Shopping Tips

Bargaining

It's always a good idea to check around with other vendors and stores to make sure of the price range for whatever you are buying. The Tourist Authority of Thailand warns against following up shopping recommendations from touting taxi drivers and tour guides who receive commissions for bringing tourists to places to shop. Often the experience is a waste of your valuable shopping time.

For the best results - bargain with a smile and good humour!

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.

If your antique artifact or Buddha image is sold with a certificate of authenticity, you will need to apply for permission to export. Your average artifact however is more than likely to be a replica - the like of which you see available in street stalls and shops all over the country, and which you can take out of the country.