Currency and Currency exchange: The Thai unit of currency
is the baht 1 baht is divided into 100 satang. Note are
in denominations of 1,000 (brown), 500 (purple), 100 (red),
50 (blue), 20 (green) and 10 (brown) baht. Coins consist
of 25 satang, 50 satang, 1 baht, 5 baht and 10 baht. Major
currency bills and travellers cheques are cashed easily
at hotels, tourist shops, all provincial banks, shopping
centres and money changers. Travellers cheques are best
changed in banks (you will need your passport). Rates
of exchange at banks or authorized money changers are
better than those at hotels and department stores.
Any amount of foreign currency may be brought into the
country. Visitors may take
foreign currency out of Thailand, but no more than the
amount stated in the customs declaration made on arrival.
Travellers leaving Thailand may take out no more than
50,000 baht per person in Thai currency. |
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Credit Cards: Credit cards are widely accepted. For
lost cards :
American Express Tel : (662) 273 5100 or (662)
273 0022
Diners Club Tel : (662) 238 2920 or (662) 238
2680
Master Card Tel : (662) 256 7326-7
Visa Tel : (662) 256 7326-7
Tipping : Tipping is not a usual practice in Thailand
although it is becoming more common. Most hotels and restaurants
add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do
not require a tip, but the gesture is appreciated and
10-20 baht is acceptable for porters.
Bargaining: Fixed prices are the norm in department
stores, but at most other places bargaining is to be expected.
Generally, you can obtain a final figure of between 10-40%
lower than the original asking price. Much depends on
your skills and the shopkeeper's mood. But remember, Thais
appreciate good manners and a sense of humor. With patience
and a broad smile, you will not only get a better price,
you will also enjoy shopping as an art.
V.A.T. Refunds: Visitors entering the Kingdom on a
tourist visa are entitled to refund of the 7% V.A.T. on
goods purchased at registered retail outlets. |
