Drink only bottled or boiled water or carbonated (bubbly or fizzy) drinks in sealed cans or bottles. Avoid tap water, fountain drinks and ice cubes. If safe drinks are not available, you can make tap or other water safer by both filtering through an "absolute 1 micron or less" filter AND adding iodine tablets to the filtered water. "Absolute 1 micron filters" can be found in camping/outdoor supply stores.
Buy bottled water from respectable outlets to guard against upset stomach. Make sure that the seal of the bottle is intact.
Watch out for spicy dishes, especially at the beginning of your trip. Avoid eating food from road-side stalls. Eat unpeeled fruits and avoid fresh salads, especially in small hotels. If you are forced to eat food at some place that you have doubts about, make sure the food is cooked and served hot.
Always use an insect repellent if you find yourself in a mosquito laden area. Keep in mind that not every place is always mosquito-infested.
If traveling in scorching heat, remember to drink enough water, wear hats, sunglasses & SPF/sunscreen. Stay out of the intense mid-day sun.
Pharmacies or chemists are available in every little town and village at which you can buy over-the-counter medications and receive minor medical advice. In case you need to see a doctor for a specific condition, ask for help from your in-country coordinator or project director. The cost of visiting a doctor is low (less than a dollar) compared to western countries.
In Cambodia, most modern medicines are available over the counters in drugstores, but it is wise to travel with a reserve stock. If you take any prescription drugs, bring enough for the duration of the trip. It is advisable that you carry a small health kit, which should include upset stomach/digestive tract remedies, antiseptic cream, mosquito repellant spray, sunscreen, etc.
The mission of IFRE Volunteers is to offer the most affordable as well as the highest quality volunteer and humanitarian abroad experiences - enabling us to make a contribution for all of humanity in its quest to make the world a better place. Through our volunteer and humanitarian trips abroad, we aim to spread love and compassion worldwide while improving the lives of destitute children and less-fortunate communities. We at IFRE also seek sustainable solutions in the fields of education, healthcare, conservation efforts and development issues through international volunteering.
