How many times have you gone abroad and forgotten to take a plug adapter or to exchange your money to the local currency? Moreover, sometimes tourists are scammed because they are the "easy prey". Since I don't want all this to happen to you, here you have a piece of advice to be 100% prepared before your trip.
1. Currency exchange
As I have said in a previous post, the currency of Thailand is the Bath (THB). While in some countries you will be able to pay everywhere by credit or debit card, this one is different. Numerous establishments like restaurants, shops or even hotels won't accept your money unless it is cash. So what should you do?
First, I recommend to bring euros with you and exchange some of them in the airport first to take a taxi, but exchange the rest in local exchange houses because the shift will be more favourable. Besides, you can withdraw money from the machine but take into account that many banks will charge you extra, approximately 200 THB. This is why there are some cards that will make it easier for you like Bnext (three free withdrawns of a maximum of 500€ from the machine every month and no commissions, but it is a prepayment card so in some cases you will not be able to use it), N26 (no commissions although you need to pay a 1,7% of commission when you withdraw money) and Revolut (no commissions during a certain period of time, but it is a prepayment card).
2. Safety
Thailand is said to be one of the safest places to travel to. Obviously, the countries that are similar to ours seem less dangerous, but it is true that compared to other Asian states it is really safe. Probably it is because of the strict Thai rules and the Buddhist beliefs of karma and the good actions.
Nevertheless, like in all tourist areas, you should be careful about your personal belongings and, for instance, don't hold your camera or phone in your hand while you walk, grab your bags closely and leave some of your money in the deposit box of your room.
3. Health and vaccines
Before going to Thailand you should visit an International Vaccine Centre to check the ones you already have and the ones you need. The recommended vaccines are the tetanus/diphtheria, the Hepatitis A, the MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and the typhoid fever. The rest of vaccines are only for special cases (the yellow fever is only necessary if you go to the wild forest).
Next, it is very important that you always take an insects repellent with you (with a high percentage of DEET) and renew it in your skin every eight hours. During the wet months (off-season) there are hundreds of mosquitoes and you need to be protected because they could transpose illnesses to you like the Malaria or the Dengue.
Finally, be really cautious about the water you drink and the products made with it! The most repeated health problem amongst tourists in Thailand is diarrhea (and the typhoid fever if you haven't got the vaccine), caused by the intake of non-drinking water directly or through ice cubes. Due to all this, always make sure that the water you drink is bottled and the ice cubes and food are cooked with it too. Luckily, all hotels will offer you free water every day.
4. Electricity and Internet connection
The standard voltage in Thailand is 220 volts and the frequency is 50 hertz, so you can use it with no problem although you are from America or some parts of Asia and Africa. The most common sockets are types A, B and C, but type D can also be found. In case some of these are not the same in your native country, bring a converter with you.
The Internet connection in Thailand is really good and you will find free wifi in most hotels, cafés and restaurants. Anyway, it is better to buy a SIM card from the country so that you can use the Internet if you get lost (you will be able to keep everything that you have in your phone, even Whatsapp). There are different companies that you will find in the airport and the city centres, all fairly economical and useful. To buy it, they will ask for your passport. If you prefer to have it in advanced, you can order it in a website called "Holafly".
5. Luggage
As I have mentioned in a recent article, the weight of your suitcase will determine the price you pay to check it in the plane. Nonetheless, many tourists prefer to take a backack instead of a suitcase because it is more comfortable to carry, especially when you travel by train or bus and when your place of accommodation doesn´t have a lift. Your choice depends on you and the type of trip you are willing to do. For going to Thailand anther important thing to take into account is that it is better if it is impermeable.
Obviously, if you want to go camping during a few days I recommend you some type of baggage that doesn´t have wheels and you can carry on your back. However, if you know that you will always go by plane, go to hotels with lifts, have back problems, etc, it´s better that you take a suitcase with you, as smaller as possible though. There are some that combine both options so that you can either carry it rolling or on your back depending on your needs (there is a photo above).
A good thing about carrying a backpack is that the space is limited so you only carry what is essential. Don't forget to bring a coat with you (during the wet season), mainly summer clothes but also a jacket and long trousers (because in the north it can be cold at night), bathing clothes (if you go to the islands) and at least two pairs of shoes (sandals and trainers).
6. Temples
Religion is sacred, and Thai people really take it seriously. Therefore, you need to respect their beliefs and their procedures because you are "invading" their space and it would be a lack of respect.
First of all, cover your shoulders and knees when you get inside a temple since anyway they won´t let you in. In the majority of religious institutions you will be able to use a hankerchief, but the Grand Palace is more strict. If you want to visit it and have some part uncovered, they will make you buy a t-shirt or a pair of trousers to change your clothes. Furthermore, other common offenses when visiting Buddhist temples are:
Pointing your feet to a Buddha image - in Thai's culture, the feet are the most impure part of the body because they are the lowest. This is why believers always sit on their knees with their feet backwards or with their legs crossed to avoid doing this bad action.
Related to the last point, always leave your shoes outside the temple because stepping on the holy place with them would be a big insult. Everybody does this so don´t be scared, your shoes won´t be stolen.
Do not turn your back to a Buddhist image and always act respectfully in front of it, without laughing or doing bad gestures.
If you are a woman, avoid physical contact with monks - they have made a vow of celibacy that doesn´t allow them to neither touch nor being touched by a woman, so if you want to give them money or food, don´t have any contact with them no matter what. For instance, if you are in a bus and sit in front of a monk, he will change to a further seat.
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