Thailand ranks among the world's most tourist-friendly countries but a little preparation makes a real difference. This is the essential briefing before you book.
Visa and entry
Since July 2024, passport holders from 93 countries (including the entire EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and most South American and Southeast Asian countries) receive a 60-day visa exemption on arrival at any international entry point, extendable once for 30 more days at any immigration office (1,900 THB fee).
Passport must have at least 6 months validity from date of entry, and 2 blank pages. Onward flight tickets are technically required but rarely checked in practice at busier airports; be safer than sorry on smaller entry points.
Since January 2025, the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) replaced the old paper form — fill it online within 3 days of arrival at tdac.immigration.go.th (free). Print or keep the QR code on your phone.
Money and payments
Thai Baht (THB) is the only currency accepted almost everywhere. As of mid-2026, rough exchange rates: 1 EUR ≈ 39 THB, 1 USD ≈ 36 THB, 1 GBP ≈ 46 THB, 1 PLN ≈ 9 THB.
ATMs everywhere but charge 220 THB per withdrawal (in addition to your home bank fees). Withdraw the maximum (20,000-30,000 THB depending on card) to minimise this. SuperRich exchange booths in Bangkok and Chiang Mai give near-interbank rates for cash Euros, USD and GBP.
Credit cards work in hotels, malls, upscale restaurants and 7-Eleven. Street stalls, small guesthouses and most transport require cash. Contactless is expanding but not yet universal.
SIM cards and internet
AIS, TrueMove and DTAC all offer tourist SIMs at airport arrival halls: typically 300-500 THB for 15-30 days with 15-30 GB data. AIS has the best rural coverage. Passport required for registration.
ESIMs work with all three networks — Airalo and Holafly offer plans from day of arrival if you prefer to skip the airport queue.
Public Wi-Fi is widespread and generally fast in cafes, hotels and shopping malls.
Transport
Domestic flights: AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Lion and Bangkok Airways connect all major cities from as little as 800 THB one-way if booked ahead. Bangkok has two airports — Suvarnabhumi (BKK, international majority) and Don Mueang (DMK, budget). Don't mix them up.
Trains: the State Railway (SRT) network covers most of the country. Second-class sleeper Bangkok to Chiang Mai (13 hours) costs 941 THB in upper berth, 1,041 THB in lower. Book online at dticket.railway.co.th or 12go.asia.
Buses: cheap, extensive and mostly comfortable. VIP buses (24 seats) or first-class air-con (32-40 seats) recommended. Chan Tour and Sombat Tour are reputable operators for long distances.
App taxis: Grab operates in all major cities (like Uber). Bolt is expanding fast and often 20-30% cheaper. Metered taxis in Bangkok are cheap but many drivers refuse the meter to tourists — walk away and hail another rather than argue.
Songthaews (red pickup shared taxis) and tuk-tuks require price negotiation before boarding. A short tuk-tuk hop in Chiang Mai old city is 60 THB per person.
Motorbike rental: 150-300 THB per day for a 125cc. International Driving Permit legally required. Wear a helmet (fines otherwise). Never rent from shops that keep your passport — offer a photocopy or deposit instead.
Safety
Thailand is generally very safe — violent crime against tourists is rare. Main risks: motorbike accidents (leading cause of tourist deaths — always wear helmet, never drink and ride), scams (never pay upfront for private tours to strangers), and drink spiking at Full Moon parties (only accept drinks you saw poured).
Wildlife: monkeys steal food and can bite, especially in Lopburi and around temples. Rabies vaccination recommended if you plan extensive time in rural areas or with animals. Snake bites are extremely rare for tourists.
Health: comprehensive travel insurance is essential — Thai hospitals are excellent but private care for foreigners is expensive without insurance (a broken leg from a scooter accident can easily reach 5,000-15,000 EUR). Tap water is not drinkable — use bottled or LifeStraw.
Cultural etiquette
The wai (palms together at chest, slight bow) is the traditional greeting; return one if offered, initiate only with those clearly senior to you. Never touch anyone's head (spiritual highest point) or point feet at people or Buddha images (physical lowest point).
Remove shoes when entering homes, temples and many small shops. Look for shoes at the entrance.
Dress modestly at temples: shoulders and knees covered, no see-through fabrics. Sarongs are usually available at major sites.
Never criticise the monarchy — Thailand has strict lèse-majesté laws and this rule applies to foreigners too. Political demonstrations are best avoided.
Monks: women should never touch or hand items directly to a monk. Place items on a table or use a male intermediary. On public transport, do not sit next to a monk if you are a woman — the seat next to them is reserved for men.
Tipping: not traditional but appreciated. Round up at restaurants; 20-40 THB per bag for hotel porters; nothing needed for taxis unless service was exceptional.
Essential Thai phrases: sawasdee ka (female speaker) or sawasdee krap (male) — hello. Khop khun ka/krap — thank you. Mai ao — no thanks (great for street vendors). Chai — yes. Mai chai — no. Nueng, song, sam — one, two, three. Learning these will earn you smiles everywhere.