Memo to tourists in Thailand. Memo to tourists in Thailand Call from Thailand to Russia

customs regime

A tourist can import duty-free:

250 gr. tobacco or 200 cigarettes;
1 liter of alcoholic beverages;
1 camera and 5 films, 1 video camera + 3 cassettes;

The import of drugs, pornographic materials, certain types of fruits, vegetables and plants is prohibited. The export from Thailand of images of the Buddha and Bodhisattvas, antiques and art, ivory products without special permission from the Department of Fine Arts is also prohibited.

Opening hours of shops, banks, museums

Opening hours of shops: from 8.30 - 20.30 without days off and holidays. Banks are open on weekdays from 8.30 to 15.30.

Useful phone numbers

Police - 191, fire department - 199, tourist police - 1155

Money, currency exchange

Currency exchange can be done in banks or exchange offices. The most favorable exchange rate in Bangkok. Exchange offices are open from 8.30 - 20.00. It is more profitable to exchange foreign currency for traveler's checks, and not for cash baht.

Mail and telephone

The call can be made from a hotel or from telephone booths that can be seen on the streets, in the halls of large buildings, and also in shops. To call Russia, dial 0 (international access when calling a landline number) / 1 (international access when calling a mobile number) + 7 (country code) + area code + called subscriber number.

Transport

Before leaving for the airport

Check the availability of the following documents: a foreign passport (valid for at least 6 months from the date of return from a trip), air ticket, voucher, insurance policy, power of attorney from parents (if a minor child goes without them), birth certificate (if the child and parent different surnames). Check-in for the flight starts 3 hours before the time indicated on the ticket. If you are traveling with children, we advise you to arrive early in order to book seats that are convenient for you and your children.

In the airplane

Approximately 10 hours later you arrive in Thailand. On the plane you will receive an immigration card (consists of 2 parts and a customs declaration. You fill them out in English. For help with filling out, contact the stewardess.

At the airport in Thailand

From February 1, 2007, entry into Thailand is visa-free for Russian citizens. Citizens of Ukraine and Kazakhstan can fly to Thailand without a visa previously issued at the Embassy and receive it at the airport of arrival. To do this, you must have 2 photos (3x4). Take the application form in the “Visa on Arrival“ window, fill it out in English. In Bangkok, exchange currency for Thai baht, pay for a visa. The cost of the visa on arrival is 1000 baht. Next, wait for a call to go through passport control. The immigration officer will take the right side of the card. Keep the left side of your immigration card until you leave Thailand (it will be pinned in your passport). Get your baggage. If you have nothing to declare, go through the "Green corridor" of customs, if there is - through the "Red corridor" (Customs declaration is filled in anyway). Luggage carts at the airport can be used free of charge.

Customs regulations

Duty-free transportation of one photo or video camera, 3 video cassettes, up to 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco, one liter of wine or alcohol is officially allowed. The export of antiques, ivory, Buddha figurines and any pottery from Banchiang, exotic animals and birds is prohibited.

We inform you that from May 13, 2014, Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation No. 398 of April 29, 2014 "On recognizing paragraph 7 of Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation of December 31, 2005 No. 866 "On marking alcohol products with excise stamps" comes into force "In this regard, the import of any alcoholic beverages into the territory of the Russian Federation from abroad is prohibited. The exception will be alcoholic beverages purchased at airports in Duty Free shops.

airport tax

For tourists leaving Thailand 500 baht, on domestic lines (when departing from Koh Samui) - 400 baht per passenger.

Transport

If you need to take a taxi, use cars with the inscription "TAXI-METER" (make sure that you are being driven according to the meter), and you can also take a motorcycle taxi - the so-called "Tuk-Tuk" (payment by agreement).
If you miss a local flight, re-register your tickets for the next flight at the counter of the local airline (subject to availability). The service is free.

The monetary unit of Thailand is the Thai baht. One baht is subdivided into 100 satang. 1 $ is approximately equal to 40 baht. There are banknotes of 10,20,50,100,500 and 1000 baht in circulation. Dollars in Thailand are not accepted for payment, if they are accepted in a taxi or a store, then at a predatory low rate. If the amount of more than 10 thousand dollars in cash is imported into the country, it must be declared. It is better to change dollars in bikes and exchange offices. With hotels, the exchange rate is unfavorable, losses reach 20%.

Local time in Thailand is ahead of Moscow by 3 hours.

Hot (March-May), rainy (June-October), cool (November-February +30 degrees C)

The official language is Thai. In the cities, English, Chinese and Japanese are common.

