“Only use licensed currency exchanges, identified by a Bank of Indonesia logo and a QR code. Open the code to check the name of the business and its operating licence. There has been a rise in the number of scams at tattoo parlours, nail salons and spas in Bali. Take care when choosing your provider and agree fees in advance.”
Drug possession
Heavy drinking and drug abuse are common in South East Asia. Backpackers should never take illegal drugs in the region, firstly for the potential dangers to health, but also due to the extremely strict laws against drug abuse.
In Indonesia, authorities take a zero-tolerance approach and those caught using drugs could face lengthy prison sentences, or a death penalty. Police have been known to raid venues and take urine or blood samples of partygoers.
Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand have similarly strict policies on hard drugs. On the subject of cannabis in Thailand, the Foreign Office advises: “While low-strength cannabis is legal in Thailand, it is likely to be illegal in other countries you travel on to. This includes residual amounts, for example in bags or clothing or in your bloodstream.
The Foreign Office adds: “Conditions in prisons and other detention facilities in Thailand are harsh, with limited access to healthcare. Detainees have died in custody.” The death penalty has been issued for drug crimes in Thailand.
In the Philippines, being in possession of even a small quantity of drugs will lead to a mandatory prison sentence. In Malaysia, offenders could be given punishments as harsh as the death penalty, or a “whipping” according to the Foreign Office.
Petty crime
Petty crime is rife. Bag-snatching and pickpocketing in particular are prevalent. Tourists are warned to be particularly cautious in crowded markets and on public transport, and to make sure they don’t leave their belongings unattended at hostels.
Other crimes to be aware of
The Foreign Office warns of other safety concerns in South East Asia, including terrorism, sexual assault, violent crime, organised crime and job scams. Tourists should read the relevant FCDO pages for Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia before travelling, to ensure you are up to speed on the latest advice.
Which insurance should you buy?
Travellers to South East Asia should consider taking out a comprehensive insurance policy which includes overseas medical, repatriation, coverage for belongings and cover for adventure activities.
Jonathan Frankham of World Nomads, says: “We were deeply saddened to hear about the tragic death of Simone White in Laos.
“At World Nomads, we see frequent claims related to food poisoning, road accidents, and theft in the region,” he added.
Frankham recommends: “We always recommend checking the policy wording carefully and ask yourself, how much cover will you need if something goes wrong? Only you know where you’re planning to go, how much you paid, what you’re planning to do, see and visit, and how your personal situation might influence your choice.”
A Gap Year guide for anxious parents
by Natalie Paris
Check in often
Arrange to have catch-ups with your gap year traveller, even if all they can manage is an occasional message. This will allow you to keep up to date with their adventures, but also confirm they are safe and where they are meant to be. Video calls via Whatsapp and Facetime are great when time allows, but texts or phone calls work as well.
Keep an eye on the news
When people are travelling to remote places with little technology, or have busy schedules, it can be hard to keep up to date with current affairs. You can help them by checking the security and health situation in the countries your traveller is visiting, or by signing up yourself to the Foreign Office’s email alerts.
Keep documents safe
Those at home should set themselves up as an emergency contact. Get them to make scanned copies of all their important documents before they go (passports, visas, travel insurance, medical certificates, credit cards, debit cards, useful phone numbers) so that you can keep them in a safe place. Be ready to pass on any of this information should the traveller need it while they are away.
Manage your expectations
Remember that gap years are a chance for your child to experience freedom and independence. Not being at your beck and call is a big part of that. Look forward to your children returning full of stories, having enjoyed new responsibilities. Future employers will appreciate this too.
If you are waiting on a reply from a gapper, remember that they are being kept very busy. Young people on structured trips will have jobs and group activities to attend to. They will probably have a dedicated advisor on hand, so their first port of call won’t necessarily be you and they should have everything they need to overcome obstacles. If they are travelling independently, they will probably be trying to cram as much sightseeing as they can into a day, while working hard to make connections that will make their lives easier.