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General
Information
Climate
: We enjoy a tropical climate with 3 distinct
seasons - hot from March through May, wet from
June to September, and cool from October through
February. The average annual temperature is
28o C (83o F), ranging
from in Bangkok, for example, from 30 C in April
to 25 C in December.
What
To Wear : Light, loose cotton clothing
is best. Nylon should be avoided. Sweaters are
needed during the cool season evenings or if
visiting mountainous areas or national parks.
Jackets and ties are required in a few restaurants
and nightclubs. Neat clothes are required for
entering temples or palaces.
Local
Time : GMT + 7 hours.
Business
Hours : Most offices open from 9
am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday, except on public
holidays. General banking hours are Monday to
Friday 9.30 am to 3.30 pm. Many stores open
12 hours a day, seven days a week.
Currency
: There are 100 satangs in 1 baht. (B=baht)
Notes are issued in denominations of B1000 (gray),
B500 (purple), B100 (red), B50 (blue), B20 (green),
and B10 (brown). There are 10, 5 and 1 baht
coin, and 50 and 25 satang. Most foreign currencies
and traveller cheques are easily changed at
banks, hotels or moneychangers. All major credit
cards are widely accepted throughout the kingdom.
Electricity
: The electric system is 220 Volt AC
(50 cycles). There are many plugs and sockets
in use. Travelers with shavers, tape recorders
and other appliances should carry a plug-adapter
kit.
Tipping
: Tipping is not a usual practice in Thailand
although it is becoming more common. Most hotels
and restaurants add a 10% service charge to
the bill. Taxi drivers do not require a tip,
but the gesture is appreciated.
Bargaining
: Fixed prices are the norm in department
stores, but at most other places bargaining
is to be expected. Generally, you can obtain
a final figure of between 10-40% lower than
the original asking price. Much depends on your
skills and the shopkeeper's mood. But remember,
Thais appreciate good manners and a sense of
humor. With patience and a broad smile, you
will not only get a better price, you will also
enjoy shopping as an art.
The
Monarchy : Thai people have a deep,
traditional reverence for the Royal Family,
and a visitor should be careful to show respect
for the King, the Queen and the Royal Children.
Religion
: Visitors should dress neatly in all religious
shrines. They should never go topless, or in
shorts, hot pants or other unsuitable attire.
Language:
English is quite widely understood,
particularly in Bangkok where it is almost the
major commercial language
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