Currency - The Thai currency is the Baht and has an approximate exchange rate of £1 = 53THB (current as of Oct 2009). The Thai Baht is a non-restricted currency meaning it can be brought in and taken out of the country. National banking hours are from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. – Monday to Friday. Cash and traveller's cheques can be exchanged at most banks. Dollars are the preferred currency. ATMs are fairly wide spread across the country especially in tourist areas and international credit cards are widely accepted by shops and major hotels.

Health - Make sure you visit your GP six weeks before travel for general advice on travel risks, vaccinations and malaria. Make sure you take out comprehensive travel insurance with a good accident policy and that you know your blood group. Drink bottled water; it is inexpensive and readily available. Sunburn is a medical problem; visitors should use sun block even on cloudy days. For more information visit www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk & www.malariahotspots.co.uk

Visas/Passports - It is recommended that you safely carry your passport at all times and ensure that it is valid for 6-months beyond the date of travel. A visa valid for 30 days is issued on arrival at no cost to travellers from Europe, USA, Canada, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Applications for lost or stolen passports should be made to the British Embassy, 14 Wireless Road, Lumpini, Pathumwan, Bangkok (+6623058333).

Insurance - A policy to cover theft, loss and medical issues is a must. You may also wish to check out cover for specific activities such as diving, white water rafting, cycling and abseiling etc... It is also important to be aware that incident while intoxicated are often not covered and you must double check any exclusions relating to terrorist attacks and natural disasters. It is a good idea to photocopy all relevant documents - passport, travel, insurance policy etc., and leave one copy at home. Carry another copy with you separate from the originals.

Driving License - International driving licences are only valid for use in Thailand for 3 months and must be obtained in your home country. If your license is not Thai or English they must carry an English translation or an International driving license. A valid passport must be carried at all times. If you get stopped by the police while driving you will almost definitely get a small fine of about 400THB. Even if you have done nothing wrong it is advisable to discreetly pay the money and never argue or lose your temper as it will cost you more.. Don’t expect a receipt for the money!!

Language - Thailand is a wonderful destination for British tourists because due to a good education system, English is widely spoken throughout the country and literacy levels are high.

Time Difference - Thai standard time is 7 hours ahead of GMT (in summer), 8 hours ahead of GMT (in winter)

Telephone - The international dialling code for Thailand is +66.

Laws - Never become involved with drugs of any kind in Thailand. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment. Amphetamines and Ecstasy are regarded as class A drugs and possession or trafficking of them carries the same penalties as, for example, heroin. If you are found guilty of being in possession of 20 grams, or more, of a class A drug at a point of exit from Thailand you will most likely face the death penalty.

By law, tourists are expected to carry their passports with them at all times in Thailand. There have been incidents where tourists have been arrested because they were unable to produce their passport.

It is a criminal offence to make critical or inflammatory comments about the King or other members of the Royal family in Thailand. This offence is punishable by a substantial prison sentence.

Local Customs - Modesty is important in all situations. Nudity and topless bathing are offensive to the Thai people. It is impolite to show the soles of your feet to Thai people, especially monks. Uninvited body contact is also deemed disrespectful and you must never touch a Thai person’s head as it is the most revered area of the body.

When visiting religious buildings, both men and women must ensure that their shoulders and knees are fully covered. Shoes should be left at the entrance and the head should be uncovered. Do not attempt to touch or take photos with Buddhist monks, or next to Buddhist statues. Donations should be put in the temple offering boxes and not given to the monks as they are not allowed to touch money.

Tipping - Tipping is not customary in Thailand, but most hotels/restaurants add a 10% service charge automatically to room charges and meals, therefore additional gratuities are not necessary but always appreciated. Porters should be given approx 20THB and in the case of drivers and guides we do recommend a suitable tip of about 10-20% of the transport costs. Not only does this supplement fairly low wages but it also helps to secure professional guides who are less likely to push commissionable trips and take you to over-priced craft shops.

For more information on travelling to Thailand please have a look at http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/travelling-and-living-overseas/travel-advice-by-country/asia-oceania/thailand