Do I need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?

All non-Thai nationals entering Thailand by air, land, or sea must complete the TDAC online within the three days before arrival. Use the official Thai Immigration website and check whether an exemption applies to you.

Do I still need cash in Thailand?

Yes. Cards and mobile payments are common in larger businesses, but markets, street-food stalls, small shops, transport, and some local services may still require cash. Keep small notes separate from your main wallet.

Are Grab and Bolt available everywhere in Thailand?

They are widely used in major cities and tourist areas, but coverage and pickup arrangements vary. Local taxis, hotel transfers, songthaews, or other local transport may be more practical in smaller destinations.

Should I rent a motorbike in Thailand?

Only ride if you have the correct motorcycle licence or permit, suitable insurance, experience, and a proper helmet. A car licence alone does not normally cover motorcycles, and insurance claims may be rejected if you are not correctly licensed.

Thailand Welcome Guide

Everything to prepare before landing and during your first visit to Thailand. A little preparation makes arrival much easier: sort out entry documents, mobile data, money, and plan how you will get to where you are staying from the airport.

Before you fly

Check that your passport is valid for at least six months from your arrival date.

Confirm whether your passport qualifies for visa exemption or whether you need a Tourist Visa. If you plan to come to Thailand for a purpose other than tourism and would like to stay long term, use our visa recommendation tool as a starting point, then confirm with Thai e-Visa or the relevant embassy.

Submit your TDAC up to 3 days (72 hours) before your arrival in Thailand, including the day of arrival. You must submit a new one every time you enter Thailand, it is single-use only.

Save copies of your passport, travel insurance, onward flight details, and your hotel address on your phone.

Carry accessible proof of adequate funds and a sensible cash backup. Official sources suggest that you may be required to show 20,000 THB per person if asked.

Country code

+66

Population

~ 71,000,000

Currency

Thai Baht ฿ THB

Time zone

UTC +7 ICT

Seasons in Thailand

Cool season

November - February

Usually the most comfortable time to visit, with lower humidity, cooler evenings, and less rain in many areas.

Hot season

March - May

Expect strong heat, especially in cities and inland areas. Plan outdoor sightseeing early in the morning or later in the day.

Rainy season

June - October

Short heavy showers are common, but travel is still possible. Landscapes are greener and some places are quieter.

Install these apps

Grab

Book taxis, motorbike rides, food delivery, and more.

Bolt

Book taxis and motorbike rides, often at lower prices.

Google Maps

Navigate, find places, read reviews, and plan routes.

Google Translate

Translate text, menus, and conversations using your phone.

LINE

Thailand’s most popular messaging app for chats and calls.

XE Currency

Check exchange rates and convert currencies instantly.

Klook

Book attractions, tours, airport transfers, and activities.

Agoda

Book hotels, resorts, and accommodation across Thailand.

GoWabi

Find and book discounted spa, beauty, and wellness services.

Lazada

Shop online for everyday items with local delivery.

Shopee

Another popular shopping app with fast local delivery.

12Go

Compare and book trains, buses, ferries, and transfers.

Data and SIM card options

Roaming data package

Most network providers offer roaming packages with a fixed price and data allowance for use abroad. Just make sure the roaming settings are configured correctly, and monitor your usage.

Purchase an eSIM before arrival

Install it before flying so that you can use it as soon as you land. Some popular and affordable providers include Saily and Airalo.

Physical tourist SIM

You can buy tourist SIM cards at the airport, 7-Eleven, and mobile network shops in the airport and throughout Thailand.

Affiliate link — Thai Visa Checklist may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Popular Thai networks include AIS and True/dtac. Tourist SIMs must be registered with a valid passport. Keep your home SIM available if you need bank or account verification codes, but disable its mobile-data roaming to avoid surprise charges.

Money and ATMs

Bring some emergency cash and keep smaller notes for taxis, markets, street food, and small shops.

