Before you travel to Thailand it is handy to know some of the basic things about the country, it's services and it's customs to help you plan your trip. On the following pages we have summarised some of the main things, which you might like to know. However, if you have any other questions or think of something which is missing which you would like to see added to the site, then please send us an email.

Visa and Immigration

Foreign visitors of most countries can enter the Kingdom of Thailand without a visa for a period not exceeding 30 days. Check your passport and the official date of the entry stamp. If you extend your stay notify the Immigration Department. For travelling to neighbour countries ensure that your documents and visa are in order.

New Bangkok International Airport

Suvarnabhumi Airport is Bangkok's new international airport. Suvarnabhumi Airport officially opened on September 28, 2006 and has taken over all flights from Don Muang Airport that served the Thai capital for more then 60 years. For more information on Suvarnabhumi Airport, Airport hotels and Transfer times see >>> Thailand Update

Customs and Excise

All kinds of narcotics are prohibited. Cigarettes and cigars in total must not exceed 250g. One litre of wine or spirit may be brought in duty free. Certain species of fruits, vegetables, plants or meats may not be permitted to import.

Health

As in most countries, health certificates are not required for tourists, unless coming or passing through a designated risk area. Although some border regions of Thailand still are malaria-risk areas, you are very unlikely to venture into such areas as they are too remote and inaccessible for the average tourist. As a general rule consult your doctor on vaccinations and personal recommendations. At dusk and in the evening wear long sleeve and use insect repelling lotions, sprays or coils.

What to wear

You should dress comfortably for the tropics. Although Thai people are very tolerant to foreign “dress codes”, Thais prefer to dress themselves neatly and clean and have little understanding for scruffy appearances, although they might neither tell you, nor show you their consternation. While visiting temples dress respectfully. A strict dress code is given for visiting the Emerald Buddha Temple and the adjacent Grand Palace in Bangkok. Shoes must be removed before entering temples and private homes. Shorts and light cotton shirts or T-shirts, as well as comfortable shoes or slippers are recommendable during tours upcountry. Sun protection is a must for any visitor, also during the monsoon season.

Currency, Foreign Exchange, Banks

Thailand's currency is the Baht with bank notes at 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 Baht and coins at 1, 5 and 10 Baht. 1 Baht is 100 Satang. Bank Opening Hours are generally Monday-Friday 09.30h -15.30h, closed on Saturdays, Sundays, Public and Bank Holidays. For money changing use a bank or money changing booths widely found in tourist areas, department stores and shopping malls and usually open beyond banking hours. Hotels apply a lower exchange rate. Traveller cheques are subject to a handling fee and you will need your passport. ATM's are plentiful around town and upcountry, some of them accepting Credit Cards and EC Card.

Credit Cards

Credit Cards (Visa, American Express) are widely accepted throughout the country, particularly in hotels, restaurants, souvenir shops and department stores. In case of loss or theft of your Credit Card inform your bank immediately and cancel your card.

VAT

The current level of VAT is 7 % and included or added automatically on top of the prices of bills at hotels, shops or restaurants, but is not applied at open markets and vendors.

The government has recently introduced a VAT refund system for tourists. Full details can be obtained from participating shops.

Shopping

Thailand is a shopping paradise that is hard to beat and almost any visitor falls under its spell. Trendy cloths and quality handicrafts can be found throughout the country, a particular wide selection is available in major tourist areas such as Bangkok, beach resorts and islands and in Chiang Mai, the centre of Thailand's handicraft industry. Visitors can enjoy a truly unique variety of shopping experiences: world-class luxury shopping malls, Thai-style department stores bustling with locals and tourists alike, colourful night markets (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hua Hin) and the very popular weekend market outside Bangkok. Whereas prices in malls and departments stores are fixed, you may test your bargaining skills at any open-air market stall.

Hotel Check-in

Official check-in time is 12.00h or 14.00h, checkout time 12.00h. Late checkout may be requested through the reception and is subject to the hotel's occupancy. Your hotel vouchers are provided by Arosa Travel Service. All hotels require you to fill in the official registration form upon check-in at the hotel. Should a TM number be required, you will find it on the immigration card form in your passport. Some hotel may also require a print of your Credit Card to cover personal expenses such as telephone calls, meals, minibar, laundry etc. Upon checkout, please make sure that extras are either paid cash or by validating the credit card slip.

Breakfast

Most hotels serve American breakfast buffet-style. Breakfast choice and variety obviously depends on the hotel standard, but everywhere includes at least a choice of eggs in various styles, fruits and juices, toast with butter and jam, coffee and tea. Breakfasts not taken are not due for refund.

Laundry

24-hour Laundry service is available at most hotels. Laundry lists and bags are provided in your room, the charges to be paid at the reception only.

Valuables

We recommend you to put your valuables (passport, money, traveller checks) in the safe deposit box provided by the hotel, either in your room or at the reception against receipt. We advise against carrying excessive amounts of cash and other valuable items while sightseeing. It is recommended to keep photocopies of your passport and credit cards in a different place then the originals.

