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Planning for your holiday

When to go?

While there's really no bad time to visit Thailand's capital, rain and extreme heat are less frequent between November and February. April is only recommended to those with portable air conditioners! The rains typically start in July and October brings the heaviest downpours with frequent flooding in the capital. The tourists flock to Thailand in December and August, while the least crowded months tend to be May, June and September. The best time to visit is during the cool season from mid-November to mid-February, when there is virtually no rain. The hot season from mid-February to the end of May is very hot and humid, with temperatures pushing 100oF (38 oC). This is followed by the rainy season, which continues in thunderous bouts on most days into November. It’s not called the rainy season for nothing - pack a small umbrella or poncho or buy one when you get there!



What clothes to pack?

Thailand is Hot and Humid All Year Round .   Depending on the surgery you are having it is safer to bring light loose clothing for your stay , as the weather is always quite warm. If you are having a tummy tuck, liposuction or breast surgery please bring loose clothing that hangs on your body rather than tight. If you wear a lot of trousers and pants ensure you bring ones that have elastic waists if you are having body surgery as you will be wearing a compression garment so you will not be able to fit into waisted pants. This is the same for skirts or dresses, loose around the waist and chest.

If you want to visit a the Grand Palace or some Temples you will be required to wear long or ¾ pants and long sleeved tops and closed shoes. But you can always have these in your bag and change your shoes and put a long sleeved top on just before you enter. Try not to bring valuables and too much jewellery. Just to be on the safe side.


If you are having face or eye surgeries remember the hat and glasses. For eye surgery you will want to wear your sunglasses day and night, so if you have a dark lens for the day and a light or clear lens for the evening or when you are walking around the shopping malls, you will feel better. If you want to purchase sunglasses in Thailand then are many shopping malls to find them!


Remember you can’t go swimming if you have had surgery, you will not be able to get your stitches wet as you may develop an infection.


Money and currency

The Thai currency is baht. Baht notes come in denominations of 20 (green), 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (purple) and 1000 (beige). There are 100 satang in one baht; coins include 25-satang and 50-satang pieces and baht in denominations of 1, 5 and 10.

If you're travelling on a budget, you should be able to get by on around 500.00 baht a day anywhere in Thailand. Items sold by street vendors in markets or in many shops are flexibly priced - that is, the price is negotiable. Thais respect a good haggler. Always let the vendor make the first offer then ask 'Is that your best price?' or 'Can you lower the price?'. This usually results is an immediate discount from the first price. Now it's your turn to make a counter offer; always start low but don't bargain at all unless you're serious about buying. Negotiations continue until a price is agreed - there's no set discount from the asking price as some vendors start ridiculously high, others closer to the 'real' price.


Hospital payment and money in Thailand

Payment at the hospital may be made using cash, internationally-recognized credit cards, or debit cards.
CASH -Thai Baht, US dollars, Australian dollars, British pounds, Euro, and other major currencies are accepted.
Bills must be new, crisp, and free of wrinkles, tears, smudges, and ink-marks.
CREDIT CARD -Please inform your bank ahead of time that you will be charging a large amount overseas.
DEBIT CARD -Please be reminded that only Thai Baht 20,000 can be withdrawn per day.  If your projected bill is greater than this amount, please withdraw an adequate amount in the days preceding your appointment.

If you are paying the hospital with a credit card, please make sure there is sufficient funds on your card, and also inform your bank that you are travelling to Thailand and that you will be paying a certain amount to the hospital so they will not put a stop on your card - many banks are getting conservative, thinking that transactions may be fraud. Also your currency exchange rate could have shifted up or down since we first quoted you, please check this before you travel so you know how much to budget for in your currency.


You will have a better chance to bargain in the shops if you use cash, so it is probably better to transfer some of your currency into Thai Baht and bring it with you. You can exchange money at the airport when you leave for Bangkok.  Also you can use the ATMs in Thailand as you would at home but each time you do you will incur a fee so think about how much you will need so you do not make to many withdrawals, and of course you can use your credit card.


Electrical Adaptor

The adapter for electrical appliances such as hairdryers is the plug with two round or flat prongs on it. These can be purchased at any eectrical store or any bag shop that sells travel bags etc. If you forget you can always purchase one at the airport when you are leaving for Bangkok.


Social customs

Thailand’s social behaviour is less clearly defined than those countries with a monarchy or religious history; particularly in Phuket where Western travellers are more widely accepted. Thais are beautiful serving people and are keen to be of help and please you. Thais will always say yes even when they mean no - or don’t understand what you are saying. Remove your Aussie hat when you leave the airport – you are now in Thailand. Everything is SLOW. What doesn’t get done today may get done tomorrow (if you’re lucky). The only places that works to a western system are the hospitals. Appointments and schedules are important but the timing might take a little longer.

  • Thai’s DO NOT usually shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer like gesture (wai) and say – Sa-wat-dee Khrap (male) Sa-wat-dee Kha (female)
  • Thai’s regard the head as the highest part of the body.  As a result, they DO NOT approve of touching anyone on that part of the body, even in a friendly gesture.
  • Displays of affection in public between men and women are frowned upon. Holding hands in public is the extent of displaying affection in this polite society.
  • DO NOT loose your temper, especially in public. Thais considers this as displaying poor manners and it will get you nowhere.
  • Thai’s usually address each other by their Christian names instead of their surname – The polite way to address a person is saying - Khun Jane or Khun Jim.

