Thailand as I know it from living here for a long time. Recommendations and advices to tourists.
Excursions on Phuket are in great demand. The choice is so wide that absolutely every tourist can select a suitable option for themselves. Some programs are designed for families, some will be appreciated by lovers of action, and some will give you truly heavenly pleasure. Read more
The largest island of Thailand – Phuket – welcomes guests with an abundance of beaches, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages. Absolutely everyone can find a rest for himself or herself here. There are places in Phuket where life does not freeze for a minute. If you are a fan of a more relaxing holiday, then the island is ready to offer small cozy beaches with azure water and fine sand. In this article, we will tell you about the most popular beaches of Phuket, which have already managed to win the love of many tourists. Read more
Before I went to Thailand, I read a lot of books and articles about life in Thailand. I was interested in the culture, customs and possibilities of international relationships between the foreigners and Thai women. Most of the stories are similar: first they tell you they love you, and after a while you find yourself feeding their buffalo in Isan. Read more
The distance from Phuket to Samui is around 300 kilometers (186 miles), but because the resorts are located on two islands on opposite sides of the Malaka peninsula, in order to make it from one island to the next one it takes travel across both land and the sea. There are a few different ways to make the trip. Each of them is different and comes at different prices, times, and conveniences. Let’s go over the most popular options, examine their pros and cons, and then you can choose for yourself the trip that is right for you. Read more
Thailand conquers hearts from the very start. Someone comes here to enjoy the sea and the sun, someone does for fun and someone for shopping. Seven thousand kilometers and eight hours flight for the sake of shopping? Exactly, since many goods, from souvenirs to food, can be purchased here at a very favorable price.
What should a tourist know when flying to the Kingdom of Thailand for shopping? Well, you should be at least basically familiar with the Customs Legislation. Read more
Thai customs are quite demanding concerning the rules on carrying medicines, food and various substances into Thailand. Let’s talk about what’s forbidden so you do not have problems. Please understand that there are official rules, and if some dude claims that he managed to bring in one of the prohibited drugs or more alcohol than allowed then he was really lucky, but you may not be. Read more
In Thailand, another ban is now in action – this time a ban on smoking at popular beaches. And if you think that this is a playgame, it’s not. The punishment for a violation is 100,000 baht ($3,100) fine or 1 year in prison. Read more
Thailand is concerned about the increase in the number of quadcopters having no registration. Back in 2015, the Ministry of Communications issued requirement for registration of quadcopters weighing more than 2 kilograms. But people mostly ignored it. In fact, only about 350 of 50,000 quadrocopters were registered.
I will tell you the prices in Thailand (or more accurate, in Pattaya and Phuket) for clothes, food, excursions and transportation during high season. First of all, Pattaya is cheaper than Phuket. On average, prices are lower by 20-30%, and the cost difference cost of transport may 2 or 3 times as much. Pattaya is actually a small town with suburbs (Jomtien, Naklua), so the length of the resort is about 20 km. Phuket is a large island of more than 20 km width and about 50 km. Therefore, the sights are scattered over a large area, which affects the prices of excursions. Read more
You can see the current rate right below:
Currency Converter USD/THB: Fri, 19 Apr.
Where can you get a good exchange rate in Pattaya? The best option is yellow T.T. CURRENCY EXCHANGE. They look like this:
Also Siam Bank has a good rate, the exchange kiosks look like this:
There are very many on the Beach Street (Central Festival, Pattaya Shopping Mall), Walking Street (left side), there are also on Second Street.
Generally, there are no problems with exchange of dollars in Phuket. There are several options.
Currency exchange in Patong. In the southern part of Patong, to the left and right of the entrance to the Ocean Plaza (yellow building) there are two currency exchange points with excellent rate.
Here it’s on the map (red circle at the bottom):
Good exchange rate is at:
Note that these exchanges in Phuket do not work around the clock but from 8 am to 10 pm. Other exchanges work at night but the rate is much worse there. Also at the hotels they often exchange dollars at a very unprofitable exchange rate. Do not rush to change money, go out and look for the color of profitable exchanges.
What I will write about happens rarely and usually in private exchanges. Chance to run into such an insolent deception at the bank exchange is minimal. Nevertheless, it is better to be warned.
The most common frauds:
1. When transferring money, the operator “drops” one of the bills at his feet and gives you less amount. As you understand, it is hard to prove the fact of such fraud. Therefore, the recommendation: do not give dollars in a bundle. Give money bill by billl and count together with the operator. Such fraud was noticed in Phuket in Tesco Lotus near the Central Festival Phuket.
2. “Breaking” banknotes. This trick is old as the world, here is how it’s done in Russia. The guy folds half of the bundle and puts it in his pocket unnoticeably while distracting the cashier’s attention by talking much.
3. Incorrect amount. Often, tourists do not count bahts and this is used by money changers. How not to be decieved? Just turn on the calculator on the phone and calculate how much it should be, then count money without leaving the cash register.
I hope the above recommendations will help you make a fine and safe exchange of US dollars.