I enjoy traveling to developing countries and have been to quite a few over the past two decades. I’m drawn to them for many reasons, especially the cool cultural encounters I have and the quirky random travel moments that tend to occur.
These trips, as wonderful as they may be, are not always easy. There are plenty of surprises and challenges in these countries.
If you’re new to travel–or have been at it for a while–it’s good to know what to expect when you visit a developing country. Over the years, I’ve noticed that many of them have certain things in common. Perhaps my experiences and observations (and the related tips) will help you on one of your upcoming trips.
Developing Countries: The Good, The Bad and…The Quirky
1. Money Changing…Not So Easy
When it comes to changing money, you’d better have perfect bills—no folds, creases, tears, pen marks, etc.—or else you may be SOL (sh*t out of luck). This is especially true when dealing with banks. In some countries, the bills had better be ‘2000 series.’ Not just perfect, but from this millennium.
I ran into this in Indonesia. One day, I tried to change a $50 bill. It had not been folded and was perfect in every way (no marks whatsoever) except for a slight curve in the bill (from how I’d stored it). The bank employee rejected it. I ended up flattening it out in a book for a few days before changing it somewhere else.
Also, using an ATM isn’t always the best option due to the fees incurred. In Indonesia, many of the ATMs had a very low limit, too. This meant that the fee was even more astronomical.
Tip: When you’re getting ready for your trip and go to the bank to get some cash, go over the money with a fine-tooth comb. Make sure there are no marks from a pen or magic marker, and be sure the bills are flawless in general (meaning no tears, missing pieces or wrinkled areas). Try to get new bills. And when you pack your money away, do not fold it!
Also–and this is something I need to do before I travel again–sign up for a Charles Schwab ATM card. Your ATM fees are reimbursed wherever you go! For more information re: how this works, check out this article on the Travel by Points site.
2. Getting Change–Also Challenging
So, you’ve changed money. You’re ready to have lunch or go sightseeing. You figure, ‘I’ll try to break one of my larger bills so I have change for later.’ Good luck with that.
Chances are, when you hand over your money, the person will shake his or her head and say something (that you may or may not understand). You’ll learn fast enough. They’re saying, “I don’t have change.”
Tip: When you change money, try to get small bills and even coins if possible. If you don’t, you’ll pay for it later when you’re inconvenienced.
3. Cheap/Basic Meals Are Often the Best
In Latin America, you have the ‘almuerzo’—a hot meal with meat, (often with a veggie), rice, juice and maybe even desert–for a couple bucks. In Asia, you’ve got street food and night markets—yummy snacks and meals at bargain prices. In the Middle East, you’ll see the little falafel place around the corner, whose food and prices can’t be beat.
Try to recreate what you normally eat back home and you’ll end up paying a lot. Americanized and otherwise ‘ized’ foods will be pricey. (Having said this, if you’re on a longer trip and start to get tired of the local food, you may end up really wanting the food you’re used to. That’s what happens to me sometimes.)
Tip: Try to eat the local food as much as possible. Find out from other travelers (or locals) where to go. And if you’re worried about getting sick, be sure to get the required immunizations (eg, Hep A and Typhoid.) Also, make sure the plate is dry and eat only cooked produce.
4. Ants Find the Smallest Crumbs
In developing countries, especially the tropical ones, there are ants (sometimes very small ones) that come in droves–and mighty fast–after you’ve eaten something in your room. Even if something’s stored in a ziplock-style bag, they have a way of finding it.
Tip: If you’re going to eat something–even just a snack–do it outside. If you have a balcony or terrace, eat out there. And keep your garbage bag outside, too, if you can. If not, then the bathroom is a possible option. Be sure to hang the bag on the doorknob; it’s not a guarantee, but it can help keep the ants away.
5. “Chicken Bus” Style Transport Is a Cheap (and Convenient) Way to Go
These types of buses go by different names, depending on which country you’re in. Whatever they’re called, they usually provide the cheapest transportation possible. Also, they provide transportation to some very remote areas–small villages, for example–that would be hard to reach otherwise.
