Help me prepare for my trip to Bangkok
October 22, 2018 10:53 PM Subscribe
I will be traveling to Bangkok from October 29-November 6. I'd like to enroll in STEP and put in a travel notice with my bank (Bank of America) but my uncertainty over my cell phone situation (they both want me to give them a number and I'd been thinking about picking up a temporary SIM card at the airport) have given me pause. My main concern at this point is what I should do about this phone situation (my phone is an unlocked Galaxy Note 9 by the way).
I've enrolled in a world nomads health plan, gotten my vaccinations for typhoid and tetanus, and withdrawn $700 in cash from my bank account. I've booked a stay at the Mad Monkey hostel for most of my time there but I'm wondering if I should call them back and only book a few days in case I want to stay in Phucket or one of the Thai islands for a few days. Also, what power adapters should I get? My phone has a USB-C power port. Is it safe to use my visa debit card there or should I only use my credit card? What Thai phrases do I need to know? Where's the best place to exchange currency? Is there anything else I should know, particularly about the logistics of international flight and travel in general? This will be my first time. If anyone has some recommendations about things I should do or see that would also be welcome. I plan to spend my first few days in Bangkok and then take a cab to Pattaya or Phucket on the recommendation of some coworkers who have gone. Thanks for the tips and please let me know what I don't know!
I've enrolled in a world nomads health plan, gotten my vaccinations for typhoid and tetanus, and withdrawn $700 in cash from my bank account. I've booked a stay at the Mad Monkey hostel for most of my time there but I'm wondering if I should call them back and only book a few days in case I want to stay in Phucket or one of the Thai islands for a few days. Also, what power adapters should I get? My phone has a USB-C power port. Is it safe to use my visa debit card there or should I only use my credit card? What Thai phrases do I need to know? Where's the best place to exchange currency? Is there anything else I should know, particularly about the logistics of international flight and travel in general? This will be my first time. If anyone has some recommendations about things I should do or see that would also be welcome. I plan to spend my first few days in Bangkok and then take a cab to Pattaya or Phucket on the recommendation of some coworkers who have gone. Thanks for the tips and please let me know what I don't know!
Give the number of your booked accommodation to the people and grab a SIM when you turn up. Last I was in Chiang Mai they just handed them out for free at the airport. BKK I had to buy one, for basically nothing.
Never had a problem using credit or debit cards. Don’t carry tons of cash, just use ATMs. You’ll get by with English and pointing in BKK and Phuket.
Don’t accept really cheap tuk-tuk tours. Don’t try to buy gems.
posted by pompomtom at 3:15 AM on October 23, 2018
Never had a problem using credit or debit cards. Don’t carry tons of cash, just use ATMs. You’ll get by with English and pointing in BKK and Phuket.
Don’t accept really cheap tuk-tuk tours. Don’t try to buy gems.
posted by pompomtom at 3:15 AM on October 23, 2018
I travel a lot, so I got a bank account with Aspiration that refunds all out-of-network ATM fees. I keep about a thousand bucks in it when I travel so I have access to a debit card that can't be too compromised, even if I use it at a hacked ATM. You can use credit cards in Bangkok at fancier places, but I generally don't for purchases under $30, since cash is fine (and anyway, you should be eating at street stalls as much as you can -- the food is usually incredibly good and always safe to eat, so don't fret about it making you sick unless you have a sensitive tummy and are prone to getting sick from the sheer unfamiliarity of it). If you do use a credit card, make sure it doesn't have international transaction fees.
Don't carry $700 around with you -- hell, don't carry $100; just go to the ATM in the airport. You'll be able to find other ATMs at any convenience store when you run out; this isn't Turkmenistan and it isn't 1995, so don't worry about traveler's checks. You can also buy a sim card at the airport (I'd do a bit of research on this in advance, but if you don't have time to, don't worry too much about it--it should be about $15US), although if you're from the US and have T-Mobile, you can probably just use your phone as-is for super-slow 2G data all over the world.
Bangkok is really easy -- you can use Google Maps to figure out the train from the airport to your hotel/hostel. It'll take about an hour, and is just as easy as a cab ride if you're traveling light. (You should be traveling light--smallish backpack, not a rolling suitcase or anything.) In general, I avoid cabs and tuk tuks, since they're basically the only contexts in which you'll get scammed (insist on the meter in cabs and you'll be fine, skip tuk tuks altogether IMO, and take the MRT everywhere, supplemented by public, non-tourist water taxis [which aren't taxis at all, they're longboats that are part of the public transit network]). I'd recommend buses, but traffic is so bad that anything that takes you out of traffic (MRT, water taxis) is better.
