Safety and travel tips:
Thailand is an amazing country that is mostly safe to travel and has been accommodating vistitors and tourists "Farang's" for decades. The Thai people are some of the most welcoming and friendly people in the world however in Bangkok, like any other big city, you should take certain precautions. Have fun but be safe!!! Here is some advice:
For more information on contacting Bangkok's Tourist Police, click on this link
For information on tips on immigration, getting to/from the airport, and general travel information click on this link
For information about traveling around Bangkok (Taxi, BTS, MRT, Tuk Tuk, etc.) including tips on negotiating tuk tuk and taxi fares click on this link
Don't insult or make rude comments about the Thai monarchy, especially in front of Thai's
Learn about the term "Saving Face" which is an important part of Thai culture. Here is an interesting article about
Saving Face
Avoid illegal drug use in Thailand and avoid buying illegal drugs from dealers off the street or on a beach. Thai drug laws are some of the strictest in the world. There have been scams where dealers will inform Thai police who they sold product to then the police will arrest you and you will have to pay a hefty bribe or go to jail. You do not want to go to Thai jail.
If renting a scooter or motorcycle Wear a Helmut!!! I saw Thai police pull over loads of tourists and ticket them for not wearing helmets.
Exchange small bills at the airport for taxi fare
Make larger currency exchanges in town for better exchange rates
-Use ATM's in well lit and populated areas associated with a large bank. Make sure ATM's have contact information in case your card gets eaten.
-Ensure your hotel or hostel has a safe in your room in which you can store your passport and other valuables. Leave your passport in your hotel room safe unless you need it to exchange money or if you need it for identification.
When exchanging money, you will need to show them your passport as proof of ID.
Don't carry around large amounts of money with you or if you do don't flash it around in public. Bangkok is a relatively safe city but always be careful.
Pharmacy's in Bangkok sell all kinds of medications including many antibiotics that you typically need a prescription for back home. Medications are cheap but always use discretion and do your research before purchasing. Some Pharmacy's are open late in Sukhumvit, near Khao San Road, and in Silom. Ask taxi drivers or your hotel reception for late night pharmacies as most close around 9-10pm
Bargaining is appropriate at some stalls, shops, and with some means of transportation (tuk tuk & taxis) but be reasonable. Is it worth a shouting match or fight over $3 ?
-If taking a taxi make sure they use the meter or negotiate a fair price before they start driving
-If riding a motorcycle taxi hold on and tuck in your knees. This is a cheaper mode of transportation but can be more dangerous
-If traveling on Songkran (April 13-18) be careful as many motor vehicle accidents occur during Songkran. Click here for more information about Songkran.
-Mondays are street cleaning days in Bangkok and some street food stalls may be closed.
-Don't act obnoxious at Temples or sights important/sacred to Thai's. Whatever your views on religion Thai's who visit temple take Buddhism very seriously and don't care for loud tourists with tank tops waltzing into a temple thinking they own the place.
-Don't take pictures of buildings or Thai officials when it's clear you should not take pictures. You are just asking for trouble.
Take the BTS and MRT for affordable and air conditioned travel around Bangkok
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate (not just on alcohol). Make sure you take a water bottle or drink lots of electrolytes.
Scams to avoid:
-Ping pong show
-Starting a tab at a Red Light tourist bar (pay as you go to avoid additional charges and aggressive staff)
-Gem Scams
-Taxi/Tuk Tuk scams that tell you places are closed and want to take you shopping or to a friends hotel for a steep commission
-Street food: Is it safe. You always want to ask yourself, is there a line or do a lot of Thai's seem to be enjoying the food? Does the food look fresh? Is the meat marinating out in the hot sun with a ton of fly's? If the food stall is selling fresh fruit what type of water are they pouring on the fruit, is it filtered? Use common sense and enjoy!!! Click here for recommendations.
When eating street food make sure they use bottled or filtered water if having smoothies, drinks with ice, or fresh fruit
-Lady Boy's or Katoy's often times look like women. You may get approached in certain sections of Bangkok by Lady Boy's who are street walkers (most lady boy's are not street walkers). Just a tip in case you are not into this sort of thing.
