ICIS 2024 will be hosted at Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park.

While the official Thai language is widely spoken throughout Thailand, many Thais also speak and understand English, though more so in Bangkok and the major tourist areas.

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The official currency in Thailand is Thai Baht (THB).

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In December, Bangkok’s daily high temperature is in the high 80°F / 27°C and lows in the high 60°F / 16°C. Please be sure to check the weather prior to traveling. Visit https://www.accuweather.com/en/th/bangkok/318849/december-weather/318849?year=2024 for average temperatures.

• Spicy food: Thai food can be spicy! Ask about spice levels before ordering, and “mai phet” (not spicy) is a common phrase.
• Using utensils: Thais typically eat with a spoon and fork. Chopsticks are mainly used for noodles.
• Street food: Bangkok boasts a vibrant street food scene. Embrace it, but be mindful of hygiene and use discretion when choosing stalls.

• Dress code: Bangkok is generally casual, but avoid overly revealing clothing in temples and some restaurants.
• Sensitive topics like politics or religion are best avoided.

• Temple attire: When visiting temples, shoulders and knees should be covered. Many temples offer loaner garments for a small fee.
• Shoes off: Always remove your shoes before entering temples and some private homes.

• Toilet Paper: Not guaranteed! Some public restrooms might lack toilet paper, so recommend to carry a travel pack or pack of tissues with you.
• Bidet Sprayer: This is a common feature in place of toilet paper. It’s a handheld sprayer next to the toilet for cleaning yourself with water. While initially surprising for some, many find it refreshing and hygienic after getting used to it.
• Wastebasket: Look for a small bin beside the toilet for used toilet paper or tissues. Don’t flush them down the toilet! Bangkok’s plumbing systems often can’t handle toilet paper and might get clogged.
• Variations: While squat toilets are less common these days, you might encounter them in older buildings or very basic public restrooms.  They have a foot platform for squatting. Be careful of your wallet, cellphone or keys going down the hole!
• Cleanliness: Standards can vary. Shopping malls and tourist areas generally have cleaner facilities. Many hotels allow guests to use their toilet even if you are not staying there. Hotels will have standard western toilets with toilet paper provided, so you don’t need to worry there.

• Cash
  • Always have some on hand: This is especially important for smaller vendors, street food stalls, taxis (unless metered), temples with entrance fees, and public transportation. Better have small bills like 20, 50 and 100 baht bills on hands with coins. A 1,000 baht note (purple bill) is a large denomination and many vendors, especially street stalls, won’t have enough change to break it. This can slow you down and limit your bargaining power. Public buses and some taxis (especially non-metered ones) require exact change or small bills.
  • Currency Exchange:
    • Airport: Avoid exchanging large sums at the airport as rates tend to be less favorable.
    • Money Changers: Look for reputable money changers (like Superrich https://www.superrichthailand.com/#!/en) with clearly displayed rates and avoid those with hidden fees. Hotels often offer exchange services, but rates might not be the most competitive.
    • ATMs: Withdrawing cash from ATMs can be a convenient option, but be aware of your bank’s foreign transaction fees and any ATM withdrawal fees.
  • Credit Cards
    • Widely Accepted: Major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in Bangkok, especially at larger establishments like hotels, restaurants, shopping malls, and touristy areas.
    • Surcharges: Some merchants may charge a surcharge for credit card transactions (like 3%), so please ask beforehand.

• Recommend downloading Grab application
• Taxis are readily available at the airport and offer a door-to-door
• Make sure to use a metered taxi or agree on a fare upfront before getting in, especially at night.
• Traffic congestion can significantly impact travel time, so factor that in when choosing a taxi.
• This option can be convenient for small groups or those with bulky luggage.