5 Things You Need To Know Before Bustling Through Bangkok
By: Brianna Sherrod, CAS ’28
GRIP: PR and Marketing in Bangkok, Thailand
Bring Lightweight Clothing
Before this program, I had never been anywhere near the Eastern Hemisphere, so you can imagine my surprise when the heat and humidity hit me like a truck. Even though I researched beforehand, the heat still caught me off guard. What saved me was packing lots of clothing made from linen and cotton. These materials are lightweight and breathable, which helped me survive the Bangkok weather. Try to steer clear of polyester or synthetic blends, as they can be thick and heavy, which traps heat. Cotton and linen are the way to go.
Mosquito Repellent Is a Must
The mosquitoes out here are no joke. No matter where you go, they’re always hiding, ready to strike their next victim. I landed without repellent, and the first few days were rough before I found the holy grail at 7-Eleven. I recommend anything with DEET, but a lot of us used one in a white bottle with a pink cap called Soffell. It’s been a lifesaver.
Money (Of Course)
Thailand uses the Baht, which comes in ฿1000, ฿500, ฿100, and ฿20 bills, plus coins down to ฿0.25. The exchange rate is roughly ฿30 to $1 USD. If you’re exchanging money in the U.S, you can go through your bank, but be warned that the fees may be high. I exchanged $300 and got hit with a $30 fee. A lot of people waited until they got to Bangkok and used SuperRich, which is currently known for offering great rates. Another option is to use ATMs like I did for an automatic conversion. They are everywhere and charge a ฿220 fee (around $6) per withdrawal.
Lastly if you need a point of reference for currency, a street food meal usually costs around ฿60.
Communicating with Locals
The area you’ll likely be in is more local than touristy, so English isn’t widely spoken. Even when people do speak it, it’s often just a few simple words. But don’t worry. Thai people are incredibly kind and patient. Have your translator app (like Google Translate) ready, and try to learn a few basics like “hello,” “thank you,” “please,” “how much,” and the numbers in the 100s (100, 200, 300, etc). These will go a long way in daily conversations and shopping.
Transportation
One of my favourite ways to get around is by biking. The main app locals use here is Grab, which works like Uber. You can book cars or motorbikes, which are often faster and cheaper. You’ll also be living near the BTS Skytrain’s light green line at Phra Khanong Station, which takes you to major shopping centres like Siam and Asoke.
If you choose to take motorbikes regularly, I recommend buying a helmet. It’s not just for safety; a new law now requires passengers to wear one or risk a fine. I haven’t seen this enforced yet, but it’s good to be informed.
When I was planning for this program, I had so many questions. I like to be prepared, and all the unknowns made me a little anxious. So if you’re also someone who likes to plan ahead, I hope this little guide helps you feel a bit more ready. Have fun in Bangkok 🙂
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