Thailand is one of the easiest countries in the world to travel — even for first-timers. But like anywhere, there's a layer of local knowledge that makes the difference between a good trip and a great one. After hundreds of thousands of TDAC applications and years of helping travellers, we've put together the 35 tips we wish every visitor knew before landing.
Before you fly
1. File your TDAC in advance
The Thailand Digital Arrival Card is mandatory for every foreign arrival. File it within the 72-hour window before your flight to avoid airport stress. Read our complete TDAC guide.
2. Check your passport validity
Your passport must have at least 6 months validity from the date you enter Thailand and at least one blank page for the entry stamp.
3. Print your accommodation address
You'll need it for the TDAC and for taxi drivers. Have the hotel name in both English and Thai script if you can — taxi drivers often can't read English.
4. Get travel insurance
Hospital costs in Thailand are reasonable but motorbike accidents (the #1 tourist injury) can run into the thousands of dollars. World Nomads, SafetyWing and AXA all cover Thailand well.
5. Check the weather by region
Thailand's two coasts have opposite rainy seasons. The Andaman coast (Phuket, Krabi) is best November–April. The Gulf (Samui, Phangan) is best January–September. Don't assume "rainy season" means "rainy everywhere".
Money & payments
6. The currency is Thai baht (THB)
As of early 2026, 1 USD = approximately 35 baht. Use Google or a currency app for live rates.
7. Withdraw from ATMs, but watch the fees
Almost every Thai ATM charges a fixed 220-baht fee per withdrawal on top of your bank's fees. Withdraw the maximum (usually 20,000 baht) at once to amortise the cost.
8. Carry small notes
500 and 1,000 baht notes are hard to break at street stalls and small shops. Always keep some 20s, 50s and 100s on you.
9. Cards are accepted in malls and chain restaurants
But not at most street stalls, markets, songthaews or small guesthouses. Cash is still king outside the big cities.
10. Tipping isn't expected — but appreciated
Round up the bill at restaurants or leave 20–50 baht. 50–100 baht for excellent spa or massage service. Hotel porters get 20 baht per bag. Taxi drivers don't expect tips.
Culture & etiquette
11. The Wai is the traditional greeting
Hands pressed together at chest height with a slight bow. You don't have to initiate one, but always return it. Don't Wai children or service staff — it's reserved for elders and equals.
12. Never touch a Thai person's head
The head is sacred. Even a friendly pat is deeply disrespectful.
13. Don't point your feet at people or images of the Buddha
The feet are the lowest, dirtiest part of the body. Tuck them under you when sitting in a temple and never point them at a person, monk or Buddha image.
14. Dress modestly at temples
Covered shoulders, covered knees, shoes off inside the buildings. Many temples will lend sarongs if you arrive unprepared.
15. Show respect to the Thai royal family
Lèse-majesté laws in Thailand are strict. Don't joke about, criticise or deface images of the king or royal family — this includes Thai currency, which has royal portraits.
16. Speak softly and stay calm
Thai culture values composure (jai yen — literally "cool heart"). Losing your temper or raising your voice in public is the surest way to lose any negotiation. Smile through everything.
Transport
17. Use Grab or Bolt instead of street taxis
Fixed prices, no negotiation, in-app payment, no language barrier. Especially useful in Bangkok where street taxis love to refuse the meter for tourists.
18. The BTS Skytrain and MRT are excellent in Bangkok
Clean, fast, air-conditioned, cheap. Always check the route — they don't cover absolutely everywhere, but they cover most of the tourist spots.
19. Songthaews for local trips
The shared red trucks (or blue in Phuket, etc.) cost 20–60 baht per ride inside cities. You hop in the back, press the buzzer when you want to get off and pay the driver.
20. Tuk-tuks: a fun once-or-twice experience
Negotiate the price before you get in. Expect to pay slightly more than a metered taxi for the privilege of the experience.
21. Think twice about renting a scooter
Yes, it's romantic. Yes, motorbike accidents are the leading cause of tourist deaths in Thailand. Don't ride unless you have experience, a helmet and an International Driving Permit with motorbike