Know Before You Go THAILAND
Introduction The anticipation of your holiday should give you enormous pleasure. In order to ensure you are fully prepared for your next trip we have put together this document which contains essential information about the country you are soon to visit. We know that visa requirements and electrical currents are not the most scintillating of topics but we also know that being forewarned is forearmed and we would hate for you to come back from your holiday, thinking “if only Steppes had told me that!” Travelling should be inspirational but above anything else it should be fun. We hope this information takes care of the more mundane matters of planning a trip so that you can then focus on building up excitement levels pre-travel, safe in the knowledge you’ve got everything covered.
DID YOU KNOW?
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Thailand remains the only country in Southeast Asia to have never been colonised.
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It is the 13th friendliest country in the world, according to the World Economic Forum
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It is home to the world’s smallest known mammal, the bumblebee bat.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS How long are the flights to Thailand? Direct flights between London and Bangkok take approximately 11 hours.
I heard that the Royal Family are held in high regard. How should I behave if they are mentioned?
Thailand is seven hours ahead of the UK (GMT +7). Due to its position close to the equator, it does not observe daylight saving time.
Avoid talking about the Thai Royal Family, unless it is in the highest terms. The King and Queen are particularly revered and are generally a risky topic for conversation. Open criticism of any royal could see you arrested under Thailand’s strict lèse majesté laws.
What is the international dialling code for Thailand?
Are there any major festivals I should be aware of?
+66
Thailand is full of wonderful festivals, many of which you may stumble upon. The gentle water festival of Songkran takes place in April, but has been somewhat corrupted in recent years. At the risk of being soaked by water-pistol-waving backpackers, Bangkok is best avoided during this time. Another key festival is Loy Krathong, which takes place in November. This wonderful celebration has retained its relaxed vibe and sees floating baskets fill the rivers, each bearing candles and assorted offerings.
What is the time zone in Thailand?
Can I use my mobile phone in Thailand? Thailand has excellent mobile phone coverage. However, the country’s more mountainous areas are likely to have sparse coverage. These include areas bordering Myanmar, which is where some of the poorest coverage can be found. As always be aware that roaming rates will apply when using your phone in Thailand; and these can be very expensive.
Is it safe to be out in the sun? How much luggage can I take? Most international airlines allow one piece of checked baggage that weighs up to 23kg, as well as one piece of hand luggage. If you are flying premium economy, business or first class, then you are likely to have a more generous allowance. Further details will be available on the airline’s website.
Thailand’s tropical sun remains strong throughout the year. Sensible precautions should be taken, including using sunscreen, wearing long-sleeved clothing and avoiding prolonged exposure. The sun is particularly fierce between 10am and 3pm, so this is the period of highest risk.
Do I need to take anti-malaria medication? How do I bargain for a great deal? First of all, don’t expect to bargain in a shop - only street stalls and markets offer negotiable prices. Thai salesmen are often shrewd business people and negotiating a good deal may take some willpower. One approach is to offer half the suggested price, then work upwards. Be friendly and treat haggling as a fun part of the experience; try not to take it too seriously.
Speak to a GP or nurse, and check the NHS Fit for Travel website (www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk). Generally, there is a low risk of malaria throughout Thailand. But you will be at higher risk if visiting the border regions.
Where can I find updates on the weather before my trip? The internet is the best place to find a comprehensive weather forecast for Thailand.
Recommended
www.bbc.co.uk/weather.
sites
include
www.onlineweather.com
and
LANGUAGE
English
Thai
Hello How are you? I am fine, thank you
Sà-wàt-dee Bpen yàang rai bâang? Sà-baai dee króp (male) Sà-baai dee kâ (female)
Goodbye Please Thank you Yes/No What is your name? My name is...
Laa gòn ná Ga-roo-nah Kòp kun Châi/Mâi Kun chêu a-rai? Pŏm chêu ... (male) Dì-chăn chêu ...(female)
I don’t understand
Mâi khâo jai
FOREIGN OFFICE ADVICE In association with the 'Know Before You Go’ campaign Steppes Travel are working with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to do all that we can to help British travellers stay safe overseas. Please visit the Foreign Office website for any updates: www.gov.uk/knowbeforeyougo
VISA REQUIREMENTS
TRAVEL INSURANCE
UK passport holders do not require a visa to enter Thailand. Visitors arriving by air are permitted to stay, without a visa, for 28 days. Whilst those arriving by land are only permitted to stay for 14 days.
