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Tipping and bargaining. Although tipping is not expected or required, it is a nice gesture to leave a small amount, when you receive good service. Most restaurants, bars, department stores, pharmacies, public transport (except taxis and tuk-tuks), and larger hotels do not offer discounts. On the other hand, nearly all independent small business are open to bargaining. But of course, you cannot take a discount for granted right from the start, so all discussions should be done in a friendly manner. Clothing - Thailand is a country in the tropical region, so light, loose cotton clothing is most recommended. If visiting mountainous areas or national parks, a sweater is of use. Especially when exploring the night life, tight dresses and mini skirts are no problem. On the other hand, naked sunbathing or topless appearance in public places is considered rude and is generally not accepted. Criminality - Thailand is one of the friendliest and safest travel destinations in the world. Your personal safety is taken well care of in Phuket and the tourist police demonstrate a polite and competent attitude all around. By travelling with confidence, being aware and showing the proper caution, you will surely enjoy your stay. Tourist Safety. As far as safety in Thailand , there are some things travellers should watch out for. Pickpockets are more likely to be found in tourist areas, on buses, at festivals, and at boat harbours, so keep an eye on your valuables. Bring only what you have to, and leave all valuables in your hotel safe. Credit card fraud is not uncommon in Thailand so be cautious with your cards, even those left in your hotel room and allow them to be used only at reliable places of business. Visitors have also been robbed after a stranger who has befriended them, slips a sleeping drug in their food or beverage. Do not accept food or drink from strangers also tours or shopping bargains. If you do go on a tour try to do so with a reputable company. The people of Phuket. Official Phuket records reflect a local population of around 200,000 inhabitants. The two main population centres are on the opposite sides of the island. On the east coast is Phuket town, the capital and on the west coast is Patong beach, Phuket's centre of tourism. The residents of Phuket are Thai's and Chinese who migrated from the mainland to work in the tin mines. Muslims of Malaysian extraction that came to work in the rubber plantations and the Chao Ley or sea gypsies, one of the earliest groups to inhabit Phuket. The Chinese represent around 35% of the island's population. They differ from those who settled in Bangkok and other regions of Thailand , as they arrived mainly from the Hokkien region of China as did those now living in Singapore and Malaysia . As elsewhere in Asia , many of the Chinese have now become fully integrated into Thai society and many of them own businesses both large and small. Collectively, they are responsible for a large part of the trade volume on Phuket and their influence is visible in many places, such as the Chinese temples on Phuket or the annual Chinese Vegetarian Festival in October, a major tourist attraction of Phuket. The influence of the Indonesian and Malayan culture is also apparent in the ethnic makeup, language, art and religion of southern Thailand . About one third of the Thai's living on Phuket are Muslims. Concentrated mostly around Surin and a few other big villages, they work as rice and rubber farmers. In addition to the Thai and Malay languages, many also speak 'Yawi', an ancient dialect of the Malayan language. Entertainment. Patong beach is the centre of all tourist oriented nightlife on Phuket. Here, located within a radius of half a kilometre around Soi Bangla, are over 150 bars and small pubs. The pubs, bars and go go bars of Patong beach are the most popular night time destinations on the island. They give the town its unique flavour of a lively, fun place until long after the sun goes down. Patong beach features some great discos too. The main ones located on Soi Bangla are Tiger, Rio and Dragon and on the beach road Banana disco. You and the law. Respect for the police is a must and rude talk or shouting should be avoided in every case, guilty or not. Thai police officers have much greater powers of action than for example their European counterparts and will not accept disrespectful behaviour. Common offences such as not wearing a helmet on a motorbike will get you a 300 Baht fine and a two hour wait in the police station to pay your fine. Parking on the wrong side of the road will get your bike or car chained up and another long wait in the police station to pay your fine. The trick is to know which side of the road to park on. Just look to see where everyone else has parked and park on that side of the road. If you rent a motorcycle and you get involved in an accident, you will pay for all the damages regardless of you're right or wrong. Basically that's the way it is, motor-cycles are not insured and the Thai police will take the side of their follow countrymen over you in any dispute. Having said that, the tourist police in Phuket are also aware of the little tricks that the rip-off merchants use ( such as short changing at money exchange booths) so if you feel that you've been done an injustice then stand your ground, remain cool at all times whilst awaiting their arrival. Airport Transfers. The airport is far from most of the beaches. Many, if not all, hotels offer a pick-up or drop–off service, but check the charges before ordering hotel transportation. If you do not have transport already there are a couple of ways to get to the area that you are going to stay in. There is a regular mini bus service that will take you anywhere in the island the average cost is around 200 Baht per person. The other option is to get a taxi the cost is usually around 600 Baht, with up to 4 people. Make sure you agree on a price before you get in the taxi. PADI 5 Star National Geographic Instructor Development Center. 49 Thaweewong Road, Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand. Phone: (+66) 076292052 Fax: (+66) 076293034
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