Visa & Passport Requirements
To enter Thailand you will require a passport valid for at least 3 months from the time of entry. Australians do not require a visa for a stay of 90 days or less. It is your responsibility to ensure all visa and entry requirements are met prior to arrival in Thailand. If in any doubt please consult your nearest Thai embassy. An Entry/Exit card should be issued to you on the airplane prior to arrival and the exit section must be retained until your departure from Thailand. Please ensure this is kept in a safe place whilst in Thailand. International departure tax is currently 500BHT.
Money
The currency in Thailand is the Baht (BHT). Current exchange rates are: THB27 equals AUD$1. You are advised to carry a mix of cash and travellers cheques (US$, A$, CAD$ & GBP£ are accepted throughout). Credit cards can be used in most shops and restaurants in major cities with Visa and Mastercard being the most commonly accepted. Cash advances can be obtained using these cards at major banks throughout the country, including ATM's.
Climate
Thailand spans several climatic zones resulting in substantial weather condition variations between the north and the south. Average temperatures in Bangkok range from 20-35 degrees celsius with most rain in October. In Southern Thailand tropical conditions prevail with weather defined in two seasons - wet and dry. The wet season lasts from May to October and is characterised by high humidity and a refreshing afternoon downpour. Humidity in the south during the months of June and July ranges between 75% and 85%. Northern Thailand has four seasons. The months from December to May are dry and it can be quite cool at night. The months of July and August are the wettest in the north.
Electricity
The electric current in Thailand is 220 volts at 50 cycles. Electrical plugs with two rounded pins are the most widely used.
Health
Travellers to Thailand should observe similar precautions to those taken elsewhere in Asia. Western standard medical facilities are available in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket but in most other areas of the country, medical facilities are basic. We strongly recommend you consult your preferred doctor for the most up to date advice on the best health precautions at least one month prior to travel.
Food/Water
Thai cuisine is an exotic mix of the best ingredients and flavours that Asia has to offer. Fresh produce and seafood is plentiful, of good quality and affordable. Thai food is renowned for being spicy and incorporates a lot of garlic, chillies, limes and lemon grass. Vegetarians are generally well catered for. Bottled water is inexpensive and available everywhere - do not drink the local tap water.
Post & Communications
International post generally takes 7-10 days to reach its destination with prices slightly less than western postal charges and is quite reliable. International phone and fax charges are quite reasonable and cheaper if made from a post or telephone office. Reverse charge (collect) calls are possible but you may be charged a small fee. Email services are inexpensive and available in the major tourist areas.
Photography
Print film, such as Kodak, Konika or Fuji are widely available and cost approximately AUD$8 per roll. Thailand has good and fast processing facilities. A roll of 24 exposures can be developed for approximately AUD$8. Slide film and HI8/V8 video cassettes are available in Bangkok. The x-ray machines at all airports are filmsafe.
Local Time
Thailand is 7 hours ahead of GMT and 3 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard
Shopping
Thailand is well known for it's fabulous shopping. Ceramics, lacquer, silverware, wood carvings and jewellery are just some of the many good buys. Many travellers also have clothes tailored due to the low prices - standards vary. A few guidelines to follow when shopping: 1)Except in department stores, bargaining is the norm. To get the best price you will have to haggle hard. 2)Export of certain antiques and religious images (Buddha) is not permitted. Make sure you know the regulations before purchasing. 3)Fake reproductions are common. Make sure you know what you are buying - especially antiques. Thai cushions are commonly available to purchase especially in Northern Thailand. On arrival in Australia, customs will need to x-ray the cushion to ensure the stuffing is free of contaminants - this usually costs about AUD$60 (often more than the cost of the cushion!).
Language
The Thai language is tonal and written in a Mon-Khmer script, which is unable to be deciphered by students of Latin script. Because the language is tonal the same word can have up to five different meanings. This makes it fairly difficult to learn but any attempt to speak the language will be well received by the local people. English is widely spoken throughout the country, especially in tourist areas. The Lonely Planet Thai phrasebook is recommended for those wanting to learn more about the language.
Recommended Reading
Books worth considering include:
Guide Books
Lonely Planet Guide to Thailand
Rough Guide to Thailand
General
Bridge on the River Kwai by Pierre Boulle
Mai Pen Rai Means Never Mind by Carol Hollinger
A History of Modern Thailand by Joseph Wright Jr
