Visit Information

GENERAL INFORMATION

Bangkok is a modern, cosmopolitan city with many cultural and historic sites, and an abundant choice of dining venues and activities. Offering our best to visitors is the Thai tradition. Here are some key points to keep in mind when in Bangkok in November.

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Weather

November is an enjoyable month to visit Bangkok because the city is drying out from the rainy season. The temperatures are between 24°C and 31°C (75°F and 88°F). The average humidity is around 67%.

What to wear

Light wear clothes, loose fitting, cotton clothing, sunscreen lotion, sunglasses.

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Time

Time in Thailand is 7 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+7)

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Money and Currency

Thai coins include 1, 2, 5, and 10 Baht and 25 and 50 Satang pieces. There are 100 Satangs in one Baht. Banknotes are available in denominations of 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 Baht. The most commonly used coin is the 10 Baht, and the most commonly used note is the 100 Baht.

 

There are numerous kiosks at Suvarnabhumi International Airport for changing money. The rates are competitive. Click here to see the current foreign exchange rates.

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Language

English is widely understood, particularly in Bangkok where it is the major commercial language after Thai. English and some European languages are spoken in most hotels, shops, and restaurants in major tourist destinations, and Thai-English road and street signs are found nationwide.

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Bangkok International Airport

Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) International Airport (BKK) is located 35 kilometers east of Bangkok and about 45-60 minutes via expressway to most hotels. Don Mueang Airport (DMK), located approximately 20 kilometers north of downtown, serves some domestic flights and all of the operations of Thai AirAsia, including its international flights.

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Passport and Visa

All visitors entering Thailand must possess a valid passport with an expiration date at least 6 months from the date of entry into the country. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.mfa.go.th oversees immigration and visa issues. Check the website or the nearest Thai embassy or consulate for application procedures and costs.

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Tourist Visa Exemption

Passport holders from the following countries and territories are not required to obtain a visa when entering the Kingdom of Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay for a period not exceeding 30 days per visit. For more information, please see Summary of Countries and Territories entitled for Visa Exemption, or consult www.mfa.go.th.

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Visa on Arrival

Passport holders from the 18 countries, please see Summary of Countries and Territories entitled for Visa Exemption and Visa on Arrival to Thailand, can obtain a visa on arrival in Thailand for a stay of no more than 15 days. Visa on arrival can be obtained at Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) International Airport (BKK), Don Mueang Airport (DMK), Phuket International Airport (HKT), and other international ports or checkpoints.

For more information, please consult www.mfa.go.th, or www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/visa-on-arrival.

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Connectivity

Telephone and Cell Phone
As Thailand has a well-developed mobile telecommunications infrastructure, visitors can use their own mobile phone if their service provider has enabled international roaming. However, relying on the international roaming services of your current service provider can be very expensive.

A prepaid Thai SIM card with an international (GSM) cell phone is generally a less costly alternative while in Thailand. A Thai GSM SIM card allows visitors to make local calls at very low prices. Both Thai SIM cards for purchase and unlocked phones for rent are available at Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports.

Thailand-line telephone numbers are composed of nine digits, with the first digit always being zero. When dialling Thai numbers from outside Thailand, the leading zero should be dropped, but within Thailand, all nine numbers should be dialled, even if the call is made in a single area with the same area code.

Thailand Country Code: +66
Area code for Bangkok: 2

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Public Transportation

One of the easiest and most economical means of travel around Bangkok is via the Skytrain (BTS) or the MRT subway. The BTS network, which has an elevated rail system, has two main lines: the Silom line from Bang Wa to the National Stadium and the longer Sukhumvit line from Khu Khot to Kheha. There is also the Gold Line, opened in December 2020. This connects the Silom line to the Icon Siam shopping mall.

The two lines connect at Siam Station. The Skytrain operates every day from 06.00 – 24.00 hrs. Tickets are available in all Skytrain stations from a manned window or easy-to-use ticket machines.

The MRT subway or metro system has two lines: the Blue line from Bang Sue to Lak Song (Service Hours: Everyday 06.00 am to 12.00 pm) and the Purple line from Khlong Bang Phai to Tao Poon (Service Hours: Monday-Friday 05.30 am to 12.00 pm / Saturday-Sunday and Holiday 06.00 am to 12.00 pm) covering the northern and eastern suburbs and central city areas.

