101 tips and advice for visitors to Hua Hin

[richard]

That's a new one on me

[TingTongJohn]

Barter at 7-11? Hmmm

[Pleng]

Planning

Well planning in Thailand can be very frustrating. Whatever, great or small, always have a plan A, plan B and a plan C. That way you will at least] get some satisfaction (MAYBE)

Or, don't plan anything

Barter at 7-11? Hmmm

I agree. Closest I ever came to bartering at 7-11 is when they didn't have the toasted sandwich that I wanted so they gave me the alternative (which should have been a whole 2bt more expensive) at the same price.

From wai-ing at walls to bartering at 7s, this thread has some pretty peculiar advice!

[GLCQuantum]

Yes, my bartering at 7-11 was supposed to be a joke. I was just following on from the random wai-ing thing.

[Merky]

In Hua Hin 7-11s, don't take the first number they throw you at the counter... you can always haggle it down 10%. Don't worry about the guys waiting behind you as they'll only be doing the same once they get there.

really? great! I only thought this was acceptable in markets. What about other shops?

[uncle tom]

Most hotels make an outrageous profit margin on laundry services.

Use one of the many laundries in the town instead.

Laundries that charge by the kilo are usually better value than those that charge per garment.

[uncle tom]

Baht buses are pick-up trucks, converted to carry passengers.

They are a practical and inexpensive way of getting around.

They will pick up and drop off anywhere along their route. Passengers pay the driver after they get off - usually a fixed fare of ten baht, regardless of distance.

[uncle tom]

If you want to go in search of elephants, don't do so on a motorbike.

For reasons best known to the pachyderms themselves, they sometimes feel threatened by motorbikes, and there are periodic reports of them attacking and even killing motorcyclists.

If you're on two wheels, steer clear of them.

[Merky]

Yes, my bartering at 7-11 was supposed to be a joke. I was just following on from the random wai-ing thing.

Ah I see I was taken in ...

[uncle tom]

There are many currency exchange shops in the town, which will accept all major currencies, provided the notes are reasonably clean and not torn.

So far this year, the best rates have been offered by CIMB (the red liveried bank) and UOB (dark blue livery)

[uncle tom]

The rates offered on travellers cheques coupled to the fees charged, means there is little or no advantage to be had from using them.

The Thais also take an age to process them..

[uncle tom]

Don't put your faith in a single debit card for your cash requirements.

Card cloning is a problem in Thailand, and if it happens your bank might have to stop your card. It has also been known for ATMs to eat cards for no obvious reason.

Consider opening a second current account, so you have a spare debit card.

[uncle tom]

Very few bars and restaurants in Thailand are equipped to take plastic.

Cash is the norm.

[uncle tom]

OK, I reckon we're up to 75 (ignoring the 7/11 wind-up..)

76) The Thais are charitable to genuine needy causes. However tourist areas attract the undeserving, and also beggars who are bussed in by mafioso types (although this seems to have stopped in Hua Hin this year)

Before giving money to a beggar, watch to see what the Thais do first.

[uncle tom]

77) Be equally on your guard when approached by charity collectors.

Again, watch to see how the Thais react, and if they only approach tourists, assume it to be a con.