Anxious first time traveller to Thailand (2 week trip): some questions.

[ibizajetsetter]

Hi all,

I'm an American female in Australia travelling to Thailand for the first time soon alone. I understand I can arrive without a visa as long as I stay less than 30 days.

I've read here and there you need to bring a certain amount of money to show you have the funds for the amount of time you say you're going to stay. As such, I exchanged some money into baht here in Australia. Not a lot, but I'm actually wondering now whether I could have brought AUD and that would have sufficed. (I hear the rate at Bangkok airport is slightly better.)

If someone can help me shed a bit of light, I'd appreciate it.

Also, I hear some mentions of customs extorting money from you if they know you have it on you, and unscrupulous taxi drivers. How common is this? Any tips would be appreciated.

[AnotherOneAmerican]

You can arrive without a VISA if you have a return ticket (or onward ticket) dated within those 30 days.

Else they won't let you board the plane in Oz.

Travellers checks are safer than cash.

Thai customs have no interest in holiday makers.

All taxi drivers (and Tuk tuk drivers) are unscrupulous in BK.

Negotiate fare before you get in. Better still, use the bus and train.

[craigt3365]

ATMs, inside bank offices, are your best bet for getting money at the best rate. I'd hate to think of how many times I've been scammed by money exchanges. At least with an ATM, you know what the charge is.

Always best to get local money once you are inside the country. Preferably at an ATM of a reputable bank.

As for customs, don't bring in over the limit booze or cigs and you should be fine. Taxis can be a pain, but just demand use of the meter. If they refuse, close the door and look for another one. You'll get one eventually.

[edwardandtubs]

All taxi drivers (and Tuk tuk drivers) are unscrupulous in BK.

Negotiate fare before you get in. Better still, use the bus and train.

Terrible advice. Insist on the metre or use a different taxi. Never negotiate a fare.

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

Immigration law states they can ask you to show 20,000 baht but it has never happened to me. It also states that you must notify immigration when you change your address or be fined two hundred baht per day until corrected. But again it has never happened to me. That would make spontaneous travel a headache. When you arrive at suwanabhumi immigration or any entry point in Thailand you must put the name and address of the hotel or address you will be staying or you will not be permitted entry into the Kingdom. Exchange a little money $100 to baht at any exchange near the baggage carousels to get you threw your first day until you can exchange at any bank. There are a lot of new immigration laws affecting tourist visas but the military junta is trying to clean up abuse. For you there is nothing to worry about. As an American you get 30 days in the Kingdom. The day you arrive counts as your first day and exit on or before the 30 th day. You can, if you desire, can extend for another 30 days for a fee. Or you can exit to poipet Cambodia and stay at least a week. Go see Angkor Wat. It is amazing. Then you can return to Thailand without any problems. I'm American, I hope you enjoy your stay. Take the dinner cruise and see Wat Arun at night and don't miss the Royal Palace.

[swoods58]

Hi all,

I'm an American female in Australia travelling to Thailand for the first time soon alone. I understand I can arrive without a visa as long as I stay less than 30 days.

I've read here and there you need to bring a certain amount of money to show you have the funds for the amount of time you say you're going to stay. As such, I exchanged some money into baht here in Australia. Not a lot, but I'm actually wondering now whether I could have brought AUD and that would have sufficed. (I hear the rate at Bangkok airport is slightly better.)

If someone can help me shed a bit of light, I'd appreciate it.

Also, I hear some mentions of customs extorting money from you if they know you have it on you, and unscrupulous taxi drivers. How common is this? Any tips would be appreciated.

Ok relax. Thailand is a wonderful safe place. There is very little chance of a problem with customs. A visa will be no problem for a first time tourist. The taxis are no problem either if you understand the protocol. At the taxi stand, tell them where you are going. Make sure the driver understands where you are going before you walk away from the English speaking person writing out the docket. Under no circumstances hand the docket to the driver. Keep it yourself. Also, before you leave the counter ask the driver if he will use the meter. Wait for the drivers confirmation. Then relax and enjoy the incredibly cheap taxi fare ( compared to Australia).

