ARRIVAL/DEPARTURE
All visitors to Thailand must carry a valid passport with at least six months' validity and proof of onward passage (a return or through ticket). Visa applications are not required for stays of less than 30 days for travelers from one of 41 designated countries, including Australia, most European Economic Community countries, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, and the United States. To check the latest information from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, access: http://www.mfa.go.th/main/en/home.

"All the above information may change without prior notice. It remains the traveler’s responsibility to check visa requirements before traveling."

BUSINESS HOURS
Businesses are generally open from 09:00 to 17:00. Government offices are open Monday to Friday from 08:30 to 16:30, with a lunch break between noon and 13:00. Shops in large department stores and shopping malls often open from 10:00 until 22:00, seven days a week.

BANKS
Banks are open Monday to Friday, generally from 09:00 to 15:30, and offer the best exchange rates. Some banks in business areas or department stores extend their hours until 18:00. The banks at the airport arrival areas offer the same exchange rates as those in the city center. All international airports in Thailand have numerous ATMs that accept foreign cards. ATMs are also available in shopping malls, convenience stores, hotels, and banks. A maximum withdrawal of 20,000 baht per transaction usually applies. Credit cards are widely accepted nationwide. Mobile payment apps and QR payments are also becoming increasingly popular for smaller purchases, slowly replacing cash.

CLOTHING
Comfortable, lightweight fabrics such as cotton are the most suitable clothing for traveling in tropical Thailand. The dress code is casual, but it is advisable to cover arms and legs in the evenings to protect against mosquito bites when outside. A lightweight raincoat is a good idea if visiting during the rainy season, as the deluge can be very heavy. During the winter months (November to February), warm clothing is needed when visiting northern Thailand, as temperatures drop considerably in the higher elevation areas. Visitors should not wear shorts, short skirts, or similar clothing when visiting religious sites. It is customary to remove shoes when entering a temple. Beachwear, shorts, and cotton vests are deemed unsuitable in Bangkok’s shopping malls, restaurants, and hotels.

CURRENCY
The Thai currency is the baht, which is divided into 100 satang (tiny copper coins representing 25 and 50 satang). Silver coins are one baht, two baht, and five baht. The larger 10-baht coin is silver with a copper inset. Banknotes come in denominations of 20 baht (green), 50 baht (blue), 100 baht (red), 500 baht (purple), and 1,000 baht (brownish color on a white background). Foreign currency is rarely used for everyday transactions, but hotels and large department stores usually accept them with a designated house rate.

CUSTOMS ALLOWANCES
The following goods may be imported into Thailand without incurring any customs duty:

One liter of spirits

200 cigarettes (or 250 grams of cigars, or tobacco)

There is no official limit on perfume. Customs no longer deem personal computers or cameras as restricted items if they are taken out of the country upon departure.

DO’S IN THAILAND

The wai is the traditional gesture of greeting and thanking. It is done by joining hands in front of the chest and bending the head. Foreigners are not expected to wai, but someone who reciprocates the wai will be considered favorably.

A sense of humor and fun is important when visiting Thailand. Thai people strive to inject enjoyment into their daily lives, whether at work or play, and as a visitor, if you do likewise, you will fit in very well.

Don’t be offended by questions about age, salary, or marital status. Foreigners are often asked these questions, as they are common questions Thais ask each other without a second thought. If you prefer to keep information personal, you don’t have to answer; just smile and say, “It’s a secret” or mai bok (“not telling”).

Be patient when you don’t get the service or order you expected. Remember that English is not the first language in Thailand.

Always respect elders.

Exercise tolerance, especially when it comes to ordering food, paying a bill, or waiting for change.

DON’TS IN THAILAND

Do not give money, food, or gifts to begging children. This encourages them to continue begging, which prevents them from going to school and locks them in a cycle of poverty. Helping children directly can cause problems because you don’t know the local culture and laws. For instance, never take a child back to your hotel room—it’s dangerous for both you and the child. When you see a child in need, the best thing to do is contact local professionals.

Never purchase ivory or products made from animal bone, hide, or hair. You do not know their origin, and purchasing them fuels the illegal wildlife trade.

Thai people have a true and deep respect for their King. Never tear a banknote or step on a rolling coin, as Thai money features images of the monarchy. Always stand when the national anthem is played in the morning and early evening on the sky train platform, in public parks, on the streets of provincial towns, and at the start of movies in theaters.

Do not touch a Thai person’s head. Thais are predominantly Buddhist, and the head is regarded as the most sacred part of the body.

The feet are considered the dirtiest part of the body, so never put your feet near someone’s head. Never use your foot to point at anything, and most importantly, never show the soles of your feet to an image of the Lord Buddha.

When entering a religious site, dress respectfully (no bare shoulders or exposed legs; no backless shoes) and remove your shoes before entering a temple.

