Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
creet. You will often see Chinese same-sex friends holding hands or putting
their arms around each other, but this usually has no sexual connotation.
Spartacus International Gay Guide
(Bruno Gmunder Verlag) Best-selling
guide for gay travellers, also available as an iPhone App.
Utopia
(
www.utopia-asia.com/tipschin.htm
)
Tips on travelling in China and a
complete listing of gay bars nationwide.
Health
China is a reasonably healthy country to travel in, but some health issues
should be noted. Pre-existing medical conditions and accidental injury (espe-
cially traffic accidents) account for most life-threatening problems, but becom-
ing ill in some way is not unusual. Outside of the major cities, medical care is
often inadequate, and food- and waterborne diseases are common. Malaria is
still present in some parts of the country, and altitude sickness can be a prob-
lem, particularly in Tibet.
In case of accident or illness, it's best just to get a taxi and go to hospital dir-
ectly.
The following advice is a general guide only and does not replace the advice
of a doctor trained in travel medicine.
BEFORE YOU GO
» Pack medications in their original, clearly labelled containers.
» If you take any regular medication, bring double your needs in case of loss
or theft.
» Take a signed and dated letter from your physician describing your medical
conditions and medications (using generic names).
» If carrying syringes or needles, ensure you have a physician's letter docu-
menting their medical necessity.
» If you have a heart condition, bring a copy of your ECG taken just prior to
travelling.
» Get your teeth checked before you travel.
» If you wear glasses, take a spare pair and your prescription.
