Transport within Bangkok:

• Buses - these are very cheap, without air-con 3.5 baht anywhere in the city, with air-con prices range from 6-16 baht depending on distance. Smaller'micro-buses' charge a flat fare of 20 baht.
• Taxis - flag fall is 35 baht and then 2 baht every 250 metres or so.
• Motor bike taxis - these abound and are usually the same price as taxis or cheaper depending on your bargaining skills. However, they are very dangerous and not recommended.
• River bus - convenient if you live near a route and very cheap (around 5 - 20 baht depending on distance). However, they do stop running relatively early.

• Plane - return to Phuket (South) or Chiang Mai (North) is around 5,000 baht Flying to Koh Samui is around 2,500+ one way.
• Bus - All very cheap, even for air-con. e.g. Ban Phe (port for Koh Samet, a popular island for weekend breaks) around 90 baht. Kanchanaburi - under 100 baht. Chiang Mai - under 500 baht for VIP bus!
• Train - slightly more expensive than the bus but you do have the option of a bunk bed for long overnight trips either North to Chiang Mai or South to Surat Thani and beyond.

Miscellaneous:

• Bed linen - can be expensive, up to 1000+ for sheets. However, market areas do sell sheets at much cheaper prices or you can buy material and have some made at a very reasonable cost.
• Cinema - between 90 and 100 baht.
• Cigarettes - local brands around 30 baht, imported (e.g. Marlboro 45-60 baht)
• Haircut - average around 100 baht but can be much cheaper (barbers) or up to the 500 baht mark for a relatively smart salon.
• Books - relatively expensive, from around 400 - 500 baht.
• Newspapers- 20 baht for The Nation and the Bangkok Post, 250 baht for weekly editions of U.K. papers.
• Laundry - varies but a rough guide would be around 500 baht per month for a laundry service.

In general, most people manage to live comfortably even on the starting salary. Initial expenses may be high as one finds out where cheaper goods are to be found and sets up an apartment, but as you get to know the city obviously you can find places and goods to suit your income.