I tend to book a hotel for the first few days of a visit using Agoda (agoda.com), then switch to a different neighborhood or a different hotel just for a change of pace. Plus, if my hotel turns out to be a gussied-up hostel full of drunk Australian bros, I'm not stuck with it. In particular, I might avoid staying at the Mad Monkey because it's on Khao San Road (isn't it?), a clusterfuck of a backpacker hangout where you can basically avoid Thais almost entirely and get wasted with dredlocked white people 24/7, which may or may not be your scene but is definitely not ideal for me. Someone else can probably recommend charming, walkable neighborhoods for a newbie traveler, but I don't know BKK well enough to myself. I'd read a lot on Trip Advisor, which can be a fantastic resource.
Walk around a lot. Go to new neighborhoods every day. If you see something that looks delicious, eat it. If you're a US size 8, go shopping for clothes (again, Trip Advisor and the like will be a great resource, so google something like "vintage + chatachuk market"), but if you're larger than that you won't be able to fit anything for women. Men may have slightly more luck, but I doubt it. And be gentle with yourself: traveling somewhere really new and faraway for the first time is scary! But it gets easier every time you do it, and Bangkok's an incredibly easy, welcoming place to figure things out. Smile a lot at strangers, enjoy peering in on other people's lives, walk along the little pathways by the canals, wander in alleyways, take pictures of cats and hashtag them #catsofbangkok twenty times a day.
posted by tapir-whorf at 6:32 AM on October 23, 2018 [3 favorites]
Don't carry $700 around with you -- hell, don't carry $100; just go to the ATM in the airport. You'll be able to find other ATMs at any convenience store when you run out; this isn't Turkmenistan and it isn't 1995, so don't worry about traveler's checks. You can also buy a sim card at the airport (I'd do a bit of research on this in advance, but if you don't have time to, don't worry too much about it--it should be about $15US), although if you're from the US and have T-Mobile, you can probably just use your phone as-is for super-slow 2G data all over the world.
Bangkok is really easy -- you can use Google Maps to figure out the train from the airport to your hotel/hostel. It'll take about an hour, and is just as easy as a cab ride if you're traveling light. (You should be traveling light--smallish backpack, not a rolling suitcase or anything.) In general, I avoid cabs and tuk tuks, since they're basically the only contexts in which you'll get scammed (insist on the meter in cabs and you'll be fine, skip tuk tuks altogether IMO, and take the MRT everywhere, supplemented by public, non-tourist water taxis [which aren't taxis at all, they're longboats that are part of the public transit network]). I'd recommend buses, but traffic is so bad that anything that takes you out of traffic (MRT, water taxis) is better.
I tend to book a hotel for the first few days of a visit using Agoda (agoda.com), then switch to a different neighborhood or a different hotel just for a change of pace. Plus, if my hotel turns out to be a gussied-up hostel full of drunk Australian bros, I'm not stuck with it. In particular, I might avoid staying at the Mad Monkey because it's on Khao San Road (isn't it?), a clusterfuck of a backpacker hangout where you can basically avoid Thais almost entirely and get wasted with dredlocked white people 24/7, which may or may not be your scene but is definitely not ideal for me. Someone else can probably recommend charming, walkable neighborhoods for a newbie traveler, but I don't know BKK well enough to myself. I'd read a lot on Trip Advisor, which can be a fantastic resource.
Walk around a lot. Go to new neighborhoods every day. If you see something that looks delicious, eat it. If you're a US size 8, go shopping for clothes (again, Trip Advisor and the like will be a great resource, so google something like "vintage + chatachuk market"), but if you're larger than that you won't be able to fit anything for women. Men may have slightly more luck, but I doubt it. And be gentle with yourself: traveling somewhere really new and faraway for the first time is scary! But it gets easier every time you do it, and Bangkok's an incredibly easy, welcoming place to figure things out. Smile a lot at strangers, enjoy peering in on other people's lives, walk along the little pathways by the canals, wander in alleyways, take pictures of cats and hashtag them #catsofbangkok twenty times a day.
posted by tapir-whorf at 6:32 AM on October 23, 2018 [3 favorites]
I picked up a Thai SIM card at BKK over the summer. I don't even remember how much it cost because it was basically nothing. If you're American, your plugs from home should work. In general it seems like you're overthinking this a little; Bangkok is a pretty easy travel destination. Ditto maya that you won't need anywhere near $700 -- I was in Thailand for 10 days, took out $300 on arrival and did not manage to spend it all (and I'm not particularly frugal).