Low. For small services, such as carrying things to the room, it is enough to give a bill of 20 baht, it is not polite to give coins. In a restaurant, on the contrary, you can leave coins from the change for the waiter, in case of a particularly pleasant service - a 20 baht bill. You can give a taxi driver. 20 baht on top, you can limit yourself to the agreed amount.

More than 90% of Thais practice Buddhism.

Electricity

220 volts, European sockets.

Do's and Don'ts in Thailand

Do: Keep your valuables, passports and money in safes specially designed for this purpose in the hotel (usually on the first floor of each hotel at the reception desk) FOR FREE!
Do: Have change with you to pay for a taxi, agree with the driver to pay before the trip, and not after (does not apply to Taxi-Meter in Bangkok).
Do: Swim in specially designated areas. As if being careful when handling a water scooter (if it breaks, you will have to pay a fine of $ 1,000!)
Do: Be careful when talking to strangers.
Do: Do not forget that in many places they can offer inflated bills for payment, before buying or ordering something, you need to familiarize yourself with the prices, in the restaurant - look at the menu.
Do: Do not forget about maintaining cleanliness and order in your places of rest. Remember that every tourist is an indicator of the culture of his country.
Need: When visiting religious shrines, open clothing is inappropriate: shorts, sleeveless T-shirts, revealing dresses. If you came to the temple in this form, find out where they can give out a special coverlet. If you are planning an excursion to the Royal Palace, you will need clothes with sleeves that cover your shoulders, long trousers and skirts, shoes with straps on the heel.

Don't: Make fun of the King and the royal family or talk obscenely about them. The same applies to images of the Buddha or places associated with it. All banknotes in Thailand have the image of the king, in no case should you tear money, as this is punishable by imprisonment.
Don't: Walk at night along the beach and other dark places.
Don't: Give taxi drivers large bills, as they will never be able to give change.
Don't: Rent a motorbike or car if you don't know how to drive it well.
Don't: Drink alcohol on the beach or on the street.
Do not: Make rash decisions, know how to refuse dubious offers.
Do not: Buy, sell and use drugs in any form, this type of crime, according to the laws of Thailand, is sentenced to a minimum of life imprisonment, a maximum of the death penalty.
Don't: Import and use e-cigarettes in Thailand. Violation is punishable by a fine of up to $30,000 and/or imprisonment
Don't: Smoke on the beaches of Thailand. The maximum penalty for violating the ban will be a year in prison and/or a fine of up to 100,000 baht (nearly $3,000).

Brief information about the laws of Thailand

1. If you caused a road accident while driving any type of transport while intoxicated, you will always be the culprit of the accident. If at the same time you break the car, and cars in Thailand are unusually expensive due to very high import duties, your stay in this country may drag on indefinitely and not a single diplomatic instance will be able to help you.
2. In case of street incidents, fights, etc. - in no case do not participate in them, especially using any weapons or objects in your hands. A person who gets into the police under these circumstances also becomes inaccessible to outside help.
3. Do not joke with the police under any circumstances, in many cases criminal acts (or their imitation!) are stopped by the use of weapons. The cause of any trouble with the official structures of Thailand can only be your own behavior.

Thai restaurants offer a variety of cuisines from around the world. (Thai, Chinese, Italian, Indian, etc.). There are Fast Food restaurants like McDonald's in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket. Most hotels offer American, English and continental breakfasts. Drinks at breakfast - free of charge, at lunch or dinner - for extra. fee.

The shops

They work 12 hours a day without days off and holidays from 8.30 to 20.30. In shops and most shops it is customary to bargain, in most cases the price can be reduced by up to 30% of the original price. The most popular is the Chatuchak Weekend Market near the Sofitel Central Plaza hotel. Everything that is produced in Thailand is sold here, including traditional Thai silk, black silver and bronze products, and handicrafts. The cheapest items are sold at the Indra Market. The city also has a Night Bazaar (Patpong), visiting which is more like entertainment.

WITH 02.12.2010 introduced the minimum amount of money to enter the territory of Thailand (arrival at any port in the country).

Each tourist must have and, upon request, present to customs officers 700 US dollars or 600 euros per person or 1,500 US dollars or 1,400 euros per family. If the funds are on a bank card, it must be international; an account statement is required to be presented in the event of a request from the border guard, however, the border guard has the right to demand cash.

