Bangkok prices in general - how far does the Baht go?

[Calicojack]

Hi all, this is my first post on this forum but I have been reading this forum a lot for the last week since it seems trustworthy. Provided the ashes allow I'll be heading for my first ever trip to Thailand on Thursday. I am definitely a farang. Since I am traveling on a moderate budget - not quite backpacker, but.. - I am interested in getting an idea of what things should cost, preferably before I have been fleeced too many times in the first days. If I go into a by-the-street bar for a beer, what is a normal price and what will they charge a farang so bleakskinned he could have grown up exclusively in moonlight? Or a sandwich or thelikes at a street stall? I accept that farangs get a minor price hike but there's minor and there's outrageous and my own country's prices (Norway) happen to be the highest in the world for nearly anything, so I am set up for blissful ignorance. Scratch the blissful part. Other purchases I expect to do a lot of during my trip are taxi rides, water bottles, restaurant meals, maybe I'll have a vest sewn, go to nighclubs - the kind that doesn't have "massage" room in the back - and yes, maybe get an actual massage where there's nothing particularly erotic going on.

Which reminds me, if I go to a market and point at an item and indicate I don't speak Thai, will the situation be hopeless? My experience from similar situations in Eastern Europe has been that the stall owners have shown the relevant amount on a piece of paper or on a calculator.

Speaking of money, should I leave my ATM card back at the hotel and just bring wads of cash, or will most businesses take the VISA part of the card at least?

Actually I'm a bit surprised that this board don't have an ignorant 'firsttime tourist' subforum. I feel I have a lot more questions waiting in line.

[chazthai]

Dear Friend: First of all, RELAX! Life and things over here aren't nearly as desperate as you are imagining! Yes, the political situation was allowed to get out of hand, but it's more political theater than actual revolt, and most Thais don't give a d...n - they just want to get on with their lives. If you avoid the "conflict zone" of the day, you will be fine.

Now, I have been living here full-time for over two years and have found the Thai people to be friendly, curious, honest and willing to help you negotiate the intricacies of the country. Sure, this is not Norway or New York City and you will meet up with situations and attitudes which might strike you as a bit odd or even completely nutty, but unless it is a really serious situation you can just shrug it off with a smile and say "Mai pen rai" (generically, "I'm sorry") and move on.

Prices are not a problem if you have figured out how to convert your Norwegian currency to Thai baht and then quickly make a mental judgment of the price being asked. Food and drink are really cheap, and no matter what the charge you will find it a bargain, even though the locals might think it's expensive! The same goes for stuff bought on the street: clothes, knock-off watches, etc. - and don't be afraid to bargain for a lower price. It is expected, and at least a small discount is usually forthcoming.

Your ATM card should work at the machines over here (and there are PLENTY of them), but check with you bank first so they are aware that it is you who are traveling and they don't cut off your account because of foreign purchases. I tell you this from first-hand experience. I use my VISA debit card for ready cash exclusively and rarely have a problem - but there may be a limit on daily withdrawals - mine seems to be 10,000 baht, or about $330 US, plus fees.

No city has more taxis than Bangkok, and 99% are honest and metered - starting at 35 baht and progressing very slowly, which is a blessing because you will often sit in traffic for what seems to be hours. One difficulty is that many drivers do not speak English, so it's a good idea to have your destination written in Thai and to carry your hotel business card for the return trip.

A couple of other things: It's HOT here now, so be prepared. Also, Thai street food is also hot (spicy, that is) and not always up to our sanitary standards, so take it easy for a while and eat at clean, modern restaurants. If you get a bacterial digestive attack, Norfloxacin is available at every pharmacy and will fix you up with 2 doses.

There's more, but you will be able to cope on your own. Just relax, smile a lot, and enjoy the furtive looks from people who think you must be from another planet! You'll get used to it.

