Eastern Asia

Eastern Asiahttps://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asiaEastern Asiahttps://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/ski-safetyBefore strapping on your skis or board, review some essential ski safety tips that are applicable not only in Japan, but wherever you may hit the slopes.2026-02-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/ski-safetyhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Ski season is kicking off in northern Japan, home to some of the world’s best and most plentiful powder snow, as well as many world-class resorts. What do you need to know?</p> <p><strong><a href="/explore/guides/japan-itinerary" target="_blank">Traveling to Japan soon? Download our free 14 day itinerary to discover the best of Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Osaka and more.</a></strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="#1">Know the terrain and your limits</a></li> <li><a href="#2">Be aware of and prepared for changing weather conditions</a></li> <li><a href="#3">Obey all warning signs and trail markers</a></li> <li><a href="#4">Who has the right of way skiing in Japan?</a></li> <li><a href="#5">What to do in a skiing accident</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="1">Know the terrain and your limits</h2> <p>One major cause of injuries on ski slopes is people trying to ski terrain beyond their abilities. So, it is essential to be aware of the limits of your own skills, and how to match them to a mountain’s terrain.</p> <p><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan">Japan</a>’s ski fields follow the global code of trail difficulty markers, with a green circle denoting “easiest,” a blue square denoting “more difficult” and a black diamond signifying “most difficult.” Double black diamond-marked slopes are “expert only” extremely challenging terrain that should only be undertaken by highly skilled skiers and snowboarders in good snow conditions.</p> <p>Also, note that different mountains may have different perspectives on exactly what sort of terrain qualifies for the specific difficulty levels. One hill’s blue “more difficult” trail could be considered a black diamond “most difficult” trail at another resort. So before challenging yourself with advanced terrain, explore some easier options to see how a given <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/mountain-biking">mountain</a> is labeling the trails there.</p> <p>Trail markers, like most signs in Japan, are generally written in English as well as Japanese text.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Travel-Safety/Japan/japan-article-1.jpg" alt="Ski fields Japan" /><figcaption>Snow skiing activity at Mount Yotei, Niseko Hokkaido Japan. Photo credit: Keattisak A</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="2">Be aware of and prepared for changing weather conditions</h2> <p><a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/create/learn/travelstorytelling/what-to-look-for-in-ski-gear">Dressing to match the weather</a> is not only essential for comfort but can be critical for safety. Check snow conditions and weather forecasts (generally marked in English on signs at Japanese <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/ski-snowboard-travel-insurance">ski </a>resorts, and on ski resort websites) so you can dress appropriately for the expected conditions.</p> <p>Dressing in layers gives you the option to add or subtract warmth if conditions change. Wet gloves in bitterly cold weather conditions can induce frostbite, so take care to dry them out in a lodge should this happen. Exposed skin in cold weather and strong winds can also increase the risk of frostbite, so bring along full-face coverings under these circumstances. On sunny days, particularly at high elevations, the risk of sunburn is high, so apply and reapply sunscreen. High elevations with low humidity conditions are great for creating the light fluffy snow for which Japan is famous, but also dehydrate skiers rapidly. Be sure to hydrate by drinking plenty of water.</p> <p>Changing weather conditions can also change the difficulty factor of ski slopes. What might be a very manageable expert black diamond slope on a day with deep, soft power can become much more risky and dangerous under icy conditions. Even within a single day conditions may change on a given ski run, so approach with caution before launching into a trail.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Travel-Safety/Japan/japan-article-2.jpg" alt="Ski fields Japan" /><figcaption>Alpine ski resort in Hakuba, Japan. Photo credit: christiannafzger</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="3">Obey all warning signs and trail markers</h2> <p>Japan is a rule-happy country, as any visitor will quickly discover plentiful warning signs everywhere, most of them written in English as well as Japanese. Ski slopes are no exception, with many caution signs posted on and around the mountains (accompanied by often incessant public address announcements on speakers). Be sure to follow these rules, both for your own physical safety and for potential loss of lift ticket or legal consequences, or at a minimum a strong talking-to from staff.</p> <p>It is critical for the safety of yourself and others to stay within marked ski area boundaries. There is a real risk of avalanches, particularly in heavy snow regions like Japan’s Alps and Hokkaido. Some tourist towns are actually putting enforceable fines (as of 2026) behind this rule to prevent tourists from skiing in dangerous areas, including public roads. Ski resorts take extensive precautions to keep their in-bounds terrain avalanche-safe, but they do not patrol outside of boundaries. If you venture outside of ski area boundaries you may trigger an avalanche that can hurt or kill yourself and others. Don’t do it. You also run the risk of getting lost or injured beyond an area that is patrolled by safety staff. Your cell phone may not have service in remote Japanese mountain areas, so you may not be able to call for help. If venturing in the backcountry in approved areas, be sure to go with a well-qualified local guide with proper safety equipment.</p> <h2 id="4">Who has the right of way skiing in Japan?</h2> <p>A basic safety rule of the road for skiers in Japan and anywhere else is that the downhill skier has the right of way. If you are uphill of another skier, it is your responsibility to avoid them, and give them space for unexpected turns or a crash. If there is a collision, the uphill skier is generally held liable (although Japan is not as litigious a society as the U.S.) and in some circumstances, you may be ejected from the ski hill or have their pass revoked.</p> <p>But even if you are a downhill skier who has the right of way, you should still always look uphill for safety’s sake. Be mindful of your surroundings of incoming uphill skiers, especially if you are crossing the path of another ski run.</p> <h2 id="5">What to do in a skiing accident</h2> <p>The global warning sign of a ski accident on the slopes is a pair of crossed skis (or a vertically balanced snowboard or two) uphill from the injured skier. This is not only a sign for ski patrol to come to help but also serves as a barrier to keep other skiers from crashing into the scene.</p> <p>If you see a pair of crossed skis while skiing, maneuver away from the area, and alert ski patrol if they are not already on the scene. Most staff ski patrol at Japanese resorts will know at least enough English to help, and many native-English-speaking instructors will also be on the slopes and can help facilitate care and transport in case of emergency.</p> <p>And of course, it is a wise idea to purchase <a href="/travel-insurance/destinations/asia">travel insurance</a> that specifically covers <a href="/travel-insurance/activities/ski-snowboard-travel-insurance">skiing and snowboarding</a> or other winter activities that you plan to do on your travels.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Travel-Safety/Japan/japan-ski-5.jpg" alt="Ski fields Japan" /><figcaption>Snow-covered mountains Nagano, Japan. Photo credit: Natalia Kotenko / EyeEm</figcaption></figure>Saha Entertainment 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/latest-travel-alerts-and-warningsWhat are the issues affecting travelers in South Korea? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.2021-01-26T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/latest-travel-alerts-and-warningshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions in South Korea – updated 5 April 2021</h2> <p>All foreign nationals arriving in South Korea are required to provide a negative PCR test declaration, issued within 72 hours of departure.</p> <p>All arrivals – regardless of nationality and length of stay – are also required to be tested for coronavirus (COVID-19) after entering South Korea. Arrivals will be taken for testing and must remain at the testing facility until a negative result has been secured. All must then quarantine for 14 days.</p> <p>Anyone who tests positive will be isolated and treated at a hospital or community treatment centre. Those not showing symptoms on arrival, Korean nationals, and long term foreign visitors with an Alien Registration Card and Korean residence, may self-quarantine at home for 14 days.</p> <p>All other foreign short-term travellers must quarantine at a government-designated facility for 14 days. Individuals are required to pay a daily charge of 120,000KRW while in government quarantine facilities.</p> <p>From March 19, 2021 all inbound travelers (Korean and foreign nationals) must fill out the Health Questionnaire and Special Quarantine Declaration in accordance with the Special Entry Procedure. They are also required to install either the “Self-Quarantine Safety Protection App” or “Self-Diagnosis App” on their phones to monitor if they show symptoms that indicate infection of COVID-19 such as fever during their stay in Korea.</p> <p>From April 13, inbound travelers from the U.S. (Korean nationals and foreign-nationals on long-term visas) are subject to self-quarantine and must receive diagnostic tests within three days of their quarantine period.</p> <p>Face masks are compulsory in public places (public transportation, demonstration sites and in healthcare facilities). Failure to wear an appropriate mask that covers both nose and mouth could result in a fine.  Those who violate a self-quarantine order may be subject to a fine, arrest, or deportation. </p> <p><strong><a href="/help/insurance/recent-events/coronavirus-faqs" target="_blank" title="Coronavirus FAQs">Wondering how your travel insurance might be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak? Find answers to some of our common questions about COVID-19</a>.</strong></p>Getty Images / Diego Mariottini 1902452584 Getty Images Bright neon signs line a pedestrian street in downtown Seoul, South Korea.