Phuket is a twelve hour drive from Bangkok, don't take a cab. (I am not even sure that would be possible.) A flight booked in advance from BKK to HKT will run you $40, give or take, or there are buses.
Wherever I go, I learn how to say "thank you" and "excuse me"; you'll do just fine with those two phrases.
posted by goodbyewaffles at 6:33 AM on October 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
Phuket is a twelve hour drive from Bangkok, don't take a cab. (I am not even sure that would be possible.) A flight booked in advance from BKK to HKT will run you $40, give or take, or there are buses.
Wherever I go, I learn how to say "thank you" and "excuse me"; you'll do just fine with those two phrases.
posted by goodbyewaffles at 6:33 AM on October 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
Yeah, it feels overwhelming now but you'll get the hang of it. Airport bus to KS Rd is cheapest and direct. The area you are booked into is Party Central so if that was not your intention, look for a place farther away. This is a slow time of year so there's plenty of spaces.
The jet lag will be phenomenal but the excitement of the city will keep you moving. Stay hydrated, bottled water is available everywhere but it's okay to brush your teeth with tap water.
You can buy an adapter plug (you don't need a voltage converter for small electronics, just an adapter) for power outlets if your room doesn't have the universal-type outlets.
Getting around BKK from KS Rd, the easiest, most scenic, maybe not the most direct way is to walk to the river and take the river boat (daylight hours) down to the last stop which connects to the Skytrain. Get off several stops earlier if you want to visit Chinatown. It's also fairly hassle free to go to the weekend market this way.
Bangkok is massive, traffic jams are legendary, so never try to get anywhere in a hurry. If you do get caught out, like seriously need to make a connection, the motorbike taxis are on every corner, they wear colored vest-things and have a spare helmet. Note, they drive between lanes of traffic. Carry the business card of your accommodation which will have the address written in Thai. When you need to go somewhere specific, have someone at reception write the address in Thai.
Metered taxis are very reasonable; tuk tuks are crazy fun, bargain hard ( BIG NOTE: Neither will want to take you cross-town during evening rush hour. ) The Skytrain does not go to Banglamphu; the bus system is extensive but maybe too challenging for a brief stay.
If you've forgotten something, Tang's (Tang Hua Seng) Department Store is right there and they are guaranteed to have it. They also have an adjacent supermarket.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 7:30 AM on October 23, 2018
The jet lag will be phenomenal but the excitement of the city will keep you moving. Stay hydrated, bottled water is available everywhere but it's okay to brush your teeth with tap water.
You can buy an adapter plug (you don't need a voltage converter for small electronics, just an adapter) for power outlets if your room doesn't have the universal-type outlets.
Getting around BKK from KS Rd, the easiest, most scenic, maybe not the most direct way is to walk to the river and take the river boat (daylight hours) down to the last stop which connects to the Skytrain. Get off several stops earlier if you want to visit Chinatown. It's also fairly hassle free to go to the weekend market this way.
Bangkok is massive, traffic jams are legendary, so never try to get anywhere in a hurry. If you do get caught out, like seriously need to make a connection, the motorbike taxis are on every corner, they wear colored vest-things and have a spare helmet. Note, they drive between lanes of traffic. Carry the business card of your accommodation which will have the address written in Thai. When you need to go somewhere specific, have someone at reception write the address in Thai.
Metered taxis are very reasonable; tuk tuks are crazy fun, bargain hard ( BIG NOTE: Neither will want to take you cross-town during evening rush hour. ) The Skytrain does not go to Banglamphu; the bus system is extensive but maybe too challenging for a brief stay.
If you've forgotten something, Tang's (Tang Hua Seng) Department Store is right there and they are guaranteed to have it. They also have an adjacent supermarket.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 7:30 AM on October 23, 2018
First of all, Thailand is a really easy and relatively quite safe country to travel in, so no matter what, you will probably be fine. A few things:
- don’t worry about the hostel. Hostels and guesthouses are pretty used to people checking out early. Maybe just look on their website and see what the cancellation policy is.
