Memo to tourists in Thailand. Memo to a tourist going on holiday to Thailand Representative office of Russia in Thailand
customs regime
A tourist can import duty-free:
- 250 gr. tobacco or 200 cigarettes;
- 1 liter of alcoholic beverages;
- 1 camera and 5 films, 1 video camera + 3 cassettes;
The import of drugs, pornographic materials, certain types of fruits, vegetables and plants is prohibited. The export from Thailand of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, antiques and art, ivory products without special permission from the Department of Fine Arts is also prohibited.
Opening hours of shops, banks, museums
Opening hours of shops: from 8.30 - 20.30 without days off and holidays. Banks are open on weekdays from 8.30 to 15.30.
Useful phone numbers
Police - 191, fire department - 199, tourist police - 1155
Money, currency exchange
Currency exchange can be done in banks or exchange offices. The most favorable exchange rate in Bangkok. Exchange offices are open from 8.30 - 20.00. It is more profitable to exchange foreign currency for traveler's checks, and not for cash baht.
Mail and telephone
The call can be made from a hotel or from telephone booths that can be seen on the streets, in the halls of large buildings, and also in shops. To call Russia, dial 0 (international access when calling a landline number) / 1 (international access when calling a mobile number) + 7 (country code) + area code + called subscriber number.
Transport
This article will be especially useful for tourists traveling to Thailand for the first time. A brief description of the country, its climate, customs and norms of behavior is given. The rules for crossing the border and the necessary precautions in this country are described, as well as telephone numbers that may be needed.
Rules for crossing the border of the Russian Federation and Thailand
You need to arrive at the airport 2.5 hours before departure.
When passing customs inspection, you need to fill out a customs declaration if you are exporting from Russia from 3,000 to 10,000 US dollars per person (Bank certificate will be needed). In this case, the passage is through the red corridor. If you carry with you from $ 700 (the minimum amount to enter Thailand) up to $ 3,000 per person, then you do not need to fill out a declaration. You cannot carry more than 200 cigarettes and 1 liter of alcohol.
At the airport in Thailand, you need to fill out an entry card (Usually filled out already on the plane).
Citizens of Russia do not need a visa to travel to Thailand; upon arrival, the border guards put a stamp on crossing the border. They won't take money for it. The visa is issued for 30 days. If you have a tourist visa obtained from a Thai embassy or consulate, a tourist can spend up to three months in the country (if he extends it after the first two months). You need to extend your visa on time - a fine of 500 baht per day of delay.
The validity of the foreign passport must be at least 6 months from the date of the end of the trip. When traveling with a child who does not have their own foreign passport, it is obligatory to have a photo of the child in the parent's passport.
It is forbidden to export from Thailand antiques, statues and images of the Buddha, products made of bone and skin of elephants and tigers, stuffed crocodiles, raw corals, plants with earth, durian. When exporting paintings, an export license from the Department of Arts is required, which is issued upon purchase in a store.
The baggage allowance for economy class passengers is 20kg per person. If you are flying together, it is permissible to have one suitcase for 10 kg, and the other for 30 kg. Almost every hotel has scales. Weigh your suitcases in advance. Fruit can be carried in hand luggage, but the norm is 5 kg per person. You can cheat by putting some fruit on the bottom of a large bag, and winter personal items on top. They are not weighed. If you are carrying fruits in a plastic basket, make sure that its size is not very large. Otherwise, it will not pass as hand luggage. We did not miss a basket measuring 50 * 30 * 25cm. Well, this is how lucky.
Country Information
Thailand is located in Southeast Asia on the Indochina Peninsula and in the northern part of the Malay Peninsula. In the southwest it is washed by the waters of the Andaman Sea of the Indian Ocean. In the southeast - the waters of the Gulf of Thailand of the South China Sea.
On the Indochina peninsula, Thailand neighbors Myanmar in the west, Cambodia in the east, and Laos in the northeast. And on the Malay Peninsula from the south, Thailand is adjacent to Malaysia.