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/is-china-safe-for-travelersJoanna Tovia shares her tips to keep you safe and informed while exploring the Middle Kingdom.2020-01-22T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/is-china-safe-for-travelershttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#visas">Visas and registration </a></li> <li><a href="#tips"> 9 important safety tips for China </a></li> <li><a href="#disasters"> Natural disasters in China </a></li> <li><a href="#surveillance"> Surveillance in China </a></li> <li><a href="#corruption"> Police corruption in China </a></li> <li><a href="#penalties"> Death penalty and laws in China </a></li> <li><a href="#activities"> Banned activities in China </a></li> <li><a href="#scams"> Top 10 tourist cons in China </a></li> <li><a href="#guide"> Download our free guide to safety in China </a></li> <li><a href="#podcast"> Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: China </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="visas">Visas and registration</h2> <h3>Before you leave – visas for China</h3> <p>Planning ahead is wise when it comes to travel, but there is such a thing as planning too far ahead if you’re going to China; apply too early for your visa and it will run out before you have a chance to use it. </p> <p>Apply for your visa about a month prior to departure and keep in mind that the ‘valid until’ date indicates the date by which you must enter the country for your visa to remain valid.</p> <p>A tourist visa generally allows you to spend up to 30 days in mainland China, but if you’re planning on coming and going from Hong Kong, Macau or elsewhere, you’ll need a double – or multiple – entry visa. A detailed itinerary and hotel booking confirmation, or a letter of invitation from a family member or friend living in China (along with a copy of the information page in their passport) will be required as part of your application.</p> <p>Plans can change once there, of course, but it isn’t difficult to organize a short visa extension on a single-entry tourist visa. The Foreign Affairs Branch of the local Public Security Bureau is your friend on this one. Just make sure you apply at least a week before your visa is due to run out, and make sure you have at least six months remaining on the validity of your passport from the date you intend to leave.</p> <p>Whatever you do, don’t overstay your visa. If you can’t avoid it, expect fines of up to ¥500 a day and a potential ban from returning for up to 10 years. If you happen to be arrested and detained while you’re there, visa overstay fines will still apply.</p> <h3>When you get there – registration in China</h3> <p>China takes security threats seriously, and officials like to keep an eye on where travelers go and what they’re doing while they’re there. Fingerprinting visitors on arrival has been standard procedure since 2017, and every visitor to China must register their place of residence with the local Public Security Bureau within 24 hours.</p> <p>This is a simple process if you’re staying at a hotel – it’s part of check-in – but if you’re staying at an Airbnb and your host doesn’t take care of this for you, you’ll need to pay a visit to your nearest police station to do so yourself.</p> <p>Be sure to download the Google Translate app before you go (you won’t be able to download it once in China) in case there isn’t an English speaker at the police station.</p> <p>If it seems a little extreme to have to register every time you travel on to a new town or city within China, avoid the temptation to skip this necessary procedure. Failing to register could land you with a fine or an unpleasant stay in detention.</p> <h2 id="tips">9 important safety tips for China</h2> <h3>1. Dealing with crowds</h3> <p>Almost 1.4 billion people call China home, so get ready to <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-is-overpopulated-here-s-some-rules-to-help-you-cope" target="_blank" title="How to Cope in Crowds">rethink your boundaries around personal space</a>. Elbowing, pushing and cutting in line can be confronting to visitors, but try to accept it as part of the Chinese experience.</p> <p>Rest assured that ‘actively encouraging’ you to step aside isn’t intended to do you harm. Stand your ground if someone’s trying to cut in front of you in line, and have fun being a little pushy in return if you’re trying to navigate a crowd.</p> <h3>2. Petty crime</h3> <p>There’s a reason organized tours are the preferred way of seeing the highlights of this fascinating country – getting around as a group delivers safety in numbers.</p> <p><a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-crime" target="_blank" title="5 Types of Petty Crime to Look Out for In China">Travelers are easy targets for pickpockets, bag snatchers and thieves looking to steal passports, phones, cameras and laptops</a>. Avoid carrying anything in your back pockets, carry handbags across your body, and wear backpacks on your front.</p> <p>Train and bus stations, busy shopping hubs, public toilets, and popular eating and drinking precincts in major cities are especially prone to petty crime. Trying to thwart a robbery has been known to lead to violence and injury, so it’s best to do what a thief asks if you find yourself an unlucky victim. Carrying valuables such as passports inside your clothing is a smart move.</p> <p>Report stolen items at the nearest Foreign Affairs Branch of the Public Security Bureau to make a claim on your travel insurance.</p> <h3>3. Road safety in China</h3> <p>Although you are unlikely to drive yourself around in China (international drivers’ licenses aren’t recognized), <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-traffic-chaos" target="_blank" title="Traffic Chaos in China: What You Need to Know">traveling by road does not come without risk</a>. The World Health Organization estimates there are at least 600 traffic deaths per day in China. The sheer number of vehicles is one contributing factor, but so is driver inexperience and a flagrant disregard of traffic laws.</p> <p>Making matters worse, there aren’t likely to be seatbelts on long-distance buses, and don’t expect to find them in the rear seats of taxis either.</p> <h3>4. Pedestrian smarts</h3> <p>The biggest danger visitors are likely to face in China is in <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-traffic-chaos#pedestrian-safety-in-china" target="_blank" title="Pedestrian Safety in China">crossing the street</a>. Road rules are often ignored, and pedestrians are expected to get out of the way – even if they’re crossing the street on a green walk sign.</p> <p>Beware of cyclists in a hurry. A bicycle may round the corner at speed when you least expect it, piled high with precariously balanced goods. Shouted orders to get out of the way may give you the warning you need to step back – or not. Rely on your eyes more than your ears to check the coast is clear. Electric cars can be almost silent when they approach.</p> <h3>5. Beggars in China</h3> <p>Be alert to beggars who ask you for money then pursue you or <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-crime#aggressive-beggars-in-china" target="_blank" title="Aggressive Beggars in China">become aggressive if you ignore them</a>. They are common throughout China but are especially concentrated in Beijing’s Silk Alley, the Forbidden City, and other areas that attract crowds of visitors.</p> <p>Child beggars can pull at your heartstrings and be as pushy as adults, but resist the urge to open your wallet or you’ll soon find yourself surrounded by others hoping for a hand-out. Also, giving to beggars encourages the practice, so don’t do it.</p> <p>In restaurants, staff will usually assist in encouraging beggars to leave you alone, as will police in crowded spots such as public parks. Otherwise, it will be up to you to dissuade them.  </p> <h3>6. Passport protection </h3> <p>Leave a copy of your passport and visa with a trusted friend or family member before you depart, and take an extra copy to carry around with you. If you’re staying at a hotel, ask the staff to also photocopy the page showing your entry stamp. The easier you can make it to replace your visa and passport, should it be lost or stolen, the more grateful you’ll be that you took these precautionary steps. </p> <p>Passports are valuable everywhere, <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-crime#passport-safety-in-china" target="_blank" title="Passport protection in China">but in China they are especially sought after by shady individuals looking to commit crimes using your identity</a>. If it does go AWOL, alert your embassy and contact local police to obtain a loss report. This is essential when checking in to a new hotel or applying for a replacement passport.</p> <p>Carry your passport with you rather than locking it in the hotel safe. Police are known to carry out random checks and you’ll need it to enter many tourist attractions and museums.</p> <h3>7. Mobile payment apps</h3> <p>Traveling as part of a tour group has its benefits, and the limited payment methods available in many bars, shops and restaurants can make it challenging to venture off on your own. WeChat and Alipay apps are now used by most Chinese to make payments, but these require you to have a Chinese bank account.</p> <p>Calling ahead to check if a restaurant accepts credit cards or cash will save you time and disappointment – an increasing number accept neither form of payment.</p> <p>If you’re keen to live like a local and go cashless, it is possible to use an overseas credit card to make payments via WeChat, but you can’t top up your account or retrieve unspent money without a Chinese bank account or phone number.</p> <p>Watch this space, though, as this may change. China may be the e-commerce capital of the world, but it remains to be seen whether foreign visitors will be allowed to join their digital revolution.</p> <h3>8. Is China safe to travel for people of color?</h3> <p>Despite a growing number of people visiting from across the world, anyone who looks a little different to the Chinese norm tends to stand out like a beacon. This doesn't have to be a bad thing. If you find yourself attracting attention (some people may even form a circle around you to gaze at your intriguing features), why not use it as an opportunity to interact with the locals? </p> <p>Chances are high that their interest in you isn’t coming from a place of malice or prejudice. They may simply never have come across someone quite like you before. This applies as much to people of ethnically African origin as it does someone with pale blonde hair and skin. Just don’t be surprised if you get asked to pose for photos. Lots of photos.</p> <h3>9. Is China safe for LGBTQ+ travelers?</h3> <p>Although homosexuality has been legal in China since 1997, same-sex marriage remains illegal and there aren’t any anti-discrimination laws in place. Strident censorship laws include LGBTQ+-related content, which means tour companies and other organizations can’t openly promote themselves as being LGBTQ+-friendly. </p> <p>Although there is a range of views on homosexuality within the country – how could there not be, with a population so large – travelers are unlikely to encounter hostility. It’s customary for friends of the same sex to walk along hand-in-hand, so displays of affection such as this won’t attract any attention.</p> <p>There’s no need for concern when it comes to accommodation either. Same-sex couples booking a room in a high-end city hotel won’t raise an eyebrow, and the polite and reserved nature of the Chinese people generally means surprise is unlikely to be expressed at the smaller hotels, hostels, or guesthouses either.</p> <p>If you’re looking for a more sociable holiday, connecting with open-minded travelers is possible but make sure you’ve set up a high-quality VPN on your phone before you leave home. This will protect your privacy and ensure you can still access apps and websites that allow you to connect with others.</p> <h2 id="disasters">Natural disasters in China</h2> <p>Just what you don’t need on your travels. Fortunately, the chances of your plans being <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/china/weather-and-when-to-travel-china" target="_blank" title="Climate and Weather: Planning Your Trip to China">disrupted due to major weather-related incidents are slim in China</a>. The following natural disasters are the only ones that could disrupt your plans, however unlikely.</p> <p><strong>Typhoons:</strong> between May and November, typhoons (mature tropical cyclones) occur along China’s south and east coasts. Keep an eye on weather reports (and your weather app) for typhoons in the region; they can change in direction and strength without much warning. </p> <p><strong>Earthquakes: </strong>China is in an active seismic zone but earthquakes typically occur in the remote and mountainous non-tourist areas of western China. A magnitude-5.9 earthquake struck Sichuan province in 2019, and this occurred in an area visited by tourists, so don’t completely disregard it as a possibility.</p> <p><strong>Flooding:</strong> there are distinct rainy seasons in China that can lead to flooding. Between May and September, rural areas along the Yangtze River are particularly prone to flooding.</p> <p><strong>Landslides: t</strong>he mountainous areas of southwest China can be affected by landslides in the rainy season. Between May and September, Sichuan province (home of the giant panda), Yunnan province and Tibet are more likely to face heavy rain and landslides.<strong> </strong></p> <h2 id="surveillance">Surveillance in China</h2> <p>Surveillance is not new in China – it began as a method of social control under Chairman Mao’s communist party in the 1920s – but, visitor or not, technology now enables your every move to be tracked and recorded. </p> <p>Surveillance smarts and artificial intelligence are becoming so sophisticated that, as well as dramatically improving the odds that you’ll be caught if you step out of line, your next move may be anticipated before you’ve even decided what that next move is.</p> <p>With the government reportedly spending more on surveillance than national defense, and pilot programs in place to rate each citizen on a social credit system, China is on its way to becoming a digital dictatorship.</p> <p>High-definition cameras (at least 200 million of them) with facial recognition, directional microphones, night vision and motion tracking are installed not just on lamp posts and buildings, but also cars, buses, drones, markets, schools and the jackets of police officer uniforms.</p> <p>The degree to which visitor movements are being tracked is anyone’s guess, but don’t rule it out. Mandatory registration every time you check in to a new hotel is one way to monitor your movements, of course, but it pays to expect the unexpected when it comes to Chinese security measures.</p> <p>Entering Xinjiang by land from Central Asia, for example, may mean you have to hand over your smartphone (and passcode) before you’re allowed in. An app may then be installed that collects data such as contacts and text messages and checks whether the content on your phone triggers any of the 73,000 red flags that indicate you’re a security risk. Geotracking is also likely to have been enabled by the app when it’s returned to you.</p> <h2 id="corruption">Police corruption in China</h2> <p>Where there’s money to be made, corruption follows and that’s certainly true in China. Bribery of police is common, and foreign visitors can be targeted in elaborate set-ups designed to extract money from their families overseas.</p> <p>One such incident involved an attack on a young male visitor outside a nightclub in Beijing. Police detained the foreigner, rather than his attackers, and forced his family to pay large sums of money before allowing him to leave the country.</p> <h2 id="penalties">Death penalty and laws in China</h2> <p>Drug offenses and crimes such as murder can lead to the death penalty, no matter where in the world you’re from, and even minor drug-related offenses are taken very seriously. Penalties are severe for drug use, possession, distribution, or trafficking. Even small quantities of ‘soft’ drugs such as marijuana don’t escape police attention, and laws are strictly enforced.</p> <p>Children over 14 are tried as adults in China and subject to the same conditions in detention. Consular assistance will be of limited use if a crime has been committed in China, and you won’t be allowed to leave the country until any legal matters are resolved. Less than 1 percent of cases tried in Chinese courts result in a not-guilty verdict.</p> <h2 id="activities">Banned activities in China</h2> <p>Activities you might take for granted might be viewed as national security threats in China. Taking part in any of the following banned activities will land you in serious trouble:</p> <ul> <li>You won’t find any poker machines or casinos in China, but illegal gambling does go on. If you find yourself invited to play cards or Mahjong – and money is involved – it’s wise to walk away. Even online gambling is considered a breach of the law</li> <li>Taking photos of military or government buildings. Many tour operators also warn visitors against asking political questions when visiting sites such as Tiananmen Square. The site’s 1989 student protests and subsequent massacre is still one of the most censored topics on the Chinese internet</li> <li>Prostitution</li> <li>Organizing a demonstration without getting government approval</li> <li>Taking part in preaching, distributing literature or associating with unapproved religious groups</li> <li>Participating in Falun Gong activities. Although devotees consider Falun Gong a spiritual practice involving meditation and compassion, the Chinese government sees the movement as an evil cult and has actively been working to stamp it out since 1999.</li> </ul> <h2 id="scams">Top 10 tourist cons in China</h2> <p>Criminals with faulty moral compasses are adept at coming up with novel ways to fleece the unsuspecting visitor. <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/cons-scams-and-counterfeit-money" target="_blank" title="Scams in China">Here are 10 common scams to watch out for</a>: </p> <ol> <li><strong>Taxi scams:</strong> your driver insists you pay a higher fee than the price you agreed on before you left. To reduce the likelihood of this happening to you, stick with licensed, metered taxis arranged through your hotel. Avoid riding in pedicabs and motorized three-wheelers, as they are far more likely to overcharge you for their services. If you’re traveling for more than an hour in a taxi, it’s not uncommon for a driver to arrange to meet another driver halfway. If the drivers attempt to split up your party into two taxis (thus doubling the total cost), refuse.</li> <li><strong>Shopping scams:</strong> even in large shopping malls selling high-end goods, ignore offers of special deals to be had on ‘designer’ items held in a back room. If you do go, don’t be surprised when the door is locked behind you and you are prevented from leaving until you’ve made a purchase.</li> <li><strong>Left with the check:</strong> Disheartening it may be, but invitations to take part in a tea ceremony or to join someone for a meal so they can practice their English are often ploys for con artists to get fed for free. At the end of the meal, they up and leave you with a hefty bill.</li> <li><strong>Special massages:</strong> foreigners are lured into a building with the promise of a cut-price massage (an enticing offer if you’ve been on your feet seeing the sights all day), only to be assaulted by a group of thugs and robbed.</li> <li><strong>Switched goods:</strong> beware the last-minute switcheroo if you’ve made a purchase at a market or store. Keep a watchful eye as your goodies are bagged lest what you end up with is different to what you paid for.</li> <li><strong>Fake products:</strong> poor-quality designer knock-offs are pedaled to foreigners at inflated prices, complete with assurances they are the real deal. Have your wits about you and inspect goods closely before haggling for a better price. Nanjing Road in Shanghai and Beijing's Silk Alley are notorious for knock-offs.</li> <li><strong>Counterfeit currency:</strong> pay the exact cost of an item or bill whenever you can to avoid ending up with counterfeit notes as change. Most shopkeepers use cash detectors or hold money up to the light to check yuan is real before accepting them for payment. To conduct your own check, hold a note up to the light and look for a metal ribbon that runs from top to bottom.</li> <li><strong>Stranger danger:</strong> refuse offers of food, drink or transportation from anyone you don’t know. Reports of visitors being drugged and robbed are more common than you might think.</li> <li><strong>Art exhibitions:</strong> students are known to coerce visitors into viewing a free art exhibition at their school, only to find they’ve done you a drawing while you’re there and push you into paying for it.</li> <li><strong>Fake ATMs:</strong> try to only use ATMs at your hotel, a bank or shopping center. Otherwise, you risk using an ATM machine that takes your card or issues counterfeit notes.</li> </ol> <h2 id="guide">Download the free guide to staying safe in China</h2> <p>Our common-sense guide to travel safety is a reliable, trustworthy source of up-to-date advice so you can bravely explore the world.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/china/download-our-free-guide-to-travel-safety-in-china-world-nomads.jpg" alt=""The" front="" page="" of="" world="" nomads="" travel="" safety="" guide="" to="" china="" /> <figcaption>Download your free copy of <a href="/explore/guides/china-travel-safety-guide" target="_blank" title="Download now">China: The Travel Safety Guide</a> now. </figcaption></figure> <h2 id="podcast"></h2>Stocksy/Bo Bo 01115895 Stocksy Danxia Landform Geological Park In Gansu, China

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/travel-alertsWhat are the issues affecting travelers to China? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.2020-06-18T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/travel-alertshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Listen to the World Nomads Podcast: COVID-19</h2> <p>In this episode, we address FAQs about the virus and how it affects your travel and tips to survive self-isolation.</p> <iframe width="100%" height="190" src="https://webplayer.whooshkaa.com/episode/596586?theme=light&enable-volume=true" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay"></iframe> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Previous travel alerts</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h3>Sichuan Earthquake – June 2019</h3> <p>A magnitude 5.9 earthquake has struck Sichuan province. Several aftershocks have been felt following the earthquake. 11 people have been killed and dozens injured in Gongxian and Changning counties.</p> <p>Infrastructure has been damaged and services have been cut to the area.</p> <p>The tremors have been felt in major regional cities such as Chengdu and Chongqing.</p> <ul> <li>Keep updated with local news and government travel advisory information if you are currently in China</li> <li>Always exercise caution while traveling</li> <li>Be aware of your surroundings</li> <li>Carry your personal ID with you at all times.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div>Getty Images/Gassen 1865308880 Getty Images Chinese Flag on the Great Wall

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/latest-japan-travel-alerts-and-warningsWhat are the issues affecting travelers in Japan? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.2020-10-21T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/latest-japan-travel-alerts-and-warningshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>1 May 2023</h2> <p><span>Japan has removed all COVID-19 entry requirements.</span></p> <h2>Previous travel alerts for Japan</h2> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Typhoon Hagibis - October 2019</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Typhoon Hagibis – October 2019</h2> <p>Super typhoon Hagibis is expected to bring torrential rain, heavy winds, large waves and storm surges when it makes landfall. <a href="https://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html" target="_blank" title="Japan Meteorological Agency">Hagibis is forecast to make landfall</a> at night on Saturday 12th October or in the morning on Sunday 13th October. </p> <p>If you are in Japan for the Rugby World Cup, talk to your accommodation staff or tour operator about their emergency plans and locations of typhoon shelters in the case of an evacuation.</p> <p>Stay up to date with weather reports and local media, and be aware some games have been canceled due to the weather.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Typhoon Faxai - September 9, 2019</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Typhoon Faxai – 9 September 2019</h2> <p>Typhoon Faxai is bearing down on Japan, bringing strong winds and heavy rain, causing flooding and havoc to transport systems in Tokyo. If you are in Japan, stay up to date with local news reports and monitor the situation. If you feel unsafe, check with your accommodation staff about typhoon shelters or <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/how-to-survive-a-hurricane" target="_blank" title="How to Survive a Hurricane">what to do in the case of an emergency</a>.</p> <p>If you are yet to arrive in Japan but are <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/where-to-go-during-the-2019-rugby-cup" target="_blank" title="Rugby World Cup: What to do in Japan">flying soon in time for the World Cup</a> which kicks off on 20 September, check with your airline to see if your flight has been affected by the typhoon, and ask them about rescheduling or rebooking if need be.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Typhoon Trami - 26th September 2018</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Typhoon Trami – 26 September 2018</h2> <p>Category 5 Typhoon Trami is currently tracking slowly towards Southern Japan and Taiwan, with a scheduled weakened landfall this weekend.</p> <p>Trami will bring heavy rain which may cause localized flash flooding, landslides and storm surge. Please check with authorities for more information, follow any official warnings and listen to local news reports to monitor the situation.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Typhoon Jebi - 4th September 2018</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Typhoon Jebi – 4 September 2018</h2> <p>Typhoon Jebi made landfall near the city of Kobe in Japan on Tuesday 4th September causing widespread damage, disrupting services, and killing at least six people. It's the most powerful typhoon to hit the country in 25 years; since Typhoon Yancy in 1993 which killed 48 people and caused billions of dollars in damage. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported Typhoon Jebi's wind speed at 129 mph (209km/h) at landfall and predicts the system will track northward, weakening to an extratropical storm in the Sea of Japan. Over one million people have had to evacuate.<br /><br />Osaka's Kansai International Airport is closed until further notice due to flooding causing damage to the runway and terminal building. Flights into Tokyo Haneda are also not running to schedule and over 700 flights have been canceled in and out of the country. Over 2000 people are stranded in Kansai International Airport.<br /><br />Other transport services such as the Shinkansen (bullet train) and inter-island ferries have been canceled. Part of Kyoto Station has collapsed with heavy rain and wind. Major attractions and buildings have been closed in Kyoto, Kobe and Osaka.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">How to survive a typhoon</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>How to survive a typhoon</h2> <p>The absolutely best way to survive a typhoon is to avoid one. Get away from it, but if you make the decision to leave make that decision early. Do not leave it until the last minute because you may find yourself caught without proper shelter.</p> <p>If you decide to stay and "ride it out" it is advisable to get to an authorized shelter. The locations of these will be broadcast, or locals will know where they are. If there is no shelter, prepare to "shelter in place" in an internal room without windows.</p> <h3>Once a "storm watch" has been issued, make sure you are prepared in the event that the watch becomes a "warning."</h3> <ul> <li>Fill the gas tank of your car</li> <li>Check batteries in flashlights and radios</li> <li>Have extra batteries on hand</li> <li>Secure all doors and windows</li> <li>Close shutters or board up the windows</li> <li>Have extra supplies on hand such as non-perishable food, clean drinking water, a half-gallon of water per person/per day (enough for a couple of days), and prescription drugs.</li> </ul> <h3>During the storm</h3> <ul> <li>Never go out during the storm. The winds can send flying debris into you causing injury and even death.</li> <li>Stay away from windows and doors</li> <li>Keep on the alert for additional storm warnings</li> <li>While the storm is in progress avoid using electrical appliances</li> <li>Stay off the telephone</li> <li>All pets should be secure in carriers. The storm will be a frightening experience for them as well, and they could injure themselves or you if they panic</li> <li>Do not light candles or lanterns; they could get blown over causing a fire</li> <li>The eye of the storm passing over could make you think the storm is over when the worst is still yet to come. Only use this calm in an extreme emergency to make critical repairs</li> <li>Only after an official "all clear" has been issued is it safe to come out.</li> </ul> <h3>After the storm</h3> <ul> <li>Beware of downed power lines and gas leaks</li> <li>Stay away from heavily damaged areas</li> <li>Listen to your radio for instructions.</li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> <p><em>Before you buy a travel insurance policy, check your government travel warnings and health advice – there may be no travel insurance cover for locations with a government travel ban or health advice against travel.</em></p>Getty Images/Koukichi Takahashi / EyeEm 1903134178 Getty Images Tokyo during rainy season

