|
Frequently
Asked Questions - Asia
Visas
US
citizens must have a valid passport that must not expire
within six months of the scheduled departure date from Asia.
US citizens must obtain a visa to many countries in Asia.
Your Travel Professional can assist with providing the
required paperwork, but it is the responsibility of the
passenger to ensure that they have all of the requisite
visas for the trip. For all other nationalities, please
check with the appropriate consular authority. Some
countries in Asia require US Citizens to obtain visitor
visas prior to traveling, for more information and to
download information & forms please visit the
Zierer Visa Service
website.
Health
Depending upon which areas in Asia you visit, certain
vaccinations may be necessary or at least recommended. We
suggest you see your doctor at least 4–6 weeks before your
trip to allow time for any necessary shots to take effect.
Currency
Exchange
Currency
Exchange facilities are available for all incoming and
outgoing international flights. It is recommended to cash
traveler’s checks or exchange currency at banks, as the
exchange rate is more favorable and the fee less than in
hotels. Credit cards are widely in use, but may not be
particularly welcome in remote areas or in small shops.
Electricity
You can
take your electrical appliances with you however you should
note that the electric current may be different from the
USA, and will therefore require an adapter to convert the
current. The power outlet is also different than in the USA,
so you will need an adapter.
Tipping
Some people believe that tipping has become very popular in
some parts of Asia, including China though the Chinese
Government does not encourage it. It is suggested at $5/per
person, per/day, as tips for all the tour leaders, national
and local guides, hotel bellboys and coach drivers; as a
gratuity for their service. Usually the tour leader/national
guide will collect the tips for the entire journey on the
first day of your tour.
The reverse opinion is that tipping is a sensitive topic in
the Far East, where breaches of social convention are taken
more personally than they would be in the West.
In Japan, tipping is never expected. If you wish to offer
one for exceptional service, it should be sealed in a
decorative envelope and formally presented as a gift. In
southern Vietnam, tipping is officially outlawed, but a
discrete 10 percent tip is expected in restaurants. The best
advice here is to observe the locals, try to get someone in
the know to assess the situation, and pay attention to hints
dropped by service staff. In most other Asian countries,
including South Korea and Thailand, service charges may or
may not be included in hotel and restaurant bills, but in
any case, further tips are generally not expected. |
