![\"IMG_3328\"](\"http:\/\/first2board.com\/verygoodpoints\/files\/2013\/11\/IMG_3328-e1383931447661.jpg\")
<\/p>\nA lot of people ask me for tips about planning a trip to Thailand so I thought I’d put together my guide.<\/p>\n
Q: Do I Need A Visa?<\/p>\n
A: If you are a US or Canadian Citizen traveling as a tourist, you do not need a visa. \u00a0You will be allowed to stay in the country for 30 days. \u00a0Your passport must be valid for at least 60 days after the date of your entry. \u00a0Thai officials are known to take immigration policies very seriously, so do not overstay your visit. \u00a0Foreigners are not permitted to work in Thailand without a work visa. Several US citizens are arrested every year, so don’t take any chances.<\/p>\n
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Q.Do I Need Vaccinations?<\/p>\n
A. The CDC recommends that all of your routine vaccines are up to date. \u00a0In addition they recommend that most travelers get the Hepatitis\u00a0\u00a0A vaccine and Typhoid vaccine.\u00a0Hepatitis A is contracted through dirty and contaminated water and can be contracted no matter where you’re staying. \u00a0Similarly, Typhoid is contracted through\u00a0contaminated food or water and is very common in rural areas.<\/p>\n
The CDC recommends the following for some groups of travelers based upon many things including what you’ll be doing and where you’ll be going. \u00a0They recommend you get Hepatitis B vaccine if you\u00a0might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. \u00a0Japanese encephalitis vaccine is recommend for some travelers who will spend extended time in Thailand, are going to rural areas and visiting locals. \u00a0The Malaria vaccine is recommended for most travelers. Mosquitoes are rampant in Thailand and there are frequent outbreaks of mosquito born illnesses.<\/p>\n
Dengue and Chikungunya\u00a0are viral infections transmitted via mosquitoes. These infections are endemic in Thailand, including urban areas, and can make patients feel very ill, and in a small percentage of individuals they can be deadly. Although these cases are more prevalent during the rainy season, they occur throughout the year. Using a mosquito repellent with DEET at least twice a day is effective for mosquito bite prevention. I can personally attest to the nastiness of Dengue. I got the virus in March of this year after having spent almost 7 months in the country. \u00a0You want to do everything you can to avoid these viruses.<\/p>\n
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Q. Is Thailand Dangerous?<\/p>\n
A. Thailand, like many countries, has some level of crime. Tourists can become the victims of pick pockets, traditional tourist scams, and petty theft. In addition, many taxis are known to try to rip off tourists by charging excessive rates. \u00a0Before you get in any taxi make sure they will turn on the meter. If they won’t, find another cab. \u00a0Tuk-tuks can be alluring to tourists, but they frequently charge tourists double what they charge locals. \u00a0There have been reports of more serious crimes against tourists, so like anywhere, be alert and cautious.<\/p>\n
I saw many friends who visited me fall victim to the tourist scams being run at popular attractions. So called tour guides try to arrange private tours for you, except you end up being driven to every tailor, jeweler and market paying a commission to the driver. Stick with licensed operators or ask your hotel to make your arrangements. You don’t want to waste your trip at overpriced stores! \u00a0I traveled throughout the country and always felt safe.
\nQ. Should I Bring Cash?<\/p>\n
A. Almost all hotels, larger restaurants, and shops take credit cards. There are thousands of ATM machines in Thailand and plenty of foreign exchange companies. You can bring cash, but you certainly do not need to. You should always have several hundred Thai Baht on hand for taxis or small vendors who do not accepts cards.<\/p>\n
![\"baht\"](\"http:\/\/first2board.com\/verygoodpoints\/files\/2013\/11\/baht.jpg\")
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Q. How Should I Get Around The Country?<\/p>\n
A. Once you’re in Thailand getting around is easy. A 60-90 minute flight can get you almost anywhere in the country. \u00a0There are dozens of low cost carriers and air travel safe in Thailand. \u00a0People often ask me to compare local carriers to US Carriers, so I’ll do my best here. Similar to Jet Blue: \u00a0 Thai Airways introduced a low-fare option last year called Thai Smile. They operate domestic flights throughout the day and fares are often significantly less than on Thai itself. \u00a0Bangkok Airways calls itself Thailand’s Boutique Airline and they are probably the most similar to Jet Blue. \u00a0 Similar to Southwest: \u00a0Air Asia, Nok Airways and Thai Lion are similar to Southwest in that you have to pay for early boarding and seat assignments. You could sit next to a business person or a backpacker, you just never know who you’ll meet. \u00a0The biggest difference between the airlines is which airports they fly out of in Bangkok. \u00a0The old Don\u00a0Muang Aiport (DMK) is a very old facility servicing only low-fare airlines. The airport is slated to undergo massive renovations, but until that happens, I personally am avoiding that airport. \u00a0The airport is chaotic and disorganized and there are very, very few amenities. \u00a0Alternatively, you can get all airlines (with the exception of Air Asia) from the new massive\u00a0Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK.)<\/p>\n
![\"nok1\"](\"http:\/\/first2board.com\/verygoodpoints\/files\/2013\/04\/nok1.jpg\")
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Q. Can I Get VAT Tax refunded?<\/p>\n
A. Yes, you can get a VAT refund if you meet these qualifications: \u00a0On any one day, the goods purchased from an individual participating retailer are not less than 2,000 Baht including VAT, and the total amount being claimed for refund is not less than 5,000 Baht, including VAT. \u00a05,000 Baht sounds like a lot, but it’s not – it’s only about $160 USD. \u00a0The important thing to note is that you must have your goods with you at the airport so that they can be inspected. The inspection booths recently relocated to the front of the check-in counters. You’ll want to make sure you visit those before going through security.<\/p>\n
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Q.Is It Safe To Eat Street Food?<\/p>\n
![\"street-food5\"](\"http:\/\/first2board.com\/verygoodpoints\/files\/2013\/08\/street-food5.jpg\")
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