger to point at places, objects or persons.
• If food is served without cutlery, use only the right hand to eat.
• It is polite to accept even just a little food or drink when offered. But if you refuse anything offered, smile and say “no, thank you” and then touch the plate or glass lightly with your right hand.
• While non-Muslim women are not expected to wear a headscarf, it’s best to dress modestly, with clothing covering the arms and thighs.

Don’ts
• It is considered impolite to pass in front of Muslims when they are praying.
• Non-Muslims are discouraged from touching the holy Al-Quran.
• Do not eat and drink in public areas between sunrise and sunset during the month of Ramadhan.
• A man should not shake hands with a woman unless the woman extends her hand first.

TAXIS
There are no metered taxis in Brunei, so be sure to negotiate your fare beforehand.

ALCOHOL
Alcohol is not sold in Brunei and consumption of alcohol in public is prohibited by law. Non-Muslims above 17 years of age may bring in two bottles of liquor (about 2 litres) and 12 cans of beer for personal consumption, which must be declared to customs upon arrival.

The post Know Before You Go Brunei appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Here are some practical and useful travel information and tips to help make your trip to Cambodia a memorable one.

TIME ZONE
GMT+7

POWER PLUG
• Voltage: 230 volts
• Frequency: 50 hertz
• Power socket: Plug types A, C, G

CURRENCY
Cambodian riel (KHR)

Denominations
• Notes: 50, 100, 200, 500, 1000, 5000, 10,000, 50,000 and 100,000 riel
• There are no coins

While riel is the local currency and used for small transactions, US dollars and Thai baht are also accepted in many places. When accepting US dollars in change, inspect the bills carefully. Marred riel is acceptable tender, but US dollars that have even tiniest tear will not be accepted in Cambodia.

VISA
Visa Exemption
All citizens of countries in Southeast Asia, Bulgaria, China, Cuba, Hungary, India, Iran, Peru, Russia, Slovakia, South Korea can enter Cambodia without a visa.

e-Visa
Click here for details on e-Visa.

BUYING A READY-TO-USE SIM CARD
You can purchase a SIM card with an assigned phone number just outside the Phnom Penh Airport arrival terminal or from any of the many phone shops scattered across the major cities.

CULTURAL DO’S & DON’TS
Do’s
• The traditional local greeting, known as som pas, involves putting your hands together in a prayer-like manner in front of your chest with fingertips pointing up and giving a slight bow with your head. The hands are held higher, with your fingertips touching your chin or nose, to show more respect to elders or officials. When greeting monks, your fingertips should touch your forehead. You can also give a higher som pas to show extreme gratitude or a sincere apology.
• Address locals with the honorific title “lok” for men and “lok srey” for women, followed by their first name, or both first and last name.
• Remove your shoes before entering a temple or a private home.

Don’ts
• As the head is considered the most sacred part of the body and the soles of feet the least, do not touch a person’s (even a child’s) head or use your foot to point at a person or any object.
• Women should not touch or hand anything directly to a Buddhist monk.
• Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, short skirts or shorts when visiting temples.
• Do not touch a Buddha statue and always ask permission before taking photos in temples. If you do take photos, drop a small donation in the box.
• Be mindful of Cambodia’s war-torn history by not bringing up sensitive subjects such as war, politics, violence or the Khmer Rouge. Also avoid wearing T-shirts and clothing that depict war or violence.
• Avoid criticising or cracking jokes about Cambodia’s slow culture or infrastructure.
• It is illegal to take antiques or Buddhist relics out of the county, although souvenir purchases of Buddhist statues and trinkets may be taken out of the country.

The post Know Before You Go Cambodia appeared first on Southeast Asia.

Here are some practical and useful travel information and tips to help make your trip to Malaysia a memorable one.

