Acquaintances

Not all hotels will allow visitors in your room during nighttime, especially if the visitor can not produce any documents verifying his/her identity.  Usually hotels will raise an extra charge, which is often the difference between single and double occupancy.

Buddha statues

If you intend to export of Buddha statues , you need a permission of the Department of Fine arts and culture. If you get caught at the airport, heavy fines might be imposed and imprisonment if the relict is an artifact.

Bahtbus

The “Baht” busses, which can be seen driving in miraculous ways throughout the city are actually Pick-up trucks, where benches, facing each other, have been installed onto the Loading Bay.  The seating area is covered by an iron structure and metal coating to protect passengers against the sun and occasional rain. This main type of transport is used by locals and tourists alike, operates for 24 hours a day and can be found on all main roads within the city limits. How to use: Just step to the side of the street, lift your hand and the bus will stop. Take a seat, and join the ride to the destination of your choice. If you come close, just press one of the many buttons installed in the back, which will inform the driver that you wish to step out. Pay the driver 5 Baht for short distances (1 to 2 km) and 10 Baht for longer drives. We recommend, to pay the driver in coins and with the exact amount you have to pay. Usually, Baht bus drives will claim of not having any change and it has happened occasionally, that by handing over a 50 or 100 Baht note to the driver, you will receive a friendly “Thank you” in return, while the driver accelerates and speeds away.

 For destinations outside the city limit, the price for the trip must be negotiated before boarding the Baht bus. Be careful be stepping onto the loading, as some roof construction are kept relatively low.

Banks

Currency Exchange counters can be found inside banks and during regular banking hours (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) while currency transaction counters can be found along beach road and second road with opening hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. You need your passport for the exchange of traveler checks. Using ATM machines with your bank card, please be informed that despite the signs of 24 hours operation, these machines are off line between 10 p.m. (sharp) and approx. 4 a.m.

Breakfast

If you have booked a room including breakfast, most of the times , the breakfast can be consumed in the so called “Coffee shop”, served between 6 a.m. and 10 a.m.. If you have received a breakfast coupon upon check-in, keep it in your wallet and ready for the waitress. You might get charged again if you are unable to present the coupon. Even the breakfast is included in the room rate and you decide to get it served within the privacy of your room, expect to get a surcharge  posted to your folio.

Busses

From the bus terminal located at the North Pattaya road busses will bring you in 30 minutes intervals (between 6 a.m. and 8 p.m.) either to the International Airport (Morchit) or to Bangkok Ekamai, which is the countries main and biggest bus stations from which busses will go into all provinces in the country. A second bus stations along Sukhumvit highway (between Central Pattaya Road and South Pattaya Road) has busses traveling to the northern provinces.

Bargain/Negotiations

Supermarkets/Shopping Malls have usually fixed prices which are marked on price tags. Vendor stands along the roads invite to negotiate the price, which can take sometimes up to half an hour of your time. Try it out, it is fun.

Credit cards

All hotels malls, supermarket and selected shops accept major credit cards. By using credit cards, shops will add their commission to the total sum of your invoice, hotels and restaurants usually not. You can get money against your credit cards at banks (you need your passport) or at the hotel you are registered in.

Car Rental

If you’d like to explore Pattaya and its surroundings on your own by car, choose a vehicle from one of three most reliable car rental agencies, which are Budget, Avis or Via Car Rent. The companies have various models to choose from, each one not older than 12 months and in good condition. Sufficient insurance coverage, unlimited mileage and taxes are included in the rental price and you will not have any unpleasant surprises when you return the car.

Computer

In the meantime, many computer and internet shops provide  services and equipment which are offered cheaper than in Western countries. Be careful when buying software, it may be pirated and doesn’t work properly on your computer.

Doctor/Dentist

We hope that you stay healthy while being in Pattaya. For emergencies, a variety of doctors are at your disposal, each of them in their own field of specialty. Many Clinics of all sizes, reputable Hospitals  can be visited or in the event that you are unable to walk or drive, the doctor is happy to see you at your house or hotel. Hospitals in Pattaya have usually a dental care center attached to the building.

Drinking Water

Complimentary drinking water is available in most hotels. Tap water can be used for teeth brushing. 

Drugs

If caught in the possession of drugs or while consuming drugs of any kind or in any quantity, you may face  imprisonment for many years. Punishment for any offenders is tough and if you have seen a Thai prison once you might rethink of your drug using or dealership intentions.

Electricity

Voltage is 220V. Adapters are available free of charge in most hotels.