On other taxi rides, always ask the driver I'd he will use the meter. If not ask the price to where you are going. Bangkok has horrific traffic and they are reluctant to use the meter. Understandable. If the fare is said 100 or 200 baht it is often okay to accept. It is hot and may take a while. In oz a similar fare could be $20-$30. Enjoy the air conditioned comfort and people watch.

[kratiam]

All taxi drivers (and Tuk tuk drivers) are unscrupulous in BK.

Negotiate fare before you get in. Better still, use the bus and train.

Terrible advice. Insist on the metre or use a different taxi. Never negotiate a fare.

100% agree with edwardandtubs....ignore the earlier advice. Use Skytrain and Underground when you can......use taxis with meter....use tuk tuks once for the experience (but agree the fare before you start). Get hold of a book called "Culture Shock Thailand" by Robert Cooper before you come - it will help you make sense of everythimng. And have a great time! (If you are alone have a look at the US Chamber of Commerce website - amcham - they have networking evenings that are open to all....the Aussies & Brits also do them.but the Australian one is best. And again...have a great time.

[sustento]

Make sure you don't bring in more than the duty free allowance of booze or ciggies. That's one of the times (apart from drugs) when you can get into fairly expensive trouble with Customs.

[kratiam]

Sorry....one more thing. Always have your destination written down in Thai.......including your hotel. Oh, and never take a nighttime long distance bus...they don't have a good safety record. If you ahve any more queries just put them on this forum....some very helpful (and more knowledgeable than me) people here. Good luck.

[pomchop]

The first thing you should do is a bit of research on your own. The web is full of travel sites that can answer most any question you may have and you can read first hand accounts from other tourists.

Anytime anyone tells you that "ALL taxis are cheats" or ALL ANYTHING keep in mind that Thailand like everywhere else is not ALL anything...there are thousands of towns and millions of Thais and they certainly do not ALL follow some preset pattern...some are crooks, some are the nicest people you can imagine....just like most every other country on the planet.

Thailand is a wonderful country and a little research, a little common sense, and a LOT of patience will reward you with a good overall experience. Confrontation is probably the single WORST way to try and deal with Thai people. If you are told some price or something your RESEARCH or your common sense tells you doesn't sound right than just move along and you'll likely find all kinds of alternatives within minutes.

Thailand is a wonderful country for single travelers but again a bit of RESEARCH will go a long way to helping you get the most out of your vacation and minimize any hassles.

Maybe start out with a few hours here:

http://www.travelfish.org/country/thailand

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

OK.. Now a bit of advice... Get accommodations that have a safe box. Hotels have written policy that they not responsible for your money or valuables. Sometimes you can have a lot of stuff of value. Keep a copy of your photo page of your passport and stamped departure form with you and leave your passport in your safe box. You are required to show legal status while in the Kingdom. Carry your money and other valuables in a pouch bag around your waist as there have been many Snatch and Run robberies of late. They frequently target shoulder bags. They grab the strap with a hook and speed off on a motorbike dragging you until you decide the pain of being dragged outweighs the desire to keep your shoulder bag. When using the ATM use your hand to cover the hand punching in your pin code. A lot of people have had "Unauthorized Withdrawals" by ATM bandits. Thailand is not safe especially for women. Sometimes people say "safe" compared to walking down the street at night in New York. But just use commonsense. When crossing a road please use the over pass walk way and don't attempt to climb over a barrier or cross not at a intersection. There was recently a musician from America killed in Chiangmai. Motorbikes and tuk tuks many times drive the wrong way too causing pedestrians to be hit.

[chiang mai]

All taxi drivers (and Tuk tuk drivers) are unscrupulous in BK.

Negotiate fare before you get in. Better still, use the bus and train.

Never negotiate a fare.

Rubbish and nonsense

[chiang mai]

All taxi drivers (and Tuk tuk drivers) are unscrupulous in BK.

Negotiate fare before you get in. Better still, use the bus and train.

Terrible advice. Insist on the metre or use a different taxi. Never negotiate a fare.

