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Travel Tips for Thailand
Before you travel to Thailand it is handy to know some of the basic things about the country to help you prepare and plan your trip. On the following pages we have summarized some of the main things which you might like to know: Information on laws and regulations, tips on services and customs as well as some useful advice on “do’s” and “don’t dos”.
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Arrival
Visa and Immigration
Foreign visitors of many countries can enter the Kingdom of Thailand without a visa for a period not exceeding 30 days, for a number of countries a 15-day tourist visa is available on arrival. Visa requirements are subject to change, for information consult the website of the Thai Immigration Burea : www.immigration.go.th/nov2004/en/base.php
Check your passport and the official date of the entry stamp. If you extend your stay you need to notify the Immigration Department and apply for a visa extension. If you are traveling to neighbour countries, ensure that your documents and visa are in order, also for returning back to Thailand.
Airports of Bangkok
Suvarnabhumi Airport – 25 km to the east of the city - is Bangkok's International Airport and main gateway. All international flights are arriving and departing from Suvarnabhumi Airport (Airport Code: BKK). www.suvarnabhumiairport.com.
Transfers from Suvarnabhumi Airport to most hotels in the city center generally take about 45 minutes, depending on the location and traffic conditions of course.
In April 2010 the new 26 km Airport Rail-Link will connect Suvarnabhumi Airport with the city center terminal at Makkasan (near Pratunam). The Airport Rail-Link will connect with the Skytrain and the Subway at Phayathai and Petchburi stations.
Bangkok’s former airport Don Muang Airport (Airport Code: DMK) - 25 km to the north of the city - is still open for a number of domestic flights and low-budget carriers.
Customs
All kinds of narcotics are prohibited. Cigarettes and cigars in total must not exceed 250g. 1 liter of wine or spirit may be brought in duty free. Certain species of fruits, vegetables, plants or meats may not be permitted to import. Exports of antiques or religious artifacts, especially Buddha images, are subject to a permission granted by the Fine Arts Department.
Health
There are no particular vaccination requirements and health certificates are not required for tourists, unless coming from, 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. At dusk and in the evening wear long sleeves and use insect repelling lotions, sprays or coils. As a general rule consult your doctor on personal recommendations.
Time
The time in Thailand is 7 hours ahead of GMT. At midday in Bangkok, it is 05.00 in London, 06.00 in Frankfurt, midnight in New York or 21.00 the day before in Los Angeles (except during Daylight Savings Time), 15.00 in Sydney and 17.00 in Auckland. Thai people use a six-hour clock system for telling the time. Although the system is mainly used in conversation, it can still cause some confusion to visitors.
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. There is no International Departure Tax to be paid upon departure any longer. Luggage storage facilities are available at your hotel or at the airport. Do not leave any valuables in your stored luggage.
Weather
Thailand has three different seasons, although the differences in temperatures between them are barley distinguishable for the most part of the country.
The period between November and February is the best season to visit. The weather is pleasant and dry, with daytime temperatures ranging around 30 degrees Celsius and nighttime temperatures around 20-25 degrees Celsius. In the northern part of Thailand, temperatures of around 15 degrees Celsius should be expected at nighttime during this period, while at higher locations temperatures may drop close to zero.
A primarily hot and more humid climate follows from February to May with average temperatures rising to about 30- 35 C and humidity of approx 75%. April and May is generally the hottest period during which temperatures rise to 40 C.
The so-called “Green Season” starts from June until October with a mix of sunshine, rain and cloudy skies. Average temperatures drop back to an average of 30 C and humidity approx 87%. Monsoon rains prevail during this period throughout most parts of the country, particularly in the South. On the islands of Phuket and Phi Phi as well as on the coastline from Krabi to Trang, most of the rain falls in May/June and September/October. In Koh Samui and the lower Golf of Thailand the seasonal rains should be expected between October and December.
Thailand Meteorological Department: www.tmd.go.th/en/
Money
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. Traveler 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.
Safety & Security
Safety and Security
Considering its 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 jewelery, or free city tours as they always include unwanted shopping detours. There is nothing free, and if it looks “too good to be true”, it most likely is. For shopping recommendations consult your guide.
Valuables
We recommend you to put your valuables (passport, money, credit cards and traveler 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.
Hospitals, Pharmacies, 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 centers throughout the country. Pharmacy stores for a wide array of prescription and non-prescription medicine are available everywhere. 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
Upon arrival Arosa Travel Service clients will be given a 24-hours Emergency phone number of our company. In an emergency immediately contact Arosa Travel Service or your guide. Hotel staff will be of assistance in contacting the nearest hospital or Embassy.
Insurance
Make sure you have adequate travel and medical coverage for treatment and expenses, including expatriation as well as luggage and money loss. Report loss or theft to our guide or our office and obtain a signed and stamped statement from a local police station to help with insurance claims.
Useful Information
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, colorful night markets (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hua Hin) or the very popular weekend market. Whereas prices in malls and departments stores are fixed, you may test your bargaining skills at any open-air market stall. Remember however, while bargaining is always welcome, extreme underbidding is seen as disrespectful.
VAT
The current level of VAT is 7 % and included, or added automatically, on top of the prices of bills at hotels, restaurants, stores and shops, but is not applied at open markets and vendors. The government has introduced a VAT refund system for tourists. Full details can be obtained from participating department stores and shops.
www.rd.go.th/vrt/engindex.html
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. Mobile phones use the pre code 08 followed by the phone 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.
Weighs and Measures
The metric system is used throughout Thailand with distances, kilometer markers or speed limits indicated in kilometers. The only exception being land measurement for which Thailand has its own system.
Public Holidays
Most national holidays are of religious nature and serve to evoke a sense of devotion to the three principal institutions of the country: Monarchy, Religion and Nation. Some holidays and festivals are celebrated by the lunar calendar and thus their dates vary from year to year, while others are celebrated according to the solar calendar. For an overview of Holidays and Festivals >>> see top left menu
Practical Advice
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.
Dress respectfully while visiting temples. 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.
Social Etiquette
Thais are always pleased when foreigners pay respect to their culture and a genuine smile always goes a long way here. 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 appreciate when fares are rounded up. Tips to room maids and hotel porters should be between 20 – 50 Baht per day or per service, obviously depending on the standard of the hotel.
Tips for guides and drivers are at your discretion and are of course welcome if a satisfactory service has been provided.
Food & Drink
Thai Food
Eating is a passion of the Thais and eating Thai food has gained a popular reputation around the world. Thai food is famous for its fiery spicyness although in most restaurants frequented by tourists it has been adapted to foreign palates. Rice is the major staple and accompanies all meals, from breakfast to dinner. Rice is usually served with a variety of vegetables, meat, fish and poultry as well as soups and an array of condiments, from salty sauces to hot chillies. Thai food is usually quick fried, steamed or boiled, low in fat content and generally very healthy. It is eaten with a fork and a spoon, a knife is not necessary.
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.
Alcoholic Drinks
The legal drinking age in Thailand is 18 years. During a few hours in the afternoon (usually until 17.00h) alcoholic beverages are not sold over the counter. Alcohol cannot be bought – and is also not available at restaurants and hotels - on certain days, mainly Buddhist holidays and Election days.
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