When applying for a visa to citizens of the Republic of Belarus at the Consular Section of the Embassy of Thailand, it is also necessary to provide financial guarantees (bank statement or traveler's checks) in the amount of 700 US dollars or 600 euros per person or 1500 US dollars or 1400 euros per family.

Money

The monetary unit of Thailand is the Thai baht. One baht is subdivided into 100 satang. 1$ is approximately equal to 33 baht (the exchange rate ranges from 31 to 34 baht for 1 dollar). In circulation there are banknotes of 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 baht.

In Thailand, only local currency is accepted for payment. Banks offer the best exchange rates. Banks are open on weekdays from 8.30 to 15.30. There is a network of exchange offices with a sign "EXCHANGE". They are open from 8.30 to 20.00. At the airport, the exchange rate is unfavorable. Here, if necessary, it is better to exchange the minimum amount.

The shops

Shops are open from 8.00 to 20.00. In the country's markets, you can buy food and manufactured goods at the lowest prices. It is customary to bargain here. Thailand has a system of small department stores "Seven-Eleven". They work around the clock on weekdays and holidays.

Souvenirs and shopping

Thai silk and cotton, silver and bronze products, teak wood, precious stones and jewelry with precious and semi-precious stones, crocodile leather products, ceramics, handicrafts will be a pleasant souvenir and an unforgettable gift.

High-quality ready-made clothing for sports and leisure is inexpensive.

Restaurants

The restaurants of Thailand present a variety of cuisines of the peoples of the world (Thai, Chinese, Italian, Indian, etc.). There are fast food restaurants like McDonald's in Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket. Most hotels offer American, English and continental breakfasts. Drinks at breakfast are free, at lunch or dinner - for an additional fee.

The type of dinner is provided at the discretion of the hotel management: buffet or a la carte (a la carte order).

The famous tom yam kung - spicy shrimp soup

Bangkok is a real paradise for gourmets. Thai cuisine will offer you a huge variety of fresh seafood dishes. Fish, crabs, lobsters and tiger prawns can be cooked in a spicy (Thai) version or adapted to the tastes of European cuisine. In addition to Thai and European food, you can easily find many restaurants serving foreign cuisines for all tastes. Fast food outlets can always be found in large shopping malls. There are also open-air restaurants with a varied menu, excellent service and reasonable prices.

Tips

It is customary to tip service personnel in hotels ($1-2), waiters and those employees who serve you well. Tips in restaurants are usually 10% of the bill.

Shopping malls and markets in Bangkok

Not far from the Pratunam area, at the intersection of Ploenchit (Plenchit) and Ratchadamri (Rachdamri) streets, there are shopping centers Gaysorn Plaza and Central World Plaza (Central World Plaza). Close to them, focusing on the Skytrain line, you will find Siam PARAGON - this is the newest store in Bangkok, which also houses Asia's largest aquarium.

Not far from it, on the opposite side of the street, at the intersection is Mah Boon Krong (Ma Boon Krong) - a trading empire with hundreds of shops and shops, part of which is the Tokyu Department Store, popular among young people in Thailand.

Take the BTS Skytrain to Phrom Phong Station and you will find yourself in the Emporium Center, which sells the most fashionable brands of women's, men's and children's clothing. Opening hours of shopping centers from 10:30 to 21:00 without a break for lunch.

If you are interested in buying computer or digital equipment, then you need to visit the computer shopping center Panthip Plaza (Pantip Plaza).

In addition to comfortable shopping centers, you can visit colorful city markets that offer goods at low prices. Adjacent to the Indra Regent Hotel is Pratunam Market, a clothing market where the locals sell textiles. The same bazaar is located near the Prince Palace Hotel - Bobey Market. The most famous bazaar in the city is undoubtedly the Chatuchak market, however, most of it is open only on weekends. You can get to it by elevated metro. All bazaars in Bangkok are usually open from early morning until sunset.

Fixed prices for goods in Bangkok only in large shopping centers. However, even there, helpful sellers often give a 5 percent discount for large purchases. Bargaining is customary in shops and bazaars. There are no clear rules on how to bargain, it all depends on the individual abilities of the buyer and seller. In most cases, the price can be reduced to at least 30% of the original price. It should always be remembered that Thais like good manners and a sense of humor, you should not lose patience or raise your voice. Then the bargaining process will be pleasant.

Transport

Knock Knock

Thailand has an extensive network of intercity buses. This is a relatively cheap mode of transport. Passenger trains move slower, but their low speed is compensated by the fact that you can see this beautiful country along the way. When traveling long distances, overnight passenger trains are recommended.