The climate is tropical. From November to March - air temperature from +18°С to +30°С. From April to May, the hottest period - the air temperature reaches +40°С. July to October is the rainy season. This mainly applies to the north of the country. In other areas, rains at this time occur only in the afternoon or at night. The rains are torrential and usually last no more than an hour. The best time to visit the country is from November to March, when the air warms up to +30°C and the humidity is minimal.
Most Thais practice Buddhism, although in recent years the Orthodox community has been actively growing and developing, thanks to which Orthodox churches have appeared in Bangkok, Pattaya and Phuket. Islam is widespread in the south of Thailand.
The Thais greatly honor the king and his family, even the oppositionists, who disregard the law and the norms of society, will not tolerate even the slightest disregard for the Thai monarchy. It is unacceptable to insult the king. Guilty - a prison term. The image of the king is present on Thai banknotes. Accordingly, they must also be treated with care. You can not show your anger and raise your voice. This is considered rude and bad manners. You cannot wear shorts and short skirts or be without a shirt with long sleeves when visiting religious shrines. You need to take off your shoes if you enter a private Thai house or temples where images or images of the Buddha are kept. Never climb on monuments to take pictures and do not show your disrespect for them. It is not customary to publicly show affection between a woman and a man. Pointing at a person with your foot is considered an insult. You can not touch the head of a Thai.
Time - Moscow + 3 hours
The national currency is the Thai baht. 1 baht = 100 satang. Banknotes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 baht are in circulation. All payments are made in baht. 1 USD = approximately 31 baht. It is better to exchange money in exchange offices that are located on the street. Take 50 and 100 dollar bills with you, they have a higher exchange rate. It is better to use credit cards only in large stores.
Taxis in Bangkok are both metered and by appointment. In Pattaya - by appointment only. Need to bargain. Price - 100 - 200 baht. Exotic transport of Thailand - tuk-tuk - open pickups. They follow the route. The price in Pattaya is 10 baht. By agreement, they instantly turn into a taxi with the corresponding prices.
When making a purchase, always bargain. If you do not know Thai or English, you can use a calculator or sign language. Most shops do not allow photography.
In Thailand, it is better to purchase a local sim card for your mobile phone. For calls to Russia, you need to dial 009 - 7 (country code) - city code - subscriber number, or 004 - 7 (country code) - city code - subscriber number. The cost of a call is 4 - 5 baht per minute. For calls to Thailand 8 + 10 + 66 + area code (Bangkok - 2, Pattaya - 38, Phuket - 76) + phone.
For drugs - criminal prosecution, up to the death penalty.
Precautionary measures
Keep jewelry, money and documents in a safe located in the hotel room or at the reception. On the day of departure before 12.00 you need to vacate your room. Otherwise, you will have to pay for another day.
Do not carry money and documents in handbags, motorbikers can rip off thieves. Purses and handbags on you should be in front, and not on the side. Hold them with your hand at all times. It is not recommended to wear gold jewelry.
Before flying to Thailand, be sure to make photocopies of passports, tickets, insurance, driver's license, and if possible, do not carry the originals with you.
Be sure to wear high protection sunscreen when on the beach. The sun in Thailand is very dangerous. Be sure to wear a hat. If burned, it helps well, better local production.
Use only bottled water for drinking and washing fruit. Order cocktails and natural fruit juices without ice. Ice can be made from tap water.
Important information
Tourist Police: Bangkok +662-282-11-43, Pattaya + 6638-425-937, +6638-429-371, 1155 (hotline)
1337 24/7 Help Desk (in English).
In the event of unforeseen situations related to the detention of you by the police, traffic accidents, threats against you, etc., you should inform your guide about this, and in the most serious cases, contact the Russian consulate.
