Thailand and Chiang Mai have an extensive network of transportation options, including buses, trains, taxis, tuk-tuks, and motorbike taxis. Grab, a popular ride-hailing app, is widely used in major cities. Exploring the city (Especially at Chiang Mai) on foot or by bicycle is also a popular option.

Chiang Mai's standard time zone is UTC/GMT +7 hours, one hour behind major Asian cities such as Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Manila, and Jakarta(-2.5 hours from Mumbai & New Delhi).

The official currency of Thailand is the Thai Baht (Thai:บาท, Symbol: ฿; code: THB)

- Coins come in denominations of: 1, 2, 5 and 10 Bath, as well as 25 and 50 satang.

- Banknotes come in denominations of: 20, 50, 100, 500 and 1,000 Baht.

At present time, the average exchange to USD was approximately THB ฿36 = USD $1.

Tipping is not customary in Thailand, and there is no requirement to tip anyone. Most restaurants and hotels include a ten percent service charge in the bill; this surcharge already acts as a tip of sorts, which is combined and shared among all employees at the end of the month in addition to their salaries. However, while tipping is not expected, small gratuities for great service are very much appreciated.

Examples:

- While all public taxi rates are metered, both Thais and Foreigners commonly round off the fare upwards as a tip (i.e. 51 Baht fare rounded up to 60 Baht)

- Tipping staff is not expected, but again is always appreciated. e.g. 20 – 50 Baht for the porter that curried your bags up to your room; a small tip on your bed for the cleaning lady.

- In all restaurants, local patrons make it a habit to leave behind any coins from change as a tip.

Keep in mind that the majority of workers in Thailand’s hospitality and service industries earn very little, so a small tip goes a long way and will generally bring out extra enthusiastic service.

Electrical outlets in Thailand typically use a 220V/50Hz AC voltage standard. Thailand power outlets are typically two-pronged hybrid outlets (accepting ungrounded North American (A) and European (C) standard plugs. For sensitive electronic devices lacking multi-voltage power adapters, the use of surge protectors is recommended. Outlet adapters/universal sockets will be provided in the hotel rooms.

Drinking water out of the tap is not recommended. Bottled water is cheap and widely available at 7-15 Baht a bottle. Drinking water served in restaurants is always at least boiled, but when in doubt request bottled water. Ice in Thailand usually comes packaged straight from the factory and is safe.

Pointing with fingers is considered rude. Try to gesture with your eyes or at the very least your whole hand. To beckon someone, extend your arm with the palm of your hand down and flutter your fingers up and down. For example, when hailing taxis, it is common to keep your hand horizontal, fingers facing down.

When visiting temples, dress conservatively.

Many temples state that photography is not allowed. Even if there is no sign, please be respectful and consider whether it is appropriate to take flash photography of a place of worship.

Always remove your shoes when entering temples (this rule also applies to peoples’ homes) and do not sit with your feet towards the Buddha – sit with your feet tucked behind you. Also, do not cross your legs in the presence of the elderly or monks. In Thai culture, the feet are considered the lowest, dirtiest part of the body, and the head the highest. Do not point to things with your feet, hold doors open with your feet, point your feet to the Buddha images, point at or touch peoples’ hands, or under any circumstance (especially women), touch a monk.

Unless you know the right way to ‘Wai’ , the appropriate hand position and to whom, it is best just to acknowledge a wai with a smile and a nod.

Chiang Mai is a relatively safe place to visit. Nevertheless, visitors Should take certain precautions in order to keep their trip trouble free. Stay hydrated, especially during hot weather, and avoid drinking tap water. Mosquito repellent is essential to prevent mosquito-borne illnesses such as dengue fever. Respect local customs and traditions, including modest dress when visiting temples.

Simple safety tips to follow:

- Don’t carry around large amounts of money, and avoid wearing expensive jewelry or looking flashy.

- Drawing unnecessary attention to one’s self is never a good idea.

- Try blending into the crowd instead of sticking out.

- Leaving irreplaceable items in a hotel room is not a wise decision. Store valuables in the hotel’s in-room safes.

- Avoid traveling alone at night in quiet and dimly lit areas.

For the purpose of this summit, client attendees will be provided travel insurance policies by ACE Insurance. Yahoo! Employees are covered by the company’s Cigna International Policy for traveling abroad. We highly recommend that you confirm that you have an insurance policy in place before arriving in Chiang Mai. Make sure that it covers medical expenses. While the medical facilities in Chiang Mai are good, some services may not be available and require evacuation for appropriate medical attention and treatment.

Please note that some insurance policies do not cover “dangerous activities,” which can include rock/tree climbing, animal hazards, and some water sports.

Tourist Visa requirements for citizens of different countries will vary. Select countries are not required to obtain a visa when entering Thailand for tourism purposes and will be permitted to stay in the kingdom for a period not exceeding 30 days; these countries include: Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Vietnam, United Kingdom, United States, and Canada.