Thailand is an amazing country that is mostly safe to travel and has been accommodating vistitors and tourists "Farang's" for decades. The Thai people are some of the most welcoming and friendly people in the world however in Bangkok, like any other big city, you should take certain precautions. Have fun but be safe!!! Here is some advice:
For more information on contacting Bangkok's Tourist Police, click on this link
For information on tips on immigration, getting to/from the airport, and general travel information click on this link
For information about traveling around Bangkok (Taxi, BTS, MRT, Tuk Tuk, etc.) including tips on negotiating tuk tuk and taxi fares click on this link
Don't insult or make rude comments about the Thai monarchy, especially in front of Thai's
Learn about the term "Saving Face" which is an important part of Thai culture. Here is an interesting article about
Saving Face
Avoid illegal drug use in Thailand and avoid buying illegal drugs from dealers off the street or on a beach. Thai drug laws are some of the strictest in the world. There have been scams where dealers will inform Thai police who they sold product to then the police will arrest you and you will have to pay a hefty bribe or go to jail. You do not want to go to Thai jail.
If renting a scooter or motorcycle Wear a Helmut!!! I saw Thai police pull over loads of tourists and ticket them for not wearing helmets.
Exchange small bills at the airport for taxi fare
Make larger currency exchanges in town for better exchange rates
-Use ATM's in well lit and populated areas associated with a large bank. Make sure ATM's have contact information in case your card gets eaten.
-Ensure your hotel or hostel has a safe in your room in which you can store your passport and other valuables. Leave your passport in your hotel room safe unless you need it to exchange money or if you need it for identification.
When exchanging money, you will need to show them your passport as proof of ID.
Don't carry around large amounts of money with you or if you do don't flash it around in public. Bangkok is a relatively safe city but always be careful.
Pharmacy's in Bangkok sell all kinds of medications including many antibiotics that you typically need a prescription for back home. Medications are cheap but always use discretion and do your research before purchasing. Some Pharmacy's are open late in Sukhumvit, near Khao San Road, and in Silom. Ask taxi drivers or your hotel reception for late night pharmacies as most close around 9-10pm
Bargaining is appropriate at some stalls, shops, and with some means of transportation (tuk tuk & taxis) but be reasonable. Is it worth a shouting match or fight over $3 ?
-If taking a taxi make sure they use the meter or negotiate a fair price before they start driving
-If riding a motorcycle taxi hold on and tuck in your knees. This is a cheaper mode of transportation but can be more dangerous
-If traveling on Songkran (April 13-18) be careful as many motor vehicle accidents occur during Songkran. Click here for more information about Songkran.
-Mondays are street cleaning days in Bangkok and some street food stalls may be closed.
-Don't act obnoxious at Temples or sights important/sacred to Thai's. Whatever your views on religion Thai's who visit temple take Buddhism very seriously and don't care for loud tourists with tank tops waltzing into a temple thinking they own the place.
-Don't take pictures of buildings or Thai officials when it's clear you should not take pictures. You are just asking for trouble.
Take the BTS and MRT for affordable and air conditioned travel around Bangkok
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate (not just on alcohol). Make sure you take a water bottle or drink lots of electrolytes.
Scams to avoid:
-Ping pong show
-Starting a tab at a Red Light tourist bar (pay as you go to avoid additional charges and aggressive staff)
-Gem Scams
-Taxi/Tuk Tuk scams that tell you places are closed and want to take you shopping or to a friends hotel for a steep commission
-Street food: Is it safe. You always want to ask yourself, is there a line or do a lot of Thai's seem to be enjoying the food? Does the food look fresh? Is the meat marinating out in the hot sun with a ton of fly's? If the food stall is selling fresh fruit what type of water are they pouring on the fruit, is it filtered? Use common sense and enjoy!!! Click here for recommendations.
When eating street food make sure they use bottled or filtered water if having smoothies, drinks with ice, or fresh fruit
-Lady Boy's or Katoy's often times look like women. You may get approached in certain sections of Bangkok by Lady Boy's who are street walkers (most lady boy's are not street walkers). Just a tip in case you are not into this sort of thing.