Consul of Russia in Pattaya - Kriventsov Viktor Vladislavovich
Hotel complex Royal Cliff Resort 1st floor, 353 Phra Tamnuk Road Pattaya Cholburi.
Reception 9.00 - 15.00 Mon-Fri. Tel. 038-25-04-21, 038-25-03-63
Here you can also get paid legal, consulting, office, business, travel, visa services, storage of documents, translations.
WITH 02.12.2010 introduced the minimum amount of money to enter the territory of Thailand (arrival at any port in the country).
Each tourist must have and, upon request, present to customs officers 700 US dollars or 600 euros per person or 1,500 US dollars or 1,400 euros per family. If the funds are on a bank card, it must be international; an account statement is required to be presented in the event of a request from the border guard, however, the border guard has the right to demand cash.
When applying for a visa to citizens of the Republic of Belarus at the Consular Section of the Embassy of Thailand, it is also necessary to provide financial guarantees (bank statement or traveler's checks) in the amount of 700 US dollars or 600 euros per person or 1500 US dollars or 1400 euros per family.
Money
The monetary unit of Thailand is the Thai baht. One baht is subdivided into 100 satang. 1$ is approximately equal to 33 baht (the exchange rate ranges from 31 to 34 baht for 1 dollar). In circulation there are banknotes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 baht.
In Thailand, only local currency is accepted for payment. Banks offer the best exchange rates. Banks are open on weekdays from 8.30 to 15.30. There is a network of exchange offices with a sign "EXCHANGE". They are open from 8.30 to 20.00. At the airport, the exchange rate is unfavorable. Here, if necessary, it is better to exchange the minimum amount.
The shops
Shops are open from 8.00 to 20.00. In the country's markets, you can buy food and manufactured goods at the lowest prices. It is customary to bargain here. Thailand has a system of small department stores "Seven-Eleven". They work around the clock on weekdays and holidays.
Souvenirs and shopping
Thai silk and cotton, silver and bronze products, teak wood, precious stones and jewelry with precious and semi-precious stones, crocodile leather products, ceramics, handicrafts will be a pleasant souvenir and an unforgettable gift.
High-quality ready-made clothing for sports and leisure is inexpensive.
Restaurants
The restaurants of Thailand present a variety of cuisines of the peoples of the world (Thai, Chinese, Italian, Indian, etc.). There are fast food restaurants like McDonald's in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket. Most hotels offer American, English and continental breakfasts. Drinks at breakfast are free, at lunch or dinner - for an additional fee.
The type of dinner is provided at the discretion of the hotel management: buffet or a la carte (a la carte order).
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| The famous tom yam kung - spicy shrimp soup |
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Bangkok is a real paradise for gourmets. Thai cuisine will offer you a huge variety of fresh seafood dishes. Fish, crabs, lobsters and tiger prawns can be cooked in a spicy (Thai) version or adapted to the tastes of European cuisine. In addition to Thai and European food, you can easily find many restaurants serving foreign cuisines for all tastes. Fast food outlets can always be found in large shopping malls. There are also open-air restaurants with a varied menu, excellent service and reasonable prices.
Tips
It is customary to tip service personnel in hotels ($1-2), waiters and those employees who serve you well. Tips in restaurants are usually 10% of the bill.
Shopping malls and markets in Bangkok
Not far from the Pratunam area, at the intersection of Ploenchit (Plenchit) and Ratchadamri (Rachdamri) streets, there are shopping centers Gaysorn Plaza and Central World Plaza (Central World Plaza). Close to them, focusing on the Skytrain line, you will find Siam PARAGON - this is the newest store in Bangkok, which also houses Asia's largest aquarium.
Not far from it, on the opposite side of the street, at the intersection is Mah Boon Krong (Ma Boon Krong) - a trading empire with hundreds of shops and shops, part of which is the Tokyu Department Store, popular among young people in Thailand.