Getting around the city (Bangkok)

First of all, we advise you to get a map of the city. You can find it at the accommodation desk in almost every hotel or from the guide. Be sure to take your hotel card before leaving the city. It is better to leave passports and other valuable documents at the hotel, in a safe, it is enough to have a photocopy of your passport with you.

Taxi
In Bangkok, all officially operating taxis have a board with the inscription "TAXI-METER". Payment in such taxis is carried out according to the meter, on the scoreboard of which 35 baht is displayed immediately after landing, and then 3-5 baht is added for each 1 kilometer of run. Usually a trip within the central part of the city costs 60-150 baht. Tipping in taxis is not provided.

"Knock Knock" or tricycle taxi is very popular among tourists for short trips around Bangkok. The cost of the trip is negotiated with the driver in advance. Payment for 1 trip within the city ranges from 80 to 300 baht. The cheapest and most unusual is a river taxi, but in order to use its services, you need to know the city well.

Skytrain BTS
The Sky Train system runs through the entire central part of Bangkok, the windows of the trains offer a view of the city. Works from 6 am to 12 am. Trains move at intervals of 3-6 minutes (2 minutes per rush hour). The entrance to the subway is marked with the letters BTS. The stations are two-level: on the first level there are machines and cash desks for purchasing tickets, a kiosk for changing money and pass machines. On the second floor there are platforms for embarkation / disembarkation of passengers. The cost of one trip depends on the distance of the trip (zonal system, as in Russian suburban trains) and varies from 15 to 42 baht. It is MANDATORY to keep the ticket until the end of the trip, it serves as a pass to enter the city.

If you plan to make several trips on the same day, you can buy a DAILY PASS ticket. It entitles you to unlimited rides in one day and costs 130 baht (just over $3).

Underground metro MRTA

The metro in Bangkok was opened in 2004. Air-conditioned subway trains can take you to many outlying areas of the city. At the station, unlike the elevated BTS, tokens are bought from the cashier, not magnetic cards. They must also be kept until the end of the trip. The cost of the trip depends on the distance and ranges from 16 to 40 baht.

Trains run from 6 am to midnight with an interval of less than five minutes during peak hours (6.00 - 9.00 and 16.30 - 19.30) and less than 10 minutes at other times.

Car rental

Traffic on the roads is chaotic, drivers do not follow the rules of the road. Self-driving is not recommended, it is better to rent a car with a driver.

Etiquette

Keep calm and smile when communicating with Thais. Anger here is an expression of rudeness and bad manners. It is unacceptable to express even the slightest disdain for the Thai monarchy or the royal family. When visiting the Royal Palace, one should not be dressed in too open clothes (with bare shoulders, knees, heels). Before entering the temples where the images of the Buddha are kept, and also if you enter the private house of a Thai, you must take off your shoes. It is not customary to publicly express your feelings between a man and a woman. You should not touch the head of a Thai, even with the best of intentions.

Medical service

If an accident has happened to you, call the service department of the insurance company at the numbers indicated in the insurance policy, inform about your insured event. Then see a doctor. Keep receipts after paying for medical services for reimbursement by the insurance company.

Health

We do not recommend drinking tap water without boiling and washing fruits with this water. Use purified bottled water, which is provided free of charge in almost all hotels. It is advisable not to buy food from street and beach vendors, because. possible food poisoning.

Be careful when drinking very cold drinks (especially those with ice) on very hot days. Colds are possible. Pay attention to the quality of ice used for drinks. It is better to refuse to use it, because. it may have been made from tap water.

Try not to expose your skin to sunburn. Even if you are in the sun for a short time, always wear sunscreen and a hat.

first aid kit

Before the trip, form and take a first aid kit with you, which will help you with minor ailments, save you time looking for medicines and get rid of the problems of communicating in a foreign language, in addition, many medicines can have different names in different countries.

painkillers and cardiovascular drugs;
remedies for indigestion;
choleretic;
drugs against motion sickness in transport;
insect bite remedies;
dressing;
waterproof adhesive plaster;
barrier contraceptives;
eye drops;
sunscreen.

Visa

Citizens of the Russian Federation do not need a visa to visit Thailand for up to 30 days.

Time

Time ahead of Moscow by 4 hours.

Mains voltage

220V electricity is used throughout the country. In most hotels, electrical sockets are "Euro" (flat plugs of Russian-made electrical appliances are inserted into them, but do not hold well; round plugs without notches on the sides do not fit at all). A Euro-Asia adapter may come in handy (Russian and European plugs are not inserted into an Asia-type socket).

