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Visas & General Information
VisasCitizens holding a valid passport from a country on Thailand’s approved list may enter the Kingdom for thirty days without a visa. Those wishing to stay longer must apply for a 60 day tourist visa, available at any Royal Thai embassy or consulate. Visas are not available once you are in Thailand so make sure to make arrangements before you leave your home country. Within Thailand it is possible to apply for a ten day extension of your stay at any immigration checkpoint. Note that it is not possible to receive this extension after your thirty days are up.
Please be aware that visa regulations are subject to change. It is always a good idea to make yourself familiar with the latest changes to immigration laws before you enter the kingdom.
Voltage
Voltage in Thailand is 220-240AC, 50 Hertz. Plug types are not standard but round or flat two prong styles are the most common. Adapters are common and can be purchased prior to your visit or in any population centre. Electricity is 24 hour, but short blackouts do occur, especially during the rainy season.
Currency
Thailand uses the baht as its currency which can be readily exchanged in most countries of the world. Coins come in 1, 5 and 10 baht denominations. There are also smaller coins, called satang, in .25 and .50 denominations. However, satang are generally not accepted in most places. As a rule they usually end up as souvenirs. Bank notes come in 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 baht denominations. Important Note: Each bank note bears a portrait of the King and thus should be treated with respect. Keep your bills in a neat and orderly manner and do not rip or deface them in any way. Above all, remember not to step on a bill that is being blown away by the wind. Better to lose the money than commit a grave faux pas by treading on the Royal Portrait.
Banking Hours
Banking hours are generally from 8.30 am to 3.30 pm, Monday through Friday, except on public and bank holidays. It is best to confirm the business hours of your chosen bank at the time of opening an account
ATMs
ATM machines are widespread in Thailand and can be found even in very rural areas. All of them offer instructions in English and most are connected to international networks. Many people find it convenient to simply leave their money in a bank account at home and withdraw cash from the ATMs in Chiang Mai. It's a good idea to check with your bank to make sure that they don't charge exorbitant fees for this. The maximum withdrawal amount is 20, 000 baht per day. Although the ATMs theoretically work 24 hours, they usually shut down for an hour or two from 12.00 am to 2.00 am or so as they reset for the next day.
Changing Money
Businesses in Chiang Mai certainly don't want to put any stumbling blocks between you and your cash so changing money is a fairly simple process. All banks can readily exchange most forms of currency. They all have their own rates (inclusive of their commission) but the difference is only a few satang, which you probably can't spend anyway. The exceptions to this rule are airports and luxury resorts. Their exchange rates are usually very unfavourable and it is advisable to avoid dealing with them unless out of necessity. Those exchanging traveller's cheques will be charged an additional fee of three to five percent. Most Thai banks offer money changing windows which are usually open seven days a week from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm. A passport is required ID for all money changing transactions.
Vaccinations
There are no vaccinations required to enter the Kingdom of Thailand and very little to fear from disease. STDs are somewhat of a concern but condoms are readily available. Occasional malaria cases are reported, most often affecting people trekking in the jungle, but there are numerous over the counter medications you can take to deal with the problem.
National Holidays
Thailand has 15 national holidays, most of which are celebrated on the same day each year. A few, such as Songkran (the New Year and water festival) are based on the lunar calendar and the exact dates change slightly from year to year. All banks and most businesses are closed on public holidays and the sale of alcohol is prohibited on a few (like the King's Birthday).
Thailand Public Holidays
January 1 - New Year's Day
February 13 - Makha Bucha Day
April 6 - Chakri Memorial
April 13 - 15 - Songkran
May 1 - Labour Day
May 5 - Coronation Day
May 12 - Visakha Bucha Day
July 11 - Buddhist Lent Day
August 12 - H.M. The Queen's Birthday
October 23 - Chulalongkorn (Rama V) Memorial Day
December 5 - H.M. The King's Birthday
December 10 - Constitution Day
December 31 - New Year's Eve
Important phone numbers
Note: Phone numbers are listed in the following format: +66 (0)1 777 7777. This means that from outside Thailand you would dial 66 1 777 7777 but within the Kingdom you would dial 01 777 7777.