Tuesday 13 September 2022

Nice to know before you go to Bangkok

Etiquette: While the Thais and Bangkokians are generally known to be warm and hospitable, keep in mind the following social etiquette:Respect their religion. This goes for most religious icons, places, statues, etc. When entering a temple, dress conservatively and keep your arms (until the elbows) and legs (past the knees) covered, or you may be forbidden entry. Step out of a monk’s way if you’re on the same path, and keep your feet tucked under you when sitting in a Buddhist temple.

Respect the royal family. The Thais are quite sensitive when it comes to their monarchs, and it is never a good idea to say anything disrespectful or disparaging about the royal family. Even objects that have photos of the royal family (e.g. money) should be handled with care.

Religion: While the King of Thailand is mandated by law practice Buddhism, the people of Thailand and Bangkok have no such obligation and have religious freedom. Despite this, approximately 95% of Thais adhere to Buddhist practices, while 4.6% practice Muslim beliefs; 0.7% are Christians, and the remaining 1% is divided between Hindu, Sikh, and Jewish religions.

Female Travel: While Bangkok is known for its many scams, it is perfectly fine for female solo travelers to travel to this city. Use common sense and stay away from dangerous and abandoned-looking areas, and practice caution when going on a night out on the town.

Visa:
To visit Thailand, all travelers must have a valid passport and, depending on the nationality and passport, a visa. Citizens from 57 countries are allowed visa-free entry to Thailand within the time frame of 14-90 days. Citizens of 21 countries are given visas upon arrival, while all nationals from countries not included in the aforementioned categories must acquire a visa before traveling. For more information, click here.

Language: Bangkok’s language is Thai; though most Bangkok, Thailand tourist spots will usually have English-speaking guides.

Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Thailand. While some institutions like restaurants and hotels will add a 10% service charge, it is not required but greatly appreciated. For taxis, you can round up the bill or allow the driver to keep the minimal change. For other services like a tour guide or a masseuse, you can tip upwards of 20THB.

Bargaining: Bargaining is normal in Bangkok, especially in the markets and streets. Always let the vendor offer the first price, and only bargain if you’re serious about buying. If you’re buying several of the same items it is easier to ask for a lower price. Try to keep your negotiations from getting too heated.

Money: The average daily costs in Bangkok are as follows, depending on your budget and itinerary:Budget: Less than 1,500THB
Mid-range: 1,500THB to 4,000THB
High-end: More than 4,000THB

Currency: Thai Baht (THB); paper denominations come in 20THB (green), 50THB (blue), 100THB (red), 500THB (purple) and 1,000THB (beige). Coin denominations come in 25 satang, 50 satang, 1THB, 2THB, 5THB, and 10THB. (100 satangs = 1THB, but most establishments do not really care about satangs.)

Time Zone: GMT+7; does not observe daylight saving time
Voltage: 220V

Electric Socket: C type, F type (two round holes)

Mobile / Internet Access: Consider buying a local SIM card from any 7 Eleven or other convenience stores in the city to avoid data charges. Most SIM cards are usually pre-loaded with 99THB, with most operators offering more or less the same prices. Don’t forget to check your phone in advance to see if it is pre-locked before buying a SIM card.

WiFi is not hard to come by in Bangkok. Many establishments and even public spaces such as hotels, restaurants, bus stops, main streets, tourist areas, parks, and more offer free WiFi; an abundance of internet cafes are scattered all throughout the city.

ATM & Credit Cards: There are many ATMs, particularly around the popular malls, shopping areas, and eateries, where you can withdraw from (in THB only). Moneychangers are also highly prevalent, although it is advisable to stick to private, more well-known ones in established areas. Banks also have good exchange rates but may take a longer time to process. Popular and easy currencies to change are the US Dollar, British Pound, and Euro; your passport may be required for transactions.

All major credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard are accepted in most places that cater to tourists. American Express is usually accepted in high-end places. It is advisable however to use cash in lesser-known establishments as card fraud has been known to happen in the city.

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