TRAVE BASIC KNOWLEDGE

Money Matters

Currency
The unit of currency is know as baht (B) and is divided into 100 satang. Notes come in 20, 50, 100,500 and 1,000 denominations, coins in 1, 5 and 10. Smaller coin denominations of .25 and .50 are still found, although rarely used, except in supermarkets and department stores. Banks will not change these little copper coins, best use them up in the grocery store!

ATMs
Plentiful in larger towns and cities at banks, malls, service stations and convenience stores. Compatible with most networks, many ATMs are online24 hours. All use official exchange rates and charge nominal (B40-80) service fees. Not available inn many small towns, islands and rural areas.

Banks
Easily found in larger cities and accessible during the business hours of 8.30am-3.30pm Mon-Fri. Conveniently, some department store sub-branches are open 10am-8pm daily.

Credit Cards
Most popular restaurants, hotels and shopping centers in developed areas accept credit. Rarely accepted outside major tourist centers.
For lost/stolen cards:
American Express (AE) 0-2273-5544, www.americanexpress.com/thailand
Diners Club (DC) 0-2238-3660, www.dinerxlub.com
Master Card (MC) 001-800-11-887-0663, www.mastercard.com
Visa (V) 001-800-441-3485, www.visa-asia.com

Currency Exchange
Within major tourist hubs exchange kiosks are in abundance, also found in banks in larger cites and at Int’l Airports. Generally open from 8.30am-9pm daily. Rates are consistent; avoid hotels who may charge interest.

Western Union
Available at many banks, some department stores and branches of Thailand Post. To receive money in Thailand be sure to get the Money Transfer Control Number (MTCN) from the sender, some locations require MTCN in order to obtain funds. Locate agents online at www.westernunion.com

LOST PASSPORT
Promptly report lost or stolen passports to the Tourist Police (1155) then proceed to your embassy for replacement. Have a new visa issued in the replacement passport at Bangkok’s Immigration Department (See Essential p43; MAP p46 E3). In most cares, consulates outside of Bangkok are not authorized to issue replacement passports.

VISAS
For a maximum length of stay up to one month, visas are not required for most nationalities. These are tourist visas, which are not feasibly extended, hefty visa fees introduced last year, require visitors to pay B1,900 for a 2 week extension. Best apply for a tourist visa allowing the maximum length of stay per journey (up to 3 months) from the nearest Royal Thai Embassy.

Information

TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND (TAT)
Provides useful information through pamphlets, magazines and flyers, which can be found at their information centers and kiosks nationwide. As a matter of policy, they cannot recommend specific places or policy, they cannot recommend specific places or tour operators. The head office is in Bangkok (0-2250-5500, www.tourismthailand.org)

FOOD
Thais feast 24/7 365 days a year, everywhere! Most street-food is just as hygienic as prepared anywhere else. Avoiding it over sanitary concerns means missing out on some the best Thailand has to offer. The range, quality and value of restaurants constantly increasing and are affordable to modest budgets.

ACCOMMODATION
Finding a place to stay can make or break your experience. Some prefer to have everything planned and booked in advance, while others head straight towards the budget flophouse strip and compare notes/prices before settling in. Each method has its advantages and drawbacks. Internet and travel agent booking can save money and unsanitary conditions.

HOSPITAL & HEALTH
Thai hospitals range from exclusive, resort-like institutions to struggling and over-burdened state hospital with low funds. Private hospitals have internationally trained, English speaking doctors and service is generally good. In case of a major health crisis get in touch with your embassy and insurance company-it may be best to get back to your home country. Pharmacies are well stocked with local and int’l medications, although it’s highly recommended you always bring what you need with you.