Visa and Identification

If you're staying for less than a month, you'll have no problems, as tourist visas are good for 30 days. Extending that will have to happen at a Thai Immigration office, and will cost 500 baht. Also, once you're on Thai soil, it's wise to make a photocopy of your passport - both the photo i.d. page and (importantly) the page with the Immigration stamp + date. Keep the photocopy separate from your passport in a place you won't forget and that will be easy to retrieve should you lose your passport. Securing your passport at either a hotel security locker or in a safe deposit box (should your native bank have a branch in Thailand) may also be a smart thing to consider during your stay. But you'll want some form of i.d. while you're there to enter nightclubs and some bars - so don't be too neurotic, just be careful. (U.S. passports go for a lot of money on the black market!)

Another consideration you should make is registering with your embassy or consulate once you arrive. American citizens should check with the U.S. Embassy or Consulate. This way they can keep track of you through your proposed locations should something go wrong internationally, in Thailand, or back in the States.

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Health Risks

Next, you should consider health risks. Because most cooking is open-air, it's wise to get Hepatitis A and Tetanus vaccinations from your medical provider before you go. Other diseases which may be transmitted by animals or people while you're in Thailand include AIDS, cholera, dengue fever, Japanese encephalitis, malaria and rabies. And of course, prostitution is a big industry in Thailand, so if you intend to be sexual with any prostitutes, use your own best caution or consult with a physician. (Condoms only protect against so much!)

One thing that may come as an especially unpleasant surprise to some travelers is the Thai toiletry. While it's not an insurmountable issue, it does pose a problem to some visitors. Public toilets in general do not have seats or toilet paper. Typically, unless you're in a corporate office building, large indoor shopping mall, or a modern hotel or home, you'll encounter a toilet like the one depicted to the right. To use this type of toilet, one must "squat" over the urn. Wiping is also challenging, as it's done with water. In the picture you'll notice a reservoir of water and a plastic bowl for transferring the water. The easiest way to accommodate yourself if you're uncomfortable with these utilities is 1) to always carry a roll of toilet paper with you, or 2) use a toilet you're comfortable with in any of the aforementioned locations before you start walking around in public places.

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Time Change

Wherever you're traveling from, chances are you'll need some time to adjust to the hour of the day once you're on Thai soil. Thai time is UTC plus seven hours. Considerations to make are purchasing melatonin from your departure country to help encourage sleep - the natural way. And once you're in Thailand, just stay awake until you get to the end of their day, or get into bed should you arrive in the late PM or early AM hours.

Measurement and Power Systems

Thailand uses the metric system, so familiarize yourself with it if you're not schooled already. Also, Thai electrical standard is 220V, 50 Hz. If you need to purchase a power converter, Radio Shack is always a good place to shop.

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Budgeting and Currency Exchange

Budgeting yourself while you're in Thailand is always a good idea too. Check this currency exchange link to learn more about what the value of your monetary unit will bring you, and reference the chart below for a sense of pricing.

Keep in mind, the Thai enjoy bartering, so outside of major shopping centers and retail boutiques, prices are not fixed. Also keep in mind that things cost one price for natives and another for farangs, or foreigners. And don't forget: you'll be charged an "airport tax" of 500 baht (around $12.50 - $14.00) per person when you leave, so don't show up to the airport broke!

Use banks (and your own bank, if it has a branch in Thailand) for the best rate of exchange. Traveler's cheques get a better rate than cash, and are the most secure form of currency when traveling; any bank will exchange these. If you run out of cash to exchange, it's best to use a credit card for withdrawals from an ATM. Tipping is not customary, although it's becoming a more common expectation amongst the locals in tourist locales. Use your best judgment.

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