Tipping
Tipping is not a usual practice in Thailand although it is becoming more common.
Most hotels and restaurants add a 10% service charge to the bill. Taxi drivers
do not require a tip, but the gesture is appreciated.
Bargaining
Fixed prices are the norm in department stores, but at most other places
bargaining is to be expected. Generally, you can obtain a final figure of
between 10-40% lower than the original asking price. Much depends on your skills
and the shopkeeper's mood. But remember, Thais appreciate good manners and a
sense of humor. With patience and a broad smile, you will not only get a better
price, you will also enjoy shopping as an art.
Buyer Beware
The Tourism Authority of Thailand receives over 1,000 complaints a year about
fake jewellery purchases. To avoid being a statistic, you must stay alert to the
warning signs of a swindle at work. Heeding our warning could help you stave off
unpleasent surprises and make your vacation what it should be - full of sparkle.
The
following are valuable pointers for your protection
Be wary of any
encounter that ends up requiring your presence in a gem shop. Most probably
it is a scam.
Buying gems or
jewellery to resell at double or triple the purchase prices is an impossible
proposition under any circumstances. Buy jewellery only for personal
satisfaction for your own use or for loved ones.
Make price
comparisons in various shops before deciding to buy. Never be in a hurry.
Never mail
sapphires or other precious stones. Carry valuable items with you.
Do not believe
special (jewellery) sales of any kind. Reputable dealers hardly ever offer
sales and never send touts to lure tourists to their stores.
There are no
promotions, shows or special sales on jewelry authorized by the government
or any official agencies at any time of the year.
The government
does not own, operate, subsidize, or authorize any jewellery stores.
As far as you
can, take time to verify all claims. Words, promises, personal guarantees,
unchecked documents, unauthorized verbal or written statements, casual
references, encounters and the like do not constitute verification.
Remember, you are your own best protection.
All Thai
embassies, consulates or any delegations abroad are neither bound nor
responsible for refunding goods that are bought in Thailand.
When
in doubt about a gem shop, check it with us at:
Tourist Assistance Centre
Tourism Authority of Thailand Le Concorde Building
202 Ratchadapisek Road Bangkok 10310
Tel: 694-1222 ext. 1090-1094