Visitors from other countries may apply for a Visa on Arrival at international checkpoints and airports for the purpose of tourism for a period not exceeding 15 days. Countries that require this Visa include: China, India, and Taiwan. Visa on Arrival applicants must have in hand at least 10,000 baht per person or 20,000 baht per family, as well as a passport with at least six-month validity and a fully paid return ticket which is usable within 15 days of arriving in Thailand. Visa on arrival applicants must also provide a recent photo (size 4x6 cm) or take within 6 months is required and pay the application fee of 2,000 Baht for a single entry.

Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) are plentiful throughout Thailand, and most will accept cards issued by and of the major international banking networks. Please note that most Thai banks are now charging a 150 Bath fee per withdrawal when you use their ATMs. In addition, your home bank may also levy a fee. Most Thai ATM machines will deliver a maximum of 20 banknotes per withdrawal, so the effective limit of an ATM withdrawal is 20,000 Baht.

Major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, JCB and American Express, are readily accepted at most hotels, airlines, restaurants and upscale merchants. Be aware that many shops in Thailand, while accepting credit cards, will often charge you more for using one.

The typical surcharges are 3% for Visa or MasterCard and 5% for American Express. When paying by Credit Card (hotels, restaurant, shops etc), insist on being billed in Thai Baht. Being billed in your home currency involves both a hidden surcharge and bad exchange rates and can add up to 5% of the net cost.

FOREX (Foreign EXchange) booths are very common and clearly post their daily exchange rates on an electronic notice board. They accept all major currencies. Rates offered will be the same at all branches of the same bank, when measured at the same point in time. It is recommended that you do not buy Thai Baht until you arrive in Thailand as exchange rates offered in Thailand are usually better. Do note that FOREX booths generally will not accept bank notes that are in poor condition (torn, ripped, damaged or excessively marked/stamped).

VAT (value Added Tax) or sales Tax, is 7% on all purchases. VAT is supposed to be charged for both goods and services, though in practice this varies. In many instances, purchase totals do not add VAT. In such cases, VAT is either included in the price or not charged at all.

Thailand’s country code is 66. Thailand phone numbers have a 3-digit area code, plus 7-digit local number in the form: 123-4567.

The domestic access code for mobile numbers in Thailand is 08. When in Thailand, dial a mobile number as follows: 08 1234 5678. Overseas calls to Thailand mobile numbers should be dialed as follows: + 66 8 1234 5678.

Thailand has a good mobile network with several international players operating their network here. Roaming agreements exist with many international mobile phone companies.

Thailand's weather tends to be defined by three seasons: the summer season, the rainy season and the cool season.

Simple safety tips to follow:

Rainy season (Known as ruedu fon, starts from mid of May - mid of October) This season is most notable in the north of the country where temperatures are more changeable throughout the year. In spots like Chiang Mai average temperatures peak at around 37°C in April - with minimal breeze and relatively little rainfall. The month of April is characterized by constant high temperatures, with daily highs around 36-37°C throughout the month, rarely exceeding 40°C or dropping below 25°C.

Summer season (Known as ruedu ron, starts from mid of February - mid of May) In this season the rain does tend to fall on most days but tends to come in short bursts of an hour or two in the afternoon or overnight, with the heaviest rain falling in September and October. The month of July is characterized by constant high temperatures, with daily highs around 30-32°C throughout the month, rarely exceeding 35°C or dropping below 22°C. The relative humidity typically ranges from 54% (mildly humid) to 97% (very humid) over the course of a typical July. Expect some precipitation (65% chance on any given day), with little variation over the course of the month.

Cool Season (Known as ruedu nao, starts from mid of October - mid of February) This season is cooler and has more comfortable humidity. This also means less rainfall and it is this combination that makes the cool season is the best time and also one of the most high seasons of the year to visit Thailand and Chiang Mai. The month of November is characterized by constant high temperatures, with daily highs around 28°C throughout the month, rarely exceeding 35°C or dropping below 0°C.

Thai people are very modest in nature. Loud or abusive expression of anger should be avoided at all costs.

Furthermore, excessive public displays of affection and nudity are frowned upon.

The following list of Chiang Mai Emergency Numbers will help you deal with most emergency situations.

Chiang Mai has well equipped emergency services and good medical facilities. In addition to the normal Police, Chiang Mai also has a Tourist Police section with officers speaking English, as well as some other languages. These officers are available 24 hours a day.

If you are not sure which number to call, Chiang Mai has an Emergency Help number, 191 that will refer your call to the correct service. Government Offices in Chiang Mai are open from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday.

- Police: 191

- Tourist Police: 1155

- Medical Emergency: 1699

- Traffic Accident Police: 1193

- Fire Department: 199

- Tourist Assistance Center: +66 2 134 4077 (24/7 hotline)