Ladies should never touch or sit next to a Buddhist monk.

Thais have a philosophy of keeping their cool and not losing their temper. Raising one’s voice or losing one’s temper is considered bad form, and confrontation is to be avoided. Even if you experience some minor trouble, it’s better to smile and not worry about it.

Do not accept offers from strangers or taxi drivers to go shopping. They may receive a commission from the shops they take you to, and you could end up paying over the odds for the goods.

Do not sunbathe nude. Females should wear suitable swimwear, including a covered top. This is particularly important on some of the southern islands and beaches, where local Muslim populations are more prevalent. While it’s unlikely any Thai person will reprimand a foreign woman for sunbathing topless, it’s still not considered right.

Do not smoke indoors in designated establishments, as it is illegal. Do not throw cigarette butts in the street—this could result in a fine of up to 2,000 baht.

Do not accept any introduction to participate in gambling. Gambling is illegal in Thailand, and penalties are severe.

Regardless of advice you receive, do not overstay your visa. Overstaying is a breach of Thai law and can result in fines or imprisonment.

ELECTRICITY
Thailand uses 220V with most sockets having two pins. It is advisable to bring a universal plug adapter.

ENTERTAINMENT AND NIGHTLIFE
Thailand is one of the most exciting places on earth for entertainment and nightlife. From the sophisticated nightclubs and pubs of Bangkok to the laid-back charm of beach bars in island resorts, Thailand offers something for everyone. Nearly every country is represented, with American sports-themed bars, Australian steakhouses, British pubs, German beer houses, and Japanese karaoke bars. Movie theaters are first-class and situated in nearly every shopping mall. Live music is also available in many establishments, so there are plenty of opportunities for fun-filled nights.

FOOD
Thai food is recognized as one of the world’s great cuisines and blends elements of several Southeast Asian traditions. Although it is known for being spicy, harmony is the guiding principle behind Thai cuisine. The essential characteristic is a balance of four fundamental taste senses in the overall meal or single dish: sour, sweet, salty, bitter, and spicy. In a typical Thai meal, several dishes are shared, with a plate of rice given to each diner. Please check restaurant booking apps like CHOPE, EATIGO, and OPENTABLE to secure a seat and possibly receive discounts at Thailand’s most in-demand dining venues and Michelin-listed restaurants.

HEALTH
No inoculations or vaccinations are required unless traveling from or passing through areas infected with yellow fever. Yellow fever certificates are required for those coming from African and South American countries. Malaria is present, and it is advisable to take precautions, especially if traveling off the beaten track. The standard of medical facilities at private hospitals is world-class, and Thailand has a growing medical tourism industry.

HOTELS
Accommodation standards are excellent, with options to suit all budgets. Bangkok and large beach resort destinations have an abundance of luxury properties. The larger hotels offer a wide variety of restaurants, bars, swimming pools, and other recreational facilities. Most key staff (front office, reception, restaurants, etc.) speak excellent English, but please show patience if you do not get what you want right away. During check-in, you will be asked to complete a registration card. The hotel will also ask for an imprint of your credit card as a guarantee for extra services like meals, drinks, etc. Ask the cashier to return this slip upon checkout. Check-in is from 14:00, and check-out is at 12:00 noon. If you require a late check-out (extra costs may apply), check with reception beforehand.

INSURANCE
It is advisable to take out a medical insurance policy before traveling, as treatment will not be administered without proof of payment or a comprehensive travel insurance policy. Be careful if you hire a car or motorbike and ensure the rental is covered by appropriate motor insurance. Be wary of renting jet skis, as scams for non-existent damage are prevalent, and insurance policies rarely cover this activity.

LANGUAGE
The main spoken language in Thailand is Thai, a complicated tonal language with a unique alphabet. In addition to the numerous hill tribe dialects, other languages spoken include Lao, Khmer, and Chinese. Most Thai people in major tourist destinations speak English, so tourists should not have problems with basic communication.

PEOPLE
One of the first things you will notice when you visit Thailand is the Thai people’s inherent sense of friendliness and good humor. Sanuk is the Thai word for fun, and in Thailand, anything worth doing, even work, should have some element of sanuk. This doesn’t mean Thai people don’t want to work or strive; it simply means they live in the moment and do their best to enjoy it. The famous Thai smile stems partly from this desire to practice sanuk. The population of Thailand is about 71 million (according to the World Bank in 2021), with an estimated 10 million residing in Bangkok.

PROTECTING CHILDREN
We do not offer visits to orphanages and advise travelers not to visit them if approached by children asking them to do so. Orphanage tourism is often conducted by unscrupulous business operators and does more harm than protecting children’s rights and education standards. We believe the best way for tourists to support vulnerable children and their families is through vocational training and community-based initiatives, rather than directly visiting orphanages.