Embassy :

German Embassy – Austrian Embassy – Swiss Embassy

9 Sathorn Tai Rd., 14 Soi Nantha, Sathorn Tai Rd. 35 North Wireless Rd.

Bangkok 10120, Bangkok 10120, Bangkok 10330

Tel.: 02/2879000, Tel.: 02/2873970-72, Tel.: 02/2530156

Films/Photos

Spread across town are small photoshops with little development machines who serve you within an about at reasonable rates and less expensive compared to Western countries.

Garbage

With the slogan “Thailand must become clean” we recommend to be more careful in disposing your garbage. Throwing paper or cigarette buts on the street or walkway may end up in a fine of up to Baht 2,000 if you are caught by the police. 

Laundry

Laundry Service is available in all hotels. Just put your dirty items in one of the provided bags and fill out the list. If returned to the laundry before 10 a.m., you usually will get it returned the same day.

Newspapers

Newspapers and magazines from various countries are available in hotel shops, Bookazine inside the Royal Garden Shopping Mall and offered at beaches by vendors walking the beach up and down.

Nightlife

Many shops and supermarkets are open for 24 hours a day, countless beer bars all over town, with happy young girls inviting their customers for a drink, Massage Salons, Discotheques and Nightclubs  round up the city of fun and life to an experience of your lifetime.

Money Exchange

Please see Banks. Currency Exchange counters can be found inside banks and during regular banking hours (8 a.m. to 3 p.m.) while currency transaction counters can be found along beach road and second road with opening hours from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. You need your passport for the exchange of traveler checks. Using ATM machines with your bank card, please be informed that despite the signs of 24 hours operation, these machines are off line between 10 p.m. (sharp) and approx. 4 a.m.

Hotels have a separate section at the Reception desk where you can exchange money or checks nto the local currency. Rates at hotels are usually lower than the once offered by banks. Hotels are only allowed to exchange money to their own registered hotel guests. The following notes are common in the local currency: 10, 20, 50, 100, 500 und 1.000 Baht, coins are of 25 Satang, 50 Satang, 1, 5 and 10 Baht value. 1 Baht is divided into 100 Satangs.

Massage

In most bigger hotels, massage services are offered in the privacy of your room or inside the massage area. Traditional Thai, reflexology, oil massage, herbal treatments are offered at reasonable prices.

Markets

There are many markets in Pattaya. . South Road (Pattaya Tai) has a market every Tuesday and Friday while the most interesting market takes place on Sunday in Naklua (North Pattaya).

Opening Hours

Banks, Monday to Friday from 9.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m., currency exchange counters from 10 a.m. to 10.00 p.m., shopping malls and supermarkets from 11 a.m. to 9. p.m., selected supermarkets 24 hours a day.

Police

2 police stations with more than 200 policemen in uniform or incognito take care of your safety while being in town. A special unit is the tourist police, whose force is able to communicate in reasonable good English and in charge with all matters regarding tourists and foreigners.

Telephone: Police station Pattaya  038/420802-5 Tourist Police Pattaya 038/429371 or 1699;  Police station Banglamung   038/221800-1

Post Office

The main post office is located in a small side street carrying the name “Soi Post Office.”, right next to the restaurant Pizza Hut along the beach road. With opening hours between 8.30 a.m. and 6 p.m. Mailing fees (stamps) for a letter is Baht 24 and for a postcard Baht 14. Please mark your mail with “Air Mail”, otherwise your letter/postcard will be sent off by sea.

Pharmacie

At  the reception of your hotel you will get information of the closest  Drugstore or Pharmacy. Most medications of international companies are available in Thailand. When buying, please check on the expiration date. Opening hours for Drugstores or Pharmacies are from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Against mosquito bites, „Tiger Balm“ a cream made locally has established itself as the most effective and is available in supermarkets and drugstores. 

Rent a car

If you would like to explore Pattaya and its surroundings on your own by car, choose a vehicle from one of three most reliable car rental agencies, which are Budget, Avis or Via Car Rent. The companies have various models to choose from, each one not older than 12 month and in good condition. Sufficient insurance coverage, unlimited mileage and taxes are included in the rental price and you will not have any unpleasant surprises when you return the car.

FYI: It is common in Thailand, that in the event of an accident, the first Baht 5,000 of car damage repair are at the expense of the renter.

Caution: Be aware, that many car rental agencies, which are in private hands have insufficient insurance coverage, maintenance and you may end up paying the full value of the car when causing an accident or an engine breakdown, as this will be, most of the time, seen as the fault of the driver.