TIME ZONE
GMT+8

POWER PLUG
• Voltage: 220 to 240 volts
• Frequency: 50 hertz
• Power socket: Three-pin square – plug type G

CURRENCY
Malaysian ringgit  RM or MYR

Denominations
• Notes: RM1, RM5, RM10, RM20, RM50 and RM100
• Coins: 5, 10, 20 and 50 sen

VISA
Visa Exemption
• All citizens of countries in Southeast Asia can enter Malaysia without a visa
• Commonwealth citizens (except Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka), British Protected Persons or citizens of the Republic of Ireland and citizens of Switzerland, Netherlands, San Marino and Liechtenstein can also enter Malaysia without a visa

Visa Exemption For Social & Business Visit Not Exceeding Three Months
Citizens of Albania, Austria, Algeria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Republic of Slovakia, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Japan, South Korea, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden, Italy, United States of America, Bahrin, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Egypt, Morocco, North Yemen, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Qatar United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Tunisia

Click here for more details on visa requirements.

AIRPORT DEPARTURE TAX
All travellers flying out of Malaysia will have to pay an air departure tax (from 1 September 2019). The tax will depend on the destination and the class of airline flights. Infants and toddlers aged below 24 months as well as airline passengers transiting in Malaysia and leaving the country within 12 hours will not have to pay the departure tax.

Departure Tax
• ASEAN countries: RM8 economy class; RM50 other airline classes
• Non-ASEAN countries: RM20 economy class; RM150 other airline classes

CULTURAL DO’S & DON’TS
Do’s
• Remove your shoes before entering a Malaysian home, mosques or temples. Some mosques provide robes and scarves for female visitors. Taking photographs at places of worship is usually permitted but always seek permission beforehand.
• Malays and Indians often eat food with their hands. Some restaurants don’t offer any utensils. Instead, each table comes with a water pitcher that is used to clean the hands before and after the meal. Always use the right hand to eat as well as to receive or give something, as it is considered disrespectful in Malay custom to use the left hand to do these things.
• The traditional greeting or salam resembles a handshake with both hands. Malaysians commonly greet each other by placing their right hand over their left chest. This gesture means: “I greet you from my heart”.
• Drinks are generally offered to guests and it is polite for guests to accept the offer with both hands.
• Use the thumb of your right hand with four fingers folded under instead of your right index finger to point at places, objects or persons.

Don’ts
• A man should not shake hands with a woman unless the woman extends her hand first.
• Different ethnic groups address each using different names. To avoid confusion, ask a person how they want to be addressed.
• Toasting is not a common practice in Malaysia. The country’s large Muslim population does not drink alcohol.
• Malaysians generally do not open their gifts in the presence of gift givers.
• Do not give alcohol, anything made of pigskin, non-halal food and items with pig or dogs images or shapes to Malays. Avoid white wrapping paper as it symbolises death or yellow paper as it’s the colour of royalty.
• Do not give cutting utensils like knives or scissors or clocks to the Chinese. Avoid wrapping gifts in traditional mourning colours of white, blue and black. Instead wrap gifts in red, pink or yellow paper. It’s best to give gifts in even numbers.
• Do not give frangipani flowers to Indians as they are used in funeral wreaths and do not give leather products to a Hindu. Money should be given in odd numbers and avoid wrapping gifts in white or black paper. Wrap gifts in red, yellow or green paper or other bright colours as these bring good fortune.

VACCINATIONS
Recommended vaccines: Poliomyelitis (childhood booster), Tetanus (childhood booster), Typhoid (food- and water-borne diseases), Hepatitis A (food- and water-borne diseases).

For those venturing outside cities and towns, further recommended vaccines are Hepatitis B, Rabies, Japanese B Encephalitis, Tuberculosis and Meningitis. For those visiting Sabah and Sarawak, Malaria prophylaxis is strongly recommended.

If you are coming from or have recently travelled to South America or sub-Saharan Africa, you must present a certificate of vaccination against Yellow Fever upon arrival in Malaysia.

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