When you’re in another country, particularly one with lenient sanitation laws, it always helps to follow a few simple rules.
1) Keep to familiar foods
- Thanks to the miracles of globalization and McDonalds, you can usually find a fast food place no matter what country your in. Places like these are your friends while staying in a second or third world country, they cater to tourists, generally serve well cooked foods and If you’re lucky there might even be people there who speak your language.
2) avoid raw or under cooked foods,
-If you’re at a restaurant, ask for your food well done. If your visiting a place in Western Europe or a common tourist destination (Bahamas, Etc) it doesn’t really matter as much. If you’re staying in the Peoples Republic of China for a few months, it’s essential.
3) Fruits and vegetables
-I avoid them if its not being served at my hotel or at a westernized restaurant. You never know what’s on them in them, it could get you sick. Now there are a lot of exceptions to this rule, mostly because people love to try foreign fruits, so use your best judgment.
4) Water
- This is the most common rule of travel, but I can't tell you how true it is. Do not drink the water. If there’s even a hint that the water might not be safe, don’t drink it. Buy bottled water, it’s usually pretty cheap, If you feel compelled to save a few dollars, be sure to boil the water for around thirty minutes. Its extreme, but it works.
5) Don’t do as they do.
- What natives can handle, you can't. If its safe for him to eat, it doesn’t necessarily mean the same for you. This person has had his whole life to adjust to the conditions in his country; you've probably had less than a week.
6) Imodium
- Lets say you do get sick, it happens to everyone sometimes, no matter how careful you are, its always best to pack at least one box of Imodium. You can find it at your local pharmacy. It’s easy, over the counter, and stops diarrhea. Always a good move.