Day 19
Today’s job for Day 19 wasn’t as bad as yesterday’s was getting Day 18 done. What made today take so long was finding a bunch of old stuff I kept from my childhood tucked away in those 5 boxes. I found my old diary, photographs, notes from elementary school, travel documents, etc. It was a lot of fun going through!
Now im going to tell you tips for travelling because Im going fishing to Thailand !!!
Thailand eVisa and Embassy Visa
Passport holders of many countries enjoy visa exemption when they enter Thailand. Others can apply for a Thailand eVisa to speed up the process. I have an Indian passport and I have visited Thailand twice. The first few times I applied for the visa directly from the embassy, but later I realized I unnecessarily wasted time when there’s an option of obtaining en eVisa.
Currency, ATMs and Cash
The currency of Thailand is Bhat (THB, ฿). Current rate is 1 USD is about 30 Baht. You can withdraw money directly from the ATMs at Bangkok‘s Suvarnabhumi airport after you land. Withdraw enough because there is a surcharge of 150 Thai Bhats per transactions. Moreover, as you go sightsee it will be easier if you have cash on you to pay for tuk tuks, taxis and food.
Don’t Take Selfies With A Tiger
Animal tourism is big in Thailand. Many tourists include a visit to the tiger temples, where tigers are on display to pose with tourists, in their itineraries. If this is part of your travel plans when in Thailand we suggested crossing it out.
What you may not be aware off is these animals are mistreated and neglected. From the time they are born the tigers are separated from their mothers, confined to small cages and subjected to harsh training. I am sure you would want to encourage this form of cruelty to animals just to get a selfie for your Instagram page.
Also while in Thailand avoid riding elephants, another big attraction for tourists. These animals are also mistreated.
First If you want to save money during your trip bring your “A” game for negotiating. In Thailand markets haggling over prices with sellers is part of the buying process. If you want the best deal for a souvenir don’t pay the first price given to you. Give a counter offer and bargain until you both arrive at an agreeable price. There are also ways to see more of Singapore and other Asian countries if you like to know.
Negotiating for prices is not only done in the markets around Thailand. You can negotiate transport fares with tuk-tuk or taxi drivers, accommodation rates or even tour prices. Don’t forget your smile when you negotiate!
Here are the before pictures (took them yesterday before I started on Day 18)
And the after:
Tomorrow I’ll be tackling the shoe shelves!
P.S. The stuff on the ride side is all Shane’s, so for once I have the neat side of the closet!