100% agree with edwardandtubs....ignore the earlier advice. Use Skytrain and Underground when you can......use taxis with meter....use tuk tuks once for the experience (but agree the fare before you start). Get hold of a book called "Culture Shock Thailand" by Robert Cooper before you come - it will help you make sense of everythimng. And have a great time! (If you are alone have a look at the US Chamber of Commerce website - amcham - they have networking evenings that are open to all....the Aussies & Brits also do them.but the Australian one is best. And again...have a great time.

You agree 100% with the earlier poster yet you advise to "agree the fare before you start", say what!

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

You will find taxis here are unlike any creature. When they think where you going has a traffic jam they will most the time not agree to go by meter. Now it is rainy season. It doesn't rain... It pours. in this situation you will find most taxis will not pick you up or, as they roll down the passenger side window to reveal your rain soaked body, they will wave you off. Then it will depend on how bad you want to get back to your hotel room. Be prepared to negotiate.

[WhizBang]

You can arrive without a VISA if you have a return ticket (or onward ticket) dated within those 30 days.

Else they won't let you board the plane in Oz.

Travellers checks are safer than cash.

Thai customs have no interest in holiday makers.

All taxi drivers (and Tuk tuk drivers) are unscrupulous in BK.

Negotiate fare before you get in. Better still, use the bus and train.

Have to disagree with your last two points.

I have had plenty of good honest taxi drivers, although, many do drive too fast. On a taxi insist on the meter, and pay accordingly, no negotiation. I also add a tip. As for tuk tuks, yes, negotiate the fare before you get in. Too late to negotiate after you are at your destination.

Also, when you check into your hotel, get a business card from them. It should have their name and address in both Thai and english on it. Very VERY useful for taxi drives who do not understand much english.

Buses are ok, just stay away from the double decker ones. Very dangerous.

Trains.... The MRT and Skytrain are great, as is the airport rail link. The country wide SRT trains, on the other hand, are a disgrace and better avoided if possible. Just last week there was an horrendous rape/murder on a night train. Now, I would recommend you fly, if possible, rather than take a train.

As for money... Travellers Checks or ATMs are your best bet. Be advised the ATM fees can sometimes be high for foreign cards. Check with your bank. Credit cards are useful, especially at hotels, but many places, especially smaller establishments will charge an additional percentage, usually 3 or 4%, to cover the credit card company fees.

Enjoy your trip.

[WhizBang]

You will find taxis here are unlike any creature. When they think where you going has a traffic jam they will most the time not agree to go by meter. Now it is rainy season. It doesn't rain... It pours. in this situation you will find most taxis will not pick you up or, as they roll down the passenger side window to reveal your rain soaked body, they will wave you off. Then it will depend on how bad you want to get back to your hotel room. Be prepared to negotiate.

When it pours, it usually doesn't last long. Just sit back and wait it out. Available taxis will be scarce when it rains, so another good reason to wait it out.

Personally I will not negotiate with a metered taxi. If the driver does not want to use the meter, than pass. Do not give in to the crooks.

[Whyamiandwhatamidoinghere]

Be Gosh and Holly Molly... See what happens when a female ask for advice? Good thing she is just coming for a look and see. Lol. Can't imagine the advice she would get it she was relocating to The Land Of Oz. It would be a whole new ballgame. Hehe.

[dinger]

Try to avoid the money exchange at the airport not the best rates try to wait until you can get to a bank or ATM, though there are ATM's at the airport but not sure of rates.

Airport taxi's, there is a 50 baht (unless it's changed) airport charge on top of the meter fare, so the driver isn't trying to cheat you when he asks for it. Also most times the best way into town is on the toll way and you are expected to pay the tolls, around 100baht I think

Enjoy your stay

[dabhand]

All taxi drivers (and Tuk tuk drivers) are unscrupulous in BK.

Negotiate fare before you get in. Better still, use the bus and train.

Terrible advice. Insist on the metre or use a different taxi. Never negotiate a fare.

100% agree with edwardandtubs....ignore the earlier advice. Use Skytrain and Underground when you can......use taxis with meter....use tuk tuks once for the experience (but agree the fare before you start). Get hold of a book called "Culture Shock Thailand" by Robert Cooper before you come - it will help you make sense of everythimng. And have a great time! (If you are alone have a look at the US Chamber of Commerce website - amcham - they have networking evenings that are open to all....the Aussies & Brits also do them.but the Australian one is best. And again...have a great time.

