Travel Guide -Thailand.com

• Beware of unauthorised people who offer their services as guides! For all tourist information, contact the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tel: 1672. For information about Bangkok, contact the Bangkok Metropolitan Tourist Bureau, Tel: 0 2225-7612-4.
  
  
• Observe all normal precautions regarding personal safety and the safety of your belongings. Walking alone on quiet streets or deserted areas is not recommended. Be sure that all your valuables, money, jewellery and airline tickets are properly protected from loss. Visitors needing assistance should call the Tourist Police, Tel: 1155.
  
  
• While walking in the city, put food wrappers or anything you wish to discard into a waste bin. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration is enforcing anti-litter regulations to keep the city clean and tidy. Fines will be imposed on anyone caught spitting, throwing away cigarette stubs or drops litter in public places.
  
  
• Penalties for drug possession are very severe in Thailand.
  
  
• Never buy any products made from wild animals including reptiles like snakes or monitor lizards, or turtle shells and ivory. Avoid local restaurants serving wild animal delicacies, as killing wildlife for food is illegal in Thailand.

TIPPING

Tipping is not standard practice in Thailand, although it is becoming so. Most larger hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but the gesture is always appreciated. A tip of 20-50 baht is acceptable
for porters.

SHOPPING TIPS

Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but at most other places bargaining is to be expected. Usually you can obtain a ?nal price of between 10-40% lower than the asking price. Much depends on your skill and the shopkeeper’s mood, but remember that Thais appreciate a sense of humour. With patience and a smile, you will not only get a better price, but you will also enjoy making a purchase. Providing you have the time, it is best to shop around at different places selling the kind of items you want before making a final decision.