Thailand
Fast Facts
Visa-free |
Nationals of several countries can stay in Thailand for up to 60 days without a visa. Eligible countries include: Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Bahrain, Belgium, Bhutan, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Estonia, Fiji, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Korea (ROK), Kosovo, Kuwait, Laos, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritius, Mexico, Monaco, Mongolia, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan and Vietnam. |
Visa-on-arrival |
Nationals of specified countries can obtain a visa-on-arrival in Thailand for stays of up to 60 days. Eligible countries include: Armenia, Belarus, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bulgaria, China, Costa Rica, Cyprus, El Salvador, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Malta, Mexico, Namibia, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Serbia, Seychelles, Taiwan, Tunisia, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu and Venezuela. For the latest visa and entry requirements, visit the website of Thailand’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. |
Immigration form |
All visitors are required to complete an entry/exit form upon arrival in Thailand. The exit form will be attached to the passport and must be presented to immigration officials on departure. |
Documents required on arrival |
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All the above information may change without prior notice. It remains the traveller’s responsibility to check visa requirements before travelling.
Time zone |
GMT+7 |
Language |
Official language: Thai Many people in the major cities and towns speak some level of English and can engage in basic communication with tourists. |
What to pack |
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Electricity |
The standard voltage in Thailand is 220V (50Hz).
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Phone & internet |
A local sim card is easily available at the airport or from a local service provider. An extensive 3G/4G network is in place and covers most urban areas. |
Do |
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Don’t |
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Currency |
Official currency of Thailand: Thai baht (THB) Foreign currency is rarely used for everyday transactions. ATMs that accept foreign cards are widely available and usually allow withdrawals of up to 20,000 baht per transaction. Cash can be exchanged at banks or exchange bureaus. |
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Banking hours |
Usual banking hours are:
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Credit cards |
Credit cards are widely accepted nationwide. | ||||||||
Tipping |
While not compulsory, gratuities are always appreciated in Thailand. Tipping is not part of the local culture, but many in the travel and service industry are accustomed to receiving a small amount for good service. Please consider the following as a guide to common practice, although tipping and the amount to tip is always at the discretion of the individual.
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Domestic flights |
Several local and regional airlines offer convenient and fast connections between Thailand’s major cities. |
Electric tuk-tuks |
An eco-friendly way to travel and ideal for short journeys around Bangkok and Chiang Mai. |
Electric vehicles (EV) |
This new, zero carbon mode of transport is available for airport transfers in Bangkok and can be booked through Asian Trails. |
Public metro |
Many of Bangkok’s major attractions can be reached by the city’s extensive BTS sky train and MRT underground network. |
River boats |
Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River is serviced by public ferries, offering convenient connections to many riverside attractions and a unique perspective of local life. |
Taxis |
In Bangkok, metered taxis can be waved down and can usually be found along the city’s major roads. Rides can also be booked via the Grab mobile app. The rate for taxis in areas such as Phuket and Koh Samui can be exorbitantly high and in some rural areas it may be necessary to negotiate the fare with the driver prior to starting the journey. |
Religion |
Theravada Buddhism is practiced by about 95 per cent of the population and every Thai male is expected to become a monk for a short period in his life. There is also a large Muslim minority in Thailand’s four southernmost provinces of Yala, Narathiwat, Pattani and Satun. |
Food |
Thai food is recognised as one of the world’s great cuisines, bringing together elements of several South-East Asian traditions. Thai cuisine is a delicate balance of five fundamental flavours – sour, sweet, salty, spicy and bitter. In a typical Thai meal, several dishes are shared and a plate of rice is given to each diner.
Common local dishes:
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Shopping |
Bangkok is a shopper’s paradise with huge, glitzy shopping malls, department stores, and an abundance of street markets. Shops open seven days a week from 10am until 10pm or later.
The capital Bangkok and the northern city of Chiang Mai have excellent night markets. The weekend market at Chatuchak in northern Bangkok is one of the largest markets in the world, with hundreds of stalls stocking items ranging from antiques to clothes, furniture and even animals. It is common to bargain when buying items from a market stall. Remember to keep the conversation light-hearted and fun (a smile really does help!) What to buy:
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Vaccinations |
Proof of yellow fever vaccination is required if you have recently travelled to a country where the disease is present.
There are currently no other vaccine requirements, although it is advisable to be up-to-date with standard inoculations, such as:
Consult your doctor for the most appropriate medical advice. If you require a particular medication, ensure that you pack an adequate supply, as it may not be available locally. |
Drinking water |
Avoid drinking tap water in Thailand. Bottled mineral water is easy to find at convenience stores around the country. Ice cubes are usually safe if served at a hotel or restaurant, but best avoided at street stalls and in remote parts of the country. |
Safety |
Never leave your belongings unattended and always maintain a firm grip on cameras and shoulder bags as motorcyclist snatch groups can be a problem. Be wary of taxi drivers waiting outside of hotels who may refuse to use the meter as required by law. Decline offers to buy gems at widely discounted prices and. Always agree fares with tuk-tuk drivers beforehand to avoid discussion and confrontation when you arrive at the destination.
Thailand is a safe country to visit. However, it is advisable to take some precautions to safeguard your belongings:
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Insurance |
Travellers are advised to obtain appropriate insurance to cover any accidents or medical emergencies while travelling. In some cases, treatment will not be administered without proof of travel insurance. Ensure that your plan covers motor vehicle accidents if you intend to hire a car or motorbike. Emergency evacuation cover is highly recommended as you may have to fly out of the country for treatment. |
Emergency numbers |
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