Buzz
For those embarking on their first journey to Thailand, to ensure a smooth and joyous trip, here are some key things to note:
1. At the Vietnamese border checkpoint
- You should declare on the entry and exit declaration form if:
+ Carrying items worth more than 200 USD such as: Cameras, gemstones, antiques...
+ If carrying more than 7,000 USD per person, along with approval from the authorized agency specifying the purpose of the funds.
– Use comfortable low-cut shoes or sandals (with back straps) that you are accustomed to wearing. Avoid wearing new footwear.
– When visiting the Royal Palace, Jade Emperor Pagoda, or Golden Pagoda, attire should be formal, avoiding sleeveless tops, flip-flops, and skirts that are too short.
– If carrying sharp metal scissors, remember to place them in checked baggage, as they will be confiscated by airport customs if found in carry-on luggage.
– Prepare a compact bag to carry with you for storing passports and cash. Avoid leaving them in the hotel room to prevent theft.
– As a gesture of etiquette, you should tip 20 Baht per bag (equivalent to 10,000 VND) to the hotel staff handling luggage upon check-in/check-out.
– Each traveler is allowed to bring a maximum of 3 pieces of luggage and/or equivalent to 20kg per person for free air transportation (Vietnam Airlines, Thai Airways, Nok Air).
3. Important Notes
– Smoking and littering in public places, areas with no-smoking signs, may result in fines for violation.
4. Shopping Tips:
– Negotiate prices when shopping at stores or markets. If the seller wears an employee badge, prices are likely non-negotiable.
– Having a personal calculator is very convenient for bargaining due to language differences.
– Recommended items to purchase in Bangkok: household electronics, household goods. Avoid buying electronics due to high prices.
When purchasing items exceeding 300 USD (converted according to the value of the item in Vietnam, especially electronics and appliances), customs tax will be imposed at Vietnamese border checkpoints according to the Vietnam Customs tariff schedule.
Most shops and supermarkets in Thailand only open around 10 to 10:30 in the morning (some open from 9:30).
Shopping in Thailand is delightful, yet it's advisable to explore various stores to compare prices, especially for gems and jewelry. While prices are usually displayed, bargaining is encouraged. You can negotiate to purchase items at 10 to 40% lower than the initial asking price.
Always ask for a receipt when making a purchase and carefully inspect items before leaving the store. Reputable stores will provide a written agreement to refund the full amount for any item returned within 90 days. If a store refuses this, consider shopping elsewhere.
Thais value politeness and humor. With patience and a warm smile, you can secure good deals. English is spoken fairly well by Thai vendors. The shopping atmosphere is relaxed, with no pressure or aggressive sales tactics. Feel free to negotiate until you're satisfied.
Spending over 3,000 Baht entitles tourists to a VIP shopping card, offering a 5% discount on every purchase for 2 years.
Tax Refunds
When shopping in Thailand, you may be eligible for a value-added tax (VAT) refund at international airports in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, and Phuket for purchases totaling at least 5,000 Baht in a single day (accumulated from multiple receipts).
Request a VAT refund form from the store when making purchases. If at a department store, customers need to obtain a receipt at the VAT counter for the refund process.
The receipt must be presented for tax reduction on the day of purchase. Upon leaving Thailand, travelers must submit the VAT refund form at the customs VAT refund checkpoint before boarding their flight. Customs officers will inspect goods with declared VAT refunds before processing the refund form. At passport control, Thai customs officials will handle the form and refund the VAT tax.
5. Shopping Destinations in Thailand
Here are some renowned shopping destinations in Thailand along with a few shopping tips.
– Central Chidlom
Part of the Central Group network, Central Chidlom stands as a prominent shopping center in Bangkok. Established in 1973, Central Chidlom has evolved into a modern shopping hub, offering a wide range of products from affordable to high-end, including clothing, jewelry, consumer goods, and electronics. It also features comprehensive entertainment areas to cater to all visitor needs.
– Central World Plaza
After joining the Central Group, Central World Plaza has emerged as one of Thailand's premier shopping destinations. With over 500 shops, specialized retail zones, 50 restaurants, 21 cinemas, a bowling alley, children's entertainment areas, and two major shopping zones, it boasts Asia's largest department store. Visitors to Thailand cannot miss Central World Plaza for a shopping extravaganza.