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/taiwan/latest-taiwan-travel-warnings-alertsThe latest travel alerts and warnings for Taiwan. What's happening and are you covered for it?2018-09-26T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/taiwan/latest-taiwan-travel-warnings-alertshttps://www.worldnomads.com<div> <ul> <li class="HeaderAnchor"><a href="#older-travel-alerts">Older Travel Alerts</a></li> </ul> </div> <ul> <li><a href="#worldwide-24-hour-emergency-assistance">Worldwide 24 hour Emergency Assistance</a></li> <li><a href="#am-i-covered-for-a-typhoon">Am I Covered for a Typhoon?</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="older-travel-alerts">Older Travel Alerts</h2> <h3>Typhoon Trami - 26 September 2018</h3> <p>Category 5 Typhoon Trami is currently tracking slowly towards Taiwan and Southern Japan, with a scheduled weakened landfall this weekend.</p> <p>Trami will bring heavy rain which may cause localized flash flooding, landslides and storm surge. Please check with authorities for more information, follow any official warnings and listen to local news reports to monitor the situation.</p> <p>Failure to comply with directives from government authorities means you won't be covered by travel insurance. For World Nomads customers, if you have not purchased a policy prior to 26 September, 2018, 10am Australian Eastern Standard Time and are impacted by the typhoon, you will not be covered.</p> <h3>February 2018 earthquake</h3> <p>A shallow 6.4 magnitude earthquake struck near the coastal city of Hualien, a popular destination for tourists on 6th February, killing two people, injuring hundreds and causing several buildings to collapse. Many guests are still trapped in a collapsed hotel.</p> <p>Aftershocks have continued to rock the area however authorities have not issued a tsunami warning. If you are intending to travel to or are in Taiwan, you should keep updated with information including: media reports, your country's travel advisory and your travel insurance.</p> <h2 id="worldwide-24-hour-emergency-assistance">Worldwide 24-hour emergency assistance</h2> <p>Need assistance? Find the <a title="emergency assistance numbers" href="https://service.worldnomads.com/customer/portal/articles/723000-who-do-i-call-for-emergency-help" target="_blank">emergency contact telephone number</a> for you.</p> <p>So we can best assist you, please be ready with the following:</p> <ul> <li>Your policy number</li> <li>A contact number for where you are now</li> <li>The nature of your problem</li> <li>If you are ill or injured we will need details of medical consultations you have had.</li> </ul> <h2 id="am-i-covered-for-a-typhoon">Am I covered for a Typhoon?</h2> <p>There may be cover for you if you purchased your policy prior to the storm or hurricane being declared. Check your policy or call our <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/contact-us">customer assistance teams</a> if you are unsure.</p> <p>Coverage may vary depending on your place of residence and the level of cover you have purchased, however, GENERALLY the cover and benefits of Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption may assist you. If regular carriage services to your destination have ceased for 24 hours or more (so you can't get there) you may be able to make a claim. Check with our <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/contact-us">customer assistance teams</a>.</p>GettyImages/Stockbyte 0

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/hong-kong/latest-hong-kong-travel-warnings-alertsHow are coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions affecting travel to Hong Kong? Read the latest travel warnings and alerts.2020-07-15T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/hong-kong/latest-hong-kong-travel-warnings-alertshttps://www.worldnomads.com<h2>Coronavirus (COVID-19) travel restrictions in Hong Kong – updated 28 June 2021</h2> <p><span>From midnight on 28 June 2021, the UK will move onto the Hong Kong SAR government’s list of “very high risk” places. </span><span>Travelers from these places will then be subject to 21 days of compulsory quarantine at a designated quarantine hotel on arrival, followed by 7 days of self-monitoring. You should<span> </span></span><a rel="external" href="https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/high-risk-places.html">check the Hong Kong SAR government’s website</a><span><span> </span>for important details about the documents required.<span> </span></span><br /><br />All passengers entering Hong Kong, including residents, must take a COVID-19 test upon arrival, and undergo 14 days of mandatory quarantine.</p> <p>Non-Hong Kong residents will be denied entry if they have been to any overseas country/territory outside mainland China, Macao or Taiwan in the past 14 days.</p> <p>For the latest information on who can enter Hong Kong, read <a href="https://www.coronavirus.gov.hk/eng/inbound-travel-faq.html">Hong Kong's inbound traveler FAQs</a> to find out about quarantine and restrictions to expect upon arrival.</p> <p><strong><a href="/help/insurance/recent-events/coronavirus-faqs" target="_blank" title="Coronavirus FAQs">Wondering how your travel insurance might be affected by the COVID-19 outbreak? Find answers to some of our common questions about COVID-19</a>.</strong></p> <h2>Ongoing protests and civil unrest in Hong Kong – 2019 to present</h2> <p>Protests are ongoing in Hong Kong. Check with local media for advice on expected demonstrations. These may occur at any time but especially at weekends and public holidays.</p> <p><a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/safety-advice-civil-unrest" target="_blank" title="Staying Safe During Civil Unrest">Stay away from crowds of demonstrators</a>. Be aware of disruption to your travel plans or expect significant traffic delays if protests or demonstrations are happening. Check the <a href="http://www.mtr.com.hk/alert/alert_simpletxt_title.html">MTR website</a> for advice on station closures.</p> <p>While protests may occur all over the city, <a href="https://hongkong.liveuamap.com/" target="_blank">this map</a> details where they have occurred in the past and serves as an indication of where they may occur in the future. Use it to plan your journey and avoid potential trouble spots.</p> <h2>Previous travel alerts for Hong Kong</h2> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Political Protests - August 13, 2019</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Political Protests - August 13, 2019</h2> <p>Large groups of demonstrators have caused disruptions at Hong Kong International Airport for the second day in a row. Hundreds of flights have been canceled, and protests are likely to continue. If you have a flight scheduled into or out of the airport, contact your travel agent or airline to check on the status before leaving for the airport.</p> <p>Protests have been occurring throughout Hong Kong since June, in reaction to a proposed bill that would allow mainland China to extradite suspected criminals. While the demonstrations have been largely peaceful, some have turned violent. Travelers should stay alert, be flexible with their plans, and monitor the situation via social media and local news. Steer clear of protests to avoid being caught in skirmishes or inhaling tear gas, and be prepared for transit disruptions or traffic delays. You might also avoid wearing black or white T-shirts, which are associated with protestors and counter-protestors.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Typhoon Mawar - September 2017</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Typhoon Mawar - September 2017</h2> <p>Typhoon Mawar made landfall in southern China on the night of 3 September, and although weakening is moving closer to Hong Kong.</p> <p>Officials have issued a No. 3 signal and are warning of wind gusts exceeding 100 kmh and heavy rain on Monday.</p> <p>If you are in Hong Kong, you are advised to follow the instructions of local authorities, particularly to stay indoors away from windows.</p> <p>Here is a <a href="http://www.mardep.gov.hk/en/pub_services/ocean/lpf_tshelter.html" target="_blank">list of typhoon shelters</a> provided by the government. The number for help from police, fire, and ambulance is 999.</p> </div> </div> </div> <div class="AccordionSection nst-component nst-is-collapsed"><button class="AccordionSection-title nst-toggle">Typhoon Hato - August 2017</button> <div class="nst-content"> <div class="AccordionSection-inner"> <h2>Typhoon Hato - August 2017</h2> <p>Hong Kong is bracing for one of the strongest typhoons in two decades to sweep over the region.</p> <p>Schools and businesses are closed and hundreds of flights have been affected by cancellation or long delay.</p> </div> </div> </div>Getty Images / spreephoto.de 1957832072 Getty Images Hong Kong harbor

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/queer-travel-in-japanJapan’s LGBTQ+ scene can be complex for travelers to navigate. LGBTQ+ travel expert Ed Salvato shares his safety tips and shows us around Tokyo’s vibrant gayborhood.2024-07-17T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/queer-travel-in-japanhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Is Japan a safe and welcoming destination for LGBTQ+ travelers? This guide delves into Japan’s LGBTQ+ scene and offers tips for exploring Tokyo’s gay nightlife.</p> <p><strong><a href="/explore/guides/japan-itinerary" target="_blank">Traveling to Japan soon? Download our free 14 day itinerary to discover the best of Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Osaka and more.</a></strong></p> <ul> <li><a href="#homosexuality">Homosexuality and LGBTQ+ rights in Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#safety">Safety tips for LGBTQ+ travelers in Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#tokyo">Exploring Tokyo’s gayborhood: where to go and what to expect </a></li> <li><a href="#bar">LGBTQ+-friendly bars and clubs in Tokyo</a></li> <li><a href="#saunas">Japanese saunas and bathhouses</a></li> <li><a href="#plan">Trip planning in Japan for LGBTQ+ travelers</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="homosexuality">Homosexuality and LGBTQ+ rights in Japan</h2> <p>Japanese society places more emphasis on group identity and values than personal expression. Sexuality – homo or hetero – is considered a private matter; It’s not flaunted in public displays of affection or discussion. Because of this, much of local gay life is not just hidden – it’s inaccessible. This is even more so for lesbians in Japan, who remain invisible. </p> <p>That said, homosexuality in Japan is legal. There are protections for gays, lesbians and even transgender people enacted mostly on a local level, with an increasing number of cities and prefectures implementing anti-discrimination laws. However, there are no national laws protecting LGBTQ+ people, and same-sex marriage is not legal.</p> <h2 id="safety">Safety tips for LGBTQ+ travelers in Japan</h2> <p>Japan is <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/is-japan-safe">overall a very safe destination</a>, and LGBTQ+ travelers are unlikely to experience violence or hostility. Nonetheless, it's best to avoid public displays of affection, whatever your orientation.</p> <p>As openly gay travelers (who used the word husband, but didn’t hold hands in public), we felt completely comfortable and welcome. Japan is perfectly safe for queer visitors, but the scene is hard to find. Tokyo has hundreds of gay bars, but only a handful welcome foreigners.</p> <h2 id="tokyo">Exploring Tokyo’s gayborhood: where to go and what to expect</h2> <p><a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/tokyo-kyoto-things-to-do">Tokyo</a> is subdivided into 23 wards or districts, which are large areas with their own city governments. Although you’re likely to visit several wards, you’ll probably spend most of your time in the main areas of the city, including the city’s busiest and most diverse ward – Shinjuku. This is where you’ll find the gay neighborhood and the most concentrated dose of queer travel Japan offers. </p> <p>Northeast of Shinjuku station is Tokyo’s red-light district, with numerous bars, restaurants, smoky and noisy pachinko parlors, love motels and nightclubs. Near the seedy red-light district is the Ni-chome district, a cluster of older low-rise buildings with hundreds of establishments oriented towards gay men. </p> <p>Despite the hundreds of gay bars in Tokyo, there are only a few options for non-Japanese-speaking customers. Our best advice would be to start at <span><a href="http://aliving.net/aiirocafe/">Aiiro Cafe</a>.</span> Make friends here with a local or two, and they can help you explore some of the bars that are lesser known. </p> <p>Tokyo is a hard-working city, and the bar scene can be quiet on weeknights. Many locals clear out just before midnight to catch the last subway or train home. On weekends, the scene gets busy around 9 or 10, and can stay busy until 5am, when the trains start running again.</p> <p><em>Planning a trip to Japan? Find out <a href="/travel-insurance">how travel insurance can cover</a> lost or stolen baggage, sudden illness, or other travel mishaps.</em></p> <h2 id="bar">LGBTQ+-friendly bars and clubs in Tokyo</h2> <p>Japanese travel providers are starting to recognize the gay travel market.</p> <p><a href="http://outasiatravel.com/" target="_blank">OutAsia Travel</a> offers night tours of Shinjuku — basically a gay guide to bring you to two or three of the bars that welcome foreigners, and generally show you around. </p> <p>Even with good directions, it’s not easy to find many places. Be sure to gaze upward for signs, as many bars aren’t on street level. </p> <p>At most bars, you’ll pay a cover charge with your first drink, and the bar master, or Mamasan (owner/manager), will be your genial host. They’ll make introductions, help guys meet and mingle, and generally ensure everyone’s comfortable and having a good time. </p> <h2 id="saunas">Japanese saunas and bathhouses</h2> <p>Saunas can be even less welcoming of foreigners than bars, for all the same reasons, combined with a prejudicial fear of HIV as a foreigners’ disease. If saunas are your thing, you’ll need to know the etiquette. </p> <p>Upon arrival, pop your shoes in a shoe locker, and change into a pair of slippers. Buy an admission ticket from the machine, and then take your shoe locker key and ticket to the front desk, where you’ll get a locker key, towel, bathrobe, and washcloth. If you walk to the front desk in your shoes, your ignorance of the local customs will very likely result in denied admission.</p> <p>For the most extensive and up-to-date bar, club and sauna listings, the best reference is <span><a href="http://www.travelgayasia.com/tokyo-gay-bars/">TravelGayAsia.com</a></span>. A printout of their <span><a href="http://www.travelgayasia.com/gay-map-of-tokyo/">gay map</a></span> is also very useful.</p> <h2 id="plan">Trip planning in Japan for LGBTQ+ travelers</h2> <p>You’ll need some assistance beyond these recommendations to plan your own ideal Japanese adventure, including:</p> <p><strong>Guided group tours:</strong> There are many tours offered by mainstream companies, but we highly recommend the tour offered by our friends at <span><a href="https://www.outadventures.com/gay-tours/japan-kyoto-to-tokyo/">Out Adventures</a></span>. </p> <p><strong>Full-itinerary planning assistance:</strong> In our search for assistance and information, all gay roads in Tokyo led to Shintaro, the owner of <span>OutAsia Travel</span>. His insights and assistance in putting together a customized itinerary are highly recommended. Be sure to mention Ed Salvato when you contact him. </p> <p><strong>Individual planning resources:</strong> The<span><a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/" target="_blank"> Japan National Tourism Organization</a> </span>provides a variety of resources that will be helpful to prospective visitors. The most impressive of these is a directory of <span><a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/travel/guide/guideservice.html" target="_blank">Systematized Goodwill Guide (SGG) Clubs</a></span>. These volunteer guides, mostly retirees and housewives, provide free guide services to tourists in their native languages. Budget travelers will appreciate the <span><a href="http://www.jnto.go.jp/eng/arrange/travel/affordable/dine.html" target="_blank">JNTO’s Affordable Japan recommendations</a></span>. For hotels and <em>ryokans</em> in smaller cities, we found <span><a href="http://japanican.com/" target="_blank">Japanican.com</a></span> useful.</p>iStock/electravk 0528968254 iStock Two people at Tokyo Pride Parade