Hotels

4-5* hotels require a deposit for the use of the minibar and hotel services during the stay. Payment of the deposit is accepted by credit card or cash (up to $100 per day).

If the voucher contains the note "newlyweds", the hotel may ask you to show a marriage certificate.

Religion

Buddhists - 95%, Muslims - 4%, Christians, Hindus.

Customs

Prohibited for import
All types of drugs (marijuana, opium, cocaine, morphine, heroin), obscene literature, photographs and objects. For drug trafficking, the death penalty is provided, the minimum punishment is life imprisonment.

Import restrictions
Firearms. The importation of firearms and ammunition can only be carried out with a permit issued by the Police Department or local registration authorities.

Personal items
Foreign guests have the right to import personal belongings and other goods that are not prohibited by the current customs regulations. It is allowed to import duty-free a reasonable amount of clothing and items for personal use, toiletries, as well as professional tools.

Photo and video equipment
Duty-free import of one photo or video camera is allowed. It is also allowed to import duty-free five films for a camera and three cassettes for an 8-mm or 16-mm video camera.

Since 2017, the import, use, possession and carrying of electronic cigarettes and their analogues, as well as special liquids for these devices, has been strictly prohibited in Thailand. Violators face fines and/or imprisonment for up to 10 years.

Geographical position
Thailand is located in Southeast Asia, on the peninsulas of Indochina and Malacca, from the west it is washed by the Andaman Sea from the east by the Gulf of Thailand of the South China Sea.

Climate
The climate of Thailand is tropical, monsoonal, with high relative humidity. The average annual temperature is +28-30o C, the average air humidity is 50%. In the central part of the country where Bangkok is located, there are 3 seasons: hot (March-May), rainy (June-October) and cool (November-February). The rainy season on Phuket is from September to November, on Koh Samui from November to February.

Currency
Monetary unit - baht. In circulation there are banknotes of 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000 baht and coins of 1 (white), 2 (white and yellow), 5 (white a), 10 (bimetallic) baht and 25 and 50 satang (yellow colors).

Timezone
The time difference with Moscow is plus 4 hours, and from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October it is 3 hours ahead of Moscow.

Language
The official language is Thai. Chinese and Malay are also spoken, and about 10% of the population speaks English.

Population
Mainly consists of: ethnic Thais and Laotians (~80%), ethnic Chinese ~10%. The rest of the inhabitants are Malays, Hmong, Khmer and Vietnamese.
94.6% of the inhabitants of Thailand profess Buddhism, 4.6% are Muslims - mostly Malays living in the south of the country.

Opening hours of banks and shops

Banks work from 8.00 to 15.30 on weekdays, they have the most favorable exchange rate. There is a network of exchange offices, they work from 8.30 to 20.00, but the exchange rate is less favorable. Some exchange offices do not accept US $100 bills issued prior to 1996. Large $50-$100 bills are exchanged at a better rate. Change is not issued, so you can change only the full amount. In major cities and tourist areas, major credit cards are accepted for payment: Visa, American Express, Maste Card and others.

Shops are open from 8.00 to 20.00. Thailand has a system of small department stores "Seven-Eleven" and "Family Mart" operating around the clock. If purchases in the store are paid for by credit card, then an extra charge of 3-5% of the cost of the goods is introduced. Fixed prices for goods only in department stores and large stores, in the markets prices are lower, bargaining is possible.

Nutrition

Connoisseurs-gourmets recognize Thai cuisine as one of the best in the world. However, most Thai dishes are incredibly spicy. When ordering a dish in a restaurant, it is advisable to warn the waiter, and then he will bring the sauce in a separate bowl. But even if the moment is missed, you should not drink hot sauces with water, hoping to protect yourself from culinary exoticism. It is better to follow the example of the Thais - eat more rice. In most restaurants you will find a menu and be able to explain yourself in English. In restaurants, it is customary to leave a tip in the amount of 15-5 baht or 5-10% of the order value (of course, only if you have no complaints about the quality of service).
Water
Tap water in Thailand is not drinkable!

How to call

For telephone conversations, it is convenient to use free sim cards, which are issued upon arrival. Call from Russia to Thailand - 0066 + area code + subscriber number; from Thailand to Russia - 007 + area code + subscriber number.

