The city of Bangkok, known in Thai as Krung Thep or “City of Angels”, is the capital of Thailand.
Bangkok is the country's principal gateway and port. It is 30 kilometres (19 miles) from the sea. The city sprawls 1,500 sq km (58 square miles), on both sides of Thailand's main river, the Chao Phraya.
The name "Bangkok" historically refers to one section of the city. This neighbourhood became so well-known that, for international visitors today, Bangkok is the name of the city itself.
Visas
Visitors from most countries are issued 2 to 4 weeks entry permits upon arrival. You need to present a passport and a ticket for the return or onward journey.
Entry permits cannot be extended while you are in Thailand. It is advisable to check with a Thai embassy or consulate in your country before departure.
If you are planning a longer stay, apply for either a 60-day tourist visa or 30-day transit visa from Thai embassies and consulates overseas. These can be extended at the Immigration Office in Bangkok for a nominal fee.
View visa requirements from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kingdom of Thailand
Currency
The Thai currency is the baht, divided into 100 satang.
Here are the most recent exchange rates for some common currencies.
THB 1.00
equals:
|
Exchange Rates
|
Currency
|
|
0.03
|
Australian Dollar
(AUD)
|
|
0.02
|
Euro
(EUR)
|
|
0.02
|
British Pound
(GBP)
|
|
0.24
|
Hong Kong Dollar
(HKD)
|
|
1.87
|
Indian Rupee
(INR)
|
|
3.18
|
Japanese Yen
(JPY)
|
|
0.04
|
New Zealand Dollar
(NZD)
|
|
0.19
|
Chinese Yuan Renminbi
(RMB)
|
|
0.04
|
Singapore Dollar
(SGD)
|
|
0.03
|
US Dollar
(USD)
|
Taxes
A value-added tax (VAT) of 7% is added to all purchase amounts. The VAT is refundable for tourists only at participating shops.
Tipping
A service charge of 10% is usually added automatically to all hotel and restaurant bills in Bangkok. If not, a 10% tip is appropriate for waiters.
Business Hours
Bank Hours
8.30 / 9.30am - 3.30pm, Monday through Friday.
for standalone branches
10:30 / 11am - 7:30 / 8pm, all week for branches in shopping malls
Office Hours
8 / 9am - 4 / 5pm, Monday through Friday.
Shop Hours
8 / 9am - 9pm or later throughout the week.
Shopping malls are open 10am to 8 / 9pm all week.
Public Health
Check with your local clinic about vaccination requirements.
We do not recommend drinking water from the tap. Complimentary bottled drinking water is available in every hotel room.
Dress
Light clothing is suitable for the summer months and a sweater for the cooler months. Suits are appropriate for business occasions.
Shorts and t-shirts are frowned upon in government offices and modest dress should be worn in temples.
Weather
As a tropical city, Bangkok enjoys warm to hot temperatures throughout the year.
The May and June summer temperatures range from 35 C to 40 C (95 F to 104 F) while winter temperatures range from 30 C to 34 C (56 F to 93 F).
Today
Mostly Sunny
Mostly sunny and very warm
|
High:
|
36°C /
96°F
|
|
Low:
|
27°C /
80°F
|
Tomorrow
Partly Sunny
Partly sunny and very warm
|
High:
|
36°C /
96°F
|
|
Low:
|
27°C /
80°F
|
|
Wednesday:
|
|
Sunny, Thunder Showers
|
High:
36°C /
96°F
|
Low:
27°C /
80°F
|
|
Thursday:
|
|
Sunny, Thunder Showers
|
High:
36°C /
96°F
|
Low:
26°C /
78°F
|