For your safety and peace of mind, comprehensive travel insurance is required when travelling with Steppes Travel. We suggest the specialist travel insurance brokers Campbell Irvine. To arrange cover you can speak to our specialists or call Campbell Irvine on 020 7938 1734.
Other nationalities may also be visa exempt, but please check with the applicable embassies or representatives.
Please note that it remains your responsibility to organise visas when required (unless otherwise specified by your consultant). However, we are more than happy to give advice, help or provide supporting documentation, where necessary.
VACCINATIONS We advise you to either check online at the Fit for Travel website www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or with your local GP/ travel clinic regarding ‘boosters’ for standard immunisations such as Japanese Encephalitis and Tetanus. A Yellow Fever certificate is required if arriving from an infected area.
PrePre -existing conditions If you have specific medical requirements, please consult your doctor prior to departure to obtain adequate supplies of any necessary medication that may be required whilst on holiday. Please carry personal medication with you in your hand luggage (in line with current airline regulations), remembering to keep a copy of your prescription or the usage guidelines with you as well.
If you already have travel insurance then we require confirmation that your policy provides adequate cover for the duration of your trip, covers the full value of your invoice, is sufficient for the destination(s) you are visiting and includes medical, evacuation and repatriation cover. Please send your travel consultant the insurers name, policy number and emergency contact number.
HEALTH & SAFETY Travelling with Steppes Travel is a wonderful chance to experience a stunning array of cultures, landscapes, ecosystems and activities. At the heart of this experience are the differences between our respective ways of life. You should understand that this means that standards of health and safety will not be the same as in the UK and may often be lower. Please refer to our full health and safety information on our website, under Travellers Code.
AIRPORT & FLIGHT INFORMATION •
While travelling, please make sure that your passport is valid for at least six months.
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Have appropriate visa for your destination and transit points.
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Please note the date, time of your flight and also the time to arrive at the airport. Please be on time.
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Please advise if you have special meal requests (fasting, vegetarian, medical, halal /kosher, baby food, etc…), while booking your flight.
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Food items are not allowed to be carried in the cabin or inside hand baggage.
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Please affix your name and address label on the baggage. It is also recommended to put the label in side of your checked in baggage to help us identify the bag in case the baggage tag/label attached outside is detached & lost.
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Please do not put valuable items such as money, jewellery, cameras and other expensive electronic items in your check-in baggage.
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If hand baggage is collected at the check-in counter or at the gate due to its size being above the allowed limit, the airline will not be liable for the damage and loss of valuable items in the baggage.
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Do not carry liquids or gels of over 100ml, toy or replica guns, razor blades, household cutlery, knives, scissors, knitting needles etc. in your hand baggage.
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For your own and the flight's safety and security, please do not accept any item from anyone as you will be held responsible & accountable for the contents of any of the items found in your custody.
SHELF IMPROVEMENT
ETIQUETTE & CULTURE
A good book is an excellent way to learn about a new culture; many an adventure has been inspired by a great read. And vice versa. Here are some books that we recommend. Hopefully they can give you a feel for Thailand and help you to understand its many facets.
Cultural Sensitivities Thailand has richly different culture. Therefore, there are a myriad of inadvertent faux pas lying in wait for foreign tourists. Here are some of the key things to be aware of: The head is considered sacred; never touch a Thai person on the head. The feet are considered dirty; never point them at a statue of Buddha or rest them on items of furniture. Shoes should be removed before entering a house or temple. Touching a monk is forbidden, especially by a woman.
Author
Title
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Sandra Gregory Alex Garland
Forget You Had a Daughter The Beach Sightseeing
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The Windup Girl A History of Thailand
Dress Code
R. Lapcharoensap Paolo Bacigalupi Chris Baker and Pasuk Phongpaichit Margaret Landon
Anna and the King of Siam
ELECTRICITY Mains electricity in Thailand is 220V. Whilst there a number of different styles of electrical plug in Thailand, most sockets accept North American and European-style plugs, usually with a grounded third pin.
