Basics - The Rough Guide to South America on a Budget - page 32

is the next best option. Pregnant women or people
with thyroid problems should consult their doctors
about chemical sterilization formulae.

two (dependent on the country), although you can
defer to a handshake if you prefer. It is common to
wish people you meet on the street “Buenos días”
(“bom dia” in Brazil) or “buenas tardes” (“boa tarde” in
Brazil). Politeness is a way of life in South America, and
pleasantries are always exchanged before getting to
any kind of business. Dress with respect in of cial or
religious buildings.
Remember that in most South American countries,
locals have a lax attitude to time , so expect people
to arrive late in social situations and don't get
annoyed if they do.
Tipping is generally common in restaurants and
cafés but is lower than the norms in Europe and the
US. If in doubt, ask a local (and not a waiter!).

MEDICAL RESOURCES FOR TRAVELLERS
Before travelling to South America travellers should seek health
advice. Useful websites and major organizations are listed below:

UK AND IRELAND
Fit for Travel W www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk. NHS website with
information about travel-related diseases and how to avoid them.
MASTA (Medical Advisory Service for Travellers Abroad)
W masta-travel-health.com. Comprehensive website for medical
advisory services for travel abroad. See website for the nearest clinic.
Tropical Medical Bureau Republic of Ireland, see website for
different branches W tmb.ie.

Shopping

US AND CANADA
Canadian Society for International Health T 613 241 5785, W csih
.org. Distributes a free pamphlet, “Health Information for Canadian
Travellers”, containing an extensive list of travel health centres in Canada.
Center for Disease Control T 1 800 232 6348, W cdc.gov/travel. US
Department of Health and Human Services travel health and disease
control department. Offers comprehensive and up-to-date advice on
health for travellers. Publishes outbreak warnings, suggested
inoculations, precautions and other background information.
International Society for Travel Medicine W istm.org. Has a
full list of clinics specializing in international travel health.
Travel Health Online W www.tripprep.com. Travel Health Online
provides an online comprehensive database of necessary
vaccinations for most countries, as well as destination and medical
service provider information.

Shops and markets in South America tend to offer
a wide range of beautifully crafted goods and
antiques for the visitor. Prices are usually reason-
able; you can bargain in markets and outside
the tourist drags, but only do so if you really think
the item is worth less than its asking price. If
you decide to buy something, be firm - ask the
price and confirm it before offering cash. Be
polite to street vendors, no matter how annoyed
you get with them. Remember that this is their
livelihood and smile, saying “no, gracias” or “não,
obrigado”. Check that you are not purchasing
objects plundered from the jungle or made from
endangered species.
As a rule of thumb, native crafts are usually of
the best quality and cheapest when bought close
to the source. Buying such items, rather than
mass-produced alternatives, is a good way to help
local artesania and give something back to the
communi ties you're visiting.

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND
Travellers' Medical and Vaccination Centres W traveldoctor
.com.au. Contains a list of all Travellers Medical and Vaccination
Centres throughout Australia, New Zealand and Southeast Asia,
plus general information on travel health.

Public holidays and festivals
Travelling through South America entails negotia-
ting a variety of public holidays ( feriados in
Spanish and Portuguese) that differ from country
to country. The essential ones are listed in the
“Opening hours and public holidays” section of
each chapter, but bear in mind that, particularly
in more remote areas, some towns and villages
celebrate saints' days and other local holidays that
shut down businesses and make travel di cult.
Check with local tourist information o ces (where
they exist) for more details. South Americans are
not known for passing up an excuse to celebrate;
find local festivals in the relevant chapters.

Culture and
etiquette
South America is a vast continent and it's
di cult to generalize about how to dress
or behave; ultimately, you should try to
behave unobtrusively and dress modestly
if not at the beach.

Cultural hints

People usually shake hands upon introduction and
women generally kiss acquaintances on one cheek or