Transport

Taxi
There are several types of taxis in Thailand: checkered cars, tuk-tuk and motorcycle taxis. Ordinary taxis are divided into two categories. The first is cars in which it is necessary to agree on the fare when landing. The second category is cars with meters and the inscription: TAXI METER. When landing, say: "Taxi meter", and the driver will immediately turn on the meter.
"Tuk-tuk" - three-wheeled covered scooters or pickups equipped for the transport of passengers. We recommend that you negotiate the cost of the trip before boarding (“tuk-tuks” are not equipped with meters). Don't forget to bargain!
Mototaxi is the movement on a motorbike. For safety reasons, passengers are required to wear a helmet. Such a trip costs a little more than a tuk-tuk, but you can always bargain with the driver.
We recommend taking a hotel business card (or matches) with the address of the hotel in Thai.
Buses
Thailand has an extensive network of intercity buses. This is a fairly cheap and comfortable mode of transport. In Bangkok, you can use city buses. Try to get on an air-conditioned bus. Buses, designed for long journeys, are always well equipped.
water communication
Ferry services are well developed in Thailand. Express boats can take you to Krabi Province, Koh Samui, Koh Phi Phi and Lanta. But during a storm and during the rainy season, sea communication between the mainland and the islands is almost completely stopped.
Also, you should not take risks and go on a night voyage on small boats, since, unfortunately, radars are installed only on large ships.

Bangkok is a modern city where business life is not seething. The oldest buildings are located in the capital - the Royal Palace, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha and other historical monuments. Among them are the remains of the city wall of the 19th century and the first residential buildings. Siam Ocean World, the largest oceanarium in Southeast Asia, is hidden in the business center of the city. In the evening, you can go on a cruise on the Chao Phraya River. In Pattaya - you can see the Wat Yan temple complex, the Chinese Museum, the rock image of the Buddha, the long-necked village. And also go on excursions to mini Siam, to the Park of Stones and a crocodile farm, to the tropical garden of Nong Nooch and to the coral island of Koh Lan. Visit various show programs. Resting on about. Koh Samui, you can visit the Ang Thong National Marine Park, which consists of more than 40 islands of different sizes and shapes. On about. Phuket - we recommend visiting the Buddhist temple Wat Chalong. The Phi Phi Islands are world famous for their fantastic beaches, excellent snorkeling and scuba diving opportunities, and extraordinarily beautiful volcanic rocks. You will receive a complete list of excursions from your guide.

Rules of conduct in public places

Behavior in public places
Thais do not shake hands. They bring their palms together, holding them in front of them, like Christians during prayer. It is considered indecent to point at someone with your foot.
For Thais, the head is the main part of the body, both literally and figuratively. Therefore, they do not approve of strangers touching their heads even in a friendly gesture. Excessive manifestation of feelings between a man and a woman in public places is not welcome.
Loss of self-control and raising the voice in a given situation are regarded as a lack of good manners.
Locals address each other by their first names, and the word “khun” is added to the front (equivalent to our words “master”, “mistress”).

Behavior in places of worship
You should dress neatly and modestly.
It is not allowed to appear in the temple without a shirt, in shorts, cropped trousers, mini-skirts and other open clothing. It is permissible to walk with shoes outside the temple.
Buddhist monks are forbidden to touch a woman or take anything from her hands.

Tax free in Thailand
The system for obtaining VAT (tax free) in Thailand is quite developed. Thailand is not served by the international organization Global Refund, which gives certain advantages - the fact is that the Global Refund organization does not return VAT to foreign buyers in full, withholding certain amounts from the VAT amount. In Thailand, a full VAT refund is practiced for foreigners when exporting goods abroad.
What needs to be done in Thailand to apply for and receive tax free?
You need to know that the term tax free in Thailand is not practiced and it is useless to ask sellers in the store about tax free. Instead of the words tax free in the Kingdom, the term VAT Refund (pronounced "wat refand") is used - this is the exact name in English of the phrase "VAT refund".
VAT Refund (tax free) is issued in all major stores in Thailand. As a rule, this is done in special departments such as Customer Service (customer service), and not directly at the checkout. We recommend that you immediately ask the seller where VAT Refund is issued. In small stores, VAT refunds may not be issued - it is always better to clarify this aspect in advance.
To issue a VAT Refund form, a buyer's passport is required. Tax free in Thailand can be issued on purchases of more than 2,000 baht, however, please note that in order to receive tax free when leaving Thailand, it is necessary that the total value of goods on all tax free checks be more than 5,000 baht. That is, upon presentation of one check in the amount of, for example, 3,000 baht, you will be denied a VAT refund on your trip.
The tax free check in Thailand is called the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form (P.P. 10) and is a yellow A4 form to which the original store receipt is attached.
The procedure for obtaining tax free at the airport is quite simple:
. Before check-in (and baggage check-in), you must visit the VAT Refund office at the airport and stamp all issued Tax Free checks at the customs officer. This must be done, because without a stamp, payment will not be made. Checking things in luggage is not recommended, as a customs officer may require you to show him the goods exported from Thailand and appearing on checks. This applies without fail to any goods exceeding the value of 8 - 10,000 baht and optionally for other goods. At the end of the procedure, all things can be checked in as luggage;
. after receiving a stamp on tax free checks, registration and passport control, already in the departure area and duty-free shops, you need to proceed to special counters with the inscription VAT Refund, where you will be directly refunded the amount of VAT.
A fixed amount of 100 baht is taken for the services of issuing and processing documents and tax free checks, deducted from the total amount to be returned.
A refundable amount exceeding 30,000 baht is not issued in person and can only be returned in the form of a check or transfer to a VISA or Mastercard payment card account.

