Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

To attract a waiter, wave quietly with your palm down or say "Nong" (brother or sister). Never snap your fingers or raise your voice to attract a waiter.

Taxi-meters have recently been introduced and have fixed prices, yet occasionally, the meters "get broken". In these cases one should tell a driver, or better show a card of the place you wish to go [always keep your hotel card available just in case]. Normally, the tuk-tuk driver would reply with a few fingers, indicating a starting price. [five fingers - 50 Baht] After agreeing on the price, one should pay a driver just after arrival to the destination. Since there can be enormous traffic problems, taxi prices in Bangkok depend not just on distance, but rather on time, estimated by driver. So, don't be surprised by lesser rates at night. Since there are a huge number of taxis, tuk-tuks and motorbikes there is a scramble of drivers out chasing after passengers day-and-night.

Watch out for con games. Anything offered for free probably contains a hitch. A free cab ride will include stops at knick-knack or gem shops. Even when you pay for a ride, cabbies and tuk-tuk drivers may try to deliver you to a shop, from which they collect a commission. Any jeweller with a printing press can sell jewellery with a certificate of authenticity. Don't be paranoid, but do be cautious.

Since most shops and hawker stands don't show price tags, one must ask How much? 'tao-rai?'. Music to vendors' years, this question starts the sellers gambit. First, vendors look at you to assess your interest in purchase and generosity. Then, to hook you up they enter an opening price into a calculator. While attentively keeping an eye on your reactions, they tempt you to enter into a calculator the price you want to pay...Beware, Thai traders are skilled professionals in striking a bargain.

Social relationships are defined as one person being superior to the other.

  Thai Culture - Hierarchy

Have a better vacation if you understand some fundamentals about Thai culture.

  Thai Culture - Social   A few recommended things to try while in Thailand

Thai people wash the top of the body clothes separately from the bottom half [shirts and jumpers go in one wash and underwear and trousers go in another] As Buddhists, they believe the lower part of the body is unclean whilst the top part is sacred. A Buddhist Thai would never take off or put on a skirt over their heads for the same reason. The same rule applies when hanging out washing. Clothes from the lower part of the body are not placed next to or higher than clothes worn on the top part of the body. The same rule applies to drying yourself after washing. If you take a shower you should not use the same towel for the whole body, the correct way is to use one for the upper part [the head] and another for the lower parts.

Do not be surprised to see many people picking their noses in public. It's okay here. However there's no need for you to adopt every differing Thai custom that you encounter!

Thailand is generally an extremely safe place. But, as with every other big city, there are some people who are more than happy to ruin your holiday. These tips and advice will help ensure your trip is trouble-free.

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