Time zone: UTC + 7
Currency: Thailand’s currency is the baht (THB). Each baht is subdivided into 100 satangs. You will need baht for markets and street food and carry smaller bills like ฿20 or ฿50 notes to pay taxis as they don’t generally carry change. Cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants, and convenience stores. There are many international ATMs where travellers can withdraw cash.
Language: Central Thai, Chinese, and Malay are the main languages spoken in Thailand.
Transportation: Avoid using local public transport and opt for an officially licensed taxi or arrange transport with your hotel if possible.
Cuisine: Thailand’s cuisine is renowned for its inventive use of fresh local ingredients like lemongrass, Thai basil, and coconut milk. The food is a vibrant fusion of aromatic spices and bold flavours that will tantalise your taste buds.
Safety: Thailand is considered a safe travel destination. Travellers are always advised to take standard safety precautions like being aware of their surroundings, avoiding isolated areas at night, and being cautious with personal belongings in crowded places.
Tipping: Tipping is not expected in Thailand, but small gratuities for good service are appreciated. It is customary to leave change in coins as a tip in restaurants, tips of 20 – 50 baht for porters, and perhaps 20 baht left for the cleaner.
Social: Thailand has conservative cultural norms that should be respected. Dress modestly by covering your shoulders, knees, and ankles. Opt for longer shorts, pants, or skirts, and wear a shirt that covers your shoulders without showing any cleavage. Thailand has strict drug laws to avoid any illegal substances, which can lead to serious consequences, including heavy fines, imprisonment, or even the death penalty.
Health: It’s always best to err on the safe side, so vaccinations for hepatitis B, Malaria, Japanese encephalitis, or rabies are recommended depending on your itinerary and planned activities.
Thailand has a tropical climate, characterised by high temperatures and humidity throughout the year.
Cool Season (November to February): Best for pleasant weather and exploring cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Humidity is lower, and temperatures range from 20°C to 30°C.
Hot Season (March to May): Ideal for beach destinations such as Phuket and Krabi. Temperatures can reach 35°C and upwards, particularly in April.
Rainy Season (June to October): Offers lush landscapes and better deals, especially in northern Thailand.
Thailand is affected by monsoons, cyclones, and tropical storms. The monsoon season occurs between May and October, and cyclones between May and December. Avoid travelling during these periods if possible. Otherwise, make sure that you stay informed and keep your itinerary flexible to work around unforeseen severe weather conditions.
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South Africans travelling to Thailand for tourism are granted a visa exemption for a stay of up to 30 days. Passports should be valid for a minimum of six months after your intended departure date.