Documentation

List of documents
Before leaving for a trip, please check the availability of the following documents:

foreign passports going on a trip. All children traveling outside the Russian Federation must have their own, properly issued passport. The exception is children included in the parents' passports issued before March 1, 2010 (before the expiration date of the passports). If the children are entered in the passport of one of the parents (from the age of 14, the presence of a personal RFP is mandatory), even if the parents and the minor child have the same last name, in the absence of a document confirming the relationship, the child will be denied exit from the Russian Federation. If a child under the age of 18 travels unaccompanied by his parents, he must have a notarized consent of the parents for the departure of a minor citizen from the Russian Federation, indicating the period of validity and the state (states) he intends to visit.
Check in advance the validity of your passports, which must be at least 6 months from the date of the intended departure from the country.
air tickets;
travel vouchers (vouchers), confirming your right to receive travel services that you have chosen and paid for. They must be presented at the hotel upon check-in;
insurance certificates;
birth certificate of the child;
original power of attorney from both parents. If a child under the age of 18 travels unaccompanied by his parents, he must have a notarized consent of both parents to leave, indicating the validity period and the countries he intends to visit;
international driver's license if you are planning to rent a car.

Attention!
If a child under the age of 18 is traveling with one of the parents, they must bring their original birth certificate with them. According to Federal Law 114, Article 20-21, a notarized consent from the second parent to leave is not required in this case.

Insurance policy

The insurance policy includes the organization and payment of the following services:

medical expenses;
medical transportation costs;
repatriation of the body in case of death of the Insured;
the need for early return of the Insured in an emergency;
the need to evacuate children accompanying the Insured;
provision of administrative assistance: transmission of emergency messages in case of an insured event;
need for medical information.

What to do if you get sick while traveling

When an insured event occurs, first of all, you need to make a call to the service company at the numbers indicated in the insurance certificate and register the event! Then follow the instructions of the coordinator!

For help please indicate:

full surname, name, patronymic, number and validity period of the insurance policy;
the place where he is located and the telephone number by which the representative of the Insurer or the Service Company will contact him immediately;
and provide a detailed description of the problem encountered and the type of assistance required.

The Operator of the Service Company on behalf of the VSK Insurance House will provide recommendations to the Insured on his further actions.

When a tourist independently applies for medical care to a medical institution, without agreement with the insurance company, all expenses of the insured are fully paid by the latter on their own, with subsequent reimbursement by the insurance company upon their return to their homeland. Responsibility for the risks and problems that have arisen rests with the tourist.

Departure and arrival

You must arrive at the airport at least 3 hours before departure! We remind you that check-in closes 1 hour before departure.
To board a flight you need:
Check in for your flight at the CHECK-IN DESK and receive your boarding pass. The number of the CHECK-IN DESK is indicated on the information board opposite your flight number. All questions about your seat number are solved ONLY HERE;
pass through customs;
pass border control;
proceed to the plane through the EXIT, the number of which is indicated in the boarding pass.

On arrival

Go through passport control and customs area on your own;
. In the arrivals hall you will be met by a representative of the host company and taken to the bus that will take you to the hotel. You may have to wait for the bus to depart before the entire group has gathered;
. in case of an individual transfer, a representative of the host company will escort you to a car that will take you to the hotel (in this case, the guide does not accompany tourists when moving to the hotel);
. after or during your check-in at the hotel, a guide will contact you, who will answer all your questions, provide you with a list of employees' phones, a description of excursions, and also inform you of the time and place of collection, where you will receive complete information regarding the order of stay in Thailand.
Tour operator "Biblio Globus" earnestly asks not to be late for the airport by the appointed hour. The tickets received by you are not rewritten and are not surrendered.

