Barrage
of queries would be hitting your mind when you are on planning to visit
Pattaya. Questions like safety and traffic precautions there, clothing,
electricity, television, car rentals, business hours etc. Out tips would
assist you in finding the solutions.
ISD Code
ISD code for Pattaya is 38. All mobile phones in Pattaya are ten digit
while telephone numbers are nine digit.
Safety
Thailand is a dependable country when it comes to safety. However you
should be careful against reckless driving, fake gem scams, unhygienic
food and sexually transmitted diseases. For real gems you should visit
nearby Chantaburi. As for the sex related diseases you could control
these with your sensible behaviour.
Traffic
Traffic in Thailand follows British ways. Vehicle moves on left side.
However, drivers in Thailand are in habit of rash and careless driving.
They could appear from nowhere and blast their vehicle on yours. You
better leave the driving task to a seasoned Thai driver rather than
driving your vehicle yourself. Footpaths in Pattaya are not pedestrian
friendly. Prefer back-or-chest-mounted baby carriers instead of
strollers.
Business Hours
Most shops and stores are open 12 hours a day, seven days a week.
Government offices and commercial concerns operate on a five-day week.
Offices are usually open from 8:30 to 5:00 with a half to one hour lunch
break. On public holidays, shops, stores and offices are closed. For
list of public holidays, please check our related page.
Unhygienic Food
Many tourists in Thailand and Pattaya fell ill because of consuming
unhygienic food. You could avoid it by just being careful where you are
eating. Don't eat anything that hasn't been boiled or fried. Drink
sealed, bottled water. Avoid purchasing ice in open. It is better to buy
ice that is manufactured in factory. Refuse eatables or drinks offered
by strangers or taxi drivers. Wash your children's hands frequently.
This would help them escape from stomach bugs.
Tour Agency
Never accept tours offered by strangers. Always avail of the services
of a registered travel agency. If any person meets you claiming to be
the representative of a travel agency, check with the agency before you
hand him any money or check.
Clothing
In hot and humid weather, light, loose cotton clothing should be
preferred. Better avoid nylon. Sweaters would be needed during cool
season, evenings or if touring mountainous areas and remote national
parks. Few restaurants and nightclubs follow dress codes. When coming
out in the open sun, use sun blocks, hats and glasses.
Electricity
Electric current is 220 Volt AC (50 cycles) allover the country.
Several plugs and sockets are used. Tourists with shavers, tape
recorders and other appliances should carry a plug-adapter kit.
Television and Video
The television system in Thailand is PAL as are the videos. If you
purchase a video you won't be able to play it on NTSC systems in America
or Japan.
Stray Animals
Don't let your children approach dogs, monkeys or other animals, for
they are not as friendly as the Thais.
