Currency
• There are six coins and six notes:
• 25 and 50 satang (cent, copper color) coins - only readily accepted by supermarkets and mini marts
• 1, 2 and 5 (silver color) and 10 baht (mixed color) coins
• 10 (brown - becoming rare) 20 (green), 50 (blue), 100 (red), 500 (purple) and 1000 (grey-brown) baht notes
• Most foreign currencies and traveler's cheques are easily exchanged at banks, hotels or money exchange booths.
• All major credit cards are widely accepted throughout the country.
• The Thai baht trades around 35 to the US dollar or 50 to the euro.
• ATMs can be found in all towns and cities but they are scarce in more remote areas; it would then therefore, be necessary to carry some cash.
• Many hotels and guest houses will change money if you are staying there, but expect a hefty commission and unfavorable rate.
Bargaining
In department stores no bargaining is accepted. Prices are fixed there. But at most other places bargaining is to be expected, generally, you can obtain a final price figure of between 10-40 % lower than the original asking price . Thai people never bargain for food.
Many stores open 12 hours a day, seven days a week. Big department stores usually open from 10.00 am to 9.00 p.m. All Seven-Eleven stores are open 24 hours a day.
VAT Refund
A foreigner who bought products from shops displaying "VAT Refund for Tourists" can present the goods and submit the VAT Refund Application for Tourist form and original tax invoices to the Customs officers immediately before check-in for departure from Thailand at the international Airport. Requirements for VAT refund are:
• Those with a continuous stay of more than 180 days in Thailand can not claim VAT refund for the products.
• The claim should not exceed 60 days after purchase
• The cost of purchase should be more than 5000 baht (including VAT) by having a purchase of not less than 2000 baht (including VAT) on the day the products claimed were purchased.
• The process includes 100 baht fee for cash refund of not exceeding 10,000 baht. If exceeding the amount, the refund should be made in draft or credit to your credit card with additional service charges.
Favourite Gifts
Hot Spot : When you find a shopping spot you like, note the address, telephone and fax number down. You may return at next trip or re-order by mail if necessary.
Size : Be careful of the size while shopping. To be suitable, a good purchase must also be fairly light, portable and easily packable enough to be fit into your suitcase or easily mailed to your home.
Stamps : You can always take back interesting, colorful stamps from the post office for the youngsters at home.
Culture: Music is the easiest culture you can take back in the form of disks or cassettes. They are easy to pack too.
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