Hi all,
Somebody asked me to write some tips and guidelines for tourist coming to Thailand for a month. Anyway, I started to write some tips thought it will be short and straight to the point but came up with so many tips already!
Can you help?!
Post YOUR Thailand Travel Guide and Tips list. 1) Buy only in places where have tag price on their products.
2) If you buy in a place where no price tags on the products(not recommended) you should always negotiate but in a polite manner with smile. business is business but its have to be pleasant with smile.
3) If you get into trouble or in inconvenient situation, always smile and take a friendly approach.
4) Don't under estimate Thais, at least not in their face. Its a big deal for Thais.
5) Always carry your passport with you (or at least copy of front page+your valid Thai visa).
6) Never insult the king, no matter how drunk or in good mood you are. It is illegal and disrespectful to the country hosting you.
7) Not always people are trying to trick you.
8: Exchange money ONLY in banks or Exchange booths of the banks, there are so many of them in the tourists areas that there is no reason to exchange money on the street may it be Thai/India or anyone else offering you a better rate. If you will be caught with fake money it is a serious offend by the Thai law.
9) Never let somebody 'take care' your traveling bag. not even for a second.
10) Bangkok- use Taxi METER only! No deals on Taxis. Ask first: Taxi Meter?
The Taxi will start the meter with a minimum rate and it will run until the end of the trip.
11) TukTuk taxis are not comfortable,noisy,smelly and most importantly almost never cost cheaper than Taxi Meter.
12) Motorbike Taxi: Same #11.
13) Avoid 'Free Trips' being offered by Tuk Tuk and other Taxis, All they want is to take you to some fake gem shops or something else that you will spend money there to get commissions (or gas coupons).
14) Traveling by bus is very convenience and a cheap way to travel around the country.
15) Avoid 'TAT' agents in Bangkok trying to sell you travel packages, many of them are not real TAT (Tourism Authority Thailand) and will sell you over priced travel packages,hotels,etc. AVOID.
16) Relax. You are on holiday!
17) Avoid walking in dark streets and alleys on night time in Thailand. It might be dangerous. There were some very serious cases of robbery and even murders in the tourists areas. Stick to crowded areas where everybody hangout and don't try to be adventurist.
18) If Thai police ask you to show Passport just show it, Its not a joke.
19) Always lock your credit cards,passport or anything else valuable in safety box or carry it on you.
20) Thailand is cheap but not as you expected it to be.
21) Thailand will be the trip of your life if you learn how to enjoy the atmosphere here.
22) Never get angry when the service is slow. This is how it is done here. Accept it. You are on holiday. Take it slow and easy.
23) You don't know the language. Even if you think you understand something you are probably wrong. Thai culture is different therefore the way things are done here and making conversation can be longer than in the west. This is how it is. Accept it.
24) Always ask (and GET) receipt. In case of dispution or confusion receipt is you evidence.
25) Rent motorbike? It can't be insured. You break-You pay. Mostly over price but that's just the way it is. Read the contract first, usually they have rate for each part.
26) Always wear helmet.Its for your own safety and if police stop you it will cost you anything between 200-500 Baht.
27) Never drove a Motorbike? Don't rent motorbike! Especially not in Phuket and Koh Phangan islands.
28) Never smoke anything else other than cigarettes (and even this is not healthy for your body) Drugs are illegal in Thailand.
The drug laws in Thailand are very strict and with harsh penalties.
29) Be polite to others. You are representing your country when you are traveling abroad.
30) Respect other traditions even if its not your own belief.
31) Try to avoid street food. it can finish in hospital for food poisoning or can just ruin your holiday trip.
32) When Thai say 'spicy' he means it! SPICY!.
33) Try Thai food at clean Thai restaurants. Thai food is tasty and VERY different from what you got used to back at home.
34) Never drink water from the Tap. Its dirty and can give you stomach ache.
35) Be careful of replica products, they are cheap but many times in very bad quality. quality come with cost. It is also illegal in Thailand (even thought its being ignored).
36) In Thailand, Money talks louder.
37) Travel insurance is must! Treatment in Private hospital can cost you alot of money. Insure yourself while you are still in your own country.