Currency: The Baht... 100 satang to the Baht. Bills are 10,20,100,500. Copper coins are 25,50 satang. Silver coins are 1,5 Baht.
Temperature: Warm to hot with humidity. The Hot Season is March-April. The Rainy Season is May-October with heavy downpours. The cool season is November-February.
Language: Thai, but English is widely understood in Bangkok.
Shopping hours: 8 - 5 with a lunch break.
Bank hours: 8:30 am - 3:30 pm.
Things to buy: Silks, silverware, pottery, precious stones, jewelry, crafts.
Food: Similar to Chinese but more spicy and categorized as hot, hotter, hottest. American fast food shops are catching on in Bangkok.
Drink: Do not drink tap water. Tea and local beers are excellent.
Tipping: Optional, but for good service, follow US standards. Better restaurants will add 10-15%.
Transportation: Don Muang International Airport. What public transportation there is, is inconvenient. Taxi's are about the only way to go, but tend to be expensive. Bargain before you go.
Miscellaneous: Departure tax 120 Baht. Most hotels have a Post Bureau.
Etiquette: Anger is regarded as crude and boorish. Smile and all doors open to you. Thais ask personal questions. Don't be insulted. If you don't want to answer truthfully, joking responses are acceptable. Dress neatly in Shrines. Shoes are removed in homes, and in temples. Every Buddha image is regarded as being sacred. Never show lack of respect. Public displays of affection are frowned upon. Do not point your foot at a person. Never pat anyone on the head.
Note: Don't even think about trying to walk around unfamiliar areas of Bangkok using a street map. The city is not laid out in grids. You will get lost even with a map.
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