MONEY CHANGERS IN BANGKOK : You will be charged for changing TCs - but you will
also be offered a higher rate (about 1 baht
more). Cash gets you a lower rate than TCs -
about 1 baht. There's no difference for bigger
denominations, that only applies to US dollars
(more for $100 bills). Bureaux de change offer a
better rate than banks SO - shop around BU THE BEST PLACE IN SUKHUMVIT TO CHANGE YOUR FOREIGN CURRENCY IS ON THE CORNER OF SOI7/1. This is the rate in Bangkok as far as we know as at 2008 Jan. Rates
do fluctuates hourly & it can be a good idea to
only change money as you need to if the rate is
low & change more if the rate is good. If
staying outside BKK it is always a good idea to
change a bit more than enough before you leave
BKK as rural rates are not so good but there's
loads of ATM machines all over Thailand. Never
change money with the hotel - rates are worse
than "on the street".
[ Buses & Trains ] [ Watch out for scams ] [ Check out Feb tourist safety News ]
FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE
RULES:
1/. Use the meter in a taxi. If not on then
tell the driver to turn it on. If you use a tuk
tuk negotiate the price first. Never believe then when they say 20baht ride? Dont go to Restaurants, massage parklours etc they may show you a card or brochure for --- they get a cut and you are paying for it. The same for seafood restaurants---- the menu will be diferent for you.
2/. Carry a Bus road map. They are everywhere
for 50 baht & buses are plentiful. 8 baht on
the red buses & small mini buses and 12-15 baht
for the air con ones as at 2008 but they could even go up again as gas increases..
3/.Try using the sky-train but thats getting a bit dearer now as the fares increase. I think the Thais
were afraid of heights as not many seemed to
frequent the sky train in early 2007 but 2008 theres an increase in the usage. It's clean, safe &
quick especially if going from Silom to the end
of Sukhumvit Rd at On Nut and there are more extensions to go. Its well marked and you make a
change if going to Silom Rd from say Sukhumvit.
On the plus side its faster than a cab or bus with shops etc and newsstands.
However one regret-- there's no toilets.
4/.The old story: if you get accosted on the
street by male or female intent on helping you,
be careful-- they will most certainly lead you
to a Jewelry scam shop or some other place. They
will even make you laugh & know your country or
town or are a medical student in their last year
of study. Say no. Besides, exploring yourself is
part of the fun & who needs company during the
"day's shopping spree". Watch out especially at Nana for the Emergency touts wanting money for rescue. They are in the blue uniform and the money is for them ---its supposed to be for the 911 emergency pickup guys????? but its for them.
5/. Yes! don't be afraid to try the world's best
food. Thai food is delicious. When you see a
place full of Thais then give it a try as the
food will be safe. Ask the price first especially in seafood prices as they tend to hook you??
6/. No you don't need to drink the tap water as
bottled water is everywhere from 5-10 baht &
7/11's are everywhere 24 hours a day.
7/. Carry money as you need it. ATM's are
everywhere & why lose your money when you
needn't have carried so much in the first place. Keep a copy on your person and in your luggage & remember your passport Number.
8/. Only use safes in respected Hotels & not in
guest houses. Remember they can zap your card
then slip is back into your safety box & this
happens in Khao Sarn Rd. Trust noone with your card and watch in case they double zap it.
9/. If out late at night try not to wear too
much gold especially travelling outside Bangkok.
You never know who is taking a shine to your
jewelry kit & Thais simply love gold. It happens a lot walking along sois where bikes can snatch your knecklace off.
10/. After all that you'll want a beer but if
you are with a bar girl drink your drink before
you go to the "John". Always watch your bottle
being opened including a water bottle as it does
happen here where you may fall asleep right at
the bar & wake up minus your wallet 10 hours
later. Caused by pills being dropped into your
drink. Even a full bottle of water can contain
drugs so don't accept fppd and drinks on buses or trains or for that matter from strangers..
11/. Be yourself & leave your attitudes at home
because Thai's love to smile. They want you to
do the same as well and enjoy their culture
because really in more ways than not we have
lost ours in the West. Laugh and smile.
12/. Don't bring jumpers and jerseys to
Thailand ( until in Dec/Jan) . Clothes are cheap here and best start
a new wardrobe once you arrive. However come
January it can get cool at night especially in
the North. Use the fan trains etc during this
time as the aircons are too cold especially at night..
13/. If you take a girl back to your room from a
bar be careful and keep your valuables well
hidden. Ask the price first & keep your money in
a safe place. Never carry a lot of money around
with you & do not show off. A lot of Hotels now
take the girl's ID card & will write her name
etc down in case she disappears on you.
14/. Wanting to buy a business or rent a house
ask us-- its FREE
15/. When you arrive at Suvarnabhumi Airport go
to the ground floor and get the meter taxi. You pay 50baht extra. Tell the driver to go into tiwn on the expressway and you have to pay the tolls. Normally 45 baht in then 25 baht on top of the fare.
16/. Remember all hotel entrances, bus & train
stations, temples etc have loads of touts ready
to take your dollar.
17/. If going trekking up North don't book
accommodation or Treks in Khao San Rd. Its dear
& not what you think once you arrive. Cheap is
cheap-- want to catch a nice bus to Chiangmai go
to the Northern Bus station & book on the
Nachonchair Air Bus. Great service, drinks, 32
seaters & comfort. They have their own terminal
& most leave in afternoon & early evenings
18/. On trains and buses do not accept food from
people you do not know. Drugs are easy to knock
you out & you could find your trip short lived
because of it. Even a full bottle of water don't drink it.
19/. Hey, but don't let all this deter you. Such
things do occur but it won't happen to you cause
you just read the rules & now you know. Chok dee
Khruup & enjoy your stay in "the land of
smiles"..
Don't forget if you want
more info about what to do when you reach
Bangkok & Don Muang Airport then just write to
us but check our monthly news on what happened to OTHER TOURISTS on the safety news link below:
We haven't finished yet. There's more coming on
what to do and where to buy in Bangkok. In the
meantime have a look at the bars perhaps.
Wherever you go the most important thing is to
have a good time. Besides that's what life's all
about............
There are many
bucket shops (Travel) on Khao San Road. It is a hole in the wall but
their prices were the best on Khao San Road.
Service is great.
Nat Tour and Travel Co
Ratchadamnoen Plaza Trade Centre
1/1 Room A 16 Ratchadamnoen Road, Banglamphu
Bangkok 10200 Thailand
Tel. 629-0539, 629-4122 Fax. 629-0539
Mobile (01) 407-8740
Email: Nattourtravel@hotmail.com
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