Since temples must be entered barefoot, wearing shoes that can be easily removed is highly recommended when sightseeing in Thai cities. Dressing modestly, particularly when visiting temples, is also advised. Whilst you will undoubtedly see many Thais in skimpy attire, it is important to remember that parts of Thailand remain staunchly conservative. Loose-fitting, cotton clothing stays comfortable in the heat, and offers protection from the powerful sun.
Photography As always, it is polite to ask permission before photographing someone. Similarly, be respectful when taking photos inside temples, even if there is no sign prohibiting photography. In particular, respect for Buddha must be maintained, so photos featuring statues of Buddha must not appear to belittle or disrespect the statue.
CLIMATE
FOOD & DRINK Thailand is renowned for its fantastic cuisine, and gastronomic delights abound all over the country. Regional differences mean that Thai cooking varies between provinces, but it is almost universally spicy. From the fiery, Muslim-influenced seafood of the south to the milder, coconut-free curries of the north, Thai food is rich in flavour, colour and imagination.
Picking favourites amongst this myriad of different foods is impossible. However, Thailand’s national dish, Pad Thai, is deserving of a mention. Available throughout the country, it consists of stir-fried rice noodles, mixed together with differing combinations of meat, fish and vegetables.
Sampling Street Food
Thailand is a tropical country, so it remains reasonably warm and humid throughout the year. Despite this, the northern part of the country has three distinct seasons. The rainy, or monsoon, season lasts from June to October, the hot season spans April to June and the cool season runs from November until February.
However, in the south of the country, the seasons are less clearly defined. With monsoons striking the two coasts at different times, the climate is far more localised. In general, the west coast is wettest between April and October, whilst the east coast gets most of its precipitation between September and December.
Thai street food is a culinary adventure, but the fearsome spice levels and perceived health risks put many people off. Here are some handy tips for those who are feeling adventurous: •
Say ‘mai pet’ when ordering. This means ‘little heat’.
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Choose a busy stall and see what locals are ordering.
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Stick to food that is cooked in front of you.
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Don’t add dried chillies to your food - these are very hot.
MONEY
Local Currency Thailand uses the baht (฿). One baht is divided into 100 satang. However, given the relatively low value of the baht, visitors rarely need to use satang coins. Coins up to 10 baht exist, whilst banknotes range from 20 to 1,000 baht in value. It is important to be respectful when handling baht, as both coins and notes feature a portrait of the king, or another royal.
To discover the present value of the baht, visit www.xe.com/ucc or check the XE app.
ATMs ATMs are widespread throughout Thailand and are the most convenient way to obtain money. They usually charge a fee of 150-180 baht per withdrawal. If you are given the option to pay in your home currency, decline and choose to pay in baht; the conversion rates offered by ATMs are very poor.
Tipping There is no custom of tipping in Thailand. However, it is always appreciated; use your discretion.
Giving Money This is a matter of personal preference or conscience. However, Steppes Travel feels that it is best to donate to a charitable entity, rather than individuals.
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM Just because we believe travel should be of benefit to both traveller and the host country, that doesn’t mean having fun is frowned upon. On the contrary, it is positively encouraged and because you’ll feel like you’re giving something back to the local people, wildlife and environment, you’ll have even more to smile about.
Our policy is that we endeavour:
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To work with privately owned companies and hotels rather than state owned or foreign companies in the countries that you visit.
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To support a number of charities which promote a wide range of education programmes together with environmental and community projects in the countries we visit. When possible, we encourage you to visit these initiatives.
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To encourage travellers to visit unspoilt areas of the world where low impact tourism can have a hugely beneficial effect.
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To take you beyond the ordinary, to local markets or community craft schemes rather than large corporation tourist shops so that your money benefits those who need it most.
Our ‘responsible policy’ is not just limited to the destinations in which we operate. Responsible practice is exercised in our office with various measures put in place aimed at reducing, re-using and recycling resources where possible.
