Destination

Language
Thai is the official language in Thailand. English can be understood at most hotels, shopping retailers, banks, established restaurants and tourist attractions.

Public Holidays
2012
2 January	Substitution for New Year's Day
7 March	Makha Bucha Day
6 April	Chakri Memorial Day
13 - 16 April	Songkran Day (Thai New Year)
1 May	National Labour Day
7 May	Substitution for Coronation Day
4 June	Visakha Bucha Day
2 August	Asalha Bucha Day
13 August	Substitution for H.M. The Queen's Birthday (Mother's Day)
23 October	Chulalongkorn Memorial Day
5 December	H.M. The King's Birthday
10 December	Constitution Day
31 December	New Year's Eve

Currency
The Thai Baht (THB) is the official currency unit. US dollars are accepted at some shops.

Thai Baht coins come in denominations of 1, 2, 5, 10, 25, and 50. Baht notes come in denominations of 20 (green), 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (purple), and 1,000 (grey).

Taxes
Thailand imposes a value-added tax (VAT) of 7% on all retail goods. The value-added tax is only refundable if the retailer participates in the refund programme – check when you purchase goods. Your passport details are required by participating retailers to issue the required refund invoices, which are then processed at the airport upon your departure. Please check with the hotel Concierge for details.  Government tax on hotel accommodation charges are 7%.

Customs
Visitors are allowed to bring 200 cigarettes or 250g of cigars/tobacco; 1 litre of spirits; 1 litre of wine; Baht 10,000 of perfume; Baht 10,000 of effects for personal or professional use.

Business Hours
Retail shopping hours are generally from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm daily, with major department stores operating from 10:00 am to 9:00 pm. Banking hours are from 9:00 am to 3:30 pm, Monday to Friday.

Electricity
Thailand’s voltage is 220V, 50 cycles/sec. Unearthed two-pin (round or parallel flat) plugs are used. All room at The Peninsula Bangkok have dual voltage multi-pin sockets.

Mobile / Cellular Phones
Bangkok is well covered in terms of mobile or cellular phone coverage. In all city and major tourist areas. Mobile phone numbers have the prefix 08 followed by eight digits. To call a mobile number in Bangkok from overseas, drop the 0 before the 8, thus the prefix becomes 668.

Mobile / Cellular Phone SIM Cards
There are numerous mobile network operators in Thailand. Stored-value SIM cards are available at most convenience stores or at mobile network operators’ retails shops.

Public Phones
Public phones accept coins of Thai Baht 1, 5, or 10. Local call charges depend on distance with a minimum of 3 Thai Baht for 15 minutes. Some public phones accept credit cards for international calls.

Wireless Internet Access
Bangkok is reasonably well connected in terms of the Internet. The Peninsula Bangkok offers complimentary wired and wireless Internet access in all rooms.

Internet cafes are common throughout Bangkok in retail areas and shopping centres.  Hotspots or wireless Internet access is available in some city locations or shopping centres. Most franchised coffee chain stores provide wireless Internet access at a charge.  

Shopping and Paying
The Thai Baht is the predominant currency for cash payments, although most retailers will also take the US dollar. Credit cards are widely accepted as well. Travellers cheques may be cashed at banks or at one of the many currency exchange bureaux located throughout the city.

Tipping
The addition of a 10% service charge to hotel and restaurant bills is customary with additional tipping being optional.

Emergency Numbers
In case of an emergency, first call the Bangkok's Tourist Police on 1155 which will be answered by an English speaking officer.