Thailand has a tourist police force. If necessary, you can always turn to them for help.
Time
Local time: GMT +7 (+4 hours to Moscow).
Currency
The national currency of Thailand is the baht. 1 baht = 100 satang.
All payments in Thailand are made in local currency. You can exchange money at any bank or exchange office in the country. Bangkok banks offer the best rate. They work from 8.30 to 15.30. Currency exchange offices are open daily from 8.30 to 20.00.
The exchange rate at the airport is not favorable, it is better to use it only if you urgently need small amounts of cash.
For settlements in Thailand, it is more profitable to purchase traveller’s checks: it will be cheaper and safer.
Phones
221-06, 221-10, 16-99 – police station for tourists;
281-15-44, 281-11-99 – ambulance.
Thailand code – 062
Health
In Thailand, there is a risk of contracting hepatitis A, hepatitis B, malaria and Japanese encephalitis. Make sure you have all the required vaccinations before visiting the country.
Transport
To move around Thailand, an extensive network of intercity buses has been created here. Passenger trains are slower, but they provide an opportunity to view the country’s surroundings. If you are planning a long distance trip, take the night train.
Road traffic is poorly regulated. Experimenting with self-driving a car does not make sense. As a last resort, it is better to rent a car with a personal driver.
Electricity
Voltage 220 V, frequency 50 Hz
Shopping
Thailand has relatively cheap shopping with a wide selection of goods. Here you can profitably buy clothes made of Thai silk and cotton products. See liuxers for Thailand customs and traditions.
As a souvenir, purses and other items made of crocodile and snake skin, as well as various wooden figurines are very attractive.
Pottery and lacquerware, as well as pendants and rings made of precious stones, are popular among tourists.
The shops
Store hours are from 8 am to 8 pm. When paying for a purchase with a credit card, you will be charged a commission in the amount of 3-5% of the value of the goods.
For lovers of night shopping in Thailand, there is a chain of convenience stores Seven-Eleven. They work without days off and holidays.
Tips
Standard tips for porters are 5-10 baht per service, a maid or guide – 10-20 baht per day. When paying for a taxi, the total amount on the meter is rounded up to 5-10 baht. Restaurant service charges are generally included in the bill. Tips for self-payers are 10% of the cost of the meal.
Fines and penalties
Thailand has an anti-tobacco law. For smoking in public places (bars, restaurants, playgrounds, parks, museums, stadiums and shopping centers, public transport stops), you face a fine of 2 to 20 thousand baht (55 – 550 USD).
Transportation of drugs across the border is prosecuted by law and threatens the death penalty for the offender.