You agree 100% with the earlier poster yet you advise to "agree the fare before you start", say what!

I believe the "agree the fare before you start" comment referred to the use of tuk tuks. A very sensible piece of advice indeed.

[Pib]

Travellers checks are safer than cash.

True regarding safety, but the travelers cheques cashing fee is now Bt150 + Bt3 stamp duty for a total of Bt153 "per cheque." A few months ago this 5 fold increase occurred after being at Bt33 for many years. So, if bringing travelers cheques bring BIG denomination cheques like at least $500 checks to avoid the fee hit....Bt153 fee say on a $100 cheque is almost a 5% hit compared to only about 1% hit on a $500 cheque.

[Pib]

ATMs, inside bank offices, are your best bet for getting money at the best rate. I'd hate to think of how many times I've been scammed by money exchanges. At least with an ATM, you know what the charge is.

Always best to get local money once you are inside the country. Preferably at an ATM of a reputable bank.

But before doing the ATM withdrawals determine what, if any, foreign transaction fee your "card-issuing bank" charges and if they reimburse ATM fees which will be Bt150 to Bt180 per withdrawal using most any foreign card in a Thai ATM. Now "most" debit/credit cards do have a foreign transaction fee of 1 to 3% and maybe even a $3 to $5 flat-fee also. So, if a card say had a 3% foreign transaction fee, that would be equivalent to $3 on every $100 equivalent withdrawal...then the Bt150-180 ($5-6) must be added on...now you are getting up to around 3 to 4% in fees on each withdrawal of around Bt20K ($625)...Thai ATMs limit the max withdrawal per transaction to Bt20K to Bt30K, with Bt20K becoming more common. The exchange rate you will get is the Visa/Mastercard (or whatever logo is on your card) which is very close to the best rate you would get at a Thai bank/money exchanger "excluding" the fees I just mentioned. So, if planning to use your home country debit/credit card in a foreign country like Thailand be sure you know the fees the card-issuing bank may apply to that card and whether the reimburse ATM use fees.

And never, ever accept an ATM offer to use "their" rate maybe named Bank Rate, Home Rate, or some other warm and fuzzy name as that is really a Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC) rip-off which will give you a 3 to 4% lower exchange rate than the Visa/Mastercard rate and you will probably still get hit with the foreign transaction fee charged by your card-issuing bank simply because it was a foreign transaction even though your home country bank or Visa/Mastercard were involved in the currency conversion. DCC bad, very bad for the customer; DCC good, very good for the bank/merchant.

And you'll get a better exchange rate "in-Thailand" in exchanging your foreign currency to baht (and vice versa) than in your home country because outside of Thailand the baht is not used/its not a major currency.

[kratiam]

All taxi drivers (and Tuk tuk drivers) are unscrupulous in BK.

Negotiate fare before you get in. Better still, use the bus and train.

Terrible advice. Insist on the metre or use a different taxi. Never negotiate a fare.

100% agree with edwardandtubs....ignore the earlier advice. Use Skytrain and Underground when you can......use taxis with meter....use tuk tuks once for the experience (but agree the fare before you start). Get hold of a book called "Culture Shock Thailand" by Robert Cooper before you come - it will help you make sense of everythimng. And have a great time! (If you are alone have a look at the US Chamber of Commerce website - amcham - they have networking evenings that are open to all....the Aussies & Brits also do them.but the Australian one is best. And again...have a great time.

You agree 100% with the earlier poster yet you advise to "agree the fare before you start", say what!

edwardandtubs was talking about taxis only....read properly before you get so excited! My mention of tuk tuks was that most people see it as an essential part of a visit - but, as they have no meters, you should negotiate before you get in. OK, read it again slowly and try to calm down.

[SDM0712]

I'll just chime in with some general advice.

The guys are right, book some accommodation before you arrive, can just be for a night, because you will have to fill in an address on the immigration card. At the airport you can get metered taxis at the taxi desk, limousines book in the baggage claim hall (about 1500 to downtown BKK from memory, not been to the city for a while), and a really good train service that links to the Sky Train in the city and takes about 30 minutes and runs every 30 minutes. If you have booked a hotel they can probably collect you for a fee, might be worth it if you have no idea where you are going.