Many Thai ATMs charge around 220 THB per withdrawal for foreign-issued cards. Check the displayed fee before confirming.

When an ATM or card terminal offers to convert the amount into your home currency, it’s generally better to pay in THB and let your card issuer convert rather than accepting dynamic currency conversion.

One of the best-known places to exchange foreign currency for Thai baht is SuperRich.

Staying longer term? Read what foreigners commonly need when opening a Thai bank account.

7-Eleven

Thailand’s 7-Eleven stores are a traveller’s best friend. With more than 15,000 locations across the country, you’re never too far from one. Apparently, the only area without one is Koh Kut. They’re great when you are on the move and need essentials like water, mosquito repellent, paracetamol, and so on.

Essentials

Mosquito repellentSpray at dusk and dawn to keep the mosquitoes at bay.

Tiger BalmPerfect for sore muscles, headaches, bites, and aches.

Hong Thai herbal inhalerA refreshing herbal inhaler for blocked noses and dizziness.

Rehydration sachetsReplaces lost fluids after the heat, illness or a night out.

Beer SinghaOne of Thailand's most popular local beers.

Coconut waterA refreshing way to stay hydrated in the heat.

Rain ponchoIdeal for sudden tropical downpours in rainy season.

Ice cupFor just 10 THB, fill up your cup with ice and your favourite drinks.

Getting around

Bangkok rail

The BTS Skytrain and MRT are usually the easiest way to avoid road traffic. They use separate fare systems, so there is no single stored-value card that covers every line. Check the official BTS and MRT information for the lines you will use.

Grab and Bolt

Choose the correct pickup point. It is generally best to adjust the pin yourself so it is accurate. Confirm the number plate and driver in the app, then enjoy the ride. Highway tolls are charged extra, which is normal. Sometimes the driver will pay first and add it to the fare, or they may ask you to pay on the spot.

Metered taxis

Before the taxi moves, if they haven't done so already, politely ask the driver to use the meter. If they refuse, leave the taxi before starting the journey and take another one. Airports may add an official surcharge, and highway tolls are paid separately.

Tuk-tuks

Tuk-tuks can be fun for a short ride, but agree on the total price and destination before getting in. Compare the quote with a ride-hailing app and avoid suspiciously cheap sightseeing trips tied to gem shops, tailors, or commission stops.

Motorbikes and driving

Do not assume a car licence covers a motorcycle. Before renting or driving, check the licence, permit, helmet, and insurance requirements in our Thailand driving licence guide.

Useful Thai phrases

Men add Krap and women add Ka to be polite. Pronunciation matters, but a friendly attempt is usually appreciated.

English

Thai

English

Thai

Hello

Sa-wat-dee Krap / Ka

Thank you

Khop khun Krap / Ka

Yes

Chai Krap / Ka

No, thank you

Mai ao Krap / Ka

How much?

Thao rai Krap / Ka?

Delicious

Aroi Krap / Ka

Sorry / excuse me

Kor thot Krap / Ka

Where is the bathroom?

Hong nam yoo tee nai Krap / Ka?

Not spicy

Mai phet Krap / Ka

Water, please

Ao nam plao Krap / Ka

Safety and local etiquette

Watch for motorbikes when crossing and check both directions, even on one-way streets.

Dress respectfully at temples: cover shoulders and knees, and remove shoes where instructed.

Stay calm and polite during disagreements. Public confrontation always makes the situation worse.

Do not touch someone's head or point your feet at people, religious images, or sacred objects.

Save these emergency numbers

Tourist Police: 1155

Police emergency: 191

Medical emergency: 1669

Fire and rescue: 199

Frequently asked questions

Official and useful sources

Official Thailand Digital Arrival Card Thai e-Visa MFA guidance on passports and adequate finances Thailand Tourist Police Krungsri foreign-card ATM fee schedule

Browse all official Thailand government links

This guide provides general travel information. Entry rules, fees, transport arrangements, and mobile packages can change. Confirm important details with the relevant official provider before travelling.