Q. When is the rainy season:?
A: Generally speaking, October through December.

Q. What temperatures should I expect?:
A: Eat your heart out Jack Frost, the temperatures in Koh Samui are passionately warm year-round Day time average: 82F, 28C. Night time averages: 72F, 22C.

Q. What time do the taxis stop running?
A: About 11:00 pm in Chaweng and Lamai. Much earlier to and from the smaller villages and from Nathon, where the last taxis leave with the last ferrys - about 6:00 pm.

Q. Is the drinking water safe? What about the ice cubes?
A: All restaurants and almost all the little roadside stands serve bottled water and clean factory-made ice cubes. Vegetables are washed in tap water, but are safe when cooked. You may want to avoid eating raw ones.

Q. Where are best beaches?
A: For wide sandy stretches and lots of activity including water sports, strolling vendors and ambient music from beachside bars, try Chaweng or Lamai. For equally spacious but more tranquil stretches, visit the beaches of Maenam or Bophut. For smaller more out-of-way seaside hideaways, explore the southern and western coasts.

Q. Why are there so many dogs on Samui?
A: They are wild and have been breeding uncontrolled for years. Most of them are extremely timid and docile. However if you are bitten, see a doctor immediately. An organized effort is now underway to treat the sick ones, and to control the population with neutering. Good progress is being made.

Q. How do I know if I'm being overcharged for a taxi ride, and what can I do about it?
A: When taking public (red) taxi buses, ask your hotel front desk or a TAKS member shopkeeper, to tell you the correct fare to your destination. Prepare the amount in advance and give it to the driver. If he objects, politely ask him to accompany you to the nearest tourist police to settle the matter.

Q. I have a severe case of diarrhea. Could it be serious?
A: Probably not, however a visit to a doctor or a clinic is a good idea, if only to reassure yourself. They can prescribe effective medication that will ease your discomfort within hours.

Q. The rental agency told me my jeep is insured. Ensured for and against what?
A: ??????

Q. What should I do if I have an accident?
A: Call the tourist police immediately, and if there were any witnesses, try to get them to remain there until the police arrive.

Q. I'm shopping for a souvenir. How do I know if I'm paying a fair price?
A: Competition amongst merchants is high, and it makes no sense for them to charge double the fair price. Shop around for the item you want. You will quickly know who is overcharging. Settle on one shop and try to negotiate a discount (maybe 15%-30%). Remember to bargain with a smile!

Q. To whom do I go with a serious problem?
A: To the Tourist Police.

Q. How much should I tip?
A: Many restaurants and hotels add a service charge to their bills, but this does not always go to their staff in the form of cash. It may be used to offset housing or other benefits they receive. Thai patrons who are satisfied with the service they receive, usually leave a gratuity of around 10%, which is much appreciated. You might tip a bellhop 20-40 baht. It is not necessary to tip taxi drivers unless they are exceptionally helpful.