Job Discussion Forums

[JohnnyDangerously]

Hello all, this isn't job related but I didn't know where else to put it, so i'm sorry! I'm leaving for Thailand in ten days to take my CELTA course with ECC in Bangkok. I need to know whether I'll be able to pull money out of my HSBC account from Thai ATM machines, or if I should set up some kind of bank transfer before I leave or bring travelers checks or what.
On a completely different note, how worried should I be about Typhoid and Hepatits and other diseases? My dad's a doc and he insists that if I dont get my proper vaccinations and avoid drinking all tap water, fountain drinks, drinks with ICE, eating food from street vendors, et cetera et cetera, I'll become a drippy, discolored mess(and of course, they don't have REAL doctors or hospitals in Thailand. He can be a little ethnocentric). I have always been wary of his overcautious attitudes, however, especially about all things unAmerican, so any advice from people who actually do live/have lived there would be great. Thanks a bunch.

[JohnnyDangerously]

Oh yeah, and Mosquito netting. Do I really need mosquito netting for whatever hotel/inn I'm staying at? Am I being far too skeptical about all this?

[JosephP]

Eating at roadside stalls are part of the charm of Thailand and perhaps one advantage is that you get to see everything in front of you so you are better able to judge whether you'd like to partake or not. As for the other stuff, no problem. Pharmacies in Thailand have everything you need and at a fraction of the cost of what you'd pay in the West. Don't worry, you'll be fine.

[tedkarma]

ATMs - no problem. Everywhere - work well.

Generally speaking, if you are going to live overseas - it's not a bad idea to have at least the Hepatitus shots (at least of A and B types - is there one for C yet?).

In four years I have never used a mossy net in Bangkok or Phuket. If you have a mossy problem get one of those vapor things - a LOT less trouble.

I wouldn't recommend drinking tap water anywhere in Asia - but in Thailand I don't worry about ice and have never had a problem.

Street stalls - I am a bit careful off - take a close look. I know a lot of people eat from them and I do from time to time - but I am careful that it is a busy stall where food does not sit for long periods with flies all over it - and I like the staff to look healthy. You'll get a feel for these things after a while and won't even have to think about it.

Medical care - unless you are quite wealthy - you will probably get BETTER care here than in the States - at a small fraction of the price. There are excellent doctors at some of the international hospitals. At Bumrungrad (JCAH accredited) - you will see people from all over Asia - seeking some of the best quality care in this part of the world.

Here's a webpage about medical care on Phuket - but also has links to the two best hospitals in Bangkok: http://phuketdelight.com/medical.htm

In Asia - clinics are often part of the hospital - if you haven't lived here it might seem strange that we talk about hospitals - when you might be thinking clinic.

Don't worry about. Tell you dad you'll send him bi-weekly stool samples - just incase.

[JohnnyDangerously]

Thank you Ted, I always find your posts on-point and very helpful.

[sigmoid]

[sigmoid]

Another point to consider is that most if not all street vendors, including food stalls, operate in, at best, a quasi-legal way, occupying public space without a license, not paying taxes, leaving behind garbage and generally creating public safety hazards and inconveniences.