Business Hours:

Most commercial concerns in Bangkok operate on a five-day week, usually from 8 am to 5 pm. Many stores open seven days a week from 10 am to 10 pm. Government offices are generally open between 8.30 am and 4.30 pm with a noon to 1 pm lunch break, Monday to Friday except on public holidays. Banks are open Mondays to Fridays from 9.30 am to 3.30 pm except on public holidays.

Currency and Currency exchange:

The Thai unit of currency is the baht 1 baht is divided into 100 satang. Note are in denominations of 1,000 (brown), 500 (purple), 100 (red), 50 (blue), 20 (green) and 10 (brown) baht. Coins consist of 25 satang, 50 satang, 1 baht, 5 baht and 10 baht.

Major currency bills and ellers cheques are cashed easily at hotels, tourist shops, all provincial banks, shopping centres and money changers.Travellers cheques are best changed in banks (you will need your passport). Rates of exchange at banks or authorized money changers are better than those at hotels and department stores.

Any amount of foreign currency may be brought into the country. Visitors may take foreign currency out of Thailand, but no more than the amount stated in the customs declaration made on arrival. Travellers leaving Thailand may take out no more than 50,000 baht per person in Thai currency.

Credit Cards:

Credit cards are widely accepted. For lost cards :
American Express Tel : 0 2273 5100 or 0 2273 0022
Diners Club Tel : 0 2238 2920 or 0 2238 2680
Master Card Tel : 0 2256 7326-7
Visa Tel : 0 2256 7326-7

Tipping:

Tipping is not a usual practice in Thailand although it is becoming more common. Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers do not require a tip, but the gesture is appreciated and 10-20 baht is acceptable for porters.

Bargaining:

Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but at most other places bargaining is to be expected. Generally, you can obtain a final figure of between 10-40% lower than the original asking price. Much depends on your skills and the shopkeeper's mood. But remember, Thais appreciate good manners and a sense of humor. With patience and a broad smile, you will not only get a better price, you will also enjoy shopping as an art.

Thai Money:

Thai unit of currency is the baht. One hundred satang equals 1 baht. Paper money is made in amounts of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 baht. Coins are 1, 5 and 10 baht pieces and also 25 and 50 satang. The king's face is pictured on the front of every coin and every bill. At the moment, it's about 42 baht per 1 US. dollar.
 

1000 Baht (front): The portrait of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the reigning monarch, in the uniform of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Size: width 8 cm ; length 16.6 cm Paper Color: pale blue	1000 Baht (back): The portrait of Their Majesties King Bhumibol Adulyadej & Queen Sirikit performing royal activities

 

500 Baht (front): The portrait of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the reigning monarch and the Privy Seal Size: width 7.2 cm ; length 15.6 cm Paper Color: violet	500 Baht (back): The portrait of the monuments of Their Majesties King Buddha Yod Fa Chulalok the Great (Rama I) and King Buddha Loet La Nabhalai (Rama II), the drawing of the Temple of the Emerald Buddha

 

100 Baht (front): The portrait of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the reigning monarch and the Royal Initial Emblem of H.M. the King "Phor Por Ror" Size: width 7.2 cm ; length 15 cm	100 Baht (back): The portrait of the monument of Their Majesties King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and King Vajiravudha (Rama VI), together with their Royal Initial Emblem

 

50 Baht (front): The portrait of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the reigning monarch, in the uniform of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Size: width 7.2 cm ; length 14.4 cm	50 Baht (back): The monument of H.M. King Mongkut (Rama IV)

 

20 Baht (front): The portrait of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the reigning monarch, in the uniform of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Size: width 7.2 cm ; length 13.8 cm	20 Baht (back): The statue of Somdet Phra Chao Taksin Maharaj, modeled from the monument at Tung Na Choei Public Park, Amphur Muang, Chanthaburi Province

 

10 Baht (front): The portrait of H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej, the reigning monarch, in the uniform of the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces Size: width 6.9 cm ; length 13.2 cm	10 Baht (back): The equestrian statue of H.M. King Rama V, modeled from the monument in the courtyard of the Royal Dusit Palace

 

25 Satang 50 Satang 1 Baht 5 Baht 10 Baht FRONT BACK