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Getting
around
Phi
Phi has lots of tracks
and footpaths but no real roads, so
getting around is easy - walking or
go by boat! The local "longtail"
boats are like water taxis and will
take you wherever you want to go and
wait for you if required. Prices vary
and can be on a per person basis or
whole boat charge depending on your
trip and the number of people. Check
with other travellers and always negotiate
with a smile!
Shopping
Most
local shops and minimarts are run
by local families so they often stay
open around 08.30 and close anytime
between 21.00 -23.00. Most gift shops
open 10.00-22.00 and dive shops usually
close at 21.00. Bargain with good
humour and you could get some better
prices!
Banks/Money
The
Currency is the Thai Baht (see
currency converter) Denominations
are 1,000, 500, 100, 50 and 20 Baht
notes. Master card and Visa are well
known but American Express is only
accepted in the more expensive hotels
and stores. There is a bank with a
currency exchange in Tonsai Bay, Phi
Phi, but no ATM machine. However there
are plenty of ATM's on Phuket island.
Electricity
The
same as the rest of Thailand - 2 pin
plug with 220 volts. Adapter are available
at most hardware stores and some hotel
shops in Phuket. Buy one before you
go to Phi Phi.
Mail
You
can use the local post office for
postcards and inbound mail, but if
it is something important, it's better
to use the main post offices at Phuket
or Krabi.
Cameras/Film
ASA100-ASA400
is available. In Tonsai Bay, a Kodak
shop near the pier does standard developing.
Phones
There are public phones on the
island. One is located at the pier.
Most tour agencies will allow you
to make both local and international
calls for a small charge.
TV
Satellite
TV, CNN and BBC are available around
the island. Some of the bars generally
show important sporting events.
Computers
Internet
cafes are the most reliable source
to check e-mail as many of the hotels
do not have available phone lines
for their customers. The area around
the ferry in Tonsai has a number of
Internet cafes.
Health
and Medical Facilities
There
are no hospitals on Phi Phi so any
serious illness should be treated
in Phuket where there are first class
international facilities. There is
a local health centre on Phi Phi island
in Tonsai Bay. Please be insured before
travelling to Thailand. Check with
your insurance company which hospitals
they work with.
Sunburn and Sunstroke
are the most common health problems
so take the usual precautions - strong
sunblock, wear a hat and drink plenty
of fluids.
Government
offices
On
Phuket. Open 08.30 and close 17.00.
Dress well.
If you overstay your visa or need
an extension, you should contact the
Immigration office on Phuket.
Tourist
Police
Located
near the pier in Tonsai. The tourist
police generally have a person who
speaks English.
Phuket
International Airport departure tax
500 Baht.
Check if your ticket includes airport
tax.
Domestic - 30 Baht (Phuket and Krabi
Airports) Usually included in the
price of your ticket
Good
ideas and Bad ideas
Thai's
are very tolerant people, but if you
want to make the most of your visit,
you should be aware of some Thai customs
and sensitive areas.
Good
ideas
1. Always be polite
and try not to lose your temper in
frustrating situations. Remember the
pace of life is much slower, so adjust
accordingly. Losing your temper is
considered a great loss of control.
Be patient and you will be rewarded.
2. Dress appropriately.
On the islands, especially Phi Phi,
the dress is very informal, but smart-casual
is appreciated in the better quality
hotel restaurants. When travelling,
especially on boats, remember, you
can get sunburnt very quickly!
3. The Wai. Thais
do not shake hands, they wai. The
hands are placed together with the
palms together in a prayer like way.
Although they will often greet you
in this manner, you don't need to
wai a waiter, bell boy or child, but
if you're meeting Thais socially,
a wai will be appreciated. Shaking
hands in the western way is also acceptable.
4. Tipping It is
not necessary to tip a flat 10-15%
on everything, and in the local restaurants
for snacks and drinks, it's not expected,
although appreciated if you do.
It's
not a good idea to....
Buddhists believe that the head
is sacred and the feet are the lowest
part. Try not to point at objects
with your feet, or touch Thai people's
heads.
The Thai Royal family is treated with
great respect, so do not make any
untoward or rude remarks.
Although you won't be imprisoned for
sunbathing nude, Thais find this offensive
to their culture. While topless bathing
is accepted in the tourist areas like
Phi Phi, it can attract unwanted attention.
It's tolerated but not welcomed. Some
hotels have notices requesting no
G stings or topless bathing.
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