Advice to visitors

  • We recommend you purchase a prepaid mobile 1-2-Call service when you arrive in Phuket. The cost is 300 baht (approx AUD$10.00), which includes your Thai mobile number, and your first 300 baht worth of calls. You are then able to call/receive local calls and we can keep in touch with you in Thailand. You are also able to make international calls for a fraction of the cost than if you were to use your home mobile. Once you have given your mobile number to your friends and family they can call you also. Unfortunately ‘roaming’ in Thailand doesn’t always work.
  • Be aware of unauthorised people who offer their services as guides. Ask us to help you for tours, shopping etc. If you are adventurous you may like to try a Tuk-Tuk but you must be sure you know where they are taking you and you must negotiate the fare.
  • Take normal precautions to personal safety, as well as the safety of your belongings.  DO NOT walk alone on quiet streets or deserted areas at night.  Ensure your valuables - money, jewellery, airline tickets and passports are properly secured and are kept in your Hotel Safe.
  • Drug offences in Thailand carry the death penalty. Under no circumstances are you to carry, possess, buy or traffic drugs in or out of Thailand. Watch personal baggage at all times especially whilst at airport terminals. DO NOT consider purchasing drugs from any one who approaches you - it may be a set up. SAY NO TO DRUGS.
  • Food and water are the number one causes of illness in travellers causing (Bali Belly), which is caused by a virus, bacteria, or parasites, which contaminate food and water.
  • DO NOT use water from taps for washing your incision/wound, drinking or washing your mouth out after brushing your teeth. Our accommodation supplies bottled water in your rooms. Always buy bottled water from reputable stores and not from street vendors.  Always check seals and DO NOT purchase drinks with ice.  Reputable hotels will provide bottled water daily.
  • BE CAUTIOUS eating from street stalls always watch them cook the food you purchase. Fresh fruit is always good and cheap. When choosing a restaurant, a good guide is the number of people dining, cleanliness and the menu. The price of food in restaurants is cheap and affordable.  Avoid lettuce, salads or any other type of food that may have been rinsed under running tap water.  Any food provided in restaurants that is cooked is generally safe.
  • Do not walk across 'zebra crossings' expecting cars to stop.  Cars WILL NOT stop - please cross with caution at all times!
  • Please ensure you purchase a power point adapter for your electrical equipment to charge mobile phones, laptop computers and hair dryers. These may be purchased at the airport on departure. Korjo European 250V: CAT NO KA-EU: V03469: (2 flat parallel prongs)
  • English is Thailand's second language and as a result some people will speak better English than others; however do not assume they understand what you are saying. 
  • A must have is a little booklet named THAI WAYS and is available together with maps of Thailand from the Hotel reception.
  • Thailand is an extremely safe and enjoyable destination and there is plenty of activity after dark with street markets, bars and restaurants, however common-sense should prevail when travelling and you should maintain the same precautions, as you would back home.
  • Tesco’s and Big C are large International supermarkets similar to Coles, K-Market, Woolworth’s or Big W in Australia. You'll be able to purchase all of your shopping or grocery requirements there, and you will be familiar with many of their products. There are also 7 Eleven stores throughout Thailand.

Religion

Thai law has a number of special offences concerning religion.  It is unlawful to commit any act that may insult any religion. If a person behaves in a disrespectful manner he/she is subject to punishment. Always dress neatly when entering a holy place. DO NOT go shirtless or in shorts, or any other unsuitable attire. DO NOT wear shoes inside the Buddhist temple.

In a Muslim mosque men should wear hats and women long pants or a long skirt, a long sleeve shirt buttoned to the neck and a scarf covering their head. DO NOT wear shoes inside. DO NOT take photos whilst a service is being conducted as this is considered to be disrespectful.


Mobile phones and cards

You can bring your mobile phone with you to Bangkok but please remember to put it on roaming. It is very expensive to use your mobile phone in Bangkok and we suggest if you have an unlocked phone to purchase a Bangkok Sim card when you arrive, we can help you with this and then purchase pre-paid credit. If however your phone is locked you will not be able to use a Bangkok Sim Card. You can purchase from any 7-11 store in Bangkok, an international phone card that you can use at your hotel. But you can make calls on the phone in your hospital room and hotel room and the charges are very low.


Shopping

Shopping in Thailand is an enjoyable pastime and products are available at fair prices.  You may barter at markets and street stalls.  Department stores have fixed prices. Thailand is renowned for its cheap prices in Jewellery but only purchase from reputable shops otherwise you may not have paid accordingly for the goods you received. Disregard any stranger who offers you jewellery or merchandise or any other free assistance as you will find that you will have paid more than you would have in the stores.  Always shop around when purchasing as prices change from one shop to another. Whilst shopping at the markets always ensure you have your money properly secured to prevent pick pocketing.


Useful Words and Phrases

Thank you – Khaawp Khoon Khrap (male) Khaawp Khoon Kha (female)
Please – Ga roo naa
Yes – Khrap (male) Kha (female)
No – mai chai
You’re Welcome (No problem) – Mai bpen rai Khrap (male) Mai bpen rai Kha (female)
Beautiful – suay mai
(H’s are silent in the Thai language)