Paul Zakowich - CultureShock! Travel Safe: A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette

This 2nd edition published in 2009, reprinted 2009, by:

Marshall Cavendish Corporation

99 White Plains Road

Tarrytown NY 10591-9001

www.marshallcavendish.us

First published as CultureShock! A Travellers Medical Guide in 1995 by Times Editions Pte Ltd, reprinted 1996.

2009 Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited All rights reserved

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner. Request for permission should be addressed to the Publisher, Marshall Cavendish International (Asia) Private Limited, 1 New Industrial Road, Singapore 536196. Tel: (65) 6213 9300, fax: (65) 6285 4871. E-mail:

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No action should be taken based solely on the contents of this publication. Readers should consult appropriate health professionals on any matter relating to their health and well-being. The information and opinions provided in this publication are believed to be accurate and sound, based on the best judgment available to the author, but readers who fail to consult appropriate health authorities assume the risk of any injuries.

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ISBN: 978-0-7614-5682-7
eISBN: 978-9-8144-3524-6

Please contact the publisher for the Library of Congress catalogue number

Printed in Singapore by Fabulous Printers Pte Ltd

Photo Credits:

All colour images and black and white photo on pages vivii from Photolibrary.

Cover photo: Photolibrary

All illustrations by TRIGG and Razalli Lesut

Culture shock is a state of disorientation that can come over anyone who has been thrust into unknown surroundings, away from ones comfort zone. CultureShock! is a series of trusted and reputed guides which has, for decades, been helping expatriates and long-term visitors to cushion the impact of culture shock whenever they move to a new country.

Written by people who have lived in the country and experienced culture shock themselves, the authors share all the information necessary for anyone to cope with these feelings of disorientation more effectively. The guides are written in a style that is easy to read and covers a range of topics that will arm readers with enough advice, hints and tips to make their lives as normal as possible again.

Each book is structured in the same manner. It begins with the first impressions that visitors will have of that city or country. To understand a culture, one must first understand the peoplewhere they came from, who they are, the values and traditions they live by, as well as their customs and etiquette. This is covered in the first half of the book

Then on with the practical aspectshow to settle in with the greatest of ease. Authors walk readers through how to find accommodation, get the utilities and telecommunications up and running, enrol the children in school and keep in the pink of health. But thats not all. Once the essentials are out of the way, venture out and try the food, enjoy more of the culture and travel to other areas. Then be immersed in the language of the country before discovering more about the business side of things.

To round off, snippets of basic information are offered before readers are tested on customs and etiquette of the country. Useful words and phrases, a comprehensive resource guide and list of books for further research are also included for easy reference.

This book is dedicated to my wife Fiona
and our two charming daughters,
Tanya and Amanda.

With the advent of modern commercial air travel, there has been an explosion in the tourist trade. Increasing numbers of tourists and businesspersons are visiting foreign destinations. They may be exposed to diseases that are not ordinarily found in their home country. Worst yet, many have no idea as to what action to be taken should they fall ill. Problems facing travellers who become suddenly ill include: arranging referrals to regional medical centres of excellence, being evacuated for a serious illness and ultimately being repatriated back home for recuperation. These problems are often compounded by difficulties with language barriers.

In response to the multiple health problems that can occur while travelling abroad, I have written CultureShock! Travel Safe.

For those in the travel industry, including travel agents, airline staff and hotel personnel, the sections concerning vaccinations, antimalarial prophylaxis and Geographical distribution of potential health hazards to travellers (appendix), are particularly useful. These sections will allow those in the industry to advise their clients accordingly as to what vaccinations are required to enter various countries. Furthermore, advice can be given as to what vaccinations are recommended in consideration of the health risk of a particular region, as well as to what vaccinations are optional or not necessary.

For the business traveller who is always short of time and patience, there is a special section of this book that focuses on Stress Management while Travelling.

The backpacker or world traveller should read carefully the sections concerning international medical assistance. It would be prudent for them to add medical assistance coverage to their health insurance policy before they depart on a long journey. Although their medical bills may be covered, health insurance alone will not arrange for immediate on-the-spot medical solutions that may suddenly arise. Such services can range from providing advice on how to treat minor injuries, arranging for hospital admissions, liaison between the treating doctor and the patients family, or ultimately a medical evacuation to the nearest centre of expertise.

For the adventurous who enjoy hiking and mountaineering, a special section concerning the dangers of high altitude sickness has been included. The chapter not only provides information relating to its symptoms, treatment and prevention, but also instructive lessons as related through a real life story.