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November 25, 2003 - Thailand |
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Conduct - What to Bring - Language - Money - Food & Libations - Transportation - Pottys - Mozzies - Saftey Most of the tips in this section are applicable in ANY foreign country even if just as good habits. Don't get scared by the safety issues. Thailand is a country of very friendly, happy people. But like anywhere, there are bound to be a few bad seeds who might take advantage of the unwary. It's just best not to make yourself a target. We highly recommend the Lonely Planet guidebook for detailed information about all parts of Thailand. CONDUCT
Americans have a reputation around the world for being loud and demanding. This is not a Western country and things won't be like they are here in America. Schedules are not as strict, nothing is as clean, and at times you may have to supply your own toilet paper. Since you are all easy-going fun people, we know that going with the flow won't be a problem for you. After all, we'll be on island time. Some other tidbits: It is a criminal offense to make negative comments about the King or other members of the royal family. It is impolite to point at anyone or touch them on the head. And you might want to ask before taking anyone's photo. WHAT TO BRING
You will be carrying your luggage from songthaew, to ferry, to bus, etc. and sometimes is must be done quickly. Therefore, it is also a good idea if your bag is either a backpack, or something with a shoulder strap. There won't be a lot of opportunity to roll your luggage. Clothing - Sarongs are invaluable (wear it to the shower, use it as a towel, a skirt, a blanket, a beach mat, etc.).
Maybe this will be easier...here's an example of what we might bring for 2-3 weeks:
Shoes - We will only be bringing a pair of Teva-type sandals, but you may want to bring a comfortable walking shoe, and something that's easy to slip on and off for the beach. Lots of shoes-off places on the islands - even the 7-11! Bring your own towel and a flat sheet if you are going to stay in the standard hotel. Women should bring their own tampons if needed. It's also a good idea to bring a photocopy of your passport to keep in your luggage just in case the worst happens and your original should get stolen. Did we mention that you should only bring one small bag?? LANGUAGE
A little Thai goes a long way. The locals love it if you at least try to speak some Thai. It is a difficult tonal language where if you say the same word with a rise at the end, it can mean something entirely different. For instance, the words for 'banana' and 'penis' are identical except for the inflection! Also, there is no direct translation between Thai pronunciation and English spelling, so you may see the same phrase spelled many different ways in English lettering. Here are some easy ones with audio to get you by: Hello (male speaker) - sawatdee krup
Also try these links for more phrases with audio!
MONEY
We found it easiest to use ATM machines everywhere. You get a good exchange rate and don't have to worry about getting ripped off. There are no banks but there are now ATMs on Koh Chang that accept Visa, Mastercard, Cirrus, and Plus. Various hotels and guesthouses will change both Traveller's Cheques and Cash, but the rates offered are lower than the banks. The higher end resorts also accept credit card payments. Prices are a bit higher on the island. For instance a quart of water that costs 5 baht on the mainland costs 10 baht (25¢) on the island. Tipping is not part of the Thai culture unless you are in a very upscale hotel. Do not tip taxi drivers, waiters, etc. Not only do they not expect it, but you will be setting a precedent for other travellers if you do this. Bargaining is expected for almost everything. Even the hotels if staying multiple nights. When shopping or doing anything, have small bills on you. A lot of places won't have change and you will seem like a rich tourist. FOOD & LIBATIONS
Virtually every menu is written in Thai and in English. See some samples (menu 1, menu 2, menu 3, menu 4). If all else fails and you need a taste of home, there are McDonalds throughout the country and it's never too hard to find a pizza. Drink only bottled water that has not been opened. It will be available everywhere. Also use it for brushing your teeth. The local beer or booze will always be cheaper than an imported alcohol. Sometimes MUCH cheaper. The local Beer Chang is our favorite ($1 for a large double-sized bottle), but now might be replaced by the new Thai Beer that "Kicks like a Thai boxer" at 6.5% alcohol! We finally had some of the Mekhong whiskey at about $2 a pint and it really wasn't too bad. TRANSPORT
Some quick things - If taking a non-metered taxi, tuk-tuk, or motorcycle taxi always preset a fare. Make sure you stress that it is the price for everyone in your party and NOT per person. For women riding a motorcycle taxi, it is customary to ride side saddle which is surprisingly easy. Public buses and the river taxi boats barely stop for people to get on and off so you really have to run and jump on as well as be ready for your stop. If you miss it, just stand near the front and get off at the next one. If you ever need to flag down a taxi, don't wave your hand up in the air, just lift palm-down out to the side and kind of pat the air. Depending on time and finances, the night trains are awesome for getting around the country. You can get to your next destination while sleeping and not spending money on a hotel! See Around Thailand for more info. POTTYS
There are a few different styles of toilets in Thailand. It seems the higher the price of the hotel, the more 'western' the toilet. There are some western flush toilets, and there are some western toilets where you have to scoop water from a big bucket to flush it. Then there's the traditional Thai squat toilet which is a porcelain basin in the ground. I have yet to master not getting pee on my feet. Again, scoop water from the bucket to flush. MOZZIES
We will however purchase some mosquito coils once we arrive to keep everyone in good supply (just in case). We also recommend using DEET repellent of at least 30%. We use 100% and will try to bring extra. Another good way to avoid getting bit is to wear long sleeves and light colors after dusk, and having a fan in your room helps, too. SAFETY & SCAMS
Daypacks and fanny packs have been known to be slashed with a razor blade in busy areas, so keep close tabs on your bags or wear them in front of you in crowded places. It's also a good idea to keep little locks on luggage when taking transport or in a crowded area. There are various scams that come and go. We will try to update this with the latest as we get closer. One thing is not to let people carry your luggage for you since they will then insist on a tip. Sometimes you even have to be forceful to keep them from 'helping' you. Same thing might happen if someone offers to walk with you or show you where something is. Tell them up front that you don't have any money. Apparently the gem scam is ongoing in Bangkok. Locals (sometimes wearing official looking uniforms) will tell you that a wat or something is closed for a government holiday and then will try to get you to take a tuk-tuk for a special Amazing Thailand tour. The tuk-tuk will then take you to tailors and gem stores where they will try to tell you that the gems can be resold to jewelers back home in the states and that you can make thousands of dollars. They even say something about the government giving the tuk-tuk drivers gas money if you go in and look. Not true. We actually fell for the tuk-tuk tour a couple of years ago but since we knew about the gem scam, we enjoyed the couple of wats they took us to and were amused to see the scam played out while we sat back and laughed.
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