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/visa-informationDo you need a visa for Japan? We have all the details to save you from being turned around on arrival.2022-11-30T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/visa-informationhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>For most nationalities gaining entry to Japan as a tourist is quite straightforward, but the coronavirus pandemic is still causing complications so it’s important to be informed.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#visa-short-visit">Japan's new entry requirements </a></li> <li><a href="#visa-long-visit">Most nationalities don't need a visa to travel to Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#working-visas">What you need for a Japan Tourist visa</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="visa-short-visit">Japan's new entry requirements </h2> <p><span>Japan was closed to tourists for two years due to the coronavirus pandemic, and when it reopened there were strict tourist arrival quotas, and entry requirements. But as of October 2022 it has become much simpler for travelers from many countries to enter Japan, especillay</span> if you’re from a country which has a Japan VISA exemption (most Western countries do, read below for further details), or you have a valid Japan Tourist VISA.</p> <p><span>The Japan Government no longer requires you do a pre-departure Covid-19 test to gain entry if you have a valid, Government-issued vaccination certificate, which shows you’ve had three or more doses of a Covid-19 vaccine. But make sure to check your airline’s rules regardless, as some carriers may require you present a recent, negative Covid-19 test to be allowed to board the plane.</span></p> <p><span>Also, before you fly to Japan, you must first register at <a href="https://vjw-lp.digital.go.jp/en/">Visit Japan Web</a> (VJW), create an account, then add your personal information, flight schedule, and customs declarations. </span></p> <p><span>The VJW will then issue you with two different QR codes to show to show on arrival in Japan. The first code is labelled “Immigration” and is to be shown to Immigration officials and the other is labelled “Customs” and must be presented to Customs officers.</span></p> <p><span>To make things easier, on the VJW site you can register for a Fast Track entry pass by uploading a copy of your official Government vaccination certificate. This will then earn you a third QR code, labelled “Quarantine”, which airport staff will scan instead of needing to inspect your vaccination certificate.</span></p> <p><span>Note that if you display symptoms typically associated with COVID-19 infection during your flight, or on arrival in Japan, you may be tested at the arrival airport. And if you test positive to COVID-19, you will be required to complete a mandatory quarantine period at a Government facility.</span></p> <h2 id="visa-long-visit">Most nationalities don't need a visa to travel to Japan</h2> <p><span>Citizens of 68 countries qualify for visa exemption, including the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most European nations. The full list of nations can be found on this <a href="https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/short/novisa.html.">Japan Government website</a>. </span></p> <p><span>This means visitors from those countries can arrive in Japan, show their passport at Immigration and gain visa-free entry to the country for a certain period of time. Tourists from most of those 68 countries can stay for up to 90 days in Japan thanks to their visa exemption. Visitors from Brunei only get a 14-day entry, travelers from Indonesia and Thailand get a 15-day entry, and visitors from the UAE get 30 days.</span></p> <p><span>You'll need an e-Passport to be granted this visa exemption for Japan. Now standard issue now across most countries, e-Passports contain an electronic chip, which stores the same personal identifying information printed on your passport, as well as some of your biometric data.</span></p> <p><span>Don’t panic – e-Passports have been issued by most Western Governments for more than a decade, so chances are you already have one. If you don’t have an e-Passport, your passport must be very old and in need of renewal anyway. So do that now and your Japan entry will be simple.</span></p> <h2 id="working-visas">What you need for a Japan Tourist visa</h2> <p><span>If you are not a citizen of one of the above 68 nations, and you want to holiday in Japan, you’ll need to secure a Temporary Visitor visa before you land in the country. Fortunately, in most instances you do not need to visit an embassy or visa office to submit this application, which can instead be done online. First, check the <a href="https://www.mofa.go.jp/j_info/visit/visa/index.html">Japan Ministry of Foreign Affairs website</a> for details.   </span></p> <p><span>To complete this visa application, either online or in person at an embassy or consulate, you’ll need to submit a range of documents. These include a completed Japan Temporary Visitor visa application form, a passport photo, a copy of your passport photo page, a basic itinerary of your daily travel plans, return flight bookings, hotel bookings, and a three-month bank statement with your full name, home address and current bank balance.</span></p> <p><span>If you intend to stay with friends or family during you holiday in Japan, rather than in a hotel, you must submit an original copy of a letter signed by this person confirming the arrangement. That must be accompanied by a photocopy of their Japan Residence Card, and include their address in Japan and contact phone number. </span></p>iStock/Kavuto 0543065134 iStock Japanese young woman looking at Kyoto Hyakumanben Chionji Temple Garden

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/earthquake-safetyHere’s how to stay safe and avoid getting injured if you're in Japan during an earthquake.2022-04-20T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/earthquake-safetyhttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Japan is far more prone to natural disasters than most countries, with a long history of deadly earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons and volcanic eruptions. Here’s what you need to know about its earthquakes and tsunamis.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#earthquakes">How common are earthquakes in Japan?</a></li> <li><a href="#why">Why are earthquakes so common in Japan?</a></li> <li><a href="#safe">How to stay safe in an earthquake</a></li> <li><a href="#experience">What is it like to experience an earthquake?</a></li> <li><a href="#resources">More resources</a></li> <li><a href="#tsunami">Are tsunamis a serious threat in Japan?</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="earthquakes">How common are earthquakes in Japan?</h2> <p>After Indonesia,<a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/what-to-take-to-japan"> Japan</a> has more earthquakes than any country in the world. About 10% of all the planet’s earthquakes occur in or near Japan, according to a 2017 study published by the Asia Oceania Geosciences Society. Japan has more than 1,000 per year, on average, although the majority are minor tremors not noticeable to humans.</p> <p>Japan does, however, experience at least one earthquake per year of magnitude 7.0 or higher in severity, on average. A magnitude 7.0 to 7.9 is defined as a major earthquake that can cause widespread damage and many casualties. In 1995, for example, a magnitude 6.9 quake near <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/getting-around-in-japan">Kobe</a> city caused 6,433 deaths and more than USD $100 Billion of damage.</p> <p>In 2011, Japan suffered one of the worst natural disasters in modern history, the Great Sendai Earthquake. This enormous earthquake was the fourth most powerful in recorded history, at magnitude 9.0, and triggered a series of giant tsunamis that engulfed many towns on Japan’s east coast. The quake and tsunamis combined to kill more than 20,000 people, and cause more than USD$200 Billion of damage.</p> <h2 id="why">Why are earthquakes so common in Japan?</h2> <p>About 90% of all earthquakes occur in what is known as the world’s Ring of Fire, according to the National Geographic Society. This is an arc of fault lines, shaped a bit like a crooked horseshoe, which runs for about 25,000mi through the Pacific Ocean, and across Japan.</p> <p>The Ring of Fire is also home to about 75% of the world’s active volcanoes. All of this dramatic natural activity along the ring is due to it following the boundaries between a series of the earth’s tectonic plates, which collide and then overlap or rub against one another. The extreme energy created by these plate interactions causes volcanic activity or earthquakes.</p> <p>After an earthquake, it’s also worth checking the<a href="http://www.jma.go.jp/jma/indexe.html" target="_blank"> Japan Meteorological Association earthquake webpage</a>, which gives the most recent information, all in a matter of seconds after an earthquake hits. </p> <h2 id="safe">How to stay safe in an earthquake?</h2> <ul> <li>Tourists to Japan can <strong>download</strong> the popular <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.rcsc.yurekuru.android&amp;amp;hl=ja">Yurekuru Call </a>app which uses live information from the Japan Meteorological Agency to provide warnings and updates about earthquakes and tsunamis</li> <li>If you’re inside a building during an earthquake, <strong>take cover</strong> beneath a doorway, which is less likely to collapse than a ceiling</li> <li><strong>Shelter</strong> underneath something strong – such as a table or chair – or place a pillow or thick blanket on top of your head</li> <li><strong>Stay clear</strong> of windows or large, heavy items like cabinets, fridges or televisions, which could topple and crush you</li> <li>If you’re in a city, <strong>stay indoors</strong>, as there is an even greater risk of being struck by debris in the street</li> <li><strong>Do not use</strong> an elevator, which could malfunction, leaving you stuck inside</li> <li>If you’re outdoors when a quake occurs then <strong>find an open space</strong>, away from buildings or large trees, lie down and cover your hea.</li> <li>If you are on a train or in the subway during a quake, rest assured that these Japanese transit systems are designed to respond to such tremors. They immediately stop in response to significant seismic activity</li> <li>Finally, when in doubt, <strong>do as the locals do</strong>. Most Japanese people have experienced many tremors, including multiple significant earthquakes, and are well drilled in how to respond.</li> </ul> <h2 id="experience">What is it like to experience an earthquake in Japan?</h2> <p>Japanese people are accustomed to tremors and typically respond in a calm fashion, as I learned while visiting Tokyo on 7 December 2012. While I sat in my hotel room watching TV, the building began to shake due to a 7.3 magnitude earthquake off the eastern coast of Japan.</p> <p>Only the previous year, Japan had been devastated by the Great Sendai quake and tsunamis. With this catastrophe fresh in my mind, I panicked and ran to the hotel lobby for help. There I found the hotel manager coolly telling other terrified foreign guests to stay in their rooms and remain composed. </p> <p>The Japanese guests appeared far less perturbed. “It will be over soon,” the manager told us all. He was right. But, soon after, I read media reports of a predicted tsunami headed for the Japanese coast. I couldn’t sleep that night.</p> <h2 id="resources">More resources</h2> <ul> <li><a href="http://www.JNTO.go.jp/safety-tips/pc/emergency.html" target="_blank">Japan National Tourist Association Earthquake Safety page</a></li> <li><a href="http://www.ktr.mlit.go.jp/showa/tokyorinkai/english/" target="_blank">The Tokyo Rinkai Earthquake Prevention Center </a>is a free center that teaches about natural disasters using all sorts of hands-on exhibits, including walking through a post-earthquake Tokyo.</li> </ul> <h2 id="tsunami">Are tsunamis a serious threat in Japan?</h2> <p>Japan is one of the world’s tsunami hotspots, as more than 80% of the world’s tsunamis occur along the Ring of Fire, according to UNESCO’s International Tsunami Information Center.  Separate from tidal waves, which are caused by gravitational forces, tsunamis are the result of massive displacement of ocean water. That displacement can be caused by a volcanic eruption or a landslide but is mostly commonly created by an earthquake.</p> <p>More specifically, tsunamis are typically triggered by a thrust earthquake, which is where two tectonic plates collide and one then moves vertically. That vertical plate movement displaces a huge volume of seawater, which flows away from the earthquake epicenter, before slowing down and increasing in height the closer it gets to land. To create a destructive tsunami, an earthquake typically needs to be at least 7.5 in magnitude, according to <a href="https://www.unesco.org/en">UNESCO</a>.</p> <p>Japan has one of the world’s most advanced tsunami warning systems, connected to its earthquake monitoring offices. After any significant earthquake in or near the country, the Japan Meteorological Agency estimates the possibility of a resulting tsunami.</p> <p>If there is a chance Japan’s coast could be affected by a tsunami, the JMA issues warnings to potentially affected regions within three minutes of the quake occurring. These clear warnings come in the form of loud, public sirens and media announcements.</p>iStock/btrenkel 0155154305 iStock A woman puts on a helmet

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/is-japan-safeTravel tips on Japanese crime, the Yakuza, tattoos and food poisoning. What to know before you go.2025-02-01T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/is-japan-safehttps://www.worldnomads.com<div> <p>Japan deserves its reputation as one of the world’s safest travel spots. But while tourists are less likely to get robbed, assaulted or scammed here than almost anywhere in the world, visitors still need to take precautions to ensure they don’t encounter trouble.</p> <p><strong><a href="/explore/guides/japan-itinerary" target="_blank">Traveling to Japan soon? Download our free 14 day itinerary to discover the best of Tokyo, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Osaka and more.</a></strong></p> </div> <ul> <li><a href="#just-how-safe">How safe is Japan for travelers?</a></li> <li><a href="#conviction">Japan’s incredibly high conviction rate explained</a></li> <li><a href="#yakuza">Yakuza (Gokudō) gangsters in Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#tattoo">Tattoo laws in Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#food">Do I need to worry about food poisoning in Japan? </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="just-how-safe">How safe is Japan?</h2> <p>Japan consistently ranks in the top 10 safest countries in the world, on various calculated indexes, despite many of those rankings factoring in natural disasters, which are a major issue in this country and reduce its overall standing.</p> <p>Its capital, <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/tokyo-kyoto-things-to-do">Tokyo</a>, is gargantuan, with a metro area home to 38 million people – more than the combined populations of Australia, <a href="/explore/southeast-asia/singapore/asias-top-food-destination">Singapore</a> and New Zealand. Yet despite this extraordinary size, Tokyo placed first in the world in The <a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-city-rankings/safest-cities-in-the-world">Safest Cities in the World 2024</a>, which ranks 60 major cities based on 57 indicators, including infrastructure, and personal, digital and environmental security.</p> <p>Meanwhile, Japan’s second-biggest city, Osaka, has consistently been in the top five of those rankings in recent years. A key reason Japan’s cities are so safe was explained in <em>The Economist’</em>s report by Kimihiro Hino, associate professor in urban engineering at The University of Tokyo.</p> <p>He said Japanese city dwellers tend to stay in the same neighborhood long-term, and this fosters strong communities, which have their own crime-fighting strategies. This means that, in addition to Japan’s endless CCTV cameras, vigilant residents also monitor and report suspicious activities. So, committing petty crimes such as theft or street scams is a high-risk, low-reward business in a nation where cameras, cops and citizens all are watching.</p> <h2 id="conviction">Japan's incredibly high conviction rate explained</h2> <p>Japan’s criminal conviction rate is famously high, at more than 99 percent. That could suggest if you’re accused of a crime while holidaying in Japan you essentially have no hope of defending this charge. But that conviction rate is very misleading.</p> <p>It is only so high because many people accused of a crime never end up before a judge, as explained by Muraoka Keiichi, a Professor of Law at Hakuoh University, in an interview with Nippon.com. “Public prosecutors typically concentrate on suits where conviction is almost guaranteed, leading to the suspension of around 60 percent of criminal cases in Japan without an indictment,” he said.</p> <h2 id="yakuza">Yakuza gangsters in Japan</h2> <p>The Yakuza, sometimes known as the Japanese Mafia, is a sprawling network of affiliated organized crime groups, with a total membership of more than 25,000 men. Enormously powerful and wealthy, the Yakuza control a large proportion of the prostitution, gambling, drug trafficking, extortion and loan sharking in Japan, and also have worldwide criminal influence.</p> <p>But, realistically, there’s next to no chance of a tourist to Japan encountering a Yakuza, let alone getting into an altercation with one. Unless you’re in a red light district, or high-end nightclub or a hostess bar, and are acting in a disrespectful manner or engaging in illegal activities, you will not place yourself in a Yakuza’s orbit. Behave yourself and you need not worry about them.</p> <h2 id="tattoo">Tattoo laws in Japan</h2> <p>What you may need to be concerned by, linked to the Yakuza, are Japan’s tattoo laws. Body ink has become increasingly common in Western countries, but it is a complicated subject in Japan, where tattoos have long carried a significant stigma.</p> <p>From the late 1800s to the 1940s, tattoos were banned in Japan, and after that, they were made legal only if the ink was applied by a tattooist who held a medical license. Only in 2020 did tattooing become widely legal in Japan. Yet body art still isn’t fully accepted in Japan, due to its historical links to criminals, particularly the Yakuza, who are famous for flaunting elaborate tattoos.</p> <p>Although tattoos have become more common among everyday Japanese people, for many generations they were largely the domain of gangsters. This means tattoos remain an intimidating sight in Japan. As a result, many public venues in Japan <a href="/travel-wiser/practical/traveling-with-tattoos">still have rules against displaying tattoos</a>, with many pools, saunas, gyms and hot springs requiring guests cover them up. So if you’re heavily tattooed, and intend to visit such facilities on your holiday to Japan, bring long clothing or compression bandages you can wear over your ink.</p> <h2 id="food">Do I need to worry about food poisoning in Japan?</h2> <p>Food poisoning is far less of a concern for tourists to <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/japan/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-japan">Japan</a> than it is in many other parts of Asia. That is due to the strictness and robust enforcement of Japan’s Food Sanitation Act, which governs food quality and integrity, and the sanitary conditions required of restaurants and cafes.</p> <p>Japan’s many food sanitation inspectors have the power to enter venues without notice to inspect the cleanliness of their kitchens, and to acquire food for testing. Restaurant or café diners can report instances of food poisoning to these inspectors, who will then investigate the venue. As someone with a sensitive digestive system, my stomach gets sick to some extent every time I visit Southeast Asia, yet never have I become ill across many visits to Japan.</p>iStock 0 iStock Travellers in a Zen garden