- Sadly, so few people speak Thai that whatever phrases you do learn will be very appreciated. Thank you, hello, what a cute child are all good (Thai people generally adore children). If you can learn basic numbers and how to say “how much is that?” then that will help in markets.
- Banks care less about travel plans these days. (A friend was just telling me that a bank employee snickered at her when she tried to tell them her travel plans!) I have traveled internationally quite a lot over the last five years, and I do this maybe half the time. I’ve never had an issue. Anyway, that $700 will take you far in Thailand even if you somehow run into trouble.
- Definitely go to the beach. Koh Phangon is good if you’re in your twenties and want to meet other people in their twenties (the side of the island away from the Full Moon Party is quieter if you want quieter). Koh Tao is good for Scuba. Phuket is a full of resorts. I’ve heard good things about Krabi and Koh Lanta. My favorite Thai island is actually Koh Samet, which is close to BKK but pretty laid-back.
Have fun!
posted by lunasol at 7:44 AM on October 23, 2018
- don’t worry about the hostel. Hostels and guesthouses are pretty used to people checking out early. Maybe just look on their website and see what the cancellation policy is.
- Sadly, so few people speak Thai that whatever phrases you do learn will be very appreciated. Thank you, hello, what a cute child are all good (Thai people generally adore children). If you can learn basic numbers and how to say “how much is that?” then that will help in markets.
- Banks care less about travel plans these days. (A friend was just telling me that a bank employee snickered at her when she tried to tell them her travel plans!) I have traveled internationally quite a lot over the last five years, and I do this maybe half the time. I’ve never had an issue. Anyway, that $700 will take you far in Thailand even if you somehow run into trouble.
- Definitely go to the beach. Koh Phangon is good if you’re in your twenties and want to meet other people in their twenties (the side of the island away from the Full Moon Party is quieter if you want quieter). Koh Tao is good for Scuba. Phuket is a full of resorts. I’ve heard good things about Krabi and Koh Lanta. My favorite Thai island is actually Koh Samet, which is close to BKK but pretty laid-back.
Have fun!
posted by lunasol at 7:44 AM on October 23, 2018
Check which side of the ithsmus is having the monsoon before you plan on an island.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 7:50 AM on October 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
posted by TWinbrook8 at 7:50 AM on October 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
Is it safe to use my visa debit card there or should I only use my credit card?
Visa debit and credit cards both work in ATMs, occasionally you find one that isn't set up for international cards so just try a different one in that case. There is a surcharge of 200THB for withdrawals from foreign cards on top of whatever your bank charges you. Bangkok is largely cash only so don't rely on being able to pay any small sums on a card (hotels and restaurants and shopping malls yes, street stalls no), and you can't buy train or bus tickets with them, so plan on getting some cash at the airport in order to pay for transport. The easiest way to your hostel will be to get the bus to Khao San Road, which is easy to find at the terminal exit.
Where's the best place to exchange currency?
SuperRich. There are two chains of currency exchange shops called SuperRich [1 2], they always seem to match each other's rates, and you can check rates online first. They are in most malls and some Skytrain stations. You need to show your passport to exchange money.
Is there anything else I should know, particularly about the logistics of international flight and travel in general?
In general if you can get somewhere on the Skytrain system, it's going to be the easiest way as it's reliable, air-conditioned, and has signs and announcements in English. GrabTaxi is the local equivalent of Uber, it's usually more expensive than taking a meter taxi but it's a good backup in case you end up somewhere that you can't find a meter taxi, or you want to get somewhere that's hard to explain to a taxi driver. If you get stuck you can always call your destination and ask them to speak to your taxi driver for you. Google Maps works great but you can't download offline maps for Thailand as far as I can tell, so if you want a backup put the MAPS.ME app on your phone and download some maps.
I plan to spend my first few days in Bangkok and then take a cab to Pattaya or Phucket on the recommendation of some coworkers who have gone.