Take the BTS Skytrain to Phrom Phong Station and you will find yourself in the Emporium Center, which sells the most fashionable brands of women's, men's and children's clothing. Opening hours of shopping centers from 10:30 to 21:00 without a break for lunch.
If you are interested in buying computer or digital equipment, then you need to visit the computer shopping center Panthip Plaza (Pantip Plaza).
In addition to comfortable shopping centers, you can visit colorful city markets that offer goods at low prices. Adjacent to the Indra Regent Hotel is Pratunam Market, a clothing market where the locals sell textiles. The same bazaar is located near the Prince Palace Hotel - Bobey Market. The most famous bazaar in the city is undoubtedly the Chatuchak market, however, most of it is open only on weekends. You can get to it by elevated metro. All bazaars in Bangkok are usually open from early morning until sunset.
Fixed prices for goods in Bangkok only in large shopping centers. However, even there, helpful sellers often give a 5 percent discount for large purchases. Bargaining is customary in shops and bazaars. There are no clear rules on how to bargain, it all depends on the individual abilities of the buyer and seller. In most cases, the price can be reduced to at least 30% of the original price. It should always be remembered that Thais like good manners and a sense of humor, you should not lose patience or raise your voice. Then the bargaining process will be pleasant.
Transport
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| Knock Knock |
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Thailand has an extensive network of intercity buses. This is a relatively cheap mode of transport. Passenger trains move slower, but their low speed is compensated by the fact that you can see this beautiful country along the way. When traveling long distances, overnight passenger trains are recommended.
Getting around the city (Bangkok)
First of all, we advise you to get a map of the city. You can find it at the accommodation desk in almost every hotel or from the guide. Be sure to take your hotel card before leaving the city. It is better to leave passports and other valuable documents at the hotel, in a safe, it is enough to have a photocopy of your passport with you.
Taxi
In Bangkok, all officially operating taxis have a board with the inscription "TAXI-METER". Payment in such taxis is carried out according to the meter, on the scoreboard of which 35 baht is displayed immediately after landing, and then 3-5 baht is added for each 1 kilometer of run. Usually a trip within the central part of the city costs 60-150 baht. Tipping in taxis is not provided.
"Knock Knock" or tricycle taxi is very popular among tourists for short trips around Bangkok. The cost of the trip is negotiated with the driver in advance. Payment for 1 trip within the city ranges from 80 to 300 baht. The cheapest and most unusual is a river taxi, but in order to use its services, you need to know the city well.
Skytrain BTS
The Sky Train system runs through the entire central part of Bangkok, the windows of the trains offer a view of the city. Works from 6 am to 12 am. Trains move at intervals of 3-6 minutes (2 minutes per rush hour). The entrance to the subway is marked with the letters BTS. The stations are two-level: on the first level there are machines and cash desks for purchasing tickets, a kiosk for changing money and pass machines. On the second floor there are platforms for embarkation / disembarkation of passengers. The cost of one trip depends on the distance of the trip (zonal system, as in Russian suburban trains) and varies from 15 to 42 baht. It is MANDATORY to keep the ticket until the end of the trip, it serves as a pass to enter the city.
If you plan to make several trips on the same day, you can buy a DAILY PASS ticket. It entitles you to unlimited rides in one day and costs 130 baht (just over $3).
Underground metro MRTA
The metro in Bangkok was opened in 2004. Air-conditioned subway trains can take you to many outlying areas of the city. At the station, unlike the elevated BTS, tokens are bought from the cashier, not magnetic cards. They must also be kept until the end of the trip. The cost of the trip depends on the distance and ranges from 16 to 40 baht.
Trains run from 6 am to midnight with an interval of less than five minutes during peak hours (6.00 - 9.00 and 16.30 - 19.30) and less than 10 minutes at other times.
Car rental
Traffic on the roads is chaotic, drivers do not follow the rules of the road. Self-driving is not recommended, it is better to rent a car with a driver.
