Useful information & Advices

• Any violation of Thai religion is liable to prosecution.
  That is why you are not allowed to climb the Budha statues in order to make photos, to touch monks, to touch thai people on their heads or to piont with your leg in some direction.
  When you enter a temple it is absolutely necessary to take off your shoes.
  Expressing strong emotional feelings, especially anger is also considered as a disrespect.
• Thai people extremely respect their King and the Royal family. That is why you should never make any negative statements about them.
• Be careful when you rent a car, motorcycle or scooter. It happens very often that some of the vehicles are stollen and without insurance.
• Don't drink any tap water! Always buy mineral water.
• Don't buy any jewelry from street stalls as the saphires and diamonds can turn out to be simple glass. The quality of the jewels is guaranteed only in the licensed stores.
• It is reccomended that you dress in light and loose cotton clothes.
• Taxi - the official taxi companies in Thailand are ' TAXI' and 'TAXI-METER' and you always have to carry a business card of the hotel where you stay in order to be sure that they will drive you exactly there. In Bangkok all taxis have tax machine while in Pattaya you can negotiate about the price. The price can vary from 20 to 70 bahts. If there arises a conflict, don't hesitate to call the police.
• Currency and tips - 1 $ equals 42 bahts. You should exchange money in exchange bureaus as the rate of exchange at the hotels can be unfavourable. Banks are opened from 08.30 to 15.30 o'clock and the exchange bureaus are opened from 07.00 to 21.00 o'clock.
  You should be careful and if any questions arise better ask your local tourguide.
  You should leave a tip in those restaurants and bars where the service is not included in the price. It is normal that the tip is 10 % of your bill.
  It is also polite to leave a tip of 1.5 $ to 2 $ at your hotel as well but only if you are satisfied with the service.
  You can pay by credit card in most shops and restaurants as well as by checks in US dollars. Accepted credit cards - 'VISA', 'AMERICAN EXPRESS', 'DINERS CLUB'.

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