If you prefer something a bit quieter, try staying either in the north of Pattaya, or south in Jomtien, where there are fewer bars and nightclubs. To get to Pattaya you can take a taxi, and you can prebook a transfer through 12go.asia. It's cheaper to take a bus - either the very cheap coaches which you catch from Mor Chit bus station, or the Bell Travel coaches who will pick up and drop off at your hotel but you have to change from a coach to a minivan for the last stage. Phuket I would fly as it's 500 miles and there are cheap flights., they will likely leave from Bangkok's second airport Don Mueang so leave time if you're coming back on the same day as you depart if you have to change airports
Check out Lonely Planet or Travelfish for things to do. Thailand is a pretty friendly place to visit and you won't be far off the tourist trail, so you shouldn't have any issues. Just relax, smile at people, and remember to drink lots of water, and you'll have a great time.
posted by penguinliz at 8:31 AM on October 23, 2018
Visa debit and credit cards both work in ATMs, occasionally you find one that isn't set up for international cards so just try a different one in that case. There is a surcharge of 200THB for withdrawals from foreign cards on top of whatever your bank charges you. Bangkok is largely cash only so don't rely on being able to pay any small sums on a card (hotels and restaurants and shopping malls yes, street stalls no), and you can't buy train or bus tickets with them, so plan on getting some cash at the airport in order to pay for transport. The easiest way to your hostel will be to get the bus to Khao San Road, which is easy to find at the terminal exit.
Where's the best place to exchange currency?
SuperRich. There are two chains of currency exchange shops called SuperRich [1 2], they always seem to match each other's rates, and you can check rates online first. They are in most malls and some Skytrain stations. You need to show your passport to exchange money.
Is there anything else I should know, particularly about the logistics of international flight and travel in general?
In general if you can get somewhere on the Skytrain system, it's going to be the easiest way as it's reliable, air-conditioned, and has signs and announcements in English. GrabTaxi is the local equivalent of Uber, it's usually more expensive than taking a meter taxi but it's a good backup in case you end up somewhere that you can't find a meter taxi, or you want to get somewhere that's hard to explain to a taxi driver. If you get stuck you can always call your destination and ask them to speak to your taxi driver for you. Google Maps works great but you can't download offline maps for Thailand as far as I can tell, so if you want a backup put the MAPS.ME app on your phone and download some maps.
I plan to spend my first few days in Bangkok and then take a cab to Pattaya or Phucket on the recommendation of some coworkers who have gone.
If you prefer something a bit quieter, try staying either in the north of Pattaya, or south in Jomtien, where there are fewer bars and nightclubs. To get to Pattaya you can take a taxi, and you can prebook a transfer through 12go.asia. It's cheaper to take a bus - either the very cheap coaches which you catch from Mor Chit bus station, or the Bell Travel coaches who will pick up and drop off at your hotel but you have to change from a coach to a minivan for the last stage. Phuket I would fly as it's 500 miles and there are cheap flights., they will likely leave from Bangkok's second airport Don Mueang so leave time if you're coming back on the same day as you depart if you have to change airports
Check out Lonely Planet or Travelfish for things to do. Thailand is a pretty friendly place to visit and you won't be far off the tourist trail, so you shouldn't have any issues. Just relax, smile at people, and remember to drink lots of water, and you'll have a great time.
posted by penguinliz at 8:31 AM on October 23, 2018
Response by poster: Don't carry $700 around with you -- hell, don't carry $100; just go to the ATM in the airport.
I've read that this isn't something I should do due to fees. In fact this is also why I was planning to carry so much cash (and frankly I'm also paranoid about skimmers, though I do have an app I use at gas stations regularly here.) I think I will call Mad Monkey and tell them I'll only be there until Friday or something so I have more flexibility. I have the ability for a fully refundable cancellation until the date of arrival. As far as picking up the SIM card at the airport goes I was a bit nervous about having a different number for the reasons described above (STEP alerts and bank communications), but I suppose it's not necessarily the end of the world. I suppose I could also buy a SIM card in advance and such as OneSIMCard and give them that number. As far as maps go I have downloaded an offline map from Google maps to my phone which includes Bangkok and Pattaya.
posted by bookman117 at 8:36 AM on October 23, 2018
I've read that this isn't something I should do due to fees. In fact this is also why I was planning to carry so much cash (and frankly I'm also paranoid about skimmers, though I do have an app I use at gas stations regularly here.) I think I will call Mad Monkey and tell them I'll only be there until Friday or something so I have more flexibility. I have the ability for a fully refundable cancellation until the date of arrival. As far as picking up the SIM card at the airport goes I was a bit nervous about having a different number for the reasons described above (STEP alerts and bank communications), but I suppose it's not necessarily the end of the world. I suppose I could also buy a SIM card in advance and such as OneSIMCard and give them that number. As far as maps go I have downloaded an offline map from Google maps to my phone which includes Bangkok and Pattaya.
posted by bookman117 at 8:36 AM on October 23, 2018
Response by poster: My favorite Thai island is actually Koh Samet, which is close to BKK but pretty laid-back.
