Living in Thailand
Thailand is a traveler’s paradise and lives up to its reputation as “the land of smiles.” One of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, Thailand boasts world class airports and hotels, as well as ATMs on every corner and an exceptionally friendly people who are always ready to help out.
Toiletries
and Other Basics
You do not need to bring a life’s supply of everything you might possibly need with you to Thailand! Really. You are going to be in a small town, but it is not at the end of the earth. There is a good pharmacy/drug store that carries most major brands of all the normal stuff you need from shampoo and conditioner to deodorant and tampons. NOTE: If you take prescription medications, make sure to bring proper, back-up prescriptions from your doctor in the event that you need an emergency refill. Your medication will be available, but only if you have a prescription. Opposite the pharmacy is a 7-11, Thailand’s ultimate convenience store. Open 24/7, you can get everything from Diet Coke or a coffee slushy to notebook paper and phone cards at 7-11.
Banks
& Money Exchange
Thailand is well connected to the world banking system making foreign exchange a snap. Without question, the easiest way to get money is to use an ATM debit card, since ATMs are readily available and constitute the least expensive, lowest hassle way to get Thai baht. You can also exchange dollars easily at banks and at foreign exchange offices run by banks in larger cities such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Credit cards are widely accepted in big cities at hotels, better stores and fancy restaurants, but you should not expect to be able to use them where we are. The current exchange rate is approximately 33 Thai baht to the dollar, but the dollar has been falling against the baht for some time as it has against all major currencies and will surely continue to do so. To check today’s rate, you can go to: www.xe.com/ucc
Internet and Telephones
Both Aomdoi Resort and the Warm Heart Training Center have wi-fi, so feel free to bring you laptop (although, as always, you should think about security). There is also an internet cafe in town.
American cell phones do not work on the Thai network unless you purchase a very expensive “global phone”. We suggest that you do not. You can rent a cell phone for $15 for the duration. Thai cell phones function on a GSM pre-paid calling card system. Top up cards are sold in 50, 100, and 200 baht increments. Usage is charged per minute for outgoing calls, but nothing is incurred for incoming calls.
International phone calls can be made at internet cafes (which also advertise “international calls”). International phone cards named “Hatari,” can also be purchased from 7-Eleven in 300 baht and 500 baht increments and allow you to call the US at a rate of 4 baht per minute. The Hatari calling card can be used from pay phones, room phones, and cell phones.
Family and friends calling Global PACT participants from the US should dial 001-country code-phone number without the first 0 in the Thai phone number. For example, when calling within Thailand, a phone number might be 053-789-302. However, when calling from the US, you dial 001-66-53-789-302, dropping the initial 0. Friends and family can use a variety of calling cards to call Thailand, including international calling cards put out by major US carriers (such as AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, etc.) or Asia specific phone cards from Asian groceries (the phone card named, “Asia,” gives 8 hours of phone time for $5).
Voltage
Laundry
Aomdoi Resort will launder and iron clothes at a very reasonable price.
