News & Tips

	Tips
	Clothes - Light, loose, cotton clothing is best worn. Nylon should be avoided. Sweaters are needed when travelling during the cool season or visiting mountainous areas or national parks. When visiting temples or palaces, long skirts or slacks(not shorts) should be worn. However, please remember that toplessness at all beach areas is frowned upon by the local people. Please dress presentably.
	Climate - Thailand has 3 distinct seasons; Hot - from March through May Rainy - from June through September Cool - from October through February The average annual temperature is 28 C, ranging from around 30 C in April to around 25 C in December.
	Local Time - GMT + 7 hours Business hours - Most offices are open from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm, Monday thru Friday (except on public holidays). General banking hours - Open Monday thru Friday, 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. Some banks are open in department store on the weekends. Many stores open 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Big department stores usually open from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm, All Seven-Eleven stores are open 24 hours a day.
	Currency - There are 100 satangs in 1 Baht. Notes are issued in denominations of Baht 1000, Baht 500, Baht 100, Baht 50, Baht 20, Baht 10. There are 10,5, and 1 baht coins, as well as 50 and 25 satang coins. Most foreign currencies and traveller’s cheques are easily exchanged at banks, hotels or money exchange booths. All major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the Kingdom.
	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 remember to carry a plug-adapter kit.
	Culture - Thai people are extremely polite and friendly. However, in order to respect Thai culture, a tourist should follow these basic rules: Firstly, don’t sit with your feet pointing directly at another person. This is considered to be very rude. Secondly, never touch a Thai person’s head. This is considered very offensive as the Thai consider the head to be the most sacred and respected part of the body. Lastly, as is the case with most Asian cultures, shoes and hats should be taken off when entering a private Thai household.
	Bargaining - Fixed prices are in department stores, but at most other places bargaining is to be expected. Many places will double their prices-especially jewelry stores. Here shop owners actually expect you to bargain. Generally, when bargaining, you can obtain a final price figure of between 10-40 % lower than the original asking price. Much depends on your bargaining skills!
	Strangers - Do not accept drinks from strangers. It's always a good idea to buy your own drinks. If you travel alone, should stay in a public place- avoid going to remote areas. If anyone offers you to be your guide, please ask to check their tour guide license first. Also remember the tourist police are always there to assist you.
	Taxis - All service taxis should have taximeters. Always ensure the taximeter in on. The meter should read 35 Baht from your point of departure. Most taxi rides in the Bangkok area will run you between 50 to 200 Baht - depending on the distance. When taking a taxi on the toll way or expressway, you, the passenger, are expected to pay the toll fee which usually is 40 Baht one way.