[KatoeyLover69]

You will be charged for changing TCs - but you will also be offered a higher rate (about 1 baht more). Cash gets you a lower rate than TCs - about 1 baht. There's no difference for bigger denominations, that only applies to US dollars (more for $100 bills). Bureaux de change offer a better rate than banks SO - shop around. Rates fluctuates hourly & it can be a good idea to only change money as you need to if the rate is low & change more if the rate is good. If staying outside BKK it is always a good idea to change a bit more than enough before you leave BKK as rural rates are not so good but there's loads of ATM machines all over Thailand. Never change money with the hotel - rates are worse than "on the street".

FOLLOW THESE SIMPLE RULES:

1/. Use the meter in a taxi. If not on then tell the driver to turn it on. If you use a tuk tuk negotiate the price first.

2/. Carry a Bus road map. They are everywhere for 40 baht & buses are plentiful. 3.5baht on the red buses & small mini buses and 7-10 baht for the air con ones.

3/.Try using the sky-train. I think the Thais are afraid of heights as not many seem to frequent the sky train. It's clean, safe & quick especially if going from Silom to the end of Sukhumvit Rd. Its well marked and you make a change if going to Silom Rd from say Sukhumvit. On the plus side its faster than a cab or bus. However one regret-- there's no toilets.

4/.The old story: if you get accosted on the street by male or female intent on helping you, be careful-- they will most certainly lead you to a Jewelry scam shop or some other place. They will even make you laugh & know your country or town or are a medical student in their last year of study. Say no. Besides, exploring yourself is part of the fun & who needs company during the "day's shopping spree".

5/. Yes! don't be afraid to try the world's best food. Thai food is delicious. When you see a place full of Thais then give it a try as the food will be safe.

6/. No you don't need to drink the tap water as bottled water is everywhere from 5-10 baht & 7/11's are everywhere 24 hours a day.

7/. Carry money as you need it. ATM's are everywhere & why lose your money when you needn't have carried so much in the first place.

8/. Only use safes in respected Hotels & not in guest houses. Remember they can zap your card then slip is back into your safety box & this happens in Khao Sarn Rd.

9/. If out late at night try not to wear too much gold especially travelling outside Bangkok. You never know who is taking a shine to your jewelry kit & Thais simply love gold.

10/. After all that you'll want a beer but if you are with a bar girl drink your drink before you go to the "John". Always watch your bottle being opened including a water bottle as it does happen here where you may fall asleep right at the bar & wake up minus your wallet 10 hours later. Caused by pills being dropped into your drink. Even a full bottle of water can contain drugs.

11/. Be yourself & leave your attitudes at home because Thai's love to smile. They want you to do the same as well and enjoy their culture because really in more ways than not we have lost ours in the West!

12/. Don't bring jumpers and jerseys to Thailand. Clothes are cheap here and best start a new wardrobe once you arrive. However come January it can get cool at night especially in the North. Use the fan trains etc during this time.

13/. If you take a girl back to your room from a bar be careful and keep your valuables well hidden. Ask the price first & keep your money in a safe place. Never carry a lot of money around with you & do not show off. A lot of hotels now take the girl's ID card & will write her name etc down in case she disappears on you.

14/. Wanting to buy a business or rent a house ask us-- its FREE

15/. When you arrive at Don Muang go to the departure upstairs 3rd floor & walk out to a waiting taxi then you won't have all the touts. As a Taxi drops someone off you hop in. If late don't go on tollway. If staying at Sukhumvit use the tollway at the end --pay 40 baht. The trip should cost 160 baht on the meter if traffic minimal or 200-250 baht other than that.

16/. Remember all hotel entrances, bus & train stations, temples etc have loads of touts ready to take your dollar.

17/. If going trekking up North don't book accommodation or Treks in Khao San Rd. Its dear & not what you think once you arrive. Cheap is cheap-- want to catch a nice bus to Chiangmai go to the Northern Bus station & book on the Nachonchair Air Bus. Great service, drinks, 32 seaters & comfort. They have their own terminal & most leave in afternoon & early evenings

18/. On trains and buses do not accept food from people you do not know. Drugs are easy to knock you out & you could find your trip short lived because of it.

19/. Hey, but don't let all this deter you. Such things do occur but it won't happen to you cause you just read the rules & now you know.

Chok dee Khruup & enjoy your stay in "the Land of Smiles"..