In the 15 plus years I was coming here as a tourist before moving here I have never been asked to prove funds once or even been asked to see a return ticket. Don't worry about that at all.

On money don't carry large amounts, and don't flash it around. I always used ATM's because we have them everywhere. If they ever become sentient there are enough in number to take the country over.

Thailand is generally speaking as safe a country as any of its European equivalents or North America. But for some reason many foreigners seem to leave their common sense in the baggage claim. Act as if you would do at home and have a lovely time.

SDM

[ibizajetsetter]

^{Thanks to you all for your advice. I may have some questions after I've reread them all and I've let it sink in.}

^{-I didn't know I could use my Australian bank/credit card and get Thai baht out from inside a bank. Good to know!}

^{-I'd take Skytrain but I think I'm arriving after dark. As I'm a stranger to the area I'd be a little concerned about safety, as it's a way from the station, from which I'd have to take a taxi, to my hotel room anyways.}

[alfalfa19]

You can change your money at the airport and at many places all over thailand. You will no doubt get a much better exchange rate than you would get in your homeland. Also, never rent a jet ski. In the major tourist centers, there are many people who are dishonest and will try to scam you. If you get away from these tourist centers, most thai people are kind and friendly and honest.

[WhizBang]

^{Thanks to you all for your advice. I may have some questions after I've reread them all and I've let it sink in.}

^{-I didn't know I could use my Australian bank/credit card and get Thai baht out from inside a bank. Good to know!}

But bear in mind the credit card company will regard it as a cash advance and start charging you interest from the moment you take the money.

An ATM card will be cheaper to use, if you have one.

^{-I'd take Skytrain but I think I'm arriving after dark. As I'm a stranger to the area I'd be a little concerned about safety, as it's a way from the station, from which I'd have to take a taxi, to my hotel room anyways.}

The trains (I assume you mean the airport link train) stops running at midnight, as does the skytrain and MRT. They restart around 6am.

At night, depending on what time your flight arrives, a taxi would probably be easier, and safer. Plus you wouldn't have to shlep your baggage around, and you get door to door (airport to hotel) service. Once you get past rush hour, traffic isn't so bad. Traffic starts to subscide after about 7pm, unless, of course, it's raining.

Enjoy your stay.

[Thongkorn]

Sorry....one more thing. Always have your destination written down in Thai.......including your hotel. Oh, and never take a nighttime long distance bus...they don't have a good safety record. If you ahve any more queries just put them on this forum....some very helpful (and more knowledgeable than me) people here. Good luck.

I have been on quite a few over night Buses VIP. Never had any trouble. as long as you book them from a main bus station there should be no problem.

I change all my Money at Chinese money changers, you will get a better rate if you have big Money Bills, and they are clean , no writing on them plenty in Bangkok .

[Chivas]

I'd hate to think of how many times I've been scammed by money exchanges. At least with an ATM, you know what the charge is.

Scammed by money exchangers.....?? How ?? In direct contradiction of your post you might know what the "charge" is via ATM but you wont know what the Exchange Rate is.....

[craigt3365]

I'd hate to think of how many times I've been scammed by money exchanges. At least with an ATM, you know what the charge is.

Scammed by money exchangers.....?? How ?? In direct contradiction of your post you might know what the "charge" is via ATM but you wont know what the Exchange Rate is.....

Having been to 85 countries now, I've encountered a lot of scams. From fake money to rigged calculators to fast moving hands to high exchange rates. Easy to scam a traveler getting off a long overnight flight who's tired and not thinking properly. The rigged calculator was particularly clever. I caught it right after the exchange, but since I was in no man's land between Nicaragua and Costa Rica, going through immigration, there was nothing I could really do. I was distracted by my traveling companions during the exchange. Luckily, it was a small amount of money.

My bank charges 1% for foreign ATM fees and nothing for use of an ATM that's not part of their bank. So to get $1,000 out of an ATM, in a safe and secure place, costs me $10. Normally, you get very good exchange rates using ATMs. Especially if you are with a good international bank, like I am.