Thailand

General information for the traveler new to Thailand.

Visas

All visitors to Thailand must hold a passport valid for 6 months beyond the duration of their stay. Most nationalities are permitted one month visa-free visits, although citizens of certain countries will need to apply for a visa. If planning a longer stay, a tourist visa valid for 60 days must be obtained from a Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate abroad. Visitors must enter the country within 90 days of a visa being issued.

Visitors can extend their stay for a period of up to 30 days and applications should be made at the Immigration Department in Bangkok.

Customs

No more than 50,000 Baht in cash can be taken out of the country.

Visitors may take the following into Thailand duty free:

• Alcohol – 1 liter of wine or spirits
• Tobacco – 200 cigarettes

Antiques and Buddha images require export licenses that may be obtained from the Bangkok Department of Fine Arts.

Penalties for carrying or trafficking illegal drugs are extremely severe, ranging from long prison sentences to the death penalty.

Time

Thai time: GMT + 7 hours

Currency

Baht (B) – Check current exchange rates
100 satang = 1 Baht
Notes issued: B1000, B500, B100, B50, B20, B10
Coins issued: B10, B5, B1, 50 satang, 25 satang

Language

The national language of Thailand is Thai, however English is widely understood in most tourist areas.

Tipping

Tipping is not standard practice in Thailand, although it is becoming increasingly common. Many larger hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip but the gesture is appreciated and B10-B20 is acceptable for porters.

Banking Hours

Monday to Friday 9.30 am to 3.30 pm

Telephone

The international dialing code for Thailand is 66.
When making international calls from Thailand, first dial 001 + country code + area code + telephone number
If calling Laos or Malaysia there is a special code which is charged at a semi-domestic rate:
When calling Laos, first dial 007 + 856 + area code + telephone number
When calling Malaysia, first dial 09 + 60 + area code + telephone number

Electricity

220 Volt AC (50 cycles)
Flat and round 2-pin plugs are most common and it is advisable to carry a universal plug adapter.

Water

Stick to bottled water and if taking ice, check whether it has been obtained from a pure source.

Health

Make sure that you have adequate health insurance. Consider inoculations against typhoid, polio, hepatitis A, Japanese encephalitis and take advice regarding anti-malarials. It is always best to check the current situation and any vaccination requirements with a doctor when planning your trip.

International Airports

• Bangkok – Don Muang Airport
• Chiang Mai
• Chiang Rai
• Hat Yai
• Koh Samui
• Phuket

International Airport Departure Tax

B500

Domestic Airports

All international airports mentioned above plus the following:

• Khon Kaen
• Ranong
• Sukhothai
• Surat Thani
• U Taphao
• Ubon Ratchathani
• Udon Thani

Domestic Airport Departure Tax

B30 at most domestic airports
B100 at Koh Samui

Etiquette/Dress Code

Thai people have a great reverence for their monarchy, therefore visitors should never show disrespect to the Thai Royal Family. It should also be noted that the head is considered to be a special part of the body, so patting/touching someone on the head is not appreciated and it is also considered rude to use your feet to point to a person or object. Shoes should be removed when entering a private Thai home.

Try to avoid wearing revealing shorts, short skirts, vests and singlets once away from the beach. If visiting wats (temples), dress neatly as a sign of respect and wear extra modest clothes such as long trousers/skirts, closed in shoes and keep your shoulders covered – if necessary, you can always improvise with a sarong. When visiting the Grand Palace it is possible to borrow clothes (free of charge) if you are inappropriately dressed.