THE OPTIMA JURIS GUIDE TO ASIA

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Table of Contents

1. Overview of Asia
2. Asia Parties to the Hague Evidence Convention
3. Countries That Require Visas
4. Currency
5. Security Isssues
6. Tipping Rules
7. Transportation
8. Country Specific Information
9. Major Cities in Asia
10. Major Asian Airports
11. Useful Links

Overview of Asia

Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.6% of the Earth's total surface area (or 29.9% of its land area) and with approximately 4 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population. During the 20th century Asia's population nearly quadrupled.

Asia Parties to the Hague Evidence Convention

China
Cyprus
India
Israel
Kuwait*
Russia
Singapore*
South Korea
Sri Lanka
Turkey
*Non-Member States
Full List of the Hague Evidence Convention Parties

Countries That Require Visas

If a visa is required, obtain it from the appropriate foreign consular representative before proceeding abroad. Allow sufficient time for processing your visa application especially if you are applying by mail. Most foreign consular representatives are located in principal cities and in many instances a traveler may be required to obtain visas from the consular office in the area of his/her residence.

• Afghanistan
• Armenia
• Azerbajan
• Bahrain*
• Bangladesh
• Bhutan
• Cambodia*
• China
• India
• Indonesia*
• Iran
• Iraq
• Jordan*
• Kazakhstan
• Kuwait*
• Kyrgyzstan*
• Laos*
• Lebanon*
• Maldives
• Mongolia
• Myanmar (Burma)
• Nepal*
• North Korea
• Oman*
• Pakistan
• Palestine
• Qatar*
• Russia
• Saudi Arabia
• Sri Lanka*
• Syria
• Tajikistan
• Timor-Leste*
• Turkey*
• Turkmenistan
• United Arab Emirates*
• Uzbekistan
• Vietnam
• Yemen
  
  * You may be able to obtain a visa at the point of entrance to these countries. Please be sure to double check before traveling.
  Foreign Consular Offices in the United States
  Visa Requirements for U.S. Citizens

Currency

Money

Cash is easy, flexible and you don't even have to show your passport as ID to exchange cash like you do with travellers checks. But easy come easy go. Cash is also the riskiest way to carry large amounts of money. If lost or stolen, it's gone - unlike travellers checks which can be replaced.

Credit cards

Check carefully for your credit card's terms and conditions. In particular, check the small print regarding ATM transaction fees and currency conversion charges so you don't get any suprises. Make sure your card has the Cirrus, Plus or Maestro symbol - otherwise you may not be able to use it overseas.

Exchanging money

Compare exchange rates at a number of booths if possible, but don't waste time and money traipsing across town to save ten baht. Banks and booths typically give much better rates than hotels or other businesses. It's wise to exchange money at a licensed foreign exchange location - while you may get a better rate on the street, you may get burned by a scam or wind up with obsolete or fraudulent notes - weigh up the pros and cons.

Travellers checks

The main advantage of travellers checks is that they can be replaced if lost or stolen. The disadvantage is that there is often (though not always) a fee to both buy and cash them. Even so, think of this small expense as a type of travel insurance, guaranteeing that you'll be able to get cash in an emergency, when you'll need it most. Travellers checks are most commonly issued in U.S. dollars, but other currencies are also becoming more widely accepted.

Security Isssue

• Ask your hotel for a list of safety cell numbers & email.
  There should be a main contact and a backup contact whom you can contact in the country you're visiting. Get a cell number and email. Getting a contact number of someone in the USA is ok, but keep in mind most of Asia is on the other side of the clock time-difference wise. Cell numbers are best since instant email exchange (a la Blackberry) has not caught on yet.
• Make sure to get the right immunization shots.
  Yes, while it should be safe to eat that pork bun in Shanghai, check with your physician and tour provider to see which shots are required and/or recommended for your Asia vacation. The biggest threats for Americans are Hepatitis A and B and are usually contracted through contaminated food. While the food in China will most likely be a main highlight of your trip, do check the Center of Disease Control's traveler site for any precaution prior to your trip.
• Carry some cash.
  While credit cards are slowly being accepted throughout Asia, cash is still king when you are absolutely in a bind. While we aren't saying to be a walking ATM, do have several hundred dollars on you just in case.
• Get your paper work straight.
  Do make sure everyone has a passport (more family members means more chances someone is missing something). Do make sure everyone has a visa if applicable. Keep in mind if you're entering China twice, you may need a double entry visa depending on whether or not you're in the country longer than 24 hrs. Do check the embassy rules as they are constantly updated. Also, see what items are included in your travel package (insurance, tipping, forms, etc).

• We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Asia.
• Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.
• Global Security Updates
• Be a smart traveller. Before heading overseas:
  • organise comprehensive travel insurance and check what circumstances and activities are not covered by your policy
  • register your travel and contact details, so someone can contact you in an emergency

Tipping Rules

Tipping is not needed in Singapore, Taipei, Japan, and China. In many other countries you will see an added 10% service charge. Many times rounding up to nearest denomination is appreciated, but high-end international restaurants and hotels will be more acceptable of generous tips.

Transportation

If you want to call a taxi, your hotel or the nearest tourism information office can recommend a reliable service.

Also available in Metropolitan Areas

• Buses
• Cars
• Taxis
• Foot Taxis

Country Specific Information

Major Cities in Asia

• Tokyo, Japan
• Mumbai, India
• Shanghai, China
• New Delhi, India
• Hong Kong, Hong Kong
• Singapore, Singapore
• Beijing, China
• Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Chittagong, Bangladesh
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• Kolkata, India
• Seoul, South Korea
• Bangkok, Thailand

Major Asian Airports

• Beijing, China
  Beijing Capital International Airport
  PEK
• Tokyo, Japan
  Haneda Airport
  HND
• Bangkok, Thailand
  Suvarnabhumi Airport
  BKK
• Hong Kong, Hong Kong
  Hong Kong International Airport
  HKG
• Jakarta, Indonesia
  Soekarno-Hatta International Airport
  CGK
• Guangzhou, China
  Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
  CAN
• Singapore, Singapore
  Singapore Changi Airport
  SIN
• Shanghai, China
  Shanghai Pudong International Airport
  PVG
• Seoul, South Korea
  Incheon International Airport
  ICN
• Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
  Kuala Lumpur International Airport
  KUL
• Mumbai, India
  Mumbai International Airport
  BOM
• Delhi, India
  Delhi International Airport
  DEL

Useful Links

Hotels

Agoda Hotel Search in Asia
Lonely Planet Asia Hotel Search

CIA

CIA Factbook Page

U.S. Embassy

United State Embassies Around the World

Electrical Requirements

Detailed List on Voltage Requirments

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