Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ATMs
You won't need a map to find an ATM in Bangkok - they're everywhere. Bank ATMs accept major international credit
cards and many will also cough up cash (Thai baht only) if your card is affiliated with the Cirrus or Plus networks (typ-
ically for a fee of 150B). You can withdraw up to 20,000B per day from most ATMs.
Changing Money
Banks or legal money-changers offer the optimum foreign-exchange rates. When buying baht, US dollars and euros are
the most readily accepted currencies, and travellers cheques receive better rates than cash. British pounds, Australian
dollars, Singapore dollars and Hong Kong dollars are also widely accepted. As banks often charge commission and duty
for each travellers cheque cashed, you'll save on commissions if you use larger cheque denominations.
Credit Cards
Credit cards as well as debit cards can be used for purchases at many shops and pretty much any hotel or restaurant,
though you'll probably have to pay cash for your
pàt tai.
The most commonly accepted cards are Visa and MasterCard,
followed by Amex and JCB. To report a lost or stolen card, call the following numbers:
Amex
(
0 2273 5544)
MasterCard
(
001 800 11887 0663)
Visa
(
001 800 11 535 0660)
Tipping
Tipping is not a traditional part of Thai life and, except in big hotels and posh restaurants, tips are appreciated but not
expected.
Opening Hours
Opening hours for businesses in this topic are listed if they differ from the following.
Banks
9.30am to 3.30pm Monday to Friday; banks in shopping centres and tourist areas are often open longer hours
(generally until 8pm), including weekends.
Bars & Nightclubs
Bars 6pm to midnight (officially); bars close during elections and certain religious public holidays.
Nightclubs 8pm to 2am. Closing times vary due to local enforcement of curfew laws.
Government Offices
8.30am to 4.30pm Monday to Friday. Often closed between noon and 1pm.
Restaurants
Local Thai places all day from 10am to 8pm or 9pm; formal restaurants around 11am to 2pm and 6pm to
10pm.
Shops
Local stores 10am to 6pm daily; department stores 10am to 10pm daily.
Post
Thailand has an efficient postal service, and both domestic and international rates are very reasonable.