Religion

90% of the local population are Buddhist. Buddha statues are religious and holy figures and you should pay respect by dressing properly when visiting a temple (long trousers/skirt, long sleeved shirt or blouse. Take off your shoes before entering the temple. And ask for permission to take pictures. Under no circumstances climb on top of Buddha images and spouse next to them for a picture.

Restaurant

Coffee shops in hotels are usually open from 6 a.m. to midnight. Countless restaurants, catering to all nationalities visiting Pattaya are spread all over town. Do look into one of the many restaurant guides, available at your hotel reception free of charge to look for a place of your liking.

Room Service

24 hours room service is available in most hotels.

Rotary

Members of the Rotary Club of Taksin-Pattaya meet every Thursday at the Dusit Resort at 7 p.m. 

Internet: http://www.rotary-pattaya.org

Swimming

The cleanliness of the sea water has improved significantly during the past 2 years since the new Water Treatment plant went into full operation in February 2001. Regular inspections of water show that the level of bacteria's in the water has dropped to level way beyond maximum limits of international standards. Beach towels are available at most hotels, be careful when sunbathing or swimming, you can easily get a serious sunburn even when under the umbrella or while swimming in the sea.

Shopping

The kingdom of Thailand and Pattaya, famous for its inexhaustible variety of goods on offer, has gained worldwide glory for the quality of Thai silk, carved wooden works, leather goods, jewelry and precious gemstones, ceramics, lacquer ware , handicraft articles and pottery, just to name a few.

We recommend purchasing gold, silver and precious gemstones only in specialist shops or stonemasonries. Gold is offered less expensive than in most other countries of the world, Rubin and Sapphires mined in Thailand are therefore cheaper compared to countries where these stones are imported. Never purchase these goods at the beach are in vendor shops along the roads.

Practical tips while shopping in Thailand

The Tourism Authority of Thailand recommends to adhere to the following advises:

Do not trust people who offer goods to you on the streets, while the price for the good appears like a tremendous bargain. At this point, we would like to mention, that any recommendation by a passer-by or taxi driver for a good shopping place, is an additional income, as commissions on the value of your purchase are given to those who have recommended.

We recommend purchasing gold, silver and precious gemstones only in specialist shops or stonemasonries. Claims, that the value of jewelry and precious gemstones are worth double or triple the amount in your country is absolutely false and you may purchase only goods of minor value.

Do not request to mail purchased goods to your home address, you may receive other items than purchased.

Offers, which seem like an incredible bargain, do check the quality of the item very careful.

Despite the assurance of many salesmen and salesladies, the Thai government does not own any jewelry stores or centers, does not engage in any cooperation with these nor deals with gemstones.

Safe

Deposit your valuable belongings either in your in-room safe if available in your hotel or in one of the safety deposit boxes free of charge provided at the reception desks of hotels.

Strangers

In the event that you are being approached by people on the street, claiming to be an employee of the hotel you are staying at, being a teacher or policeman and offering their services  to show you around on their only day of this week, refrain from doing so as they will guide you to shops and places far too expensive with commissions paid to your guide by the shop/bar owner.

Safety

Hotels are not responsible for any belongings  stolen from your hotel room, here again our recommendation to use either the in-room safe or one of the safety deposit boxes located at the reception of your hotel. Do carry only the amount of money in your wallet you intend to spend and wear only discreet jewelry while promenading wound town.

Taxi

Limousine service can be booked at the hotels.

Telephone

By dialing I”9” on the telephone in your hotel room, you will get a n outside line, for an international call to your home country dial 001, followed by the country code, city code without “)” and number.

Tips

It is common to give tips in Thailand. Bellmen should receive Baht 20 per piece of luggage, room maids expect baht 100 per week. In restaurants, depending on how the prices are shown, service charge might already be collected, if not, 5% on the total sum is appropriate.  

Water Sports

A selection of many different types of water sports are available at Pattaya and Jomtioen Beach, such as jet ski, wind surfing, parasailing, banana boat  riding, diving, snorkeling.

Wake up Call

Operators at hotel will take your request for wake up calls. Some telephone systems of hotels allow the guest to program the wake up call on their in-room telephone.

Walking Street

At the southern end of the Beach Road, a part of the road is turned into a Walking Street in between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m. Starting February 23, 2002, the Walking Street area is extended by another 2 km, starting from Central Road every Saturday between 1.30 p.m. and 1.30 a.m.

(C) 2006 copyright by SPIRIT TO SERVE OUR COMMUNITIES / Rotary Club of Taksin-Pattaya