For most people Asia isn't a travel destination, it's home. About 60% of the Earth's population lives on this, the biggest and most populous of the seven continents. While the western border of the continent, shared with Europe, is fuzzy, most people regard the Ural Mountains as the dividing line.

Because the continent is so big there are a number of ways people get more specific. East Asia, or the "Far East" often refers to the Koreas, China and Japan. North Asia generally refers to Siberia and the northern parts of Russia. India and Pakistan are sometimes referred to as the Indian Subcontinent. Southeast Asia is used to denote Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and a few other countries. And Southwest Asia is sometimes used for the Middle East countries (Syria, Israel, Iraq, Saudi Arabia and others). It can be confusing.

ATM Networks-- Note that Laos and Cambodia have no international ATMs; however, international ATMs abound in the major cities of most countries in Asia.

Car Rentals--In most places, it's best to hire a driver when renting a car because road conditions and traffic rules (or the seeming lack thereof) can make self-driving a bit harrowing; if this sounds like a luxury, hiring a driver for a day is affordable, for the most part, and drivers are often great sources of local information.

Drugstores-- You'll find over-the-counter medications readily available in each country. It's best to bring enough of any medication that you require regularly, and know the generic name of the medicines you carry, in case you lose one or run out.

Electricity-- Most countries run on 220 volts, with two-pronged (flat or round) plugs. Use a converter for U.S. appliances (some hotels actually run on 110 volts), and use a surge protector for a laptop.

Gestures: Everywhere a scooping form of the wave that Westerners use to say "hello" in Southeast Asia means "come here". Be aware of issues in most countries over eating with only the right hand (the left is considered dirty) or of how to offer things to people (commonly with both hands).

Business Etiquette: Be on time, shake hands when greeting, and look people in the eye: The basics are all the same here, but it gets tricky when different cultural modes of thought and communication come into play (volumes are written on the subject). You might have to change your definition of "Yes" and "No", for example.

Photography: Be aware that there are some superstitions about photography among hill tribes. In general, it's a good idea to ask before shooting portraits or taking photos in houses of worship. Be careful not to photograph police or military installations or activity.

Film-- Film is easy to get in all of these countries and is usually much cheaper than in the West (the exceptions being Singapore and Hong Kong, where it costs about the same). Digital camera supplies are readily accessible.

Internet Access-- The Internet is accessible just about anywhere and everywhere you'll travel. The farther you are from urban centers, the slower the dial-up connections (at slightly inflated prices), but the region's boom in young backpacker travelers means that you'll find a cybercafe in any location.

Language-- English is spoken everywhere in the countries of Southeast Asia, and wherever you go you'll be sure to find helpful folks eager to practice a few phrases on you (certainly touts and people who want your tourist dollars will know a few words). Don't let this distract you from picking up some of the local lingo; a little goes a long way.

Laundry-- Laundromats are few and far between, but affordable laundry service is available everywhere. Though often prohibitively expensive in large hotels, a short walk usually brings you to a local launderer where you'll pay by the kilo, extra for delicate items that require special care or ironing. Do not expect same-day service, as most rely on air drying.

Liquor Laws-- Drinking ages vary (in most countries it's either 18 or 20), but you won't find too many constraints placed on the purchase or consumption of alcohol in the region. Bars in the major cities are open late and, in some rural areas or at beachside, are mandated only by the whims of the owner. Beer, wine, and liquor, both familiar imports and local rice-based varieties, are sold anywhere and everywhere.

Identity theft and fraud are potential complications of losing your wallet, especially if you've lost your driver's license along with your cash and credit cards. Notify the major credit-reporting bureaus immediately; placing a fraud alert on your records could protect you against liability for criminal activity. The three major U.S. credit-reporting agencies are

Mail-- Postage rates are comparable to those in Western countries, although service Is often less reliable and very slow, especially from the developing counties of Laos or Cambodia. Express services such as DHL or Fed Ex are growing in number and abundant in large cities (many souvenir or antiques dealers can arrange shipping on items large and small).

Newspapers & Magazines-- In the major urban centers, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Bangkok, foreign-press material is available anywhere. There are good local English-language papers, like the Bangkok Post or Singapore's StraitsTimes and the Asian Wall Street Journal, that will keep you connected. Don't pass up small-press editions or Time Out guides to local happenings and attractions; expat newspapers are also a good glimpse into daily life in each country.

Passports-- For Residents of the United States: Whether you're applying in person or by mail, you can download passport applications from the U.S. State Department website at http://travel.state.gov. For general information, call the National Passport Agency (tel. 202-647-0518). To find your regional passport office, either check the U.S. State Department website or call the National Passport

Restrooms-- Public restrooms are often a bit of a shocker for first-time visitors. Especially in rural areas, it's common that toilets flush manually, with a few scoops of water from a larger cistern, and paper is to be deposited not in the loo, but in a separate wastebasket. Standards of cleanliness vary, but many public toilets would make a run-down roadside gas station in the U.S. seem like a temple. Squat toilets are common, but most major hotels have amenities familiar to the Western visitor.

Smoking-- The region is more or less a smoker's paradise, and there are few restraints on the habit in most destinations. In fact, in rural areas of the developing countries, smoking is even allowed on buses (a bit much, really). New laws in Bangkok ban smoking in restaurants, and similar rules are in place in the larger cities. If you're a smoker, be sure to read the rules before heading to Singapore.

Taxes-- Each country has its version of a VAT tax added to restaurant and hotel bills. It can go as high as 20%, so be sure to inquire beforehand.

Tipping-- Though not as common as in the U.S., a small gratuity for taxi drivers, bellhops, and restaurant staff is appreciated.

Water-- Apart from in urban Singapore, don't drink the water. Buy inexpensive bottled drinking water, available everywhere. Some restaurants serve safe, treated ice and water.

The longest river in Asia and the third largest in the world is the Yangtze River. It has traditionally been considered a dividing line between North and South China.