Yes, my coworker was recommending I take a taxi there from Bangkok and enjoy the countryside along the way.
Google Maps works great but you can't download offline maps for Thailand as far as I can tell, so if you want a backup put the MAPS.ME app on your phone and download some maps.
Unless I'm missing something here it seems like I just did that. Maybe if I tried to use it I would discover issues though.
posted by bookman117 at 8:40 AM on October 23, 2018
Yes, my coworker was recommending I take a taxi there from Bangkok and enjoy the countryside along the way.
Google Maps works great but you can't download offline maps for Thailand as far as I can tell, so if you want a backup put the MAPS.ME app on your phone and download some maps.
Unless I'm missing something here it seems like I just did that. Maybe if I tried to use it I would discover issues though.
posted by bookman117 at 8:40 AM on October 23, 2018
Grew up in Bangkok, so here are a few recommendations:
Transportation:
- The Sky Train and the underground go almost everywhere in the city. Traffic can be a nightmare so if you can take the train, do it. If you are taking a cab, make sure you ask for the meter, and if you are taking a Tuk Tuk, negotiate the price before you step into the vehicle.
Lodging:
- Try and avoid Khao Sarn - especially carrying that much cash on you. KS is gross. Its full of backpackers who dont care about being in Bangkok/Thailand to experience Thai culture. It's overpriced, really crummy, and if you can find another hostel in another neighborhood (look at Sukhumvit in between Sois 11 and 36) or even in Thong Lor. Try to find another reservation in another neighborhood if you can (as others have noted) - you will get to experience Bangkok in a much more pleasant way.
Beaches:
- Please learn how to pronounce and spell Phuket (Phu...Ket)
- Take a flight - definitely do not get a taxi to Phuket
- Krabi and Koh Lanta are beautiful and a good suggestion
Cash/Money:
- As others have recommended, do not carry that much cash with you. Use ATMs at banks (there are literally a million banks everywhere in Bangkok) and you should be fine. I also find that you get a better rate at the ATM than you do at the money exchange.
- Most places take card, and those that don't, you should pull out some cash from the ATM when you first get there.
posted by something_witty at 9:14 AM on October 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
Transportation:
- The Sky Train and the underground go almost everywhere in the city. Traffic can be a nightmare so if you can take the train, do it. If you are taking a cab, make sure you ask for the meter, and if you are taking a Tuk Tuk, negotiate the price before you step into the vehicle.
Lodging:
- Try and avoid Khao Sarn - especially carrying that much cash on you. KS is gross. Its full of backpackers who dont care about being in Bangkok/Thailand to experience Thai culture. It's overpriced, really crummy, and if you can find another hostel in another neighborhood (look at Sukhumvit in between Sois 11 and 36) or even in Thong Lor. Try to find another reservation in another neighborhood if you can (as others have noted) - you will get to experience Bangkok in a much more pleasant way.
Beaches:
- Please learn how to pronounce and spell Phuket (Phu...Ket)
- Take a flight - definitely do not get a taxi to Phuket
- Krabi and Koh Lanta are beautiful and a good suggestion
Cash/Money:
- As others have recommended, do not carry that much cash with you. Use ATMs at banks (there are literally a million banks everywhere in Bangkok) and you should be fine. I also find that you get a better rate at the ATM than you do at the money exchange.
- Most places take card, and those that don't, you should pull out some cash from the ATM when you first get there.
posted by something_witty at 9:14 AM on October 23, 2018 [2 favorites]
Re skimmers, use the bank ATMs that are inside a bank. There's a security guard standing there. Watch out for pickpockets in very crowded markets like Chatuchak and Chinatown. Buy a small combination lock or two for your bags. I still carry some cash for emergencies, new unmarked bills.
I don't know what you mean by notifying your bank; it's Visa/MasterCard that has to be notified. Call the number on the back of your card. You have a chip on the card, right? Otherwise they won't work in ATMs.