The MRT and BTS Sky Train intersect at the following stations, enabling passengers to connect to the different routes:

Both are modern transportation systems highly recommended for getting around in Bangkok. Prices for BTS vary between Baht 16–Baht 59 per ride, while prices for MRT vary between Baht 16–Baht 70 per ride. There are no transfer tickets, so tickets for each system must be purchased separately as needed.

Airport Rail Link is a commuter rail line connecting Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phaya Thai (BTS) station via Makkasan Station (MRT Phetchaburi). The train operates daily from 06:00 to 24:00, with commuter City Line trains departing every 10 minutes during peak hours (06:00-09:00 and 16:00-20:00) and 15 minutes off peak and weekends. Fare from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Phayathai Station (BTS - skytrain interchange) is 45 baht, and to Makkasan Station (MRT - subway interchange) is 35 baht.

Metered taxis are readily available and can be hailed when seen cruising the streets. They are usually air-conditioned, and as most drivers have limited knowledge of English, it is suggested that the destination be written in Thai or the hotel card used for ease of communication. Fares start at Baht 35 for the first kilometer, with a small incremental increase per additional kilometer or equivalent waiting period. For most rides in downtown Bangkok, the fare should not exceed 200 Baht unless traffic is extremely heavy. All taxis in Bangkok are required to use the meter, but some drivers may try instead to bargain for a flat fee when it is late at night or when the weather is very bad (heavy rainfall) and the demand for taxis is higher. Apart from the meter fee, any expressway tolls incurred during the trip must be paid by the passenger. Tipping the taxi driver is not really necessary in Bangkok, but rounding up the figure on the meter can facilitate the payment. A surcharge of Baht 50 is added to the fare when you board a taxi from either Suvarnabhumi (Bangkok) International Airport or Don Mueang Airport, both of which have very efficient taxi ranks available just outside the terminals.

To get an idea of the cost of a taxi ride, please consult www.worldtaximeter.com/bangkok

Grab Taxi is also a popular option nowadays in Bangkok metropolis area.

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Banks

Banks provide standard services nationwide, Monday through Friday, except public and bank holidays, between 08.30-15.30 hrs. Bank currency exchange centers operate from 07.00-21.00 hrs daily, including holidays. Most banks in Thailand also operate sub-branches at major shopping centers, which are usually open from 11.00-18.00 hrs. ATM machines are well-placed at central locations and are in service 24 hours a day.

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Business Hours

Government offices are generally open between 8.30 and 16.30 hrs with a noon–13.00 hrs lunch break, Monday through Friday, except on public holidays. Private businesses maintain similar hours. Department stores are generally open from 10.00-21.00 hrs daily.

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Tipping

It is customary to tip hotel personnel who have given good personal service. A 10% tip is appreciated in restaurants, particularly where the service charge is waived. When service is included, which it often is, rounding the bill up or leaving a small amount of additional cash is appreciated.

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Electricity

The electrical current is 220 volt AC 50-cycle. Two flat pin-type sockets (sometimes 3-pin sockets) are used, so it is useful to carry a travel plug adapter kit. The better hotels also provide adapters and converters, just ask at the front desk.

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Drinking Water

It is advisable to drink only bottled water, which is widely available. It is not recommended to consume crushed ice; however, cubed ice is made from purified water and is potable. Avoid purchasing unsealed drinks or ice cream sold by street vendors.

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Health and Medications

As the climate of Thailand is hot and humid, it is recommended that you use sunscreen, wear a hat, and use mosquito repellent to protect against mosquito bites both during the day and at night.

The international health and medical insurance should permit a transfer or repatriation in case of emergency. There modern hospital and emergency facilities in Bangkok and the congress organizers and hotel staff can advise if required.

If you are on any regular medications, you should bring either your prescription or details of your medication with you to Thailand because brand names and doses may differ. All medications should be kept in their original labelled container to avoid problems with Customs upon arrival at the airport. In Bangkok, pharmacies are plentiful, and most pharmacists can speak English.

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Emergency Numbers