Bangkok is the capital of Thailand, and major economic and financial hub of South East Asia. The sheer wealth and variety of cultural sites have earned the city its place as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
Bangkok's Climate
Bangkok has an equatorial climate, with three seasons: Hot and humid (March through May), rainy (June to October), and cool and dry (November through February). On average, the annual temperature is 28 degrees centigrade, with summer highs that can reach into the mid thirties, and winter lows that drop as low as 20 degrees centigrade. In general, there is little variation intemperature from one season to the next.
Bangkok's Time Zone
Bangkok's local time zone is GMT +7 GMT/UTC + 07:00 hour, same as Vietnam and Daylight Savings Time (DST) is not in effect.
Bangkok's Business Hours
Thai Government offices are open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays. Business hours are from 8:00 or 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on weekdays, and half day on Saturday, 8:30 to noon.
Most stores operate from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. all week long, and many pharmacies stay open throughout the night. Bangkok restaurants open for service from 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., although several stay open well past midnight or even 24 hours.
Bangkok's Banking Hours
Bangkok Banks open from 9.30 to 3.30 p.m. Monday through Friday, except on public holidays.
Money in Bangkok
Thailand's unit of currency is the Baht (THB), which is consists of100 satang. Currency exchanges are available at the airport, hotels, banks, some ATMs and at bureaux de change. Most major hotels and stores accept travellers cheques, although you will get better rates at a bank.
Credit Cards in Bangkok
Major establishments in Bangkok will accept your Visa, Mastercard, American Express, or Diners Club cards. A 3 to 5 % surcharge will apply. These major credit cards are also recognized by Bankok's major banks.
Tipping in Bangkok
Although becoming increasingly common, tipping is not a customary practice in Bangkok. Most of Bangkok's restaurants and hotels will have a 10% service charge included in the bill. A tip is not required for a taxi ride, but is much appreciated.
Electricity in Bangkok
Bangkok's voltage is 50-cycle, 220-volts AC. As such, a standard adapter is The electrical outlets typically accept two-pin plugs, round and flat. More modern establishments may have three-prong outlets.
Language in Bangkok
Thai is the country's national language. However, Bangkok is a cosmopolitan city, and English is, to some extent, widely understood especially in the city's restaurants, hotels and stores.
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