Page 8 - Thailand Destination Guide - Alluring Asia

CHANGING MONEY US Dollar traveler checks can be conveniently cashed at all provincial banks and authorized money changers. Traveler checks in other currencies are best changed in Bangkok where better rates prevail. Generally, hotel exchange rates are lower than those offered by banks and authorized money changers. Major international credit cards, such as American Express, Diners, Carte Blanche, Master Card and Visa are accepted by major banks, restaurants, hotels and shops. Thai and foreign banks provide standard services nationwide, Monday through Friday, except public and bank holidays, between 8:30AM and CURRENCY 3:30PM. Major banks such as Bangkok Bank, Thai Danu Bank, Thai The monetary unit of Thailand is the Thai Farmers Bank and Siam Commercial Bank operate currency exchange Baht. The Baht is divided into 100 satang. centers in most tourist areas from 7:00AM to 9:00PM, seven days a week, "Copper" coins are valued at 25 and 50 including holidays. satang. "Silver" coins are in denominations of 1, 2 and 5 Baht. A 10 Baht coin is Many first-class hotels provide 24-hour money exchange services. composed of both "Silver" and "Copper". Travelers Cheques are normally only accepted from the hotel guests. Banknotes are valued at 10 Baht (brown), 20 Baht (green), 50 Bah (blue), 100 Baht (red), TAXI 500 Baht (purple) and 1,000 Baht (khaki). Anywhere in the world even a savvy traveler can be taken advantage of by a taxi driver and Thailand is no exception. To avoid problems it is CREDIT CARDS wise to never accept a ride with anyone who does not have a working Credit cards are widely accepted in meter and a displayed license. One way to have a good Taxi experience is Thailand. Small restaurants, shops and to ask your hotel where to find a legitimate taxi. You may be able to get a bazaars may only accept local currency so we business card of a reputable taxi driver that you can either call when recommend you always have some cash on needed or arrange to pick you up at a predetermined time and place. hand. TIPPING Service charges of 10% are added to bills in most leading hotels and restaurants. Where it is not included, a tip of 10-15% of the bill would be appropriate. Airport porter/hotel bellboy: $1.00 - $ 2.00 US per bag. Your tour guide: $10.00 - $ 12.00 US per person per day. Driver/assistants: $ 6.00 - $ 7.00 US per person per day.