Asia

Culture shock is both the best and most challenging part of traveling. I often catch myself wondering, “Why doesn’t the US do this?” or “Why is this different?” Completing everyday tasks in a foreign country, such as buying toiletries and sending mail, gives me the biggest sense of accomplishment. There are certain travel tips I learned that helped me along my travels in Southeast Asia. Disclaimer: Southeast Asia is vast, encompassing hundreds of different cultures. These are my personal observations, not universal truths.

Lotions Have Skin Lighteners

In many Asian countries, you’ll notice women wearing sweatshirts, masks, and pants to avoid the sun. Lighter skin is often considered more desirable, so many lotions are labeled as “brighteners” and contain ingredients intended to lighten skin. Just a heads up if, like me, you love having a tan. 

Most of the World Does Not Use Toilet Paper. 

Everybody poops. The difference is where and how. In Southeast Asia, you’ll find both squat and Western-style toilets. Instead of toilet paper, you’ll usually see a sprayer or hose. I’m a fan of bidets, but I still need to dry off. Bring toilet paper with you everywhere, but don’t flush it—use the waste bin instead.

Pro Tip: If you don’t see a flush, look for a bucket. Fill the bucket with water and pour it down the hole or into the toilet bowl. It may take several buckets, but it will go down.

Pro Tip: In the Philippines, bathrooms are referred to as Comfort Rooms.

Bread Products are Usually Sweet.

Think Hawaiian Rolls. I have a sweet tooth, so I loved it. The majority of sliced bread or bread products are sweetened. Baguettes prove the exception. 

Download the Native Keyboard.

Thanks to Oli for this tip! On a food tour, I wanted to remember the names of new dishes. Instead of writing them in English and using Google Translate later, I handed my phone to my Cambodian guide, who used the Khmer keyboard. Brilliant! If you’re not tech-savvy, don’t worry—it’s an easy setting on your phone. 

You Don’t Need A Voltage Converter for USB Charging

Here’s a secret: I don’t travel with a universal adapter. 

A voltage converter isn’t required for USB charging. Plug your USB cords into any USB port worldwide—your phone, watch, and computer are good to go, no matter the country. 

Many places now have USB ports. If not, make sure your wall charger matches the local plug type. In Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Thailand, standard 2-prong US plugs work just fine. 

Pro Tip: It is becoming more common for hotels in tourist areas to have a universal plug type. 

What if your device cannot use a USB cord? For me, only my hairdryer and straightener need regular plugs. Most accommodations (99%) provide a hair dryer. I make sure my straightener is dual-voltage (supports both 110V and 220V).  

Here’s a great, straightforward guide to plug types by country.

Late Check-Out and Early Check-In.

In the US, check-out usually occurs at 10 or 11 am, but in Southeast Asia, it’s commonly noon, and check-in is often at 2 pm. I found this throughout Laos, Vietnam, and Cambodia.

Every Country has Ride-Sharing and Food Delivery.

Grab is the most common ride and food delivery app. In Laos, it’s Loca. Indonesia uses Grab and GoJek. Besides cars, you can easily schedule a tuk-tuk or scooter, all through the apps. 

ATM’s are Everywhere, But Cash is King. 

ATMs are everywhere. Even in rural areas, you will see a random ATM on the side of the road. More places now accept credit cards, but usually with a 3% fee, so cash still rules.

Southeast Asians Love Their Outdoor Workouts. 

Some parks in the US have outdoor gym equipment, but few people use it. In Southeast Asia, these workout areas fill up in the evening with people of all ages. Groups often meet in parks for an organized workout.

Use Your Phone’s Calculator for Currency Conversions

Game-changer! Many mobile calculator apps have a “Convert” or “Currency” mode. On your iPhone, open your calculator app and tap the calculator icon at the bottom left to access “Convert”, then choose the currency.

Pay for Accommodation Upon Check-Out. 

In many Western countries, you pay for accommodation upfront, but in Southeast Asia, it’s common to pay when you check out. 

The best advice I can share: add Southeast Asia to your bucket list. From taking a night bus in Vietnam to exploring Vientiane, Laos, this region has become my favorite place to travel. 

Taking a sleeper bus in Southeast Asia is a rite of passage for any backpacker. You may have heard a few horror stories, from being left in the middle of nowhere to rude drivers. Still, I’ve taken sleeper buses all over Southeast Asia, and overall, I have had positive experiences. They are a great way to cover a long distance for a lower cost.

Types of Buses

Each bus is different, and no matter what you book, you will not be 100% sure what type of bus you are on until you show up. 

In general, there are three tiers. The top-tier “VIP” buses are arranged in a 1:1 configuration with an upper and lower berth. If given an option to book one bed for two people, I don’t recommend it. They are spacious for one but very tight for two, especially Westerners. The mid-range buses are in a 1:1:1 configuration with curtains. The lowest-class sleeper is in a 1:1:1 configuration with no curtains.

The bed is semi-reclined at about 30°. Some of the beds on the VIP buses convert into a sitting position, but the rest do not, so you could be stuck lying at a 30° angle. 

Packing List

FAQ’s

The sleeper buses in Southeast Asia are a great alternative to flying or taking the train. I recommend trying them at least once. Interested in train travel? Check out my review of train travel in Laos.