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A few tips to help you make the most of your visit to Thailand...
Is it Safe?
Despite the travel warnings put out by several Embassies recently,
Thailand still remains one of the safest countries to visit. The
Thai Government is however, taking all threats seriously and security
has been subtly increased in all public areas. In general and
compared to many western countries the crime rate is relatively
low and the country remains a tolerant and peaceful society based
on Buddhist principles.
What time do the shops/offices open?
Monday-Friday - 9.30 - 3.30 pm (Banks)
9.00 - 5.00 pm (Business/Shops) Unless family run - then usually
until about 7.00pm
10.00- 9.00 pm (Most department stores - open 7 days a week)
Should I bargain when shopping?
Fixed prices are usual in department stores, but at most other
places, especially markets, bargaining is expected. Generally,
you can obtain a final figure between one third to one half of
original asking price. Lots of smiles, good humour and patience
will get you not only better deal, but also a lot of fun.
What is the Thai currency?
Thai baht. Varies between 41- 45 THB to = US$.
Check with our currency
converter to find the value in your own currency.
Notes are issued in denominations of 1,000Bt (grey) 500Bt (purple)
100Bt (red) 50Bt (blue) 20Bt (green) and 10 (brown). There are
10, 5 and 1 baht coins.
Most foreign currencies and traveller cheques are easily changed
at banks, hotels or moneychangers. All major credit cards are
widely accepted.
Currency exchange booths located in supermarkets, department
stores and outside major banks are usually open 12 hours a day,
7 days a week.
What can I bring in to Thailand - Duty Free?
200 cigarettes or 250 gr. of tobacco, 1 litre of spirits, plus
a reasonable amount of perfume. If you are bringing in prescription
drugs ask your doctor for a note detailing the drugs you are taking.
What is the electricity supply?
220V, 50hz. Several different plugs and sockets are in use, but
two pin flat (US type) or round (European type) are pretty universal.
Adapters can bought at local stores.
Can I check my email?
You can find internet cafes in all the main tourist areas with
reasonable rates. You can also check email at the main Post Offices.
Local providers offer international roaming access using GRIC
or iPass, or temporary local accounts can be purchased in kit
form.
What is the Local Time?
GMT +7 Time now is
Can I buy film?
Most popular brands and types of film are widely available in
Thailand at very reasonable prices. Throw-away one-time cameras
are also widely available, too. International film manufacturers
operate photo-finishing services with standard prints ready within
an hour.
Public Holidays (2003)
- January 1: New Year's Day
- February 19: (Full moon day) Makha Puja - Commemorates the Spontaneous
Gathering of 1,250 Enlightened Disciples of the Lord Buddha
- April 6: Chakri Day - Commemorates the Establishment of the
Royal House of Chakri
- April 13-15: Songkran Festival (Thai New Year on 13th)
- May 1: Labour day
- May 5: Coronation Day
- May 18: (Full moon day) Visakha Puja - Commemorating the Birth,
Enlightenment and the Maha Parinirvana or Death of the Lord Buddha
- July 17: (Full moon day) Asalha Puja - Commemorating the Lord
Buddha's First Sermon
- July 18: Khao Phansa - Beginning of Buddhist Rains Retreat
- August 12: Birthday of H.M. the Queen
- October 23: Chulalongkorn Day
- December 5: Birthday of H.M. the King
- December 10: Constitution Day
- December 31: New Year's Eve
Monarchy
Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal
Family, and visitors should always show respect for the King,
the Queen and the Royal Children.
Religion
Visitors should dress conservatively in all religious shrines.
They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other
unsuitable attire.
Telephone
Country code is 66. International access code is 001 (007 for
Malaysia and Laos)
Area codes are used for all Thai numbers - 02 for Bangkok, 076
for Phuket, etc. and must be dialled even for the local area.
(When dialling from outside Thailand, leave out the zero - 66
2 for Bangkok, 66 76 for Phuket, etc.)
Mobile phone numbers are generally 01 or 09. Follow the same rules
as area codes.
Mobile phones from most countries can be used within Thailand
using international roaming agreements. Beware- surcharges apply!
Coverage is good everywhere.
Tipping
It is customary to tip porters and hotel personnel who have given
good personal service. Taxi drivers don't usually expect a tip
but small change is appreciated. A 5%-10% tip is becoming the
norm in restaurants, (not local style) if the usual 10% service
charge does not apply.
Tourist Information
Tourism Authority
of Thailand's information centre at Tel: (66-2) 694-1222
(80 lines), Fax: (66-2) 694-1220/1
Visas
Visa regulations vary, depending on your country of origin, so
it's best to check first with the Thai Embassy or Consulate. Generally,
its possible to obtain a visa on arrival for up to 30 days. For
longer stays you should apply for a visa before leaving home.
Before travelling to Thailand.
Vaccinations/Medical
There are no required vaccinations. Yellow fever certificates
are required for those who are coming from an infected area. Please
check the latest regulations with your local health office. There
has been an increase in Dengue fever recently, so it's advisable
to bring insect repellent.
Water
Tap water is not safe for drinking. Bottled drinking water is
always available and usually provided free in hotels.
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