Sawadee khrup...Chazthai in Chonburi

[human]

Hi,
I just want to give some advice.
1. Be careful, especially in crowded areas. Beware of snatchers.
2. Check the taxi meter and clearly state that you will take the taxi meter. If you don't know the place, the driver will give you the price and sometimes unreasonable price. Just for example, from Suvarnabhumi international airport to Mochit (northern) bus terminal 1,500Baht but in fact if its in taxi meter not more than 400 baht.
3. Thais are friendly, helpful, etc. but we won't deny that they are human as well.
4. Enjoy your stay in Thailand and be safe.

[Calicojack]

So far I am definitely enjoying my stay A little surprised not to see any political activity whatsoever but I probably haven't been in or through the right places yet. And prices are mostly wonderful. A haircut for 400 baht? I thought the shop was kidding at first - it was even a brand name salon. And the result was quite satisfying too. For reference, that's a 1500 baht job in Norway - at a cheap salon.The only exception is in the one mall I've visited so far, where the prices for clothes etc seemed to be quite on par with prices in Norway. I can get a pair of jeans for 1500 baht in most Norwegian clothes shops too, for rather less in fact, so no reason to fill my suitcase with extra pairs!

One more thing - I seem to be the only farang in the city... I have hardly seen another european face since I left the airport.

[rainmon]

400 baht for a hair cut is expensive, but if you go to a mall or high end shop that is what you pay, normal price from a regular salon is 150-200 baht. The barber shop at Sukhumvit and Thong lo charges 60 baht and Thong lo is an upscale area. You can buy jeans in the small shops inside Carrefour and Tessco malls for 200 baht and up...

[GenetheMachine]

My apologies for not seeing this forum sooner. During my first trip to Thailand I was frequently asked if this was my first trip to Thailand. The best answer to give a strangers is "no." They are looking for someone to overcharge. This is especially true with cab drivers who want to take you shopping as well as many shopkeepers. Always negotiate except in department stores where a price is posted. The polite way to say no is mai chai. Most street beggars accept this answer and move along because you know how to say mai chai. I am looking forward to my next trip with a few months. Have fun

[sundayjam]

My apologies for not seeing this forum sooner. During my first trip to Thailand I was frequently asked if this was my first trip to Thailand. The best answer to give a strangers is "no." They are looking for someone to overcharge. This is especially true with cab drivers who want to take you shopping as well as many shopkeepers. Always negotiate except in department stores where a price is posted. The polite way to say no is mai chai. Most street beggars accept this answer and move along because you know how to say mai chai. I am looking forward to my next trip with a few months. Have fun

Always hail a cab passing on the street. Even the Thai people don't grab a taxi waiting at the top of Khao San Road or a hotel. When these cabi's and tuk tuk drivers try to hustle a ride from me, I just say, "Chok Dee Krup!!!" (good luck to you). Just join the que at the airport. 10 min wait....200 - 400 baht by meter.

I like the 400 baht haircuts, because the stylists speak English. They'll use scissors instead of a buzz saw, and wash your hair twice while giving you a scalp massage. Ahhh...luxury. $6 vs $12? I say it's worth it.

[Jason McDonald]

Hi

I have caught many taxis from the top of Khao San road to Sukhumvit and back to where I live west of the city. I have never been ripped off on the meter except that some taxi drivers don't know where I live and on occasion have been know to take a longer than normal route. The main problem is getting them to take you as they don' want to drive far on a meter when some stupid farang will pay them 200-400 baht to take them to the opposite side of the road. I have seen farang pay 200 baht in a tuk tuk to go from Nana Plaza to Soi Cowboy.

A lot of Thai hate this because taxis will not stop to pick up Thais in Sukhumvit at night because they will only get meter fare from them.

As for haircuts I pay 50 baht and the lady does a very good job. She will even wash your hair before she cuts it if you want and all for 50 baht.

[StevieO]

Bkk is struggling a bit ATM so you should have plenty of choices and good value on the hotel front. Depending on your budget 800/night upwards should achievable

If you want to watch the cricket in a hassle free, expat environment and get a load of advice on what not to do and what to do go etc, I would recommend Chequers air con bar on soi 4.

There will be a few Aussies there as well so the banter/sledging should be good