Useful information

USEFUL INFORMATION

HEALTH

Vaccinations

We are not allowed to give official advice on vaccinations. We do, however, advise you to contact your doctor or the local GGD well before departure to Thailand for the latest information about vaccinations. Vaccinations are not mandatory for Thailand. In general, vaccination against typhoid DTP and hepatitis A (jaundice) are advised for Thailand. Although the areas frequented by tourists are generally malaria-free, there are always areas at risk. It therefore does not hurt to bring mosquito oil and mosquito incense.

Medicines

If you must take medicines regularly, we recommend that you take these with you in sufficient quantities. It is possible that your medicines are not available in Thailand. Also bring a copy of the prescription and possibly a doctor's advice written in English. In general, the health care system in Thailand is very professional, efficient and affordable.

TIME DIFFERENCE

Thailand is six hours ahead of Europe, or five in the summer. It is 12 hours ahead of Eastern Standard time and three hours behind Australia East coast time.

MONEY AND CREDIT CARDS

The Thai currency is the ‘Baht’. You can exchange currency at ‘Money Exchange’ services, banks and in the busy tourist areas and large hotels. When exchanging money, you will always need to show your passport. In addition, you will find plenty of ATMs where you can withdraw money with your debit or giro card. Your pass must then bear the Cirrus or Maestro logo. Credit cards are accepted in the larger shops and most hotels. Notes are issued in 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 denominations and small change is advisable at markets.

TIPS

Experience has shown that visitors to Thailand often do not know when to tip and when not to tip. In addition, one wonders whether it is perhaps too little or too much (the amounts mentioned are based on a normal guideline).

Restaurants: usually 10% 'service charge' is charged. However, a tip is always appreciated, and it is certainly the custom to leave loose change.

Bellboys (porters): a minimum amount of 20 Baht per suitcase on arrival and departure.

Chambermaids: minimum 15 Baht per person per night.

Drivers: for tours an amount of 50-100 Baht per day/per person, with only a transfer 20-50 Baht per person.

Guides: for transfers 20-50 Baht per person, for tours 50-100 Baht per day/per person.

Of course, everyone is free to give an extra token of appreciation in appropriate cases.

VOLTAGE

In general, the mains voltage is 220-230 Volts. We recommend that you take a universal adapter with you, as sockets can vary quite a bit.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Thailand has an excellent road network and an efficient bus, rail, and air network. Ferry schedules to the islands may vary depending on weather conditions.

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

You can easily call from Thailand to the Netherlands (access number: 001 31). You can use the mobile phone in almost all of Thailand and you can also call collect call (you dial 100). Internet options are available everywhere.

SAFETY

Thailand is a reasonably safe country and by observing some safety measures you can avoid dangerous situations. Ignore brigands, unofficial taxis (insist on paying according to the taxi meter) and fake guides, avoid troubled border areas, always put your valuables in a safe at your hotel, always have some change with you and don't stay overnight or eat in unsanitary establishments. In case something goes wrong, you can contact the “tourist police”. Pay attention when crossing the street; traffic in Thailand drives on the left!

CLOTHING

When traveling in Thailand, clothing made of natural light, airy fabrics, such as cotton, is most ideal and we recommend that you bring comfortable but sturdy shoes. In Thailand you can also have tailor-made clothing inexpensively.

HOLIDAYS & FESTIVALS

In addition to internationally recognized holidays, Thailand has many 'own' holidays. The Thais love to party and important events are celebrated throughout the year, where you are always welcome. Important celebrations include Songkran (Thai New Year or the Water Festival, April 13-15), Loi Kratong (Festival of Light, full moon night in November), Queen Suthida's birthday (June 03), King Maha Vajiralongkorn ‘s birthday (July 28), Mother's Day (August 12, birthday of the former Queen Sirikit) and Father's Day (5 December, the birthday of the late King Bhumibol). In addition, there are holidays related to important events that have their origin in Buddhism such as Visakha Puja (commemoration of the birth, enlightenment, and death of the Buddha).

THAI CUISINE

Thai cuisine is the national cuisine of Thailand. Thai cooking places emphasis on lightly prepared dishes with strong aromatic components and a spicy edge. Thai art of cooking is world famous but can be very spicy. If you order Thai food in a restaurant you can mention ‘mai tohng phet’ which means not spicy.

TAP WATER & ICE

Do not drink tap water in Thailand, stick to boiled or treated water. Always drink bottled water instead which you can buy at every street corner. Do not worry too much about the ice as there is an extensive network of ice factories which use purified water.

SMOKING LAWS

Thailand has recently introduced stricter smoking laws with offenders facing a fine of up to 5,000 Baht. Smokers visiting Thailand should take note that smoking is now not just banned inside buildings, but also outside if it is too close to a public entrance or exit. Electronic cigarettes are illegal in Thailand ·

WATER PRESSURE

In general, the water pressure in Thailand, even in more expensive hotels, is not constant. Take this into account when showering, because sometimes the cold or warm water jet can suddenly get much less or more power, with the result that you can unexpectedly get colder or much warmer water over you. This pressure difference is especially common when your 'nearest neighbors' switch the tap on or off.