Frequently Asked Questions about Bangkok
Is Bangkok safe?
Bangkok is surprisingly safe considering the large income disparity and the even more massive population in the city. Westerners particularly are treated with the utmost respect; expats are nearly always welcomed rather than envied.
In this way, foreigners are much more apt to be pick-pocketed or scammed rather than mugged or robbed. These more serious petty crimes do happen, but reported instances are rare.
Most apartment complexes and hotels hire a security guard, although they seem to do little more than look official. Hospitals are very safe and, despite political upheaval, expats shouldn't be concerned about political violence if they stay clear of protests.
Is Bangkok good for children?
The city can be great for children. A drawback can be pollution, to which children can be particularly affected, but treatment is top-notch. There are a large number of water parks, zoos and activities to capture a child's imagination. Private schools are of good quality. Often city neighbourhoods act as insular communities and it is common for children to be looked after and, in part, raised by the neighbours.
What are some health concerns in Bangkok?
The largest concern is the air pollution which can be detrimental to asthmatics and generally draining for everyone else. There is no need to worry about malaria in Bangkok. There is high HIV prevalence in Thailand, but this is largely related to those that interact with the continuously growing sex industry. Dengue fever is rare but travellers should keep an ear out for news of recent outbreaks. It is not safe to drink the tap water, but easily accessible bottled water is fine. The most common sickness is diarrhoea, which is a result of unclean foods.
Must I learn Thai?
There are so many expats in Bangkok it is very easy to circulate primarily in English speaking crowds and hangouts. Most local Thai people cannot speak English, and everything from giving directions to a taxi, negotiating prices and ordering street food is done in Thai. Learning some rudimentary words and sentences will go a long way to enhancing your experience of the city. It is less important to be able to read in Thai; many signs are in English.
Do I need a car?
One definitely does not need a car in Bangkok. In fact public transport, such as the sky train, ferry and subway, is much faster than driving. Frustrating traffic jams are regular parts of any commute. Unfortunately, public transport does not reach all areas of the city, but there are unusual amounts of taxis and motorbike taxis. They sometimes will agree to negotiate a lower price than on the meter, but often refuse to drive long distances and for some lengthy trips it may be necessary to take several taxis.
Bangkok is surprisingly safe considering the large income disparity and the even more massive population in the city. Westerners particularly are treated with the utmost respect; expats are nearly always welcomed rather than envied.
In this way, foreigners are much more apt to be pick-pocketed or scammed rather than mugged or robbed. These more serious petty crimes do happen, but reported instances are rare.
Most apartment complexes and hotels hire a security guard, although they seem to do little more than look official. Hospitals are very safe and, despite political upheaval, expats shouldn't be concerned about political violence if they stay clear of protests.
Is Bangkok good for children?
The city can be great for children. A drawback can be pollution, to which children can be particularly affected, but treatment is top-notch. There are a large number of water parks, zoos and activities to capture a child's imagination. Private schools are of good quality. Often city neighbourhoods act as insular communities and it is common for children to be looked after and, in part, raised by the neighbours.
What are some health concerns in Bangkok?
The largest concern is the air pollution which can be detrimental to asthmatics and generally draining for everyone else. There is no need to worry about malaria in Bangkok. There is high HIV prevalence in Thailand, but this is largely related to those that interact with the continuously growing sex industry. Dengue fever is rare but travellers should keep an ear out for news of recent outbreaks. It is not safe to drink the tap water, but easily accessible bottled water is fine. The most common sickness is diarrhoea, which is a result of unclean foods.
Must I learn Thai?
There are so many expats in Bangkok it is very easy to circulate primarily in English speaking crowds and hangouts. Most local Thai people cannot speak English, and everything from giving directions to a taxi, negotiating prices and ordering street food is done in Thai. Learning some rudimentary words and sentences will go a long way to enhancing your experience of the city. It is less important to be able to read in Thai; many signs are in English.
Do I need a car?
One definitely does not need a car in Bangkok. In fact public transport, such as the sky train, ferry and subway, is much faster than driving. Frustrating traffic jams are regular parts of any commute. Unfortunately, public transport does not reach all areas of the city, but there are unusual amounts of taxis and motorbike taxis. They sometimes will agree to negotiate a lower price than on the meter, but often refuse to drive long distances and for some lengthy trips it may be necessary to take several taxis.
