In this article, we will list some general everyday stuff one will experience in Bangkok that might come as a little surprise, how to act, or just something we find interesting, and that you might want to be aware of. This will be a list of random things that would likely cross your mind sometimes during your trip to Thailand.
Travel Guide/Tips
Travelling in Bangkok: the small things
7-11 only accept card for transactions over 200 baht
This also applies to some other places; they will likely have a sign warning you if they do. Thai people use a qr code system for direct bank transfer as our modern go-to payment method, and although cards are widely accepted, they sometimes come with a minimum amount but no surcharge.
For you as a tourist, it is possible to use a scan-to-pay feature; some registration and application will be needed.
For now, we still recommend you have cash on you, as it will be accepted.
Some exceptions for certain countries’ tourists, like China, Alipay, Wechat pay, and UnionPay, can be used. Another option is also available to some countries, namely Hong Kong, Singapore, and Vietnam, where certain banks will directly support the qr payment that is cross-border.
For short term tourist from most countries, this feature may not yet be the most accessible at the moment, but with time, it should improve for the broader majority. For the time being, we still recommend you use cash.
We do not expect a tip for any service, but will gladly accept one if given
Tipping is not our culture; we do not expect it. For us, it is more like a form of gratitude that is only given when we are impressed with their service, return their kindness, or maybe if we feel like it. Street food stalls, massage places, taxis, including Grab, and most other regular shops and diners will gladly accept a tip, and it would make their day.
For upscale dining, a big chain restaurant, or generally most restaurants in a mall will already include a 10% mandatory service charge in your bill.
A common way to tip for us locals is the concept of “Mai Tong Torn,” which directly translates to “no need for change.” Sometimes we do it to avoid keeping coins in our pockets, and other times we do it for kindness, so if you like the food from a street food stall, enjoy a service, or any other reason, feel free to give some tip to these diligent people.
If it is accessible, locals will walk through buildings and skywalks, commonly around the Sukhumvit BTS line, and never come down from it unless needed.
Instead of walking down the street, where footpaths are sometimes not very pleasant or narrow and uneven, use the skywalks. Most buildings and malls around a BTS or MRT station will be accessible via a skywalk or an underground path.
In fact, you can walk all the way from Ploenchit station to MBK in National Stadium station without ever coming down. For those who are interested, you can read more here!
Asking for a discount at markets.
We do not normally do it for food, but for other items, we do. Note that doing it does not mean you will always get it, but people will kindly say so if they do not provide a discount, and no hard feelings will be taken.
We do not ask for it in malls and places that stoodout as a more modern shop.
Bowing to acknowledge when a store employee greets you, or accept their “wâai” by making the same gesture at stores
A respectable Thai person will always do this to acknowledge when the store staff greets them, or when they come and say thank you, putting their hand together and slightly bowing their head to you. You can return by bowing a little as you walk, or simply copy what they do; you do not have to say anything when doing this, or you can say thank you back. “Kòp kun kráp,” for male, and “kòp kun kâ,” for women.
A little warning, Thai Massage can be very painful
Various places provide lighter, relaxing massages in various styles, but if you are looking for the most relaxing experience, we recommend something like an essential oil massage, or let them recommend it to you at the front.
Authentic Thai massages are meant to fix and heal. Especially if you have a problem with your body, like shoulder pain and back pain, Thai massages can be painful, but you will also leave the place feeling very fresh and light.
With that said, the pain will be moderate; a good masseuse will take into account the level of force they can use if they see that you are a tourist who may not be used to getting a Thai massage. If you find that it is a little too painful, you can kindly tell them to tone down the force applied.
We are sweet-tooth people, so do not forget to ask for less sugar.
Especially if you are ordering from a street cart, where they will not ask about the sweetness level you prefer, Thai people drink sweet beverages, including Thai tea, and some will make them eye-opening sweet. Use the phrase “wăan nói” (หวานน้อย) to let them know you want your drink less sweet. More modern places will let you choose your sweetness level as part of your order.
Do note that even then, some places will make them a little too sweet anyway; this is due to the component in the drink that they use, which may be unavoidable.
7-11 sells a lot of small pouches of cosmetics and skincare items, so if you forgot one, you can buy it there.
7-11 is everywhere, and it provides convenience to the level of selling single-use cosmetics and skincare products; some will also be enough for a few days. So if you realise you forget them, even late at night, getting some from the convenience stores is possible until you can go find your favourite brand.
You will likely be fined if you eat or even keep peeled durian in hotels
The distinctive smell of this fruit lingers; keep it in the fridge or eat it in a closed-off room, and the smell is bound to last for a few days. This is a very real thing, and you can and will be fined for it. For those who are eager to try, as it is actually quite nice and very unique, we recommend you eat it outside or right in front of the stall you buy it from.
May you have a smooth trip,
Travel Tegami