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General Information for Tourists
Visa
Visitors from most countries are issued 2 to 4-week entry permits on arrival and upon presentation of a passport and a ticket for the return or onward journey. Entry permits cannot be extended while you are in Thailand. It is advisable to check with a Thai embassy or consulate in your country before departure. If you are planning a longer stay, apply for either a 60-day tourist visa or 30-day transit visa from Thai embassies and consulates overseas. These can be extended at the Immigration Office in Bangkok for a nominal fee.
Weather
Winter from early November to February, The sun is still high enough to send temperatures above 28 degrees C. during the afternoon. Summer from mid March to late May, Daytime temperatures approach 40 degrees C. Raining, The wet season monsoon rains start in late May or early June and continue until October. Temperatures in the lowlands are around 32 degrees C. in the mid-afternoon. In August and September, typhoons sometimes occur (although rarely severe), with heavy rain, thunderstorms and high winds for three of four days.
Electric Power
Voltage: 220V AC
Plugs: Flat and Cycle 2-pin type
Currency and Credit Cards
The unit of currency is the Baht (ß) US1$ = 35 – 38 ß the exchange rate is subject to market fluctuations.
Use the Currency Converter to check the exchange rate that corresponds to your local currency
The denominations are: (notes) ß1,000 , ß500 , ß100 , ß50 , ß20 and (coins) ß10 , ß5 , ß2, ß1 , ß0.5 , ß0.25
Credit cards, including VISA, American Express, Diner’s Club, and Master Card are accepted at major hotels, department stores and larger restaurants.
Major currency bills and travelers cheques are cashed easily at hotels, tourist shops, all provincial banks, shopping centers and money changers. Travelers cheques are best changed in banks (you will need your passport).
Any amount of foreign currency may be brought into the country. Visitors may take foreign currency out of Thailand, but no more than the amount stated in the customs declaration made on arrival. Travelers leaving Thailand may take out no more than 50,000 baht per person in Thai currency.
Tax
Value-added tax (VAT) is levied on most goods and services at a standard rate of 7% and is included in the retail price. In tourist hotels, this 7% tax applies to meals and other services and is added into the bill. (Refundable for tourists only at participating shops)
VAT Refund for Tourists
Since 1 June 1999, all tourists traveling to Thailand who purchase goods from stores and shops & retail outlets labeled with "VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS" are able to receive value added tax (VAT) refunds before departing Thailand. Tourists will immediately receive cash refunds at the tax refund counter in the departure hall of the airport.
Prior to airport departure, visitors must present a completed form, plus passport information and goods purchased to customs officers. Certain luxury goods must also be shown to a revenue officer. Refunds will be in draft form or credited to your credit card. For more information, please contact VAT Refund office at the airport.
How to claim a VAT Refund for Tourist
• VAT refund only applies to goods taken out of Thailand with the traveler within 60 days from the date of purchase.
• Goods must be purchased from stores displaying the "VAT REFUND FOR TOURISTS" sign.
• Goods must be at least 5,000 baht including VAT and must be purchased from each supplier at the amount of at least 2,000 baht per day.
• On the purchasing day, present your passport and ask the sales assistant at the store to complete the VAT Refund Application for Tourists form (P.P.10) and attach the original tax invoices to the form. Each application form (P.P.10) must show a value of goods of 2,000 baht or more.
• Before departure, present your goods and VAT Refund Application for Tourists form (P.P.10) to Customs officers for inspection before check-in.
• Luxury goods, such as jewelry, gold ornaments, watch, glasses, or pen, must once more be inspected by the Revenue officers at the VAT refund office at the departure lounge after passport control.
• You can either present your claim to the Revenue officers at the VAT Refund Counter or mail it back to the Revenue Department of Thailand or drop it into the box in front of the VAT Refund office.
More Info
Tipping
A service charge of 10% is usually added to hotel and restaurant bills. If not, a 10% tip is appropriate for waiters.
Business Hours
Bank Hours:
Banks are open between 8.30 am to 3.30 pm from Monday through Friday.
Office Hours:
Government offices are open 8.00 am to 4.00 pm from Monday through Friday
Commercial offices are open 8.00/9.00 am to 5.00 pm from Monday through Friday
Shop Hours:
Shops are open 8.00/9.00 am to 9 pm or later on weekdays and remain open on weekends.
Department Stores are open 10 am to 9.00 pm all week
Dress
Light clothing is for the summer months and a sweater for the cooler months. Suits are appropriate for business occasions. Shorts and T-shirts are frowned upon in government offices. It is more respectable to wear modest dress in temples |
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