Tips for Having a Great Holiday in Thailand.

Here is a short list of factors to consider before you leave for Thailand. I have tried to cover the most common pitfalls.

Buy a money belt that you can wear underneath your outside clothing and use it.

Tourists toting handbags are targets. They are followed and preyed upon by thieves with razor blades who cut the bottom of the bags.
They are good at it and you won’t know how good they are till its too late.

Most tourist congregation points are so crowded that you can’t tell who is trying to push past you or who is trying to create a distraction so they can commit the crime.

Carry only the cash you need on the day.
Leave your credit cards locked up in the security box with the hotel staff.

Only carry your credit cards if you are sure you will need them on that day.

Make a photocopy of your passport and carry that with you at all times.

Foreigners are required by law to carry a copy of their passport at all times, and must produce it to the police on request.
Keep your passport under lock and key until you have to use it.

Do not involve the police in your arguments with Thai vendors, or taxi drivers.
Thai police have unusual procedures that may seem unjust to foreigners.

Do not hire a motorbike or car. If you do so then realize that if you are involved in an accident, you will be at fault, no matter what.
Thai law projects the Thai citizen, not the foreigner.

Always ask the taxi driver to turn on the meter when you get in. If they quote you a fare for a destination, then realize it is higher than what you need to pay by meter.

If you want to travel in a TukTuk, and the driver wants to take you to certain shops, realize that he is getting free gas for his trouble, and the prices will be high.

Do not buy any Thai gem stones such as jade without expert advice.
The merchants are well known for charging many times the actual worth of the stones.

When you order food, order the meal with mild spice.
Mild in Thailand can still be very spicy to the foreigner.

Try eating at the food courts of the department store, Big C.
They have great variety and cheap prices. The hygiene standard is higher than from the food vendors on the street.
Do not use the hotel facilities to make an overseas call.
Use the internet cafes to ring overseas.


Follow this simple advice and you will have a great time In Thailand.