Drinking Water

Tap water is filtered and chlorinated and can be used for teeth brushing. Drinking should be avoided however. All hotels provide bottled water in the rooms free of charge, usually 2 bottles per day. Mineral water provided in the minibar is charged. Bottled drinking water is available in all restaurants and can be consumed without problem. Ice cubes are usually made from bottled water. Avoid overcooled drinks in tropical climate.

Social Etiquette

Thai people rarely shake hands, but instead greet each other with the traditional “wai”, a prayer-like gesture made with the palms of the hands pressed together in front of the chest, nose of forehead. You should never raise your voice, or show your dissatisfaction in loud and angry outbursts. Thais avoid direct confrontation and making someone “loose face” in front of others will less likely achieve your objective.

The head is the most important part of the body and you should not touch a person on the head. Pointing your feet at anyone is considered to be rude, so be careful how you sit and avoid pointing your fee in the direction of sacred images in temples. Always remove your shows when entering a temple or a person's home. Most public buildings and restaurants do not allow smoking inside air-conditioned rooms.

Although Thailand is known for a liberal approach to its nightlife industry, too much of public displays of physical affection is frowned upon.

Tipping

A 10% service charge is often included in hotel and restaurant bills. Additional tipping for good service is at your discretion and depends on the amount of the bill. A guideline is minimum 20 Baht up to about 5% of the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but fares can be rounded up. Tips to room maids and hotel porters are between 20 – 50 Baht per day or per service, obviously depending on the category of the hotel. Tips for guides and drivers are at your discretion and are of course welcome if a satisfactory service has been provided.

Postage and Telephone Communication

Postage is 15 Baht for postcards and 16 Baht for letters (10gr) and take 4-7 days (Airmail) to reach their destination. Stamps are available in many tourist shops and postcards can be mailed through mailboxes or the hotel reception. Overseas calls can be made through the hotel operator, although hotels charge a fee for such calls (regardless of the duration of the call), or by mobile phone, provided you have access to global roaming. Prepaid phone cards are available at department and convenience stores. All Thai phone numbers have 8 digits and you need to use the area code 02 even for calls within Bangkok. For international calls dial 001 followed by the country code, city code (without 0) and the number.

Electricity Current

The electric current is 220 Volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. Most of the plug sockets take 2 pin plugs, round or parallel flat, but you will find some places where you can use 3 pin plugs. If you wish to use electrical appliances such as shavers and tape recorders you will need to carry an adapter or buy one when you arrive. Adapters and voltage converters for any international plug type are available at hardware stores and most department stores.

Safety and Security

Considering it's size, Bangkok is a relatively safe city with very little criminality against tourists. Always protect yourself against theft, particularly in crowded areas like markets and public transportation and use your hotel safe to store valuables. Be wary of strangers approaching you to offer special sales promotions, particularly for gems and jewellery, or free city tours as they always include unwanted shopping detours. For shopping recommendations consult your guide.

Taxis and Public Transport

All taxis are air-conditioned. Use only Taxis with a rooftop TAXI METER sign. A red light in the windscreen means the taxi is available. Ensure that the meter is switched on, every journey starts with a fixed rate of 35 Baht. Avoid taxi drivers mingling around hotels and department stores offering flat rates as undesired shopping stops are often “included” in their offer. Tuk Tuks (open sided 3-wheelers) are typical of Bangkok and useful for shorter trips. Tuk Tuks are not necessary cheaper than taxis and the fare must be agreed in advance. Keep change handy as taxi and Tuk Tuk drivers often are unable to change large bank notes. Make sure your destination is well understood or have it written in Thai by the hotel staff or our guide. Convenient, comfortable, fast and safe public transport is provided by the BTS Skytrain (2 lines along popular shopping routes) and the newly opened Underground. Trains are air-conditioned, running every few minutes from 6 am until midnight. Single journey tickets can be purchased on the platform and are needed after the journey to exit the station. 1-Day and Multi-Day cards are available.

Hospitals, Doctors

Thailand has some of the best medical services available in Southeast Asia, particularly in Bangkok where some of its hospitals have gained worldwide reputation. Hospitals with 24-hour accident and emergency facilities and English speaking staff are located in all major cities and tourist centres throughout the country. Pharmacy stores are widely available. In case of accident or injury, you may need to contact your insurance company or overseas travel agent to facilitate admission and credit approval at local hospitals.

Emergency

In an emergency immediately contact Arosa Travel Service or your guide. Hotel staff will be of assistance in contacting the nearest hospital. Upon arrival you will be given 24-hours Emergency phone numbers of our company.

Onward journey

Check your travel documents and passport before continuing your journey to ensure your visa and flight reservations are in order. Departing passengers need to fill in the departure card in your passport. International Departure Tax is THB 500 per person and payable in cash before passport control. Luggage storage facilities are available at your hotel or at the airport. Do not leave any valuables in your stored luggage.