π»π³ Water quality & health
Hard water in Southeast Asia, and why a shower filter is worth packing
Ageing plumbing and high mineral content at many hotels and resorts in the region cause skin irritation and hair damage.
This one is about Water quality & health β something worth settling before departure so you are not spending local time on it. Work through the 3 checkpoints below in order.
Key checkpoints
- Swap the bathroom shower head for a travel filter head at check-in β you will see it discolour within a day or two
- Brush your teeth with the free bottled water in the room rather than tap water
- Ice at street stalls (the crushed kind, not the machine-made cylinders) is a common cause of stomach upsets β avoid it where you can
What to do before departure, in order
Two rules decide the order. First, anything with a deadline β pre-registration, bookings, documents to be issued: miss the cut-off and there is no substitute. Then whatever also works locally, which costs little to postpone.
Most of the items above can only be done before you leave. After arrival, patchy connectivity and opening hours make them harder, so finish what you can while you are still at home.
What to pay attention to in Southeast Asia
Visa-free stay lengths and entry conditions differ country by country in Southeast Asia, so the region as a whole tells you nothing β check each country. A passport valid for at least six months is a frequent condition.
Tap water is not drinkable in many areas, so decide how you will get drinking water before you go.
Also worth checking for this destination
For this destination it is worth reading these as well.
π‘ Reapply repellent containing DEET or icaridin regularly β mosquito-borne dengue is the risk you are managing.