There are definitely rules in place for the official transcription of place names and probably given names as well. My father, as an Orientalist, does on/off work for the Head Cartographer of Poland (yes, there is such a person), and this work consists precisely of agreeing upon or disputing the transcription of place names in South-East Asia (not the Far East, a Sinologist would do that). The popular method of using English or French transcription is both outdated and frowned upon. People in the street might say Pekin, but maps should not. I think this applies both to Asia and Africa.
Related:
Registering a newborn in Poland. Names on Birth Certificates.when registering a newborn in Poland I was told that the authorities would only allow Polish names or Polish variations of names. Is that correct?
If at least one parent is not Polish, the rule is waved. However, some registrars will still refuse to register any female name which does not end with the letter 'a'.