CONTRACEPTION

Condoms ( profilacticos) are available from street vendors and some farmacias. However, they tend to be expensive and often poor quality (rumour has it that they are US rejects, which have been sold to a less discriminating market), so bring an adequate supply with you. The pill is also available from farmacias, officially on prescription only, but is frequently sold over the counter. You’re unlikely to be able to match your brand, however, so it’s far better to bring your own supply. It’s worth remembering that if you suffer from moderately severe diarrhoea on your trip the pill (or any other drug) may not be in your system long enough to take effect.