Etiquette
Keep calm and smile when communicating with Thais. Anger here is an expression of rudeness and bad manners. It is unacceptable to express even the slightest disdain for the Thai monarchy or the royal family. When visiting the Royal Palace, one should not be dressed in too open clothes (with bare shoulders, knees, heels). Before entering the temples where the images of the Buddha are kept, and also if you enter the private house of a Thai, you must take off your shoes. It is not customary to publicly express your feelings between a man and a woman. You should not touch the head of a Thai, even with the best of intentions.
Medical service
If an accident has happened to you, call the service department of the insurance company at the numbers indicated in the insurance policy, inform about your insured event. Then see a doctor. Keep receipts after paying for medical services for reimbursement by the insurance company.
Health
We do not recommend drinking tap water without boiling and washing fruits with this water. Use purified bottled water, which is provided free of charge in almost all hotels. It is advisable not to buy food from street and beach vendors, because. possible food poisoning.
Be careful when drinking very cold drinks (especially those with ice) on very hot days. Colds are possible. Pay attention to the quality of ice used for drinks. It is better to refuse to use it, because. it may have been made from tap water.
Try not to expose your skin to sunburn. Even if you are in the sun for a short time, always wear sunscreen and a hat.
first aid kit
Before the trip, form and take a first aid kit with you, which will help you with minor ailments, save you time looking for medicines and get rid of the problems of communicating in a foreign language, in addition, many medicines can have different names in different countries.
- painkillers and cardiovascular drugs;
- remedies for indigestion;
- choleretic;
- drugs against motion sickness in transport;
- insect bite remedies;
- dressing;
- waterproof adhesive plaster;
- barrier contraceptives;
- eye drops;
- sunscreen.
Visa
Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa to visit Thailand for up to 30 days.
Time
Time ahead of Moscow by 4 hours.
Mains voltage
220V electricity is used throughout the country. In most hotels, electrical sockets are "Euro" (flat plugs of Russian-made electrical appliances are inserted into them, but do not hold well; round plugs without notches on the sides do not fit at all). A Euro-Asia adapter may come in handy (Russian and European plugs are not inserted into an Asia-type socket).
Hotels
4-5* hotels require a deposit for the use of the minibar and hotel services during the stay. Payment of the deposit is accepted by credit card or cash (up to $100 per day).
If the voucher contains the note "newlyweds", the hotel may ask you to show a marriage certificate.
Religion
Buddhists - 95%, Muslims - 4%, Christians, Hindus.
Customs
Prohibited for import
All types of drugs (marijuana, opium, cocaine, morphine, heroin), obscene literature, photographs and objects. For drug trafficking, the death penalty is provided, the minimum punishment is life imprisonment.
Import restrictions
Firearms. The importation of firearms and ammunition can only be carried out with a permit issued by the Police Department or local registration authorities.
Personal items
Foreign guests have the right to import personal belongings and other goods that are not prohibited by the current customs regulations. It is allowed to import duty-free a reasonable amount of clothing and items for personal use, toiletries, as well as professional tools.
Photo and video equipment
Duty-free import of one photo or video camera is allowed. It is also allowed to import duty-free five films for a camera and three cassettes for an 8-mm or 16-mm video camera.
Resort selection
The most popular beach resorts in Thailand are Pattaya and the islands of Koh Samui and Phuket. Of the cities with interesting sights, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai and Krabi stand out. And the capital of Bangkok remains the center of nightlife, although tourists usually only stay here for a few days for sightseeing.
Buddha, Thailand
Brief information about the country
Thailand is located in Southeast Asia on the Indochina Peninsula, bordering the Gulf of Thailand and the Andamant Sea.
Time in Thailand is ahead of Moscow by three hours.
The capital of the country is the city of Bangkok. Other major cities are Hat Yai, Chiang Mai, Phuket and a number of cities that are not very popular with tourists.
