Thailand Information

Getting Around

More information here is coming soon.

Stay connected

  • Wifi: Most places will have wifi
    • BKK Airport: this link has good information about how to get wifi at BKK airport.
  • Cell phone: Using cell phone in Thailand is very easy and cheap if you have an unlocked phone. You can buy sim card at the airport or some times even get one for free upon arrival.
    • At BKK Airport: Visit service booths on the 2nd floor of the arrivals hall at BKK airport (custom and immigration on the 3rd floor). The staff at these booths speak english well and will set everything up for you.
    • At Chiang Mai Airport at the baggage claim area.
    • You can also get one and/or refill your credits at any 7-11.
    • We bought 550 THB package last time with AIS when we were there in April 2014. This was the promotion they have at the time.
    • This post has detailed and very useful information about using cell phone in Thailand.
  • Apps
    • Line: Thai people love this apps. Almost every Thais I know both in Thailand and overseas use this app. You can send free text and call for free.
    • Whatsapp: used to be popular among Thais but not anymore.
    • In addition of cell phone, emails, we have both Line and Whatsapp. We will send you an email with our Line and Whatsapp accounts information.

Travelling in Thailand – Tips and Safety

  • Be very careful crossing the street! Cars and trucks (and motorbikes) will not stop for pedestrians, even at crosswalks. Also, in Thailand they drive on the left, so as a pedestrian cars will come from the opposite direction that you will expect.
  • Prepare to pay for almost everything in cash, so have plenty on you (even though most things are pretty cheap). Rule of thumb: Divide price by thirty to estimate the approximate dollar value. The Thai Baht is virtually pegged to the dollar and has a consistent exchange rate.
  • Do not do anything disrespectful on images of the King or royal family – this is  highly illegal in Thailand. It may be a little jarring for westerners to see the frequency and prominence of these images, but do keep in mind the king is not a dictator and serves as a unifying figure for a country that has often divided along various lines.
  • You will very often see police checkpoints, particularly in Bangkok – most often they are conducting searches for drugs. Whatever you do, do not posses or experiment with any kind of drugs.
  • It’s usually a good idea to bring tissues, TP, and hand-wipes with you as you go about your day. You can pick them up at any 7-11 which is located at just about every street corner.
  • In Bangkok you may notice military checkpoints and barracks. These are part of political machinations that are going on in Thailand at the moment, but in no way affect the lives of foreigners and are absolutely nothing to be concerned about as a tourist.
  • Thai people are extremely friendly and genuinely helpful. Just a few rules for good manners around Thai  people and in Thai temples –
    • Do not use your feet to point at things and avoid touching anyone’s head. In Thai-Buddhist culture the head is very sacred and feet are considered unclean.
    • At temples women should cover their shoulders when entering a temple and should not touch monks. Observe the locals, if they take off their shoes before entering a certain building (notably temples), then you should too.
    • When meeting someone new or giving a greeting, is is customary to smile and wai them. This is a gesture that is similar to “praying” (i.e., your hands in front of your chest with the palms together).  It is not common to shake hands or give hugs.