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Living > Public Health, Safety

Personal Precautions

Insect Precautions

Diseases carried by insects such as mosquitoes and ticks are common in many tropical countries.

Some diseases spread by insects can be prevented through drugs or vaccines, but not all of them. Therefore you should always use the following personal protective measures when travelling.

  • Apply insect repellent and reapply as necessary during the day and night, as some insects bite during the day. Apply repellent with 10% or less DEET no more than once per day for children 6 months - 2 years; 10% or less DEET no more than three times per day for children 2-12 years; and 30% DEET for individuals older than 12 years. Wash off daily with soap and water.
  • Wear light coloured clothing that covers all skin surfaces.
  • Screen your bed with a treated mosquito net.
  • Avoid wearing perfumes/colognes as mosquitoes are attracted to scent.
  • Be sure to discard any stagnant water in or around your accommodations as this is a popular nesting site for mosquitoes.

Malaria is the most common disease spread by insects in many parts of the world. It is caused by a parasite that enters your blood stream through the bite of a mosquito and can cause serious illness and even death in any unprotected traveller. In addition to insect precautions, there are a number of different preventative drugs available for malaria that must be taken before, during and after travel. However, it is extremely important to seek the proper medical advice on malarial medication as malaria is constantly changing, from the countries it infects to the drugs that prevent you from catching it.

Sun Screen

Sun Safety

White sandy beaches, high temperatures, not a cloud in the sky all make up the perfect day when vacationing in the tropics. Therefore, it is always important to wear sunscreen.

  • Choose a sunscreen of SPF of 15 or more
  • Remember to reapply - the effectiveness is reduced by humidity; heat, wind, sweat and swimming!

Read more on sun safety.

Street Perspective

Personal Safety

Before departing it is important to seek advice regarding local safety and political stability in the areas you are traveling to. Tourists are often vulnerable and targeted; so try not to draw too much attention to yourself.


  • Do not hand your luggage to anyone as locals may disguise themselves as porters and disappear with your belongings.
  • Avoid carrying a lot of cash - stick to ATM cards and travellers checks.
  • Leave expensive jewellery and clothing at home.
  • Wear any necessary valuables under your shirt or jacket so they are less accessible to thieves.
  • Avoid walking alone, in remote areas, or on poorly lit streets.

When travelling by public transportation or rented vehicles:

  • Avoid overcrowded buses and street cars.
  • Use only "registered" taxis and negotiate fees before entering.
  • Carry small denominations at all times as you may not receive change with large bills.
  • Ensure the rental car meets safety standards and avoid cars with rental markings.

Car According to the Association for Safe International Road Travel, deaths from motor vehicle collisions pose one of the greatest threats to travellers. Therefore, wear a seat belt and learn the local road rules as they may be very different from what you are used to.

Another tip for staying safe: it is important to be cautious of any animals you may come in contact with. Rabies is a deadly virus spread by the bite of an animal including bats, dogs, monkeys, livestock and rodents. In some developing countries rabies should be suspected in ANY animal bite. If bitten, the wound needs to be immediately washed out with soap and water and it is absolutely necessary to seek medical attention right away.

Lastly, considering these factors, it is important to have traveller's health insurance, especially coverage for medical evacuation.

This information is intended to provide general health-related information about personal precautions while travelling. It is not intended to replace medical consultation at a travel health clinic or by your physician prior to travel.

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