The official language in the country is Thai, although most of the inhabitants are fluent in English.
The main religion of Thailand is Buddhism. You can find Muslims, Christians and Hindus.
From October to February in Thailand, the cool season with air temperatures up to +26 ° C. March to May is the hot season. The rest of the time it rains in Thailand.
holiday seasons
November - early May - high season. At this time, it is not too hot here, and it is no longer possible to relax in European resorts. Also during this period there is almost no rain;
May to October is the low season. Prices for tours are falling, but at this time it rains here;
· The beach season in Thailand lasts all year round;
· From December to March is the best time for excursions due to cool and dry weather.
Preparing for the trip
Thailand is a country that is comfortable for tourists, so if you bought a package tour, then you can not find out anything else before the trip. It is not necessary to know English, but it is better to get a phrase book and learn such simple words as "hotel", "food", etc.
You do not need to do special vaccinations to enter the country - no serious viruses are walking around the country. However, drinking tap water and eating unwashed fruit is still not worth it. It is better to take medicines for stomach pains with you - the body may react badly to exotic food. Also be sure to bring sunscreen.
You should not take a lot of clothes with you, especially if you are traveling in the warmest time of the year. But it is recommended to take an ordinary fountain pen with you - so you fill out all the necessary documents faster.
Road
You can get from Russia to Thailand only by plane. Most of the planes land in Bangkok, from where the tourists themselves get to the resort they need. A direct flight to Bangkok is carried out from Moscow, there are also flights from Novosibirsk and a number of other large cities. There are several flights to Phuket, which is popular with tourists.
Getting to Thailand is sometimes much more convenient and cheaper with transfers in Europe. In addition, some European airports can be reached outside of Moscow, so you do not have to spend money on a flight to the capital.
In flight
Flight time to Thailand by direct flight from Moscow takes 10 hours. When flying with a transfer, this time, of course, increases. Most often, flights depart in the evenings, so most of the road will pass in a dream. For a comfortable stay, you should take ear plugs and a blindfold with you, it’s better to get an inflatable pillow.
Since the flight is long, try to keep yourself occupied - take a book with you or, if your seat is equipped with a TV, watch movies or series. There are usually a lot of films in the film libraries of airplanes in different languages and with subtitles.
Thailand airport
Customs and visa
A visa for a trip to Thailand is not required - only a passport is needed, in which a special stamp will be placed at the entrance with the date of mandatory departure from the country. This stamp is valid for 30 days. If you want to extend your visa, you can leave the country on an excursion to Cambodia or Laos - then upon your return you will be stamped again. Every six months, tourists can stay in Thailand for no more than 90 days.
You can freely import personal items into Thailand without duty, up to a liter of strong alcoholic beverages, up to 200 cigarettes, 1 camera or camcorder, household items. It is forbidden to import rare plants, certain types of vegetables and fruits, videos and books with pornographic content, weapons and ammunition, as well as dogs of the American Staffordshire Terrier breed into Thailand.
It is strictly forbidden to bring drugs and psychotropic substances into Thailand - for this the death penalty is imposed in the country. That is why in no case should you agree to carry someone's luggage, it's better not to even stay on guard for someone's bags - it will be impossible to prove your innocence in the crime.
Stay in Thailand
Accommodation
In Thailand, at any resort there are decent hotels of different star ratings. In general, hotel rooms are usually not expensive, but you will have to pay an order of magnitude more for a room in a hotel on the coast. It is possible to rent a room or an apartment in Thailand - it is much cheaper, and it is not difficult to do this with the help of special Internet resources.
The most luxurious hotels are located in Bangkok. Among them are Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa 5* and Marriott Royal Garden Riverside 5*. Also good hotels in Phuket and Pattaya. In small towns, it is difficult to find five-star hotels, but even in less prestigious hotels, the level of service will be high.
Safety
In terms of crime, Thailand is a safe country, but there are incidents that foreign tourists most often suffer from.