Customs control rules

If the amount of the exported currency exceeds the equivalent of 3,000 US dollars, you must fill out a customs declaration form. The entire amount of the exported currency is subject to declaration.
The import of any currency into Thailand is not limited. The amount of imported currency in the amount of more than $ 10,000 is subject to declaration. The declaration is filled out in English. The export of the national currency is limited - no more than 500 baht.
Tourists do not need a vaccination certificate. When importing pets, you must present a veterinary certificate with a mark of vaccination against rabies.
You can import duty-free up to 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco, up to 1 liter of strong liquor, one photo and / or movie camera per person, 5 unexposed photographic films, 3 video cassettes, as well as items and things for personal use. Prohibited import: products of animal and vegetable origin, obscene literature; weapons and ammunition - without the permission of the Police Department or the local municipality, as well as certain types of animals and fish, certain types of fruits, vegetables and plants. Drug smugglers are sentenced to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
It is forbidden to export: gold bars, ancient Buddha statues (except for neck medallions and small figurines that are taken out in hand luggage), precious stones, platinum jewelry, ivory and any products made of leather and bone of protected animals, stamps and antiques. An export license from the Department of Arts is required to export folk art. It can be issued by the store where the purchase was made. The customs service at Bangkok Airport is quite loyal.
In the event of ANY PROBLEM related to your stay in the country (transfer, hotel accommodation, shortcomings in hotel service, excursion services, etc.), please immediately contact our representative by phone from the list that you received.

Precautionary measures

While abroad, it is necessary to exercise elementary vigilance, reasonable discretion and adjust your behavior in accordance with the environment and traditions of the host country. Tourists are obliged to comply with local laws, norms of behavior, respect cultural and religious customs. Failure to comply with laws may result in liability.

In the airport
Never lose sight of your luggage.

In hotel
. do not allow persons who are not employees of the hotel to take care of your luggage;
. We recommend keeping documents, money and valuables, including passports and airline tickets, in the hotel safe.

Outside
You should not carry personal documents with you, they will be completely replaced by a hotel card. We recommend that you always carry copies of your passport and insurance policy with you.
Do not share your hotel room number with strangers.
If your traveler's checks or credit cards are stolen or lost, block them immediately by calling your bank Refuse offers of flowers or other items as this may be intended to divert your attention and make it easier for the thief.
Refuse the services of sewing studios, which are often found on the street. They sew low-quality clothes, it is impossible to return the deposit.
Don't buy jewelry and consumer electronics on the street.

On excursions
. before each excursion, check the availability of tickets for this particular excursion;
. don't be late for the tour. During the tour, arrive on time to the place designated by the guide during the tour;
. do not leave money and valuables unattended. At the end of the tour, do not forget your things.

Hotels (basic rules for staying and staying in hotels)

The check-out time in hotels on the day of arrival is 14.00, the time of release of the room on the day of departure is 12.00.
Upon check-in, many hotels require a deposit in the prescribed amount for a mini-bar, telephone conversations, etc.
You are not allowed to bring your own drinks and food into the hotel restaurant.
It is not allowed to take food taken from the buffet without payment outside the hotel restaurant.
You will receive information about the return transfer at the meeting, which will be held by a representative of the Biblio Globus tour operator.
On the day of departure by 12 o'clock you need to vacate the room and make settlements with the hotel. The deposit is returned if you do not use the agreed services for which it was paid.
If you have any questions during the placement, you can contact the hotel administration and a representative of our company to resolve them.
Tour operator "Biblio Globus" is not responsible for your personal documents and things.

Car rent

A tourist who has an international driver's license, driving experience of at least 1 year, insurance, and a credit card can rent a car.
You can rent a car at the airport, rental companies. The car must be insured. Be careful if you rent motorcycles, scooters and scooters. All this equipment in most cases is not insured. We recommend taking the advice of our guide.
Tour operator "Biblio-Globus" is not responsible for problems with the rental of vehicles or the organization of excursions.

Unforeseen circumstances (force majeure)

If you got to the police, then do not sign any papers, demand the presence of a representative of the embassy of the Russian Federation and conduct all negotiations only with his participation.
If you lose your foreign passport, you must report the incident to the police, where a report on this incident must be drawn up, one copy of which is given to you in order to receive a “certificate of return” - a document that replaces the passport.