In return we ask you:
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To be sympathetic to local customs, traditions and idiosyncrasies, which to us might seem strange.
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To be aware of local resources, particularly water and its purity, and treat them with care.
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To be generous in relation to local monetary values, but do not over tip
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To give money where it is needed and not to hordes of children. Handing out gifts creates an air of expectancy and exacerbates the problem. Far better to give items such as pens to teachers.
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To not buy goods that will have a detrimental effect on either wildlife or the environment however beautiful or plentiful they may seem. It only encourages others.
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You are encouraged to report back on your experience and on the behaviour and awareness of our agents and local guides on your return. Only in this way can we improve and ensure our demands are being met.
We are committed to developing our Policy of Responsible Practice even further in the future. Our aim is to continually incorporate new responsible practices into our business at all levels and encourage our suppliers to do the same.
USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS
British Embassy 14 Wireless Road Lumpini Pathumwan Bangkok 10330 Thailand
+66(0)23058333
Info.Bangkok@fco.gov.uk
Health and Vaccinations Malaria Hotspots Foreign & Commonwealth Office advice
www.malariahotspots.co.uk 0845 8502829
Fit for travel
www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice www.ďŹ tfortravel.nhs.uk
Passport and Visa requirements The Visa Service
0870 8900185
www.cibtvisas.co.uk
Identity and Passport Service
0870 210410
www.gov.uk/government/organisations/hm-passport-office
Heathrow Airport
0870 0002468
www.heathrowairport.com
Gatwick Airport
0870 0002468
www.gatwickairport.com
Airports
Flights Airline information
www.airlinequality.com
Currency Currency converter
www.xe.com/ucc/
WHAT TO PACK You will undoubtedly have items you consider personal favourites and utterly
Essentials
indispensable. Therefore, the following items are a mixture of not-to-be-forgotten essentials and our personal recommendations. Use them to supplement your own packing list.
Important Stuff •
Passport and photocopy*
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Itinerary & airline reference number
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Copy of insurance policy
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Credit cards/cash
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Emergency contact numbers
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International vaccination card e.g. a yellow fever certificate (where applicable)
*Please store your passport and the photocopy in different locations.
Clothing
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Torch with spare batteries
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20-litre daypack
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One-litre water bottle
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Good quality sunglasses, preferably polarised
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Camera with charger
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Wash kit
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Travel guide or pocket language guide
Medical Equipment •
Personal first aid kit
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Personal prescription medicines
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Insect repellent
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Lip salve
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Spare prescription glasses
Waterproof jacket
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Contact lens & cleaners
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Flip flops
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Sunscreen
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Comfortable walking boots or trainers
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Light-weight trousers, suitable for walking.
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Socks and underwear
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Light-weight, long-sleeved shirts
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Scarf or shawl
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Small spare towel
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USEFUL TRAVEL APPS
XE Currency
Evernote Food
Know how much you’re spending with live updates.
Document recipes you love as you travel.
Google Translate
Map My Walk
Translates between 64 languages, with audio too.
Calculate your duration, distance, pace and speed.
Weather Pro
Pin Drop
Weather reports for up to two million locations.
Pin on a map to record locations you’ve discovered.
Flight Track
Travel Smart
Follow detailed paths of thousands of flights.
Access to emergency services & health advice.
Prizmo
Trip Journal
A pocket scanner for all your important documents.
Virtual scrapbook, geotagging pictures & videos.
Tipulator
WhatsApp Messenger
Nifty tip calculator, also helps to split bills easily.
Free to send pictures, videos & sound clips over wifi
Flashlight
Viber
Simple gadget, always handy for travelling.
International calls and messaging for free.
Packing Pro
Triposo
Packing suggestions based on your destination.
Pocket Wikitravel, internet connection not required.
THE STEPPES TRAVEL GROUP 51 CASTLE STREET CIRENCESTER GLOUCESTERSHIRE GL7 1QD
T +44 (0)1285 880 980 F +44 (0)1285 885 888 ENQUIRY@STEPPESTRAVEL.COM WWW.STEPPESTRAVEL.COM