Thailand

CURRENCY: The official currency is the Baht (Symbol B), divided into 100 satang – which are rarely seen these days. Coins come in B1 (silver), B2 (golden), B5 (silver) and B10 (mostly golden, encircled by a silver ring) denominations, notes in B20, B50, B100, B500 and B1000 denominations, inscribed with Western as well as Thai numerals, and generally increasing in size according to value. At the time of writing, exchange rates were around B35 to US$1.

Credit cards as well as debit cards can be used for purchases at many shops, hotels and restaurants with roughly 4-5% service charge.. The most commonly accepted cards are Visa and MasterCard, followed by Amex and Japan Card Bureau.

PASSPORT AND VISA: Visitors from one of approximately 40 nations, such as New Zealand, Australia, Canada, the USA, and most European nations may enter Thailand for up to 30 days without a Thai visa. These Thailand visa waivers are issued upon arrival in Thailand. Those entering Thailand by land may not receive a 30 day exemption however; the Thai visa waiver was reduced to 15 days for those entering by land after January 1, 2009. If your citizenship does not qualify you for a Thailand visa waiver or if you are planning to stay in Thailand for longer than 15/30 days, you must apply for a Thai visa at an embassy or consulate outside of the Kingdom. Thai tourist visas are valid for 30 or 60 days.

CLIMATE: The weather in Thailand is generally very hot, particularly between March and May. The monsoon season runs from June to October, when the climate is still hot and humid with torrential rains. The best time for travelling is November to February (cool season), although the southern islands are best from June to September.

ELECTRICITY: The electric current in Thailand is 220 Volt AC (50 cycles) throughout the country. Most of the sockets are 3 flat plugs in a triangle; some outlets accept round plugs or combined round/flat holes. Please bring an international adaptor with you.

TRANSPORTATION: Thailand has a number of airports that service both domestic and international air traffic, as well as many more that only serve domestic flights. Domestic carriers, such as Thai Airways, and international carriers, including AirAsia, fly numerous domestic and international routes into and out of various Thai airports. Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi (BKK) is the premier Thailand airport and serves as a hub for international transit passengers as well as a gateway to various Thai destinations. Phuket (HKT), Chiang Mai (CNX), Hat Yai (HDY), and Koh Samui (USM) are the other primary airports for international air travel into and out of Thailand.

Roads in Thailand range from multi-lane freeways around Bangkok to tiny lanes known as sois. Popular routes in the provinces are often four lanes. In Thailand, vehicles drive on the left. It is possible to hire a motorbike or a car with an International Driving licence.

VACCINATION: No vaccination is required, but visitors are advised to receive inoculations against hepatitis A and B, typhoid and tetanus. Inoculation for yellow fever and tablets for malaria are not necessary although doctors still usually recommend them.

FESTIVALS: Nearly all Thai festivals have a religious aspect. The most theatrical are generally Brahmin (Hindu) in origin, honouring elemental spirits and deities with ancient rites and ceremonial costumed parades. Buddhist celebrations usually revolve round the local temple, and while merit-making is a significant feature, a light-hearted atmosphere prevails, as the wat grounds are swamped with food and trinket vendors and makeshift stages are set up to show likay folk theatre, singing stars and beauty contests.

LANGUAGE: While the official Thai language is widely spoken throughout Thailand, many Thais also speak and understand English, though more so in Bangkok and the major tourist areas. The Thai language is tonal and not easy to learn quickly. However locals will be happy when a visitor attempts a few words. There are regional dialects which reflect the influence of the origins of many of the people; Malay in the south and Cantonese in the north as typical examples.

HELLO: Sawat dee ( kha / krap )

THANK YOU: Khop Khun ( kha / krap )