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/vaccinationsRead these health tips and talk to your doctor about these routine vaccinations before you go to Japan.2016-10-24T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/vaccinationshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>There are no vaccines required to visit Japan. However, despite the relative safety of the country, it’s always a good idea to take some basic health precautions before traveling. </p> <ul> <li><a href="#routine-vaccines">Routine Vaccines</a></li> <li><a href="#Measles-Outbreaks-in-Japan">Measles Outbreaks in Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#Japans-Cold-and-Flu-Season">Japan's Cold and Flu Season</a></li> <li><a href="#General-Coughs-and-Ills">General Coughs and Ills</a></li> <li><a href="#Norovirus-in-Japan">Norovirus in Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#Japans-Dengue-fever-scare">Japan's Dengue Fever Scare</a></li> <li><a href="#japan-tap-water">Is the Tap Water Safe in Japan? </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="routine-vaccines">Routine vaccines</h2> <p>The United States Centre for Disease Control (CDC) <a href="http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/japan" target="_blank">recommends</a> that travellers should be up to date on routine vaccines before going on your trip: “These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.” </p> <h2 id="Measles-Outbreaks-in-Japan">Measles outbreaks in Japan</h2> <p>Measles outbreaks have been an ongoing problem in Japan, with at least a few school closures per year up until 2014 as a result of those outbreaks.</p> <p>Though the <a href="http://www.nih.go.jp/niid/en/measles-e/2102-idsc/iasr-measles-e/5528-iasr-measles-v-e150331.html" target="_blank">number of cases have declined in recent years</a>, there are still active cases in Japan, such as that of a<a href="https://www.japantoday.com/category/national/view/japan-issues-measles-warning-after-infected-fan-attends-bieber-concert" target="_blank"> fan who attended a Justin Bieber concert</a> and was soon after diagnosed with measles.</p> <p>Measles vaccines are highly recommended. Peak measles season is in the spring and summer. </p> <h2 id="Japans-Cold-and-Flu-Season">Japan's cold and flu season </h2> <p>Influenza is also a regular occurrence in Japan, with flu season running through the winter months (December or January through February or March).</p> <p>Over a million people came down with the flu in the 2015-2016 season, and the most prevalent strain of the virus was the type-A H1N1, with type-B following.</p> <p>There have also been some cases of avian influenza in Japan, though no human cases have been reported. </p> <figure><img src=" https://media.worldnomads.com/Travel-Safety/Japan/japan-flu-season.jpg" /><figcaption>Waiting for the train at Tokyo station. Photo credit: iStock/DavidCallan</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="General-Coughs-and-Ills">General coughs and illnessess</h2> <p>Tokyo and other major metropolitan centres in Japan are very dense, and <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/getting-around-in-japan" target="_blank">many people use public transportation on a daily basis.</a> Additionally, in Japanese culture it’s not uncommon to go to work even when sick, increasing the risk of disease transmission. </p> <p>Many people wear face masks during this season, both to keep germs out and in, which may or may not quell the spread of disease. If you do travel to Japan and especially if you ride public transportation, vaccination and basic hygiene preventative measures, like hand washing, are recommended. </p> <p>Other vaccines may be recommended for some travellers depending on their circumstances, such as age, medical condition, specific destination, etc. Check with your doctor. </p> <h2 id="Norovirus-in-Japan">Norovirus in Japan</h2> <p>Norovirus is another commonly transmitted disease in Japan. A gastrointestinal virus that leads to diarrhoea and vomiting, there is no generally available vaccine for this disease, although one is <a href="http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2016/06/takedas-norovirus-vaccine-first-to-reach-human-trials/#.V8ur4RTXnFI" target="_blank">undergoing clinical trials</a>. </p> <p>Again, the virus is most prevalent during winter months, and is transmitted through the air and through casual contact. Basic hygiene preventative measures are advised.  </p> <h2 id="Japans-Dengue-fever-scare">Japan's Dengue Fever scare</h2> <p>In the summer of 2014, Japan saw a dengue fever outbreak after 70 years without any reports of the disease. <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2015/04/29/national/science-health/anti-dengue-plague-plan-eyed-health-ministry/#.V8vYNhTXnFI" target="_blank">A total of 162 cases were reported nationwide</a>, with the outbreak traced to Tokyo’s Yoyogi Park.</p> <p>Government officials acted swiftly, closing the park for 57 days and spraying for mosquitos. Although no further outbreaks have been reported since then, <a href="/travel-safety/risks-symptoms-and-prevention-of-dengue-fever" target="_blank">mosquitos are widespread</a> during the hot and humid Japanese summer.</p> <p>As dengue fever vaccines have only <a href="http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/first-dengue-fever-vaccine-gets-green-light-in-3-countries/" target="_blank">been approved in three countries</a>, the best measures to take for dengue and other mosquito-borne illnesses are preventative, avoiding mosquito bites with things like <a href="/travel-safety/sunblock-or-insect-repellent-first" target="_blank">insect repellent and protective clothing</a>.</p> <h2 id="japan-tap-water">Is the tap water safe in Japan?</h2> <p>Tap water is generally safe in Japan, and there have been no significant reports in recent years of waterborne illnesses, though there have been a <a href="http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/policy/health/water_supply/4.html" target="_blank">few isolated cases</a>. </p>iStock/junce 0521707884 iStock A Japanese woman wears a mask in Japan

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/health-and-safety-in-japanFor the most part, Japan is a very clean and safe country. But there are a few health issues to navigate when you visit.2022-12-07T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/japan/health-and-safety-in-japanhttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#toilets">How to use Japan's tricky toilets</a></li> <li><a href="#fish">Beware of eating raw fish in Japan</a></li> <li><a href="#bathrooms">How to navigate Japan's communal bathrooms</a></li> </ul> <p>One of the world’s most advanced nations, Japan is a safe, clean and orderly travel destination. But tourists still need to prepare for its unique toilets, communal wash rooms, and the threat of food poisoning. Here are some insider tips to help you.</p> <h2 id="toilets">How to use Japan's tricky toilets</h2> <p><span>Japan’s quirkiness is often exaggerated by tourists and travel writers. But what is undeniable is that this country’s high-tech toilets, widely called washlets, can be confusing. Some are so sophisticated they cost up to USD $8,000 and have heated seats, air fresheners, automatic flushing, built-in bidets, carbon filters to kill bad odours, an air dryer for your intimate parts, and a self-cleaning system featuring titanium oxide glaze and ultraviolet light.</span></p> <p><span>The country’s toilets are separated into three categories – Japanese toilets, Western toilets and washlets. Japanese toilets are basic squat versions, essentially a porcelain hole in the ground, which tourists will only encounter in old buildings, some public parks, and in rural areas. Western toilets, exactly like those common in Europe, US, Canada and Australia, are also somewhat rare.</span></p> <p><span>The reason for that is because, in 1980, Japanese company Toto invented the washlet, an advanced version of the Western toilet which is now common in Japanese homes, hotels, restaurants, bars and shopping centres. These are the toilets tourists will use the majority of the time.</span></p> <p><span>At first glance, the washlet looks like a regular Western toilet. Except that many of them have what looks like a TV remote attached to the side. Printed on this device are a range of settings and actions, represented by symbols.</span></p> <p><span>The first button is normally a black square, which represents “stop”, the pressing of which will cease any of the toilet’s actions you have activated. Those actions include a bidet stream for your behind, which is released by a small wand, and is represented by a button which shows a bum being sprayed by water. </span></p> <p><span>A similar spray shown striking a sitting human is the button you press if you want the bidet to target the front of your private parts. Three wavy lines indicate the dryer button, a tilted wand image is what you press to make the bidet spray change direction, and a wand with a wider spray emerging from it represents the button for altering water pressure. </span></p> <p><span>At beginning and end you can press the wand with two stars above it, which then washes this bidet device. And if you become particularly finicky about your preferred washlet settings, you can save them using the memory function at the bottom.</span></p> <h2 id="fish">Beware of eating raw fish in Japan</h2> <p><span>While many tourists to Southeast Asia prepare themselves for potential cases of food poisoning, such as infamous Bali Belly, Japan is not so commonly associated with such illnesses due to Japan’s strictly-enforced Food Sanitation Act which motivates restaurant and cafe operators to maintain good standards of hygiene. </span></p> <p><span>Customers who become ill after eating at a dining venue can report this incident to Japan’s food sanitation inspectors, who will then audit the premises. Whereas in Southeast Asia it might be lax hygiene standards that can cause sickness, in Japan the risk typically comes from raw fish. </span></p> <p><span>And it’s not just tourists who need to be careful. In 2022, Japanese media reported a spike in illness caused by ingesting Anisakis, a parasite found in sashimi, the popular Japanese raw fish dish. This bug causes severe pain by attacking the walls of the stomach and intestines.</span></p> <p><span>In Japan, there are now more than 7,000 annual cases of Anisakis, which is the country’s most common form of food poisoning. Although, when you consider Japan has a population of 125 million people, and sashimi is hugely popular there, that isn’t a very high number. </span></p> <p><span>Regardless, the only way to protect against this illness is by avoiding eating uncooked fish or squid. Even a restaurant with the highest hygiene standards can still unwittingly serve you a slice of raw seafood infected by Anisakis.</span></p> <h2 id="bathrooms">How to navigate Japan’s communal bathrooms</h2> <p><span>I was thoroughly confused the first time I entered a sentō, or communal wash room, in Japan. My single room at a Tokyo guesthouse didn’t have its own bathroom, and I expected the group facilities to have shower cubicles which afforded privacy.</span></p> <p><span>Instead,ronan I walked into a male-only wash room to see two large baths – each big enough for a group of men – and a line of tiny stools and buckets next to shower heads installed at waist height. Luckily, I guessed correctly that, instead of showering upright, the custom was to sit on the stool and wash myself there by filling the bucket with water from the shower head.</span></p> <p><span>Sentō are common in guesthouses, hostels and budget hotels in Japan, and are separated into male and female facilities. They are different to onsen – communal baths of natural hot spring water – which are designed for relaxation more than washing.</span></p> <p><span>Inside the entrance to a Sentō is a changing area with lockers for your clothes and valuables, and with towels and flip flops available. To be polite, wrap a towel around your waist and put on some flip flops before you walk over and pick a shower. Also avoid talking loudly, using your phone, or encroaching on anyone else’s space. </span></p> <p><span>Use your own toiletries – soap and loofahs often aren’t provided at sentō – to scrub yourself before then hopping into a bath. These are for soaking not washing. One will be surprisingly hot, designed to loosen your muscles and relieve stress. The other bath lets you cool down before you head back to your locker relaxed, clean and ready either for a big day of sightseeing, or a sound night’s sleep.</span></p>Richard I'Anson 1 Richard I'Anson A plate of food in Japan