I’m a fan of chicken buses (although I often pay a little more for long-haul trips). Why? Well, you tend to meet the locals and usually, adventure is guaranteed. 
Tip: If you’ve never taken one of these buses, then ease into it. Maybe try one for a short and simple trip from a city out to a small town. Then work your way up from there.
Or ride a roller coaster at home. That can also prepare you for trips on treacherous mountain roads.
6. McDonald’s and Burger King Cost More Than Your Room
OK, maybe I’m exaggerating a tiny bit here, but…these fast-food places do cost A LOT in developing countries–more than a basic meal. When I lived in Ecuador, Burger King was a fancy place to go. Ecuadorians dressed up, took dates there and it was primarily for the upper classes.
In the Middle East, I went to McDonald’s a couple times and saw that several of them had Internet stations and large-screen TVs. Prices were pretty high, too.
Tip: What to do regarding meals is personal choice. If you’re craving fast food, then go for it. Just remember you’ll be paying a lot!
7. Paperwork Is Required for Simple Things (and Multiple Steps Are Often Involved)
Need to buy something in a pharmacy? Well, depending on the country, you may have to stand at one counter and then pay at another. Perhaps a third person will be responsible for giving you your receipt—and that’s after he or she has filled it out and stamped it.
Tip: Allow plenty of time to do things that you might do quickly back home. Try to be patient.
8. Getting Visas/Crossing Borders Is Not Always Easy (But Sometimes Is)
Sometimes you need a visa to visit certain countries. Sometimes you don’t. And when you arrive from a neighboring country, it may be easy to enter or not. It depends…
Applying for a 60-day visa to Indonesia in New York was tricky (the 30-day visa is much easier). I went in person (after having trouble connecting by phone). I had to bring quite a few documents and it was a big deal.
Good thing I did that here, however. I learned while in Indonesia that if I’d gotten a 30-day visa and tried to extend it when already in the country, it would have been a complicated.
As for crossing borders between countries, I’ve been pretty lucky (except for Ecuador-Peru, which was chaotic and unpleasant.) I have heard many horror stories re: people getting scammed–eg, having to pay bribes for certain permits/papers, etc.
Syria border
Tip: Do your homework. Read travel blogs, government sites (if in English and up-to-date) and see what people have experienced and what tips they offer. You may save yourself a lot of time, money and hassles. That’s what I did before going to Syria a few years ago and it made a huge difference.
9. Toilet Paper is Scarce and Crappy (excuse the pun) Quality
In some countries, you get a couple of pieces of toilet paper handed to you as you walk in to a sometimes scuzzy looking bathroom. Hopefully, you’ve got your own stash. In other countries, there’s very little toilet paper or other products are used. In Indonesia, I often had to use brightly colored napkins; that’s all there was in certain areas.
Tip: Bring your own. Remove the cardboard in the center so that it takes up less space in your bag. And when in areas that have toilet paper, take a little extra and always have some in your daypack.
10. The People Tend to Be Warm/Friendly and Often Welcome You Into Their Home
While this depends on the country and there are always exceptions, the truth is it does happen quite a bit. People in developing countries, often those struggling financially, tend to be the most generous. I’ve been invited to meals with families and to stay with them when we’d just met.
A Panamanian woman named Yadira gave me her bracelet after a friend and I had been invited into the family’s home (after we’d been dancing in the street). It was touching and I’ll never forget it. Here’s the story if you’d like to check it out.
Tip: Be open to the experiences that come your way. If it feels right to accept an invitation, go with it. If not, then politely decline.
Your Thoughts/Experiences?
Do you plan to travel to a developing country in the near future? If so, where? Do you have any questions after reading this post? If so, please ask. I’d be more than happy to give you some advice.
If you have done this sort of travel, which countries have you been to? Can you add any tips to the list? If so, I’d appreciate it. Maybe we can help out those who may be going for the first time.
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Photo Credits
Foreign currency: bradipo
Almuerzo: Cirofono
Ants on cheese: D Sharon Pruitt
McD’s: Jay Galvin
Napkins: Frankservayge