About Your Venture

Can I travel before or after my placement?

We encourage all our Starfish volunteers to spend time in Thailand outside of their project. If you decide to arrive in Thailand before your Venture begins, please notify Starfish Ventures and ensure that you return to Bangkok on your designated Start Date. Starfish will provide you with the hotel address in Bangkok where you can meet with your In-Country Co-Ordinator and other Starfish volunteers. These details will be included as part of your Starfish Ventures Briefing Kit which you will receive on applying for your Venture.

What is provided?

Starfish provides complete support before, during and after your project to ensure you enjoy your time in Thailand to the full.

Please read what starfish provides in the volunteer section or check the Fact File on your chosen Venture web page.

What should I take?

Everything you need and further advice is included in your Briefing Kit.

How will I get around while in Thailand?

Volunteers are responsible for their own transportation outside of their Venture. You may consider renting a motorbike or bicycle if you want the freedom to come and go around the area. Thailand also has tuk tuks that are small 3-wheel taxis that can jet you to any place you need for a very low cost.

How much money should I take?

The cost of living at your Venture destination is very cheap by Western standards. A delicious meal from the local night market can cost as little as fifty pence. Therefore fifty pounds a week will be more than adequate as a weekly budget during your Venture. If you are travelling before or after your Venture in Thailand you will need to factor in transport, guesthouse and activity costs. ATM's are located everywhere throughout Thailand. You can get Thai Baht immediately upon entry into the country at a Bangkok Airport ATM.

Should I bring a phone?

We recommend highly that you bring a cell phone with you to Thailand. If there should be any problems with your flight, delays or we cross paths at the airport, we would be able to text message each other with instructions. International phone cards and Internet Cafes are also available throughout Thailand.

Make sure your cell phone is unlocked before departing. Your current provider can unlock your phone prior to your arrival. Once you arrive in Thailand you can simply put in a Thai SIM card (THB 300 or $8 US) and it works straight away. Thailand has very good mobile reception.

What communication services are available?

What is available locally will be included in your Briefing Kit. In most cases there are public phones and internet cafes in close proximity.

What amenities are available locally?

You can expect all the amenities you would expect of a western town, such as banks, post offices, shops and chemists within a reasonable distance from your accommodation or place of work. Distances to differ from project to project, for further information please call your Project Manager on 020 8133 5191.

What about insurance?

It is your responsibility to organize and purchase your own insurance. Please ensure your policy provides adequate cover and is valid for the duration of your time spent travelling. Don’t forget that you may wish to join activities such as SCUBA diving.