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/is-south-korea-safeIs there a lot of crime in South Korea? Should you be worried about tensions between the North and South? Here are our top safety tips for travelers to South Korea.2020-08-13T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/is-south-korea-safehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>South Korea is a safe destination, but, does that mean travelers have nothing to worry about? </p> <ul> <li><a href="#health">Travel health tips for South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#seoul">Is Seoul Safe?</a></li> <li><a href="#crime"> How to avoid crime in South Korea </a></li> <li><a href="#racism"> Racism in South Korea </a></li> <li><a href="#north-korea">Tensions between North and South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#nuclear-threat">How real is the threat of nuclear war from North Korea?</a></li> <li><a href="#safe"> Just how safe is South Korea? </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="health">Travel health tips for South Korea</h2> <p>See your travel doctor prior to visiting South Korea, and make sure you have all the <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/south-korea" target="_blank" title="CDC">recommended booster shots and vaccinations before you go</a>. Other diseases such as measles mumps and rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, varicella (chickenpox), polio, and your yearly flu shot should be up to date.</p> <h2 id="seoul">Is Seoul safe?</h2> <p>Each city in South Korea suffers from the same criminal activity as any other city around the world. From petty thieves and con artists to drunken brawlers, danger could be a threat to anyone – it's about knowing the areas to avoid and tactics to stay safe.</p> <p>Just watch out for pickpockets in crowded areas of Seoul, question any extra friendly people (who are probably trying to scam you), and <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/traffic-the-amazing-race" target="_blank">watch out when you're crossing busy roads</a>.</p> <p>If there is a large demonstration or protest (which are common in Seoul), walk the other way and avoid these crowds, which may turn violent.</p> <h2 id="crime">How to avoid crime in South Korea</h2> <ul> <li>Keep your money and valuables out of sight and out of reach</li> <li>Be cautious if you go out by yourself late at night, especially if you're a woman traveling alone</li> <li>Be wary of anyone who approaches you out of nowhere </li> <li>Don't insult anyone's family, friends, culture, ethnicity or religion (obvious, we know)</li> <li>Don't leave valuables in your hotel room that you don't want stolen</li> <li>Only take taxis that are marked like taxis, and if you're confused, have your hotel/hostel call a legitimate service for you before you leave your room</li> <li>Learn how to say, "Please," "Thank you," "Hello," and "Goodbye" in Korean, and use them when appropriate.</li> </ul> <p>Be aware of where you're going, and try to appear confident as you explore the urban landscapes of Seoul, Daejeon, Busan, Jeonju, and other major cities.</p> <h3>South Korea says no to contraband items</h3> <p>This should be obvious, but when you travel outside your home country, please don't bring any type of contraband items with you.</p> <p>South Korea take the matter very seriously: travelers will be charged a hefty fine, and face long jail sentences for bringing unauthorized goods into the country. This includes narcotics, some prescription drugs, health supplements, firearms, ammunition and explosives, as well as radio equipment, and gold.</p> <p>Marijuana is also taboo in South Korea. Possession and consumption comes with a large fine and possibly jail time as well, so think again if you are planning to have a cheeky smoke.</p> <p>Be careful what books and magazines you bring into the country, as anti-obscenity laws are very strict.</p> <p>Know that if you commit a serious enough crime, you may be liable for the death penalty – even though you're not a citizen. Executions are still a matter of debate in South Korea, but people have called for executions when it comes to violent crime.</p> <h2 id="racism">Racism in South Korea</h2> <p>Given South Korea's very strong sense of national, ethnic, and racial pride, don't be surprised if some of the legal adjudications seem unfairly biased – some might suggest there's an undercurrent of racism.</p> <p>If a Korean man accosts you on the street, think twice before hitting back. Unfortunately, the law will side with the Korean nearly every time. This could be the case in serious crimes like rape, though if you are the victim of such a crime, you should consult with your nation's embassy to see what can be done about legal recourse.</p> <h2 id="north-korea">Tensions between North and South Korea</h2> <p>In South Korea (where reporting North Korean rhetoric is banned) life goes on as usual despite the North and South technically being at war. </p> <p><span>In April 2018, North Korea announced a halt to nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile testing, although ome missile testing has resumed. </span>Tensions between North and South Korea can change with little notice. For the latest information, check your government travel advisory, and follow their advice.</p> <p><a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/north-korea/north-korea-travel-tips" target="_blank" title="Travel Safety Advice for Visitors to North Korea">North Korea</a> and South Korea <em>officially</em> are still at war. No surrender or peace pact was ever signed. Consequently, the media likes to report about the tension on the peninsula regularly. Things were tense in 2017 and early 2018 with sabre-rattling (or missile rattling) from North Korea. Despite this, 15 million people visited South Korea in 2018, and it is still considered <a href="http://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/safest-countries-in-the-world/" target="_blank" title="Safest Countries in the World">one of the safest destinations in the world</a>.</p> <p>The warning for visitors usually occurs a day after a warning from North Korea, advising foreign governments to evacuate their embassies because their safety couldn't be guaranteed in the event of hostilities.</p> <h2 id="nuclear-threat">How real is the threat of nuclear war from North Korea?</h2> <p>In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, North Korea blew up an inter-Korean liaison office on its side of the border, which triggered further tensions.</p> <p>Aside from the continual tit for tat between North Korea and the US and the occasional weapons test, Kim Jong Un hasn't really followed through on any threats. Consider downloading the South Korean Government's "<a href="https://english.seoul.go.kr/service/living/disaster-evacuation-tips-citizens/emergency-ready-app/">Emergency Ready</a>" app before you go, just in case there are any new threats.</p> <p>So far, there has been no gathering of troops on the border or activation of hardware. Tensions usually heighten when there are joint US-South Korea exercises.</p> <p>Despite threats from the north, South Koreans tend to go about their lives.</p> <p>There was a show of diplomacy by both Korean nations when athletes competed together at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games. Athletes also marched together during the opening ceremony under a unified peninsula flag. The last time this happened was in 2002 at the Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.</p> <p>Dignitaries including Kim Jong Un's sister made the trip south, the first time anyone from the Kim dynasty has visited its southern neighbor. With opportunities for future talks between the two nations, it raises some hope for more peaceful times on the Korean Peninsula and potential unification.</p> <h2 id="safe">So, just how safe is South Korea?</h2> <p>South Korea has <a href="https://worldpopulationreview.com/countries/crime-rate-by-country/" target="_blank">one of the lowest crime rates in the modern world</a>, so a lot of this article is, in truth, hyperbolic. In other words, you shouldn't decide not to go to South Korea just because you're concerned about crime that could just as easily happen anywhere else in the world – perhaps even at home.</p> <p>There's so much to see, from historic temples to politically intense spots (such as the DMZ with North Korea) to ultra-modern cities and peaceful honeymoon resorts. South Koreans are extremely friendly, and this friendliness comes from their pride in their heritage.</p> <p>If you're trying to find the best time of year to travel to South Korea, avoid typhoon season, which runs from June to November. <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/how-to-survive-a-hurricane" target="_blank" title="Tips for Staying Safe During a Hurricane">If you have a trip booked for typhoon season</a>, stay up to date ahead of your flight to make sure there are no cancellations due to severe weather.</p> <p>South Korea is located in a seismically active zone, and although earthquakes aren't as common here as they are in Japan or China, it's important to <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/how-to-survive-an-earthquake-travel-safety-tips" title="Earthquake safety tips" target="_blank">know what to do if an earthquake does occur</a>.</p> <p>Keep an eye on developments and travel advisories on coronavirus and tensions between the North and South. But make sure you know the difference between rhetoric, propaganda and real risk from North Korea.</p> <p>As you would elsewhere, respect and celebrate their pride, get to know their story, and go out of your way to <a href="/explore/guides/korean-travel-phrasebook" target="_blank" title="Learn Korean">learn a bit of the local language</a>. The chances of you running into any sort of criminal activity are slim to none. For now, avoid traveling to South Korea until the coronavirus outbreak has been contained, and as always, check your government's travel advisory for the latest information.</p>iStock/uschools 0517973380 iStock Seoul skyline, South Korea

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/taiwan/taiwan-safety-guideTaiwan is a very safe place to travel, but here's what you need to know about crime, health, medical facilities and more.2019-09-17T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/taiwan/taiwan-safety-guidehttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>The island of Taiwan (officially the Republic of China) is home to more than 23 million people, which is almost indistinguishable from the 1.3 billion just <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china/china-crime" target="_blank" title="Types of crime to avoid in China">100mi (160km) across the sea in China</a>. In Taiwan they play baseball, have high-speed trains and enjoy democratic elections.</p> <p>To some, Taiwan is an example of what China could have been if not for <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/travel-tips-for-dictatorships" target="_blank" title="What to Consider if Traveling in Oppressive Countries">centralized government and Communism</a>. </p> <p>Here's everything you need to know to stay safe and avoid trouble in Taiwan.</p> <h2>1. Crime in Taiwan</h2> <p>The violent crime rate in Taiwan is low by world standards. However as Taiwan's population increases, slowly does the petty crime rate. The country has an extensive surveillance camera network in commercial and residential areas, which seems to be a deterrent for would-be criminals.</p> <p>However, pickpocketing and bag snatching from both tourists and locals occasionally occurs, especially in busy tourist locations such as night markets. Take care of your belongings when traveling around busy places such as Tai-chung Railway Station – especially at night.</p> <p>The seedy (and criminal) side of life is centerd around barber shops, massage businesses and nightclubs, which act as fronts for prostitution.</p> <p>The dodgy businesses are pretty easy to spot. Legitimate businesses, like barber shops, openly advertise their business and you can see through the shopfront into the business. If you see a barber shop, but can't see into it to see the barber cutting hair, you're in the wrong place.</p> <h2>2. Taxi assaults in Taiwan</h2> <div>There have been reports of passengers being assaulted by taxi drivers, and the cases received much more media coverage than the low number of assaults warranted. It really is a rare occurrence, but of course it always pays to be vigiliant.</div> <h2>3. Natural disasters in Taiwan</h2> <h3>Earthquakes</h3> <p>Earthquakes can strike at any time. In 2019 a 6.1 magnitude earthquake struck in Hualien County, killing one person and causing damage to weak buildings. In 2018 a 6.4 magnitude earthquake killed 17 people, and caused much more damage in Hualien city. <a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/how-to-survive-an-earthquake-travel-safety-tips" target="_blank" title="How to stay safe during an earthquake">Make sure you're aware of earthquake survival procedures</a>, and have read the evacuation plan for your accommodation.</p> <h3>Typhoons</h3> <p>Typhoons strike the island every year from July to October. Make sure you know where the nearest typhoon shelter is located in the case of an emergency.</p> <p>If you're on the road after a typhoon, look out for landslides which can be caused by the heavy downpours of rain.</p> <h2>4. Driving conditions</h2> <p>Taiwan's roads are congested, and motorcycles and scooters are very common. Many of them weave in and out of traffic making driving hazardous.</p> <p>Watch out if you're a pedestrian crossing the road, drivers sometimes don't give way to those crossing the street. Always double check both ways before stepping off the kerb.</p> <p>If you intend to drive in Taiwan you'll need an international driver's permit, and have it authorized at a vehicle registration center.</p> <p>Take caution if you are driving down narrow streets, often there will be parked motorcycles and you don't want to start a domino effect by hitting any of those.</p> <h2>5. Medical facilities</h2> <p>The hospitals and clinics in Taiwan are pretty good. Many of the doctors and other medical staff have been trained overseas and can speak English.</p> <p>Taiwan has a medical treatment scheme for citizens, but visitors will have to pay a fee for service. Because of the high standard of care, this could be expensive.</p> <p>If you are admitted to hospital, <a href="https://pp.worldnomads.com/contact-us" target="_blank" title="Contact WorldNomads">contact your travel insurer as soon as you can</a>.</p> <p>If you receive a bill for treatment at a clinic, <a href="/travel-insurance/" target="_blank" title="Get a quote for travel insurance">keep all receipts to present for a claim</a>.</p> <p>Be aware, ambulances in Taiwan are not usually staffed by paramedics.</p> <h2>6. Health and disease</h2> <p><a href="/travel-safety/worldwide/what-you-need-to-know-about-dengue-fever" target="_blank" title="Dengue Fever tips">Dengue Fever occurs in Taiwan</a>. The mosquitoes responsible for transmitting the disease are active during the day. There is no vaccine, so prevention is the only cure. Avoid being bitten by using bed nets at night, wearing long, loose-fitting clothing and covering exposed skin in insect repellent.</p> <p>It's best to avoid drinking tap water and ask that there is no ice put into your drinks.</p> <p>If you go hiking in the mountains, beware of poisonous snakes. Snakes feel vibrations on the ground, and are more scared of you than you are of them. Chances are they will dart off before you see them, but if you are bitten by a snake, apply pressure above and below the wound to stop the venom from spreading (you could take your shoe laces out and tie one above and below the bite), and avoid panicking – when blood rushes around the body, the venom spreads faster. Stay calm and wait for medical help to arrive.</p> <h2>7. Getting help</h2> <p>Because of the international political situation regarding "two Chinas", many western nations do not officially recognize the Republic of China, choosing instead to have diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China.</p> <p>This means there are no embassies or consular services for many foreign visitors. Check with your government before you depart and ask them what arrangements are in place.</p> <p>Even though your government might not be able to help, your <a href="/travel-insurance/" target="_blank" title="Get a quote">travel insurance provider</a> does operate in Taiwan.</p> <h2>8. Local customs</h2> <p>Not really a safety issue, but you can avoid a great deal of inconvenience if you observe the local custom known as "saving face" in Taiwan. Do not embarrass a local by making a scene. Do not make a spectacle of yourself. You'll find you get what you need if you approach the situation with calm and speak politely.</p> <p>You'll also have a more relaxing holiday.</p>Getty Images/Thant Zaw Wai 1612930680 Getty Images Beautifully decorated teahouses at the mountain town of Juifen in Taiwan

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/mongolia/health-and-happiness-mongoliaMongolia is still a developing country, and the standard of healthcare facilities varies. Here's how you can avoid some of the common health hazards while traveling.2018-05-16T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/mongolia/health-and-happiness-mongoliahttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#medical">Medical Treatment in Mongolia</a></li> <li><a href="#vaccinations">Vaccinations for Mongolia</a></li> <li><a href="#disease">Disease Risks in Mongolia</a></li> <li><a href="#water-sanitation">Water Sanitation in Mongolia</a></li> <li><a href="#air-pollution">Air Pollution in Mongolia</a></li> <li><a href="#weather">Weather in Mongolia</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="medical">Medical Treatment in Mongolia</h2> <p>The standard of medical care can vary across <a href="https://www.discovermongolia.mn/" target="_blank" title="Discover Mongolia">Mongolia</a> especially in more rural locations. Medical treatment in Ulaanbaatar is basic, so if you need to see a doctor, even for something minor, ask your tour guide or contact your embassy for a recommendation. Private hospitals and clinics operate in the capital, but it's likely you will need to pay upfront for attending. And as always, make sure you have adequate travel insurance which covers medical expenses including emergency evacuation.</p> <p>Bring the medications you may need from home and a doctor's letter explaining their use, as supplies locally can be low or of poor quality. It's also a good idea to pack a travel medical kit especially if you plan to head out of <a href="https://www.discovermongolia.mn/about-mongolia/destinations/ulaanbaatar-capital-city" target="_blank" title="Discover Mongolia: The Capital City">Ulaanbaatar</a>. Ladies, bring your own sanitary products with you if heading into rural areas as they are non-existent outside of the major cities.</p> <h2 id="vaccinations">Vaccinations for Mongolia</h2> <p>Recommended vaccinations for Mongolia are:</p> <ul> <li>Routine vaccinations such as MMR, polio, tetanus, diphtheria</li> <li>Hepatitis A</li> <li>Hepatitis B (Important as standards of hygiene can vary in Mongolian health facilities)</li> <li>Typhoid</li> <li>Rabies</li> </ul> <h2 id="disease">Disease Risks in Mongolia</h2> <h3>Hepatitis A</h3> <p>Contracted via contaminated food and water, Hepatitis A can be avoided with good personal hygiene, avoiding unpasteurized dairy and drinks with ice, plus eat fruit and vegetables you can peel or wash only with treated water. Vaccination is available and strongly recommended.</p> <h3>Hepatitis B</h3> <p>Hepatitis B is endemic in the country and mostly passed via contaminated blood e.g blood transfusions, poor hygiene practices, and medical treatment. Symptoms include jaundice, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, dark colored urine and muscle ache. <span>Vaccination is available and strongly recommended.</span></p> <h3>Bubonic Plague</h3> <p>Breakouts of bubonic plague have been reported in rural areas of Mongolia in the late summer months of August and September. Marmots (large squirrels) may carry fleas infected with bubonic plague, so if you plan on having a marmot barbecue (quite common in Mongolia), you should be sure that you trust whoever is preparing the meat. Cases are usually isolated and are very rare, mostly confined to hunters who skin the marmots.</p> <p>The cooking process usually kills any bugs unlucky enough not to have escaped with the skin. Do not to approach any living (or dead marmots before they've been prepared for cooking), especially in the summer months.</p> <p>Symptoms include fever, swollen lymph glands, muscle aches and headache.</p> <p>Should you contract bubonic plague, you'll need strong antibiotics so don't hesitate to get to a hospital. If left untreated, it can be fatal.</p> <h3>Rabies</h3> <p>Stray dogs roam the side streets of major cities but as cute as they may seem, don't approach these dogs. Rabies is endemic in Mongolia and other wild animals can also carry the disease.</p> <p>It is recommended that you get a rabies vaccination if you are planning outdoor activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put you at risk for animal bites. Vaccination gives you more time to reach medical help, and to start the course of injections needed to treat rabies; with slow transport and long distances to travel in Mongolia, this could be a life-saver.</p> <p>Rabies can be transmitted from the saliva of a rabid animal to humans via biting, scratching or even licking an open wound. </p> <p>If you are bitten by a rabid dog or animal, clean the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 minutes, then apply an alcohol solution followed by an iodine-based solution (Betadine).</p> <p>Seek medical treatment immediately. If left untreated, rabies is 100% fatal. Call your travel insurance provider's emergency assistance number immediately, and they will arrange care in the fastest possible time and medical evacuation if required.</p> <h3>Tick-Borne Encephalitis</h3> <p>Tick-Borne Encephalitis is found in Mongolia in areas lower than 2,460ft (750m). As no vaccine is available, it's advised to take all necessary precautions to avoid being bitten, especially if you're planning to participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, camping etc. <span>Tick-Borne Encephalitis is</span> spread through tick bites and occasionally from unpasteurized dairy products.</p> <h2 id="water-sanitation">Water Sanitation in Mongolia</h2> <p>While most restaurants in Ulaanbaatar use modern sanitation practices to ensure that any harmful organisms in the water are killed, you may not be so lucky eating in establishments outside the capital.</p> <p>Locals have developed tolerances to local water bugs and illnesses, but you're unlikely to be so lucky. In addition, the Mongolian diet is typically hard on the stomach and it's likely at some point you may contract a stomach bug if you drink the water directly from a well or tap.</p> <p>If you are visiting somebody's home, ask for tea instead of water, even if you don't like tea. The boiled water is more likely to neutralize any harmful elements in the water and this way you don't have to be rude to your hosts.<br /> <br />Be sure to carry water purification tablets or a water filter if you plan on going on an <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/mongolia/trekking-in-mongolia" target="_blank" title="Trekking in Mongolia">extensive backpacking or hiking tour</a> through the Mongolian desert or other wilderness areas. It's ok to drink from natural streams as long as there isn't any livestock around however it's probably best to sterilize the water just to be safe.<br /><br />Even in a town or city, you might not be able to safely drink the water. Carry a portable hiking stove, or if you are staying at a hotel or home with electricity, and boil any water before drinking it or filling your water bottles.</p> <p>Check out this article for more handy tips on <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/bottled-vs-filtered-water">water sanitation</a>.</p> <h2 id="air-pollution">Air Pollution in Mongolia</h2> <p>As a developing nation, Mongolia is currently experiencing rapid industrialization. </p> <p>With all of the excitement and none of the regulations that come with creating a clean urban environment, air pollution is a huge problem in and around the capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Fires lit for warmth in urban homes produce smoke, locals use anything as fuel to burn and there are poor ash disposal methods. Mongolia's air pollution is five times that of Beijing, China, and is placing the country at risk of a health crisis.</p> <p>The World Health Organization has reported around 4,000 people die each year from health conditions including lung cancer caused by air pollution in Mongolia, and thousands more suffer from complications of exposure including respiratory conditions, pregnancy issues and poor development in babies and children.</p> <p>If you suffer from lung or heart problems, avoid traveling to Mongolia in the winter months. Winter is when the air is most polluted due to locals lighting fires to keep warm against the harsh temperatures, but it's a problem year-round.</p> <p>Carry oxygen masks, re-breathers or other apparatus used to assist in breathing, especially if you are concerned about your lungs or heart. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, coughing, dizziness, and fatigue. If the polluted air becomes too much for you, consider a trip out of the cities to the countryside for fresh air. </p> <h2 id="weather">Weather in Mongolia</h2> <p>Mongolian weather can be unpredictable at best, with radical changes between daytime and nighttime temperatures. The altitude of the country, plus its location in the middle of the desert steppes of East Asia, results in extremes in weather which can vary from 95°F (35°C) in summer to -40°F/C in winter. Hypothermia is a real risk in Mongolia, and it's a must for every traveler to dress in layers to keep warm as temperatures can drop to sub-zero overnight.</p> <p>Even in summer, temperatures can be cold, so rug up in plenty of layers and check the forecasts before you go. Summer also brings rain, so pack a waterproof jacket or raincoat, plus a scarf can be handy, as gusts of wind may make it difficult to traverse the beautiful bluffs, steppes, <g class="gr_ gr_115 gr-alert gr_spell gr_inline_cards gr_run_anim ContextualSpelling ins-del" id="115" data-gr-id="115">and</g> dunes of the Mongolian countryside.</p> <p>However, with the right preparation, these extremes won't kill you. Sunburn, heatstroke, and heat exhaustion are risks, as many parts of Mongolia don't have shaded areas including forests or even a few trees. Wear long-sleeved clothing, hydrate yourself frequently and use a broad spectrum sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.<br /> <br />It's a good idea to carry a satellite phone and/or GPS if you plan on traveling beyond Ulaanbaatar, in case of a weather-related emergency. You can also pick up a SIM card for your cell phone at the State Department Store - Mobicom and Unitel are good choices - but you will only get reception (including 3G) when you are passing through one of the small towns or in Ulaanbaatar.</p>iStock.com/Tarzan9280 0 iStock

