US$1 = 41 Thai Baht (B or Bt or Bht) Notes are issued in denominations of B1000 (gray), B500 (purple/pink), B100 (red/pink), B50 (blue), B20 (green), and B10 (brown). There are 10, 5 and 1 baht silver colored coins. There are 100 satang in a baht, but these gold colored 50 and 25 coins are useless for transactions.
Changing Money and ATM's
Most
foreign currencies and traveler checks are easily changed at banks, hotels or
moneychangers. Money changes are open until late in all tourist areas. Larger
denominations bills/checks receive a higher return. Airports, banks and money
changers all give a similar rate. If your pinching baht, shop around for best
rates and never change money in a large hotel. Major ATM networks are represented
in all major cities.Credit Cards
Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the kingdom. We recommend their use a the more known and established organizations. If your in a one-stop shop/hotel/car rental pay cash.
Electricity
The electric system is 220 Volt AC (50 cycles). There are many plugs and sockets in use. Travelers with shavers, tape recorders and other appliances should carry a plug-adapter kit.
Visas
Visitors to Thailand who hold valid passports or traveling documents issued by any country included in an officially issued list of eligible countries are permitted one-month visa-free visits. If planning a longer stay, a Tourist Visa valid for 60 days must be obtained from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad. Visa extensions can be applied for at the Immigration Department in Bangkok.
Tipping
Tipping is not a usual practice in Thailand although it is becoming more common. The larger the city and the more tourist, the more a tip may be expected. Tips are commonly pooled (for waiters, cooks, cashier) so rewarding an individual with a tip may not get you the results you are expecting.
Bargaining
Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but at most other places bargaining is to be expected. Generally, you can obtain a final figure of between 10-40% lower than the original asking price. Much depends on your skills, the shopkeeper's mood and vicinity to tourist areas. Thais appreciate good manners and a sense of humor. With patience, eye contact and a broad smile, you will not only get a better price, you will also enjoy shopping as an art.
Vaccinations
No vaccinations are needed for coming to Thailand. According to World Health Organization (WHO) report of SARS as of April 3, 2003, Thailand has no local transmission in-country. Thailand is considered NOT an AFFECTED AREA and is safe from SARS.
Language
Thai (though English is widely understood in most major cities)
Phones
Local calls from public pay-phones are inexpensive at 1 or 2 baht. International phones are marked with special colors on public booths. You can pick up pre-paid calling cards for local or international calls at 7-11 and other shops.
Convenience of a Mobile
You can pick up a mobile phone for $50 (disposable by western standards) and use pre-paid calling-cards if you'll be staying for more than a couple of weeks. Mobiles work on a SIMM card that is specific to the area while purchased.
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