Theft in Thailand is quite common. Do not leave jewelry and valuables unattended, especially on the beach. It is always better to carry the minimum amount of money with you, leaving everything else at the hotel. You should not walk with strangers along the beach late at night, especially for women. No need to wear overly expensive jewelry or display valuable equipment and items on the streets. In hotels, valuables must be stored in safes - cases of theft are becoming more frequent there. When walking, it is better to keep the bag away from the road - often people on motorbikes rip bags off their shoulders, and then it is not possible to find them.
Often tourists suffer from accidents on the roads, as Thailand is an unsafe country in terms of accidents. Here it is better not to rent a car at all, and even more so a motorbike - the traffic is too chaotic, traffic rules are unusual, and unscrupulous landlords often rent faulty vehicles to tourists. Tourists on motorbikes are often attacked by gangs of Thai teenagers at night.
Often, visitors to Thailand suffer from food poisoning. To do this, it is enough to overeat unfamiliar food, a sudden allergy to an unfamiliar fruit, or simply non-compliance with hygiene. All fruits and vegetables should be thoroughly washed, water should only be drunk from bottles, and unfamiliar foods should be tasted very carefully.
Nutrition
Restaurants in Thailand are divided into Thai and tourist. Most often, tourists find themselves in a tourist restaurant - there are no regular customers here, and the quality of food often leaves much to be desired. Not too fresh food can be served there, which is why tourists suffer more from poisoning. Typically, these restaurants serve more European cuisine, although there are also a few Thai dishes.
By the way, in Pattaya there are wonderful restaurants with Russian cuisine - they are also tourist, but the above does not apply to them. In addition, in this resort you can often meet waiters who understand Russian in other restaurants.
If you want to eat cheaper and safer, then you should look for restaurants away from the tourist spots. On city streets away from hotels, you can find good places where you can taste real Thai dishes at a very low price.
It is worth remembering that the cuisine in Thailand is exotic, so you need to eat more carefully. Very spicy dishes are often served in Thailand, although if you tell the waiter "mai phet", which means "not spicy", this can be avoided. Do not be afraid that Thai restaurants do not have a menu in Russian - having learned a few words for food, it is quite possible to place an order, since Thais are already accustomed to tourists.
Street food in Thailand
Leisure
Thailand really has a lot of entertainment for tourists. In large cities and popular beach resorts, there are always a lot of nightclubs and other nightly entertainment. Particularly famous for this is Pattaya, popular with tourists, with its famous Walking Street.
Sports lovers will love the stadiums and sports facilities, and for cultural recreation in Thailand there are concert halls, galleries and cinemas.
In Thailand, English-language newspapers are published, where you can see a list of theatrical events, films and exhibitions - such newspapers are sold in book stalls.
One of the main types of entertainment in Thailand is diving, which can be practiced here in almost any beach resort. Other extreme sports are also widespread here.
Excursions
The capital of Thailand is richest in sights. Excursions to various architectural sights are arranged here, with the Royal Palace and city temples being the most popular.
In such a popular resort as Pattaya, they organize trips to the Crocodile Farm, various tropical gardens and other interesting attractions.
Also in terms of architecture, the cities of Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai are interesting.
shopping
Thailand is an inexpensive country, so here in terms of shopping you can give free rein. Most of the shops and shopping centers are located in the capital. Of these, it is worth highlighting the largest Chatuchak market in the country, where absolutely everything is sold. For more "elite" purchases, it is worth visiting the Siam Paragon shopping center. Also worth noting is the MVK Center - the largest shopping center in Thailand.
In Pattaya, it is best to buy souvenirs and local products. Here and in Phuket you can buy good fabrics and silks, as well as batik.
You should definitely bring jewelry from Thailand, which you need to buy with some caution. You can buy some exotic fruits, but not all of them endure a long journey. Thai leather products are also always relevant.