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/staying-healthy-in-south-koreaIs there anything that could make you sick in South Korea? From medical facilities to vaccinations, here's what you need to know.2020-03-09T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/staying-healthy-in-south-koreahttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#vaccinations">Vaccinations recommended for South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#medical-treatment">Medical treatment in South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#health-issues">Health issues in South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#toilets">Toilets in South Korea</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="vaccinations">Vaccinations recommended for South Korea</h2> <p>Check with your travel doctor at least 8 weeks before traveling to make sure you are up to date with routine booster shots, or to see if any vaccinations are essential.</p> <p>The <a href="https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/destinations/traveler/none/south-korea/">CDC</a> and <a href="https://www.who.int/travel-advice">WHO</a> recommend the following vaccinations for travelers to South Korea: Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, Japanese encephalitis, rabies, meningitis, polio, measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis), chickenpox, shingles, pneumonia and influenza.</p> <h2 id="medical-treatment">Medical treatment in South Korea</h2> <p>Medical services in South Korea are of a high standard and very efficient. But they can be expensive depending where you go, with some requiring payment upfront before treatment. If you're not flash with your Korean speaking skills, the larger hospitals tend to have more English speaking staff than other facilities.</p> <p>Not all medications are available in South Korea, so like any trip it's worth packing what you usually take along with the doctor's letter to save yourself the drama of running out. Some medications are also considered controlled or prescription in South Korea, so you may need to get a permit from the South Korean <a href="https://www.mfds.go.kr/eng/index.do">Ministry of Food and Drug Safety</a>. </p> <h2 id="health-issues">Health issues in South Korea</h2> <h3><strong>Yellow Dust </strong></h3> <p>This common springtime malaise may feel to people who suffer from seasonal allergies that they have stepped into a little private hell. Yellow dust looks a lot like pollen, but it is actually dust from the Mongolian deserts that rides the wind and blows through South Korea's cities like a scratchy, unbreathable fog. Bring a dust mask or prepare to be miserable. If breathed in, yellow dust can cause throat irritations and may exacerbate cardiovascular or respiratory problems.</p> <h3><strong>Hepatitis A </strong></h3> <p>There are frequent cases of Hepatitis A from the food or water in Seoul or other Korean cities. It is recommended that you make sure your Hepatitis A vaccine is up to date.</p> <h3><strong>Malaria </strong></h3> <p>Travellers to rural areas in South Korea may be at risk for contracting malaria. Mosquitoes carrying the disease are located around the DMZ (demilitarized zone) at the border with North Korea as well as in the northern areas of the Gangwon and Gyonggi provinces. Additionally, there are a few other insect-borne diseases that may become problems; these include Japanese encephalitis, filariasis and typhus. Cases in travellers are rare.</p> <h3>Traveler's diarrhea</h3> <p>The bane of every traveler's existance, it can either stuff your plans up for a few days or at worse, put you in hospital. Lots of people drink the local tap water in South Korea and have little trouble. Apparently, it is of a higher quality than water in the United States. But if you aren't a fan of the taste, stick to treated or bottled water.<br /><br />You can avoid catching traveler's diarrhea by practising good hygiene and watching what you eat and drink. Korean cuisine is varied including raw, uncooked, pickled, partially cooked and other delicacies. Meat and seafood are often found in many dishes. So whether it's a street food cart or a restaurant; make sure the place is busy, is clean and foods like meat are kept chilled. </p> <p>It's also handy to carry some antibacterial gel around with you, especially if you aren't in a position to get to running water and soap.</p> <h3>Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease</h3> <p>A disease commonly found in Asia, Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFDM) is a seasonal, symptomatic virus most common in the summer months. If you are travelling with young children under the age of 10, be sure they take good care of their hygiene and their health. HFDM most commonly affects young children and even young adults. Just don't share fluids with anyone.</p> <h2 id="toilets">Toilets in South Korea</h2> <p>Public toilets are generally very bare and sparse, so it's a good idea to carry some toilet paper with you. Nothing feels worse than being in a foreign country where you don't speak the language, alone, and without toilet paper.</p> <p>Public toilets in many major cosmopolitan areas can a mix of the Asian squat style and Western throne style. However the more rural you go; the more likely it'll be a squat style. You might want to practice not sitting down before you head to South Korea.</p> <p>You might want to pack some anti-bacterial hand sanitiser as well, as many of the public toilets will be without soap to wash your hands.</p>iStock/hanhanpeggy 0471506403 iStock Vendors are selling kimchi at local market in South Korea

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/mongolia/weathering-weather-and-bureaucracy-in-mongoliaBorder crossings and road conditions can present challenges for any traveler to Mongolia. We look at how you can travel safely through this wild and diverse country.2018-05-17T10:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/mongolia/weathering-weather-and-bureaucracy-in-mongoliahttps://www.worldnomads.com<p>Mongolia is not always an <a href="https://www.discovermongolia.mn/travel-tools/the-best-time-to-travel-to-mongolia" target="_blank" title="Best Time to Travel to Mongolia">easy place to travel around</a>, especially if you're by yourself but the rewards are worth it. The beauty in the environments, both urban and rural are profound.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#road-safety-in-mongolia">Road Safety in Mongolia</a></li> <li><a href="#train-safety">Train Safety</a></li> <li><a href="#customs">Customs and Borders</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="road-safety-in-mongolia">Road safety in Mongolia</h2> <p>Firstly, patience goes a long way, as does a good sense of humor while driving in <a href="https://www.discovermongolia.mn" target="_blank" title="Discover Mongolia">Mongolia</a>.</p> <p>Make sure have a good driver driving for you and be aware that most of the roads in Mongolia are basically tracks. You will likely be traveling slowly on them and potentially doing the road version of slalom as you dodge potholes and other hazards. As a result, it's recommended to only travel during daylight hours.</p> <p>The network of larger sealed roads around Mongolia is growing thanks to loans from the Asian Development Bank, with many of the major cities connected to Ulaanbaatar. However, most of the time you will be traveling on smaller, unsealed roads.</p> <p>Like most parts of Asia, the drivers will pass when you are not necessarily comfortable with there being enough room. Don’t be afraid to say you are uncomfortable if your driver is a bit of a lead foot or overtaking in dangerous situations. But even then, it won’t be to the standard you are used to back home, so it can feel reckless at times.</p> <p>However, if you decide to brave it and experience driving in Mongolia, there are things you need to take into consideration before deciding to take the plunge:</p> <ul> <li>In Ulaanbaatar, the traffic can get heavy and the road manners (or lack thereof) of some drivers can be an eye-opening experience.<br /><br /></li> <li>The cost of having a driver with a car can be cheaper than hiring one yourself.<br /><br /></li> <li>You will need an International Driving Permit to drive in Mongolia.<br /><br /></li> <li>Reception can be limited for GPS and cell phones, particularly outside major cities. Roads are also often unmarked and if there are signs around, they tend to be in Cyrillic.<br /><br /></li> <li>There are limited facilities outside the capital for car repairs particularly modern vehicles.<br /><br /></li> <li>Wandering animals will present a hazard for any driver in areas outside the major cities.</li> </ul> <p>If, after all that you do decide to self-drive or ride, it's recommended to use a tour provider which will provide you with support should you need it while driving in Mongolia. Because breaking down on a road on the Steppe, miles from help is no one's idea of fun.</p> <h2 id="train-safety">Train safety</h2> <p>Getting around by train is another way you can see and experience Mongolia, particularly if you take the Trans-Mongolian railway (part of the Trans Siberian rail network) which connects with Moscow in Russia and Beijing in China.</p> <p>The trains are generally safe to travel on but the comfort level can vary. Spend the extra togrogs on soft seat class especially if you are planning to travel overnight as they are in compartments. The cheap seats tend to be "first in best dressed" and easy pickings for pickpockets. </p> <p>While you are more likely to be targeted by criminals at the train station, keep your valuables out of sight while onboard especially while you sleep and keep them on you when heading to the dining car or toilet. Lock your compartment door at night when you sleep.</p> <p>On a minor note, the toilets are closed off on the train when crossing from one country to another so don't go too crazy with the tea while onboard. </p> <h2 id="customs">Customs and borders</h2> <p>There are only six border points in all of Mongolia open to tourists, meaning that most travel to and from the country is pushed through these points. This may make for a much longer wait than you're used to.</p> <p>A wait of several hours is not uncommon if you want to travel from Mongolia into Russia or China. Plan on the crossing being an all-day process.</p> <p>If you are planning to travel to China, you must have your China visa organized before you go as you can't obtain one on arrival into Beijing. The same also applies for Russia. The Russian embassy in Ulaanbaatar can <a href="https://www.discovermongolia.mn/travel-tools/mongolia-visa-information" target="_blank" title="Mongolia Visa Information">issue tourist visas</a> however it can take up to two weeks to be processed so best to organize it before you leave home.</p> <p>Borders close during the festival period of Naadam in Mongolia, sometimes for up to five days.</p> <p>If you're taking vehicles, extensive baggage or other big-ticket items to or from the country, you need to inform Mongolian border authorities before you travel. Contact your country's embassy in order to get more information about how to do that.</p> <p>If you are traveling by train from Russia, be aware that this is a very common route for criminals to take. Mongolian police have caught on to it, and customs officials tend to scrutinize documentation and ask pointed questions, especially if you have any dubious items listed on your customs declarations. It does you no good to withhold information from border-crossing personnel. If you have something to hide, then you are not advised to enter the country.</p> <p>There is also the possibility of encountering a scammer posing as a border police officer, learn more <a href="https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/eastern-asia/mongolia/crime-in-mongolia#common-scams-in-mongolia" target="_blank">here</a>.</p> <p id="road-safety-in-mongolia"></p>iStock.com/iannomadav 0 iStock

