Most diseases are water-borne. Certain vaccinations are essential. There are foreign-trained doctors in Dhaka and other cities. Travelers are advised to get medevac insurance and to establish contact with a doctor upon arrival. Continental food is available at Dhaka's internationally operated hotels.
Local food is spicy to American tastes.
The main components of local food are boiled rice and fish, or curry of mutton, beef, or chicken. Vegetables and lentils are also popular. There is no effective system of health inspection of restaurants. A number of restaurants have opened in the last several years that are popular with expatriates.