Here are few shopping tips and advices for shoppers while travelling to Thailand.

Bargaining

Most department stores and large retail outlets have fixed prices, so bargaining is not applicable. At markets, small stalls, shops or street vendors, bargaining is the norm. Expect to pay from 10-40% less than the original asking price – depending on your bargaining skills and the will of the vendor.

Bargain with a smile and you will be rewarded. Many Thais work long hours, so they appreciate a smile and good humour – you’ll get better bargains.

Export Restrictions

Be aware that it is forbidden to take images of Buddha, deities, and some antique artifacts from the country without first obtaining approval from the Fine Arts Department in Bangkok.

Gems and Jewellery Advisory

There are occasional complaints from visitors about unethical jewellers who persuaded them to buy jewellery at an unreasonable price. There are also cases where gems purchased have turned out to be fakes. While such scams are largely carried out in Bangkok, there have been complaints about jewel purchases in Phuket.

To combat this problem, the Thai Gem and Jewellery Traders Association and the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) have formed a “Jewel Fest Club”. The club aims to offer quality products at reasonable prices with a money-back guarantee if buyers are not completely satisfied. Some of the larger Phuket jewellers are in this program, so look for the Jewel Fest emblem while browsing the shop.

The TAT offers these tips 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.
• Thai embassies, consulates or any delegations abroad are neither bound nor responsible for refunding goods that are bought in Thailand.

Packing and Shipping Services

Many of the larger shops are experienced at shipping abroad and will attend to all the documents such as insurance, customs and necessary permits. Parcel-wrapping service is available at the main post office in Phuket City (Montri Rd) and at post service outlets such as PostNet in Tesco-Lotus. For larger items or bulk shipments, check with courier services such as DHL (076 258 500/2) or TNT Express (076 220 799 or 076 216 396).

There are many striking and beautiful cities throughout Thailand. But if it is the nightlife that you are looking for, than look no further than Bangkok. Bangkok is not just another shopping destination. Bangkok is full of bars, nightclubs, pubs, and discos. Not only is the nightlife affordable, but they are good places to go and relax.

If you “love the nightlife and want to boogie all night” then you will see this article is the perfect guide to Bagkok’s hot spots. The discos are all fashionably decorated and filled with exciting people having a great time. You can even show off your moves with the dancers.

You can also look forward to witnessing some sexy dance shows at the night clubs of Bangkok. You get all varieties of alcohol at the various clubs, bars and discotheques of Bangkok. Champagne, beer, tequila and vodka happen to be most famous drinks at the pubs of Bangkok. “Patpong “is one of the most popular areas in Bangkok for partying. Apart from “Patpong’, “Nana Plaza” is another interesting place to visit.

One of the most popular music genres at the Bangkok clubs is hip-hop. Most dance clubs open around 9PM. If you want to have a really good time though, you should arrive a little later. Most of the clubs in Bangkok are pretty affordable, which is a very good thing and will enable you to visit more of them.

The Internet is replete with a lot of articles which would serve as “Bangkok nightlife guide”. The words “Bangkok nightlife guide” would generate hundreds of results which would help you find some great places in Bangkok for partying. It’s for sure that the “nightlife in Bangkok” will certainly impress you.

Over the last few decades, Thailand has become one of the most visited vacation destinations in the world. Bangkok is full of bars, nightclubs, pubs, and discos. If you’re a person who loves the nightlife, then you’ll love visiting Bangkok. If you search for the phrase bangkok nightlife guide, you will find that you get pages and pages of search results. There are a myriad of sites dedicated to helping you enjoy the night in Bangkok and find the best, hippest party spots.