Thiruvananthapuram Travel Forum

And first time on virtual tourist too. I'm three weeks away from landing in Thiruvananthapuram and I need to know the thruth about mosquitoes! I know it sounds silly but friends & doctors really bug me with the malaria pill when I'm really trying to stay clear of medication. However, I intend to compensate by thoroughfully using the DEET repellent as well as the permethrin spray on my clothes. (If you guys really think its necessary b/c when I asked one of the local men he kind of chuckled and said not to worry about mosquitoes & malaria...). Is there anything I should know about possible medical/health issues? I supposed I can't escape from travellers diarrhea but is it really necessary to bring antibiotics for that purpose? I mean how bad can it be!? Sorry, I had to ask... Also, are iodine tablets necessary or I can just buy bottled water?
From reading VT's postings I gathered the "dress code" for women should be pretty subtle, long-sleeved t-shirts, pants, longs skirts/dresses, avoid sleeveless and jeans and shorts. That's sounds pretty good... As for money (being from Europe I totally lost sense of foreign currencies so forgive me), should I get travellers checks here before I leave (USD or rupee?) and bring a small amount of cash (USD) to change over there? Best to bring my CC also just in case, right? Well that's it for now but I may have more questions later. Thank you so much for your help and don't hesitate to throw any advice or tip for an indian first-timer. Cheers, ROX-SAN

There are large areas of India where malaria would be of no concern. In south India where Malaria is endemic it is not something to be taken lightly. I do not believe you can keep yourself safe from mosquito bites and prophylaxis is to be highly recommended. This last year I came down with Malaria after a two week trip to the Amazon during which I took all precautions including medication. The experience was far worst than any traveler's diarrhea.

If you do not intend to drink lake, river or tap water that has not been boiled then you will have no need for iodine tablets. Antibiotics are of questionable value in trying to prevent diarrhea, and as a side effect they can cause diarrhea on there own. Antibiotics are useless as a treatment for many causes of diarrhea, and if you need them they will be readily available unless you are out in the wilderness. Your best preventive is common sense.

Good luck, bob

I would take the malaria pills (Lariam or the equivalent generic, which you only have to take once a week). Malaria is something you REALLY want to avoid, and yes, South India is a malarial zone.

Bring Immodium with you in case you get travelers' diarrhea. You can bring some Cipro (antibiotic) with you as a precaution in case you get something really severe, but it's doubtful you'd get something that bad. You will almost certainly get some kind of gastrointestinal upset no matter what you do--expect it, be prepared, don't worry too much.

Iodine tablets are not necessary. There is plenty of good-quality bottled water around. Every corner shop will have it.

Your dress code assumptions are correct. Definitely, no shorts, even though it's fearsomely hot. (I'm in Hyderabad right now and it's in the 90s.) Bring sun block!!

For money, just bring your ATM card, your credit card, and a little USD cash. No need for travelers' checks, and really, they are a hassle to cash anyway. A US-based ATM card will work at any of India's zillions of ATMs. Get cash that way, and only change USD cash if you really have to. (You cannot get rupees outside India, BTW.) Credit cards will be useful only at higher-end establishments, but they are handy to have in a pinch.

Most of my travelling throughout Asia ( and India in particular)has been from Nov-Jan. I have never taken anti-malarials of any kin, in common with most other Aussies. We, after all, have to face many other mosquito borne diseases for which there is no preventative medication. To date, I have relied on repellants and protective clothing.
The "dress code" advice is appropriate and serves a practical purpose in shielding from the sun. Don't forget sunscreen ( SPF 30+). Bottled water is perfectly fine ( remember to stay hydrated), only buying untampered bottled water from reliable shops. Antibiotics are not necessary, but anti bacterial handwashes are a must. Some of the resort areas in Kerala can be isolated so don't rely completey on ATMs. I never had problems changing $Aus so $US would be quite OK. If your accommadation is already paid for , you wont need much money anyway.

Having lost a friend to malaria last year, I would recommend you don't play Russian Roulette with a deadly mosquito! Better safe than sorry, malaria is no joke!

I always take ciprofloaxacin as a treatment for diarrhea, although I have never had to use it in India (only other places). I know people who have been hospitalised in india though, so take care with what you eat and drink and keep hydrated.

Most of all, relax, apply some common sense and have fun! :-) India is great!

Hi all, I finally realized that I could just answer to you guys instead as posting to the general forum, hence creating our own little forum, duh! Thanks for your advice, it helps. I now have a prescription for malarone.