Guide to Bangkok

Get around in Bangkok

Ferry
The ferry on the Chao Phraya river is also convenient — if and only if — you are heading somewhere close to the river.

Motorcycle taxi
Motorcycle taxis are cheap, fast but can be scary for the uninitiated. Tuk Tuks are used by both tourists and locals alike; please bargain before jumping on.

Skytrain and subway
The BTS Skytrail and the MRT subway provide another inexpensive way to get around town. Both train systems are limited and only cover portions of the city, so definitely map out your route before setting out. Also note that these two lines of public transportation run separately and don't share a ticketing system. However, they do have a few connecting stations—which is helpful if you need to cross from one to the other.

Taxis
The easiest way into the city is through a metered taxi. Do not use the limo or taxi services offered by touts. They can tend to swarm around you once you have cleared customs. These touts will charge rates that can be as much as 200% to 300% of normal metered taxi rates.

For more detailed information on getting around, you can refer to this article.

On the ground

What is the timezone?
Indochina Time

What are the voltage/plug types?
220 Volts / 50 Hz. Plugs are Type A, B, C, F (https://www.iec.ch/worldplugs/

What is the local currency?
Thai Baht

Are ATMs readily accessible?
Yes

Are credit cards widely accepted?
Yes and no. Cards are accepted very widely but if you intend to visit street stalls or use tuk tuks/motorcycle taxis, it is useful to have cash on hand.

Is it easy to find a bank?
Yes

How much do I tip?

Restaurants - Waiters get the loose change left in the plate unless there's a special service reward of 20 baht in the hand.
Taxi - Get the fare rounded up to the next even number.
Spa/Salon - Only massage therapists get a substantial tip between 50-100 baht.
Hotel porters - Porters and others giving small services may get a standard 20 baht gratuity.

Are there local customs I should know?

The King
The king is very highly regarded in Thailand, as evidenced by the pictures displayed everywhere. Do not say or do anything disrespectful of the king or the royal family, even to the extent of stomping on a Thai coin or banknote which has been dropped and is rolling/blowing away. (It bears an image of the King's head, and is highly insulting to be touched by your feet.)

Royal Anthem
Before each performance at movie theatres, the Thai Royal Anthem - known as Phleng Sansoen Phra Barami (เพลงสรรเสริญพระบารมี) or sometimes more simply as "Kha Wora" is played. It is mandatory to stand up during the playing of this Thai royal anthem.

Hailing taxis
When hailing taxis, it is common to keep your hand horizontal, fingers facing down. Holding your hand with fingers up is considered rude.

Temples and Monks
When visiting temples, dress conservatively. Women particularly should wear long skirts or trousers and cover their shoulders and knees. Many temples state as you enter that photography is not permitted. Even if there is no sign, please be respectful and consider whether it is appropriate to be taking flash photographs in a place of worship. Even more so if monks are present worshipping.

Shoes
Always remove your shoes when entering temples (the same rule applies when entering a person's home), and do not sit with your feet towards the Buddha. Sit either cross-legged, or with your feet tucked behind you.

Hygiene
One of the most important points of etiquette often overlooked by some travellers is basic personal hygiene. Thai people take their personal hygiene and appearance very seriously. Since Thailand is a hot, humid, tropical country, showering frequently is essential.

Cool heart
Loud or abusive expressions of anger and temper tantrums should be avoided at all costs. Many things in Thailand often don't go according to plan, and visitors are advised to take a very calm attitude to various nuisances. Try to remain calm and smile despite your annoyance, and in the end you will probably get what you want.

*Tripadvisor