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/north-korea/north-korea-travel-tipsForget any independent travel in North Korea, you'll be on an authorized tour. Anything else is considered espionage.2020-10-27T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/north-korea/north-korea-travel-tipshttps://www.worldnomads.com<p><em>Editor's note: We’re all about adventurous, independent, off-the-beaten-track travel, but unfortunately <a href="/travel-insurance/" target="_blank" title="Travel Insurance">World Nomads travel insurance</a> policies cannot cover travel to or in North Korea.</em></p> <p>The Korean war ended in 1953, and since then the Korean Peninsula has been divided by a demilitarized zone (DMZ), separating the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) and the Republic of Korea (<a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/top-hiking-trails-for-an-adventure-in-south-korea" target="_blank" title="Top 6 Hiking Trails for an Adventure in South Korea">South Korea</a>).</p> <p>Forget any independent travel in North Korea, you'll be on an authorized tour. Anything else is considered espionage.</p> <p>Curiosity will probably get the cat killed in <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/north-korea/the-arirang-mass-games-pyongyang" target="_blank" title="The Most-Difficult to Reach Festival in the World">North Korea</a> – perhaps even your tour guide – and you may be expelled from the country if you probe to many questions or step out of line. Still, North Korea is a <a href="/responsible-travel/make-a-difference/participation/travel-tips-for-dictatorships" target="_blank" title="What to consider before traveling to oppressive countries">fascinating and totally unique country</a>, and you may be curious to experience the place for yourself. First, you must learn to follow all the rules to the letter.</p> <p>Here's everything you need to know about personal safety and local customs in the country.</p> <ul> <li><a href="#politics"> The political situation in North Korea </a></li> <li><a href="#tourism">Can you travel to North Korea?</a></li> <li><a href="#entry"> Entry limits to North Korea </a></li> <li><a href="#control"> Total control </a></li> <li><a href="#leader"> Honor the leader </a></li> <li><a href="#laws"> Local laws you should know </a></li> <li><a href="#safe">Is it safe in North Korea?</a></li> <li><a href="#health"> Health in North Korea </a></li> <li><a href="#podcast"> Listen to The World Nomads Podcast: South Korea </a></li> </ul> <h2 id="politics">1. The political situation in North Korea</h2> <p>While peace is maintained under an armistice agreement, the two Koreas are still technically at war and inter-Korean relations are extremely tense. The security situation on the Korean Peninsula could deteriorate with little warning.</p> <p>North Korea is a communist state; it's safe to assume that you will be under surveillance at all times. North Korean government security personnel closely monitor the activities and conversations of foreigners. Hotel rooms, telephones, and fax machines may be monitored, and personal possessions in hotel rooms may be searched.</p> <p>North Korea is a closed society with little, if any, information available about internal political developments. Although access to international satellite TV channels is available in hotels used by foreigners, such access may be curtailed in a crisis. Civil unrest, internal instability and/or an escalation of tensions on the Korean Peninsula could arise rapidly and you may get little or no information about this from the local media or authorities.</p> <h2 id="tourism">2. Can you travel to North Korea?</h2> <p>This is a country in which total obedience to the state is the norm. There is no "dissension" in North Korea and travelers must abide by this or simply not travel there. Curiosity may well get you or your guide killed in North Korea, it's as simple as that.</p> <p>Tourism in North Korea is unlike anything you will have experienced anywhere else in the world. Your every movement is controlled, watched and carefully planned by the Government. Most, if not all tours, are ultimately run by the Korean International Travel Company and it will be their guides who show you around.</p> <p>Forget any notions of independent, adventure or solo travel, it just doesn't work that way in North Korea.</p> <p>Travel throughout the country is only possible as part of a guided tour. Independent travel is not permitted, you must not leave your hotel without a guide, you will not be allowed to travel on the public transport system at all, and both you and your guide will be punished if you infringe the rules.</p> <p>If you are not prepared to accept severe limitations on your movements and behavior, you should not go to North Korea.</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/kim-il-sung-square.jpg" alt="Kim Il Sung Square" width="610" height="400" /><figcaption>Kim Il-Sung Square, Pyongyang. Photo credit: iStock/alexkuehni</figcaption></figure> <h2 id="entry">3. Entry limits to North Korea</h2> <p>There are some nationalities that are not even permitted entry to North Korea. South Koreans are not permitted entry and there have been reports of difficulties regarding Israeli, American, British and Japanese nationals. However, in January 2010, North Korea lifted the restrictions on American citizens who are now free to visit at any time of the year. If you are a U.S. passport holder, <a href="https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/requirements/passport-for-travel-to-north-korea.html" target="_blank" title="Passport for Travel to North Korea">be aware you must have special validation for travel to North Korea from the Department of State</a>. A specialist North Korean travel agency can help you sort out the complex and ever-changing regulations. </p> <h2 id="control">4. Total control</h2> <p>When you arrive in North Korea, your guide will take your passport and keep it for "security reasons". Make sure your passport looks decent and doesn't differ from the most common passports from your country.</p> <p>Also, DPRK border officials routinely confiscate visitors' cell phones upon arrival, returning the phone only upon departure.</p> <p>You will not have access to anyone or anything that is not part of your authorized tour. You will not get any insight into how local North Korean people live. Your tour will be highly choreographed to visit only authorized sites, shop in approved stores, and speak only to official guides.</p> <p>Do not break any of the rules of the tour; doing so will place your guide at risk. He/she will be subjected to imprisonment and even torture, for assisting your "espionage". Do what the guides do, praise every stop on your tour, and remember the rule, "If you have nothing good to say, don't say it at all."</p> <figure><img src="https://media.worldnomads.com/Explore/kim-jung-un-statue.jpg" alt="Kim Jung Un Statue" width="610" height="400" /><figcaption>Soldiers paying respect to Kim Il-sung in North Korea. Photo credit: iStock/narvikk</figcaption></figure> <div id="footprints-advert"> <div id="footprints-advert-v2" class="flexrow callout"> <div id="ad-image-footprints" class="overridewith col-lg-4 col-md-4 col-sml-12" style="padding-left: 0px;"><img alt="" style="margin-top: 0px;" /></div> <div class="overridewith col-lg-8 col-md-8 col-sml-12"> <h4 id="AdHeading-footprints">Buy a policy & choose to give back with micro-donations</h4> <p><span>You can add a micro-donation to the project of your choice when you buy travel insurance. People and places positively benefit from community development initiatives.</span></p> <p><strong>100% of all donations go to the program you choose. </strong></p> <p class="Promo-copy"><button class="button primary arrow"><a href="/responsible-travel/footprints" style="color: white;">Learn more</a></button></p> </div> </div> </div> <h2 id="leader">5. Honor the leader</h2> <p>Most, if not all, tour groups are asked to solemnly bow and lay flowers on one or two occasions in front of statues of Kim Il Sung when visiting monuments of national importance. Always act in a respectful manner around images North Korean leaders.</p> <p>If you don't think you can follow the rules, behave respectfully and keep any negative thoughts or opinions to yourself you should reconsider traveling to North Korea.</p> <p>It is a criminal act in North Korea to show disrespect to the country's current and former leaders, Kim Jong-Il and Kim Il-Sung. Persons violating the laws of North Korea, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.</p> <h2 id="laws">6. Local laws you should know</h2> <p>Any unauthorized activities can and will be seen as an attempt at espionage. If you travel unescorted without explicit official authorization, or any attempt to talk to a North Korean citizen authorities will see these actions as attempted espionage. Always stay with a guide and never do anything to draw attention to yourself from local authorities.</p> <p>North Korean authorities may fine or arrest you for unauthorized currency transactions, or for shopping at stores not designated for foreigners.</p> <p>Do not take pictures unless you are told you can; North Korean government authorities may view taking unauthorized pictures as espionage, confiscate cameras and film and/or detain the photographer. Photographing scenes of poverty or other things that may cause a negative impression of the DPRK may also result in confiscation. You should ask permission before taking photographs in the DPRK, including of officials, soldiers or other people. DPRK guides can provide permission to take photographs.</p> <h2 id="crime">7. Is it safe in North Korea?</h2> <p>You will not be affected by any serious crime in North Korea. Your visit will be so tightly controlled that you will simply not be in a position to be the victim of crime. The worst you can expect is petty theft, particularly at Pyongyang airport and in public markets. As always you should exercise care, be alert to your surroundings and ensure personal belongings are secure. Just because your movements are tightly choreographed you should not get too complacent.</p> <h2 id="health">8. Health in North Korea</h2> <p>Your visit will be so tightly controlled that there should be no real risks to your health in North Korea. </p> <p>However, Malaria is a risk particularly in the south of the country, and Japanese encephalitis is not uncommon.</p> <p>Water-borne, food-borne, and other infectious diseases (including tuberculosis, typhoid, hepatitis, measles, cholera and rabies) occur with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. However, your meals will be tightly controlled and you will not have access to street food.</p> <p>Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease is common with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. From March to May, yellow dust, which is carried to the Korean Peninsula by strong winds from <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/mongolia/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-mongolia" target="_blank" title="Crime in Mongolia">Mongolia</a> and <a href="/travel-safety/eastern-asia/china" target="_blank" title="How to Travel Safely in China">China</a>, can cause eye, nose, mouth and throat irritations and may exacerbate respiratory and cardiovascular problems.</p> <p>You should consider the following vaccinations before traveling to North Korea:</p> <ul> <li>Hepatitis A</li> <li>Hepatitis B</li> <li>Japanese Encephalitis</li> <li>Typhoid</li> <li>Ensure your tetanus-diphtheria, measles, mumps and rubella are up to date.</li> </ul>iStock/Claudiad 0458682269 iStock Pyongyang, North Korea

https://public-web-wn.uat.wng.me/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/traffic-the-amazing-raceSouth Korea's busy cities can be confusing to get around for first time visitors. But transport options are surprisingly clean, efficient and affordable.2019-10-09T11:00:00Z https://wng-kosmos-wn-cms-uat.kaos.nibit.com.au:443/travel-safety/eastern-asia/south-korea/traffic-the-amazing-racehttps://www.worldnomads.com<ul> <li><a href="#traffic-rules-what-traffic-rules">Driving in South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#motorcycle-and-pedestrian-accidents-in-south-korea">Motorcycle and pedestrian accidents in South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#taxi-tips-for-south-korea">Taxi tips for South Korea</a></li> <li><a href="#t-money">T-Money: South Korea's transport card</a></li> <li><a href="#trains">South Korea's trains</a></li> <li><a href="#buses">South Korea's buses</a></li> <li><a href="#ferries">Inter-island ferries in South Korea</a></li> </ul> <h2 id="traffic-rules-what-traffic-rules">Driving in South Korea</h2> <p>The traffic in <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/5-things-to-know-before-going-to-south-korea">South Korea</a> is very similar to many other larger countries such as the United States. However, the difference is that South Korea is one of the most urbanized countries on the globe, with a huge population density and several huge cities to think about. This makes the roads some of the most dangerous in the world, with high rates of traffic deaths. Pedestrian deaths make up a huge portion of this, so be aware of the rules of the road when walking around in <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/off-the-beaten-path-south-korea" target="_blank" title="Get off the beaten track in South Korea">South Korea</a>.</p> <p>Traffic signals are a courtesy at best and a tactical psyche-out at worst, as some drivers will literally do anything to ensure that they get to where they're going faster than anyone else.</p> <p>The most dangerous part of South Korean roads are the streets of downtown neighborhoods. The main streets that people drive on to get between areas are similar to driving between neighborhoods back home, but the streets that link all the shops and restaurants in downtown neighborhoods are not limited to traffic laws.</p> <p>So when walking around, keep watch for vehicles as they may sometimes move fast through crowds. This generally happens in isolated areas where there is no sidewalk. It’s likely where you will be on a Saturday night, but not a widespread problem across town.</p> <p>People in the cities of South Korea navigate dozens of streets every day without getting killed and after you've stayed in the country for a few days, you'll start to get the hang of it and develop an instinct for what will work and what won't, but until then it may feel as though you're entrusting your life to a city you don't even know.</p> <h2 id="motorcycle-and-pedestrian-accidents-in-south-Korea">Motorcycle and pedestrian accidents in South Korea</h2> <p>If you saw a motorcycle cruising down a footpath in, say, New York City, you'd wonder if someone was shooting a high-stakes chase scene for a Hollywood movie. Back home, we're often upset when a cyclist zooms up behind us on the sidewalk.</p> <p>However, in South Korean cities it's common for motorcyclists to attempt to bypass traffic by sharing footpaths with pedestrians. This had led to a number of injuries and deaths, though it is surprisingly less than you might think.</p> <p>Nobody is going to look out for you, so make sure you only step into a crosswalk when you're absolutely sure it's safe. If cars are stopped all around and the walk signal is green, you can start to walk.</p> <p>A good way to figure out what to do at an intersection when you're not sure when it's safe, is to simply follow everyone else's lead. Cars are more likely to stop for a large group of people, and locals are much more likely to know when it's safe to cross and when it isn't.</p> <p>In general, walk on the side furthest from the road, as motorcycles will weave onto and off of the sidewalk from the road. If you hear an engine rev disturbingly close to you, move away from the road.</p> <p>Traffic in South Korea may seem like another planet, and it may be alarming when you first step off the airplane. There's nothing you can do about it except to be informed and become aware of the difficulties. If you are sensitive to your surroundings, give yourself some time to get used to the rhythms of the city before walking out on your own.</p> <h2 id="taxi-tips-for-south-korea">Taxi tips for South Korea</h2> <p>Legitimate taxi drivers are generally among the most skilled of the drivers in <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/5-things-i-wish-i-knew-before-going-to-south-korea" target="_blank" title="5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Going to South Korea">South Korea</a>, though it may not feel that way. Although if you get carsick easily, consider taking public transport where you need to go.</p> <p>Only use licensed, marked taxis if you do choose to go that route. Unmarked taxicabs often frequent the airport. Initially, fares are calculated on the meter by distance but will switch to time if you get stuck in a bit of traffic. Tipping is not expected.</p> <p>There are several types of licensed taxis:</p> <ul> <li>Standard Taxis (<em>ilban)</em> - Which are generally orange in Seoul but also can be silver and while. These are the cheapest taxi and commonly found in most neighborhoods, making them easy to flag down. Their base fare is generally 2800 - 3300 KRW (US $2.60 – $3)</li> <li>Deluxe or Model Taxis (<em>mobeom)</em> - These are black with a yellow sign on top. Their flag fare rates can be higher but they don't have late night surcharges. Deluxe taxis are also larger luxurious cars which tend to be found around hotels and major tourist areas. Their base fare is generally 3200 - 5500 KRW (US $3 – 5)</li> <li>International Taxis - These are orange and have "international taxi" on the outside of the vehicle. They are slightly more in price than a standard taxi and are driven by drivers who are proficient in languages such as English, Chinese, Japanese or a combination of. </li> </ul> <p>There is a reasonable chance your driver may not speak English, but don't worry! One option is to write down your destination on a piece of paper to hand to them. South Korea Tourism also has a tourist hotline which is open 24/7 and can help with interpreting if you need it between you and your driver. You can call them on 1330.</p> <h2 id="t-money">T-Money: South Korea's transport card</h2> <p>Like many countries, South Korea has a transport card, making it an easy way to use the public transport network so you can see the sights without the need to fumble for change. T-Money is a touch 'n' go, rechargeable card which can be used with trains, subways, taxis, and buses.</p> <p>Some vending machines will also let you use your T-Money card to purchase items.<br />The cards are found at convenience stores or subway stations; where you can purchase one for as little as for 2500 - 4000 KRW (US $2 – 4).</p> <h2 id="trains">Catching a train in South Korea</h2> <p>Trains are a great way to get around and in between cities without the hassle of being stuck in traffic. South Korea's subway system is efficient, cheap, safe and clean; music to any traveler's ears and with the added bonus of signage in both English and Korean.</p> <p>Six major cities have their own subway system: Seoul, Busan, Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju, and Incheon. It's a good idea to avoid rush hour in the morning and afternoon if you can unless you don't mind your personal space being invaded.</p> <p>Seoul's Incheon Airport has a train service, AREX which is a cheap and fast way to get from the airport into the main city center. It takes around 43 minutes one way and is approximately 4150 – 8800 KRW (US $4 – 8) depending which service you take. There are two services available for the AREX: An all stations commuter service which stops at 13 locations on the way to Seoul and the Express service which runs straight from the airport to Seoul.</p> <h2 id="buses">South Korea's buses</h2> <p><span>Buses service all corners of South Korea and there is a service for everyone. They leave frequently between major cities and towns, with hourly services to more outer urban areas and rural locations. The buses in the urban centers don't tend to stick to a timetable as they are at the mercy of the traffic however they do have onboard staff so you can make sure you're taking the bus to the right destination and avoid the risk of accidentally boarding the wrong one. Thankfully, the expressways around major cities have a bus lane, reducing the chance of being stuck in traffic and wasting your day away.</span></p> <p>The buses also do not have toilets onboard so use the bathroom before boarding. Long journeys will have rest stops thankfully so you don't have to be preoccupied with that desperate need for the toilet the entire ride.</p> <p>Top tip: Buy your ticket in advance if you plan to travel on the weekends or holiday periods. Saves the drama of lining up in the crowds and ensures you have a seat.</p> <h2 id="ferries">Inter-island ferries in South Korea</h2> <p>South Korea has two ferry networks: domestic and international. The international ferries travel to China, Japan, and Russia, each leaving from different ports. If you're not in a hurry to get to a destination, or would like a more scenic way of traveling, this could be an option for you. A ferry from Busan to Fukuoka, Japan can take as little as two hours one way, whereas if you plan to hit up Vladivostok in Russia, it will take you 16 hours from Donghae.</p> <p>Domestically, there are hundreds of ferries servicing islands off the South Korean mainland including the popular volcanic island of Jeju. Jeju-Do is a UNESCO World Heritage site, global geopark and biosphere reserve; with around 9 million people visiting it for its beautiful scenery, relaxation and outdoor activities such as <a href="/explore/eastern-asia/south-korea/top-hiking-trails-for-an-adventure-in-south-korea" target="_blank" title="Top 6 Hiking Trails for an Adventure in South Korea">hiking</a>, swimming, and scuba diving.</p> <p>Island hopping is also a great way to take a day trip from the mainland plus experience the authentic culture of South Korea.</p>Getty Images/Panwasin Seemala / EyeEm 1965080940 Getty Images Busan from above