Sales in Thailand usually happen before the New Year, and you can always bargain.
What to do in Thailand
· Visit the show of transvestites - this is not seen anywhere else in the world;
· Feed a crocodile with a fishing rod or even take a picture with a reptile;
· Try the "king of fruits" duridan;
· Enjoy a Thai massage;
· Sports fans should look at the real Thai boxing;
· Be sure to live in a bungalow by the sea.
Transvestite show
Health
Medicine in Thailand is at a decent level, special vaccinations are not required to enter the country. Hospitals and clinics are well equipped. The probability of getting sick with something serious is minimal, the maximum can be affected by food administration. Medical services are inexpensive, free medical care is provided under an international policy. Most medicines are sold without prescriptions.
There is also traditional medicine in Thailand, but it should be treated with caution.
What to do in case of emergency
If you have been robbed or you have become a victim of an offense, then you should immediately contact the tourist police - they will definitely help you, if necessary, redirecting your request to the appropriate authorities. In case of an unforeseen situation, you can consult with the hotel staff.
How to call
If you want to save on communication, you can buy a SIM card in Thailand.
To call Russia from Thailand, dial 009-7-(operator or city code) - (phone number). The operator code is the first three digits after the seven in the mobile number.
To call Thailand from Russia to your mobile phone, you need to dial 66 and a Thai phone number without zero, since they all start with it. For example, to call 0123 456 789 from a cell phone, dial 66 123 456 789. To call a landline, dial 8-10-66-(area code)-(phone number).
Official contacts
· Tourist police - 1155;
· Police – 191;
Fire department - 199;
Consular department - (66 2) 234 20 12.
Currency
The official currency of Thailand is the baht. 1 baht = 100 satang. The baht is approximately equal to the ruble.
Transport
In Thailand, especially in small towns, there are often simply no buses, trolleybuses and trams. For example, in Chiang Mai, the main public transport is a taxi. There are some rather exotic types of public transport, such as a three-wheeled steerable bicycle with a basket for passengers. It is worth remembering that it is better not to take a taxi in Phuket - the prices there are incredibly high. Railway transport in Thailand is not very common, but by bus you can get anywhere in the country.
In Thailand, it is better not to rent a car. Left-hand traffic, strange traffic rules and their non-observance by local residents - all this causes frequent accidents. If desired, only international rights are required to rent a car, and gasoline is quite cheap. Motorbikes should be rented with care, they also require a license to drive.
Tips
Taxi drivers usually do not expect tips from tourists, although they will not refuse money. In hotels, you can leave 20 baht to the concierge or bellboy. In restaurants, tips are usually included in the bill, although it is customary to leave 10% of the order value.
Thais can be offended greatly by leaving them a tip of 1-5 baht - by local standards, this is quite a penny.
Cloth
In Thailand, you can safely walk around everywhere in shorts, T-shirts and slippers. Only to visit the temples you need long and closed clothes. Thais have no prejudices about the colors of clothes.
Some restaurants may not be allowed in shorts and T-shirts, more formal clothing is needed.
Code of Conduct
Thailand is a country of very friendly and affable people, however, they can be irritated. In Thailand, it is not customary to discuss the government and condemn the monarchy, since the royal family is sacred to Thais.
Thais do not understand aggressive behavior, anger, open expression of hostility. You should be polite both with the Thais themselves and with their shrines. In temples, one must behave respectfully, figurines of the Buddhas must not be touched, shouting and making noise is also prohibited.
Otherwise, Thais are calm about any behavior of tourists.
Return
Customs
It is strictly forbidden to export raw corals, any items made of bones and skin of protected animals and elephants, images of Buddha from the country. The export of drugs is also strictly prohibited - a person caught with drugs is sentenced to death. You cannot export components of Thai medicines from Thailand - you can go to jail for this.
To take out jewelry, you need to take a certificate in the store. An export license is required to export antiques. The same applies to some native plants.