Breakaway Destination Guides (International)

Sterling travellers cheques are widely accepted as are Visa, Diners, American Express and Master Charge credit cards. Accepted by all banks and large hotels and shops. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars, Euros or Pounds Sterling.

Withdrawing cash at Visa/PLUS ATMs using a secured PIN can save you money and makes it easy to take advantage of the favourable exchange rates offered by ATMs. Cash withdrawals are dispensed in local currency, and are debited from your account in your own currency - this eliminates additional currency conversion fees and commissions often assessed by traditional currency exchange bureaus.

Foreign currencies can be exchanged at banks (which have the best rates), hotels which charge high commissions) and, in larger towns, bureaux de change (generally open 0800-2000). Outside large towns and tourist areas, notes higher than ฿500 may be difficult to exchange, so visitors are advised to carry small change.

A veritable paradise for shoppers as traditional products like Thai silk, lacquer ware, wood carvings, precious stones, embroidery and hand painted umbrellas vie with famous brand names which cost a fraction of their European originals. There are many street markets especially in Bangkok near the Indra Regent Hotel (Pratunam), the Dusit Thani Hotel (Patpong night market - in fact, now more popular than the infamous nightlife!) and at Chiang Mai's famous night market. Bargaining is the norm and up to 50% off can be obtained if you persevere.

VAT Refund in Bangkok can be claimed on almost all shopping for foreign tourists visiting Bangkok during their holiday. The official regulations state that any foreign visitor staying less then 180days in Thailand per year and is not part of any airline crew and leaves Thailand by plane from one of the international airports in Thailand is entitled to request a VAT refund on the majority of their shopping. This basically means that you can do some great tax free shopping in Bangkok. That's why VAT Refund Bangkok is so much appreciated by visiting tourists.

The VAT refund on your shopping is only applicable to items which you take out of Thailand within 60 days of the date of purchasing the goods. The refund is also only applicable on items purchased from a shop which displays a sign which reads: "VAT Refund for Tourists". When making any purchases at one of the VAT refund Bangkok shops, please show your passport to the staff and request from them a special tourist P.P.10 form which needs to be filled out and attached to the original tax invoice. You need these documents as the customs officer at the airport will request for them.

One of the conditions on obtaining a refund is that any receipt from a participating VAT refund Bangkok shop is that its more then 2200 THB. The other requirement is that you would have receipts worth more then 5000 THB when claiming a VAT refund.

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