Sexual exploitation of children is a devastating reality and can occur in hotels, bars, and restaurants. If you see such a situation, do not put yourself at risk. Call a child protection hotline, contact a local organization or the police so immediate action can be taken to protect the child and investigate the situation.
Thailand: Call 1387, (+66) 086 971 8861 (Bangkok)
Childline Thailand: www.childlinethailand.org
For more information on how to protect children, visit: https://thinkchildsafe.org

PUBLIC TRANSPORT
The three-wheeled tuk-tuks can be taken for short journeys, while metered taxis offer a cheap, air-conditioned ride. In Bangkok, public transportation includes river boats, the elevated BTS Skytrain network, and the underground subway, all of which are easy to use, reasonably priced, and connect most major tourist areas. In provincial areas, alternative modes of public transport are available, but local taxis may not be metered, so it is essential to agree on the fare beforehand. We suggest downloading the super-app GRAB on your smartphone before arrival. GRAB allows you to book taxi services in advance or instantly at an upfront fare, which can be charged directly to your credit card.

RELIGION
Theravada Buddhism is practiced by about 95% 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.

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 hotels who may refuse to use the meter, as required by law. Avoid offers to buy gems at discounted prices and other touts who approach you in the street. Always agree on fares with tuk-tuk drivers beforehand to avoid confrontation upon arrival at your destination.

SHOPPING
Thailand is a shopper’s paradise, with large shopping malls, department stores, and an abundance of street markets. Bangkok and Chiang Mai have excellent night markets. Good souvenirs include Thai silk, celadon pottery, painted umbrellas, lacquerware, pewterware, bamboo and wood handicrafts, and bronze ware. Tailor-made clothes are also great value and can be made in a few days. Value Added Tax can be refunded on goods bought in shops labeled “VAT Refund for Tourists,” with a minimum transaction of 2,000 baht including VAT. The shopper must fill in a refund application form and provide their passport number in the store. Cash refunds can be collected at international airport departure terminals.

STREET STALLS
Stalls on the streets can be found in all major tourist destinations, selling food, jewelry, T-shirts, and watches. The largest concentration of street stalls in Bangkok is at Patpong Night Market, which is packed with tourists from about 19:00 until late. Bartering is expected and a way of life. Start at a third of the asking price and work your way up. 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 and furniture. Shipping agents are available to send purchases back to the buyer’s home country. The expansive riverside Asiatique also has numerous stalls and more upscale shops.

TELEPHONE AND WIFI
Hotels offer international calls, but be warned that these calls are expensive in Thailand. The best way to stay in touch is to buy a local SIM card for your mobile phone at a convenience store. This will allow you to avoid expensive roaming rates and include a mobile data package. WIFI and internet are widely available everywhere. They are often free of charge, but you may need to log in or enter a password to access them.

TIME ZONE
Thailand operates on GMT +7 and does not observe daylight saving time.

TIPPING
Tipping for good service is not expected but is always appreciated in Thailand. It is customary, though not compulsory, to tip tour guides and drivers at the end of a tour. Hotel and station porters should also be tipped a small amount for carrying bags to rooms. In other cases, tipping is entirely up to the individual, both in terms of timing and amount. Hotels and higher-end restaurants typically include a service charge and government tax in the bill.

WATER
It is not advisable to drink tap water, but bottled mineral water is safe and available everywhere. All hotels provide a complimentary bottle of local mineral water per person in the room. Ice cubes are generally safe in hotels and restaurants, but it's best to avoid them at street stalls. Convenience stores are plentiful in major cities and provincial towns, and they sell an abundance of water and soft drinks.

WEATHER
The best time to visit Thailand is from November to February, when the weather is dry and the temperatures are a bit cooler. During these winter months, temperatures in the far north can drop significantly. From March to June, temperatures can soar to over 35°C (95°F). Thailand’s rainy season begins toward the end of June and lasts until October or November. During this time, humidity can be stifling as it rains daily, usually in the late afternoon. The Southern Thai beaches are affected by two different weather systems that bring tropical rains at various times of the year, so it's possible to enjoy Thailand’s beaches year-round. From January to September, you can choose a beach on the east coast, such as Koh Samui or Koh Chang, where you’ll have the best chance of sunny and dry weather. From October to April, destinations like Phuket, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi, and Koh Lanta offer the best chance of good, monsoon-free weather.

EMERGENCY CONTACT NUMBERS
Police: 191
Tourist Police: 1155
Fire Service: 199
Ambulance: 1554
Suvarnabhumi International Airport: 02 132-1888

DISCLAIMER
This information was valid at the time of publication and is subject to change at any time. We cannot be held responsible for any external links. By using this site, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk, and GoAsia Travel shall not be liable for any damages related to your use of this site or the information contained within it. We reserve the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies, or omissions and to change or update information at any time without prior notice.