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| Thailand Travel Guide - Tips information |
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Cultural : The traditional Thai greeting gesture is called a wai (hands placed together in a prayer position at the chest, chin or forehead). There are various levels of wais, the best is to just imitate the wai that is being given to you, or place your hands at your chest. Most Thais are not accustomed to shaking hands, but more are adopting this western approach when meeting foreigners.
Generally speaking, Thais are a modest and polite culture. Though you may see some foreign women sun-bathing without their tops on, it is offensive to the Thais and looked down upon.
When visiting a Buddhist temple, dress modestly. Shoulders and thighs should be covered. It is a good idea to carry a sarong with you in case your day of sightseeing finds you at a temple.
Currency : Thailand's currency is Baht. Bills come in denominations of 1000, 500, 100, 50 and 20. Coins are 10, 5, 1 and tiny satangs. Satangs are quarter fractions of 1 and are not widely used.
Most international currencies and Travellers Cheques can be exchanged at banks or local moneychangers. Major credit cards are accepted in major establishments as well as at moneychangers. You can get a cash advance on your credit card at most banks and transfer funds into the country, the latter usually taking a few working days. Western Union outlets are relatively common and easy to access.
There are many ATM's throughout the country, usually with optional displays in English. International ATM cards with the Cirrus symbol link may be used at most ATM's, although there may be a hefty transaction fee.
Health & Safety : Thailand is a relatively safe and healthy country. However, a few precautions may make your trip more enjoyable.
Probably the most common health risk is sunburn. Thailand is close to the equator, which means the rays of the sun are strong and can burn skin quickly and easily. Everyone wants to return home with a holiday tan, however, use caution, sunscreen and begin your tanning process slowly to build up a base. Be sure to drink plenty of water too.
Never drink tap water. Most restaurants serve safe bottled water, except for some very rural stalls which may boil their drinking water first. Ice is safe to use.
It is advisable when travelling to any foreign destination that you check with your local hospital as to what inoculations or medications you may need for your trip. Thailand does not require any pre-arrival vaccinations, unless you are coming from Africa, then a yellow fever vaccination is usually required.
Malaria and Dengue fever exist in Thailand, but are not common in most tourist areas. Particular precautions should be taken in remote areas or areas near the northern borders. Aside from any disease they may carry, mosquitoes can be bothersome so wear repellent and/or long sleeves and trousers when going outside at night.
Pharmacies in Thailand are pretty well-stocked. However, if you require any specific medication, it's a good idea to bring an adequate supply with you. Alternatively, you may find your same medication in Thailand at a fraction of the price, so you could stock up before returning home!
Visas : Entry into Thailand requires a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry. If your passport will expire while in Thailand, be sure to obtain a new one before arriving or you may be refused entry.
There are basically two ways of entering Thailand. One is getting a 30-day entry permit upon arrival, the other is applying for a 60-day tourist visa at the local Thai embassy in your home country before arriving.
Holders of most European passports, as well as Australia, New Zealand, the U.S. and the U.K. do not require a visa if staying 30 days or less. You will be given a 30-day entry permit upon arrival. Citizens of Korea, Brazil and Peru may enter Thailand without a visa for periods of up to 90 days for purposes of tourism or temporary business.
Tourist visas can easily be obtained outside Thailand at any Thai embassy or consulate. They are good for 60 days and can be extended one time for another 30 days from within Thailand.
Malaysian nationals do not need a passport but can get a border pass when entering Thailand. The border pass, valid for 6 months, allows Malaysians to travel up to 50km into Southern Thailand for a maximum period of 15 days.
It is always wise to check with the Thai embassy in your home country for current visa regulations or visit Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs web-site at www.mfa.go.th for more information.
Do's and Don't in Thailand : The Monarchy : Thai people have a deep, traditional reverence for the Royal Family, and a visitor should be careful to show respect for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children.
Religion : Visitors should dress neatly in all religious shrines. They should never go topless, or in shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attireIt is acceptable to wear shoes when walking around the compound of a Buddhist temple, but not inside the chapel where the principal Buddha image is kept.
Each Buddha image, large or small, ruined or not, is regarded as a sacred object. Never climb onto one to take a photograph or do anything which might indicate a lack of respect. Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch or be touched by a woman, or to accept anything from the hand of one. If a woman has to give anything to a monk, she first hands it to a man, who then presents it.
Social Norms : Thais don't normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture called a wai. Generally a younger person wais an elder, who returns it.
Thais regard the head as the highest part of the body, literally and figuratively. Therefore, avoid touching people on the head and try not to point your feet at people or an object. It is considered very rude. Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home.
Public displays of affection between men and women are frowned upon.
Special Advice :
- Beware of unauthorised people who offer their services as guides. For all tourist information, contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tel : 1672. For information about Bangkok, contact the Bangkok Metropolitan Tourist Bureau, Tel : 0 2225 7612-4.
- Observe all normal precautions as regards to personal safety, as well as the safety fof your belongings. Walking alone on quiet streets or deserted areas is not recommended. Be sure that all your valuables-money, jewellery, and airline tickets are properly protected from loss. Visitors needing assistance relating to safety, unethical practices, or other matters, please call the Tourist Police at Tel: 1155.
- Drop your garbage into a waste container. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration id no strictly enforcing the law in an effort to keep the city clean and healthy. The fine will be imposed on a person who spits, discards cigarette stubs, or drops rubbish in public areas.
- Do not get yourself involved with drugs. Penalties for drug offences are very severe in Thailand.
- Do not support any manner of wild animal abuse. Never purchase any products or souvenirs made from wild animals including reptiles like snakes, monitor lizards, and also turtle shell and ivory. Avoid patronizing local restaurants that serve wild animal delicacies. It is against the law to slaughter wildlife for food in Thailand.
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