You have to go to a telecom shop to buy a SIM card now (they have them at the airport if you want to do it right away but shops are everywhere) and you have to show your passport. You can still top it up at any Quikmart-type store.
The KS Rd area is a hellhole but it does have a lot of services and information for newbie travelers and it will be easy to meet other travelers/traveling companions. If you want to go outside of BKK, plenty of VIP busses leave from there.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 10:29 AM on October 23, 2018
I don't know what you mean by notifying your bank; it's Visa/MasterCard that has to be notified. Call the number on the back of your card. You have a chip on the card, right? Otherwise they won't work in ATMs.
You have to go to a telecom shop to buy a SIM card now (they have them at the airport if you want to do it right away but shops are everywhere) and you have to show your passport. You can still top it up at any Quikmart-type store.
The KS Rd area is a hellhole but it does have a lot of services and information for newbie travelers and it will be easy to meet other travelers/traveling companions. If you want to go outside of BKK, plenty of VIP busses leave from there.
posted by TWinbrook8 at 10:29 AM on October 23, 2018
Best answer: Not American but I <3 Bangkok and go whenever I have any excuse.
Everyone who's telling you not to stay on the Khao San road is correct. Cancel your hostel and find another one; it's helpful to stay near a MRT stop, but not vital if you don't mind walking in the heat. I stayed round Lumphini Park a couple of years ago and there was plenty of neighbourhood-y stuff to do around there, plus easy to get around the rest of the city.
$700 is an insane amount of cash to carry. Even halving this and eating a single bank charge to take money out while you're there would be more sensible.
Take a padlock and a flexible cheap bike lock, in case you end up on a night train and want to secure your rucksack; and if you're going to be getting on and off boats (to islands and the like) for god's sake bring a rucksack and not a wheeled suitcase.
Re phone numbers; why don't you just give your banks (and whoever) your regular phone number, and just forward calls to whatever Thai number when you get there, on your handset itself?
Finally, let yourself be flexible. Bangkok is super super amazing but it's also chaotic and noisy and crowded and you can't figure out where all the fucking doorways are, and there's never any place to cross the street when you think there should be; just allow yourself a day or so to acclimatise.
posted by citands at 5:39 AM on October 24, 2018 [2 favorites]
Everyone who's telling you not to stay on the Khao San road is correct. Cancel your hostel and find another one; it's helpful to stay near a MRT stop, but not vital if you don't mind walking in the heat. I stayed round Lumphini Park a couple of years ago and there was plenty of neighbourhood-y stuff to do around there, plus easy to get around the rest of the city.
$700 is an insane amount of cash to carry. Even halving this and eating a single bank charge to take money out while you're there would be more sensible.
Take a padlock and a flexible cheap bike lock, in case you end up on a night train and want to secure your rucksack; and if you're going to be getting on and off boats (to islands and the like) for god's sake bring a rucksack and not a wheeled suitcase.
Re phone numbers; why don't you just give your banks (and whoever) your regular phone number, and just forward calls to whatever Thai number when you get there, on your handset itself?
Finally, let yourself be flexible. Bangkok is super super amazing but it's also chaotic and noisy and crowded and you can't figure out where all the fucking doorways are, and there's never any place to cross the street when you think there should be; just allow yourself a day or so to acclimatise.
posted by citands at 5:39 AM on October 24, 2018 [2 favorites]
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Since you're staying at a hostel, I will assume you're budget-minded. $700 is a LOT of cash to carry. I have used less back-up/emergency cash on trips over two years long and many trips 6-18months long. You will most likely be able to get by with that cash only- in Thailand the biggest expenses of budget travelers is shopping and alcohol. In Thailand basic budget-minded expenses (barring alcohol and shopping) will be under $20/day. This can increase or decrease depending on choices between taxis or buses, restaurants vs street food, etc.
I'm not sure why your insurance or your bank asked for a Thai number. Getting a local SIM will be nice for data and the rare local call. There is little reason against it. In most cases, airport purchases will be overpriced.
Get a guidebook and explore your touring options. Are you interested in history, beaches, nightlife? The guidebook will have suggested itineraries based on your preferences. You'll aslo find maps, power information, etc. Also, I find no reason at all to book accommodation in advance, but that's up to you.
Buy a guidebook. Have fun!
posted by maya at 1:42 AM on October 23, 2018