Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
not exceed a traveller's estimated trip budget. Rarely will you be asked to produce
such financial evidence, but be aware that such laws do exist. The
Ministry of For-
It's legal to open a foreign-currency account at any commercial bank in Thailand.
As long as the funds originate from out of the country, there aren't any restrictions
on maintenance or withdrawal.
TIPPING
Tipping is not generally expected in Thailand. The exception is loose change from a
large restaurant bill; if a meal costs 488B and you pay with a 500B note, some
Thais will leave the 12B change. It's not so much a tip as a way of saying 'I'm not
so money grubbing as to grab every last baht'.
At many hotel restaurants or other upmarket eateries, a 10% service charge will
be added to your bill. When this is the case, tipping is not expected. Bangkok has
adopted some standards of tipping, especially in restaurants frequented by foreign-
ers.
Safe Travel
Although Thailand is not a dangerous country to visit, it is smart to exercise caution,
especially when it comes to dealing with strangers (both Thai and foreigners) and
travelling alone.
ASSAULT
Assault of travellers is rare in Thailand, but it does happen. Causing a Thai to 'lose
face' (feel public embarrassment or humiliation) can sometimes elicit an inexplic-
ably strong and violent reaction. Oftentimes alcohol is the number one contributor to
bad choices and worse outcomes.
DRUGGINGS & DRUG POSSESSION
It is illegal to buy, sell or possess opium, heroin, amphetamines, hallucinogenic
mushrooms and marijuana in Thailand. Belying Thailand's anything-goes atmo-
sphere are severe punishments for possession and trafficking that are not relaxed
for foreigners. Possession of drugs can result in at least one year of prison time.
Drug smuggling - defined as attempting to cross a border with drugs in your pos-
session - carries considerably higher penalties, including execution.
