Thailand
Especially Bangkok, is easy to navigate. Transport and accommodation infrastructure are international-class, and numerous professional services cater to every need. Most signs and information are printed in English as well as Thai, and Thai people are always ready to help visitors with directions or assistance. Here are some quick tips to help you get around.

Banking Hours
Official banking hours are from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., Monday to Friday, closed over the weekend and public holidays. Licensed banking outlets in department stores and malls stay open until 8.00 p.m. everyday. There is no restriction on the amount of foreign exchange and Thai currency that may be brought into the country, and you may freely take out of the country all foreign exchange brought in. Thai currency taken out of the country may not exceed 50,000 baht per person, or 100,000 baht to Thailand's bordering countries.

Business Hours
Government offices open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Monday to Friday. Most department stores operate from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. all week, while some pharmacies open throughout the night.

Climate
Thailand has a tropical climate with three seasons: hot and dry (March through May), hot and wet (June through October), and cool and dry (November through February). The average temperature is 28C (83F), with summer highs at 37C and winter lows of 20C.

Mobile Communications
International roaming from your home country usually works in Thailand. However, if you plan to make many local calls, you can save money with a pre-paid SIM card inserted into your phone (if compatible). True Move, AIS, DTAC are the leading service providers. SIM cards are also available at any convenience store.

Credit Cards
Major stores and restaurants readily accept American Express, Diners Club, Mastercard and Visa cards. Major banks and ATMs also recognize these credit cards.

Currency
Currency changers are available at the airport and provide the same rates as in town and better rates than hotels. Paper denominations consist of 1,000- (gray), 500- (purple), 100- (red), 50- (blue), and 20- (green) baht notes. Coins consist of ten-, five-, two-, and one-baht disks, as well as 50- and 25-satang brass disks.

Customs Related Information
The ATA Carnet allows the temporary import of exhibition and advertising materials, commercial samples, and scientific equipment without payment of duty. ATA Carnet holders should contact Customs officers at the Red Channel upon arrival. Carnets may also be obtained for temporary duty/tax free export of goods from Thailand to a foreign country. Please contact the International Chamber of Commerce for application details.

For more information : www.customs.go.th

Electricity
Electrical outlets are 220 volts, 50 cycles and usually accept flat-pronged and round-pronged plugs.

Embassy Information
There are about a hundred diplomatic missions in Bangkok, and you can access a list at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

For more information : www.mfa.go.th

Health Risks
Health standards in Thailand are relatively high for Southeast Asia, with excellent private health care and low incidence of communicable disease outbreaks.

IDD (International Direct Dialling)
IDD (International Direct Dialling) is available from most hotels for a surcharge. Costs vary with the time of day and charge for a minimum of 1 minute. Dial 100 for Operator-Assisted Overseas. For IDD dial 001 followed by country and regional codes. International payphones at the airport and most tourist areas use credit cards or international phone cards which can be bought at most convenience stores.

Internet
Most hotels now have Internet access either directly from the room or in their business centers. Charges vary from around 100 baht for the first 15 minutes with lower charges afterwards. There are also Internet cafes in most shopping areas, and an increasing number of Wi-Fi spots such as Starbucks Coffee.

Languages
Thai is the national language. English is widely understood in the cities, and Lao and certain Chinese dialects are also spoken in certain places.

Tipping
Tipping is not the usual practice in Thailand. Most hotels and nicer restaurants add a 10 percent service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not require a tip but rounding up to the next 10 in the meter is common.

Useful Telephone Numbers
Tourist information 1672
Tourist police 1155

Visas
Citizens of most nations can get a 30-day visa upon arrival. Two-week extensions can be obtained by going to the Immigration Department, located near the Silom business district (507 Suan Plu Road ; Tel: 0-2287-3101-10 # 2264-5) with a photocopy of your passport (every page), two photographs, and the extension fee of 500 baht. Agencies can facilitate this process, with pick up and delivery service to your hotel room.