– Siam Paragon
With a construction cost exceeding 350 million USD, Siam Paragon is the largest shopping complex, featuring the biggest retail space and the grandest cinema complex, making it the ultimate shopping paradise in Bangkok. While housing renowned global brands, Siam Paragon caters to diverse budgets, offering a wide range of products. Additionally, it hosts an extensive entertainment complex, dining options, bars, and fulfills all tourist needs.
– Charn Issara
Charn Issara is another renowned shopping destination in Bangkok. Offering a diverse range of products catering to both luxury and budget needs, it's a top choice for many locals and tourists alike. Popular items at Charn Issara include clothing, fashion accessories, cosmetics, and premium consumer goods.
– Duty-Free Shops at King Power
In Thailand, don't miss out on the duty-free shops at King Power. Not only do they offer a wide range of duty-free consumer goods and fashion items, but King Power also frequently hosts attractive promotional events and lotteries. King Power duty-free shops are undoubtedly one of the most appealing shopping spots for tourists in Thailand.
– MBK Center
MBK Center is one of the largest and most famous department stores and shopping centers in Thailand, a frequent haunt for shopping enthusiasts. Here, you'll find a wide variety of unique and exceptional goods at affordable prices, coupled with the cheerful, friendly, and attentive attitude of the staff, leaving everyone with smiles of satisfaction.
– Pratunam Market
Pratunam Market is one of Bangkok's major markets, specializing in clothing and fabrics. Visitors here immerse themselves in a colorful world of clothing and textiles. Prices are relatively cheap compared to Vietnam, and the more you buy, the cheaper it gets. If you're in Thailand and looking to purchase some clothes or fabrics, Pratunam Market is a must-visit destination.
6. Making International Calls
– Purchase a Thailand international phone card (yellow), dial from public phone booths for significantly cheaper rates (lowest card denomination: 300 Thai baht). Dialing from Thailand to Hanoi: 001-84 - omit the provincial code 0 - dial the number (e.g., 001-84-4-514978). For mobile numbers: 001-84- omit the initial 0 before the number 9 (e.g., 001-84-913341816). If your mobile phone is on international roaming, upon arrival in Thailand, it will automatically search for the Thai network.
7. Currency Exchange Rates
The currency unit in Thailand is the Thai Baht. Exchange rates approximately: 1 USD ~ 32.5 – 32.7 Thai Baht; 100 Baht ~ 53,000 VND. It's advisable to carry USD as Vietnam Dong is not accepted in Thailand and cannot be exchanged at airports.
8. Dos and Don'ts in Thailand
Do:
Wear appropriate attire (no shorts, tank tops, etc.) when visiting a temple; refrain from climbing on Buddha statues for photographs.
Respect the King and Queen, as they are highly revered by the Thai people; avoid any actions that may offend them.
Show respect to elders: be polite when bargaining with a vendor, or when negotiating with a tuktuk driver; smiling helps create a friendly atmosphere and increases the chances of successful negotiation.
Remove shoes before entering a Thai person's home; observe whether they wear shoes inside as well.
Patience is key when conducting transactions at the post office or bank. It's best to relax and make yourself comfortable.
Avoid:
Do not use your feet to point at people or objects; this is considered rude by Thais, as they view feet as the lowest part of the body (you may notice many hotels in Thailand do not provide indoor slippers for guests). When sitting, never let your feet point towards a Buddha statue inside a house.
Do not touch a child's head, even in a friendly manner.
Avoid public displays of affection.
Never raise your voice in public, even when angry.
Never intentionally solicit a Thai woman: in Thailand, only 1% of Thai women work in the sex industry, while 99% work in other professions, so soliciting a Thai woman can lead to unintended consequences.
Do not accept offers from strangers (often Thai locals): they may lead you to places to eat, stay, shop, etc. Of course, this benefits them (as they may receive commissions from these services).
Never buy gemstones or antiques on the streets: if you wish to make such purchases, do so from reputable stores.
Even as a guest, never summon a server by gesturing with your hand raised (palm up). This is highly disrespectful (similar to using a beckoning gesture in Western countries). You can clasp your hands together when signaling or turn your palm down.
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Source: Mytour Travel Guide
MytourMay 13, 2016
