Travel tips
Travel Smart
A sprawling metropolitan city, Bangkok boasts effective public transport in many forms; trains, tuk-tuks, motorbikes, and taxis. As a whole the city is also walkable, at some point pedestrians may find themselves relying on any given mode of public transport for longer commutes. It's not advisable to rent a car in the city because of the traffic and affordability of public transportation, but vehicles can come in handy for longer trips outside of town. Check out the Getting Around section for more details on local transportation and costs.
Tipping
In restaurants, 5-10% tipping on the whole bill is customary for good service. Likewise, it is expected that tour guides will recieve tips at the end of tours, as decided by the customer. Otherwise, negotiable services such as tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis do not recieve tips. Taxi drivers who use the meter without argument deserve a bit of a tip for simply doing their job -some will try to negotiate a flat rate, which is illegal.
Closing Time
Yet another city that never sleeps and always eats, Bangkok is a lively city both day and night. Nightlife, especially is a 24 hour operation, particularly for visitors who are in town to party. Early morning commuters often mingle with the late-night crowd on early morning trains. But like any city, some neighborhoods are more or less lively or noise-filled. Check websites of official establishments for closing times, if relevant, but some less formal spots in the city operate on their own spontaneous schedule.
Staying in Touch
For those traveling from other countries with smartphones, simply remember to turn airplane mode on and WiFi on. Free internet is prevalent in many restaurants, hotels, and cafes, though you may need to bug an employee for a password. SIM cards can be widely purchased for pay-as-you-go calls, but Skype and similar online services are just as useful most of the time.
