Thailand Flights and Travel Guide

Language

Thai is the official language, although English is widely spoken in tourist areas.

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Money

The unit of currency is the Baht (THB), which is divided into 100 satang. Currency can be exchanged at the airport, banks, hotels and bureau de change. Banks are open Monday to Friday. ATMs are available in most cities and tourist resorts. Travelers checks are accepted by most large hotels and shops, but a better rate will be given at banks. Most major credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger businesses.

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Communications

The international country dialing code for Thailand is +66. The outgoing code is 001, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 001 for the U.S.). City/area codes are in use, e.g. Bangkok is (0)2 and Chiang Mai is (0)53. International direct dial facilities are available throughout most of the country. Mobile phone networks cover most towns, cities and holiday resorts;operators use GSM 900, 1800 and 1900 networks. Internet cafes are available in the main towns and resorts.

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Tipping

Tipping is not expected, but is becoming more common. A 10 percent service charge is added to the bill at most hotels and restaurants. Taxi drivers are not tipped.

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Safety

The vast majority of visits to Thailand are trouble-free, but travelers should be aware that there is a continuing threat to Westerners from terrorism throughout South East Asia and should be particularly vigilant in public places, including tourist resorts. Visitors to major cities are advised to keep an eye on their passports and credit cards and ensure they don't carry around too much money or jewelry.

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Health

Travelers should take medical advice at least three weeks before traveling to Thailand. Malaria is a risk outside Bangkok and the major tourist resorts and most physicians will advise immunisation against hepatitis A and typhoid fever. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required from those traveling from infected areas. Medical facilities are good in major cities, but good medical insurance is vital: without insurance, or cash/credit card, travelers will not be treated.

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Electricity

220 volts AC, 50Hz; both flat and round two-pin plugs are used.

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