Here are 13 helpful tips to make your trip to Asia smoother and more enjoyable.

• eSIM from Holafly
• Skyscanner & Trip.com
• 12GoAsia
• GetYourGuide
• Airbnb
• Grab
• Vaccinations and Health Precautions
• Visa Information
• Clothing Tips
• Backpacking Essentials
• International Driver’s License
• Cash and Bargaining
• Water Safety

^{Below, you’ll find links that I personally recommend – note that I don’t receive any commission or benefit from them.}

eSIM from Holafly for Asia: Stay Connected Without Roaming Charges

Holafly’s eSIM allows you to stay connected in multiple Asian countries, including Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, and more. For around €30-40, you get a month of internet access with no need to swap physical SIM cards. Simply purchase, scan the QR code, and you’re ready to go—ideal for easy travel without the hassle of local SIMs.

Skyscanner & Trip.com: Best Tools for Finding Flights in Asia

Skyscanner is perfect for booking international flights at competitive prices, especially for longer flights. For regional travel within Asia, Trip.com excels at gathering low-cost options and great connections. It’s an excellent tool to find budget-friendly flights across countries with easy-to-navigate search options.

12GoAsia: Your Guide to Travel in Asia by Train, Bus, or Flight

12GoAsia is an essential resource for booking transportation within Asia. It allows you to compare and book buses, trains, flights, and ferries, often with real-time availability and easy payment options. It’s great for booking multi-leg journeys, especially when exploring places off the beaten path.

GetYourGuide: Tour and Day Trip Booking Made Easy in Asia

GetYourGuide offers a wide variety of tours and activities across Asia, from cultural experiences to adventure-packed day trips. Many activities are available with detailed descriptions and excellent reviews, helping you choose the right experiences. It’s a go-to site to avoid being scammed by taxi drivers or street vendors offering similar tours.

Airbnb: Affordable and Comfortable Accommodation in Asia

Airbnb offers a fantastic range of accommodations, from cozy apartments to spacious villas, often at lower prices compared to hotels. For example, in Da Nang, you can find a beautifully furnished apartment for a similar price as a hotel room on Booking.com—but with added benefits like kitchen access, washing machines, and sometimes even airport transfers.

Grab: The Uber Alternative Across Asia

Grab is the Uber equivalent in many Asian countries, offering affordable ridesharing options in places like Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia. It’s easy to use and available in most major cities, making it perfect for navigating cities and exploring off-the-beaten-path locations.

Vaccinations and Health Precautions Before Your Asia Trip

Before traveling to certain Asian countries, it’s essential to check vaccination requirements. Some areas may require specific vaccines (like Hepatitis A or B, Typhoid, and Malaria prophylaxis). Be sure to consult a travel health specialist before your trip to ensure you’re properly protected.

Visa Information for Your Asian Journey

For German passport holders, you can enter countries like Malaysia, China (Hong Kong), Vietnam, Thailand, and Singapore visa-free for 15-90 days, depending on the country. However, some destinations may require a visa, so be sure to check each country’s specific visa policy before traveling.

Before entering Singapore, travelers must complete an arrival card at least three days before arrival. This is usually done online, and at the airport, you’ll often find QR codes to scan for easy access. For Vietnam, a visa or entry document is required depending on your nationality, so be sure to check the regulations in advance!

Clothing Tips for Asia: Stay Comfortable and Respectful

When visiting temples in Asia, dress modestly—covering your shoulders and knees. For motorbike rides, wear long pants for safety. Also, bring a sunhat, sunglasses, and light clothing, but avoid overpacking as many Airbnbs and laundry services make it easy to wash clothes during your stay.

Backpacking Essentials: Packing for Asia

A travel backpack is highly recommended for navigating the often uneven terrain and lack of suitcase-friendly infrastructure. A lightweight poncho and a rain cover for your backpack are crucial to keep dry during unexpected downpours.

International Driver’s License for Asia

For those planning to rent a scooter or car in Asia, having an international driver’s license is highly recommended. This is especially important in countries where local authorities require it for foreign travelers.

Cash and Bargaining: How to Save Money in Asia

Carrying cash is essential, as many small vendors and markets do not accept cards. Be prepared to haggle, especially in tourist-heavy areas where prices are inflated for foreigners. Bargaining is expected, and you can often save 10-50% off the asking price with a little negotiation.

Water Safety in Asia: Stay Healthy While Traveling

Drinking tap water in many Asian countries is not recommended. Always drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes unless you’re sure the water used is purified. This can help prevent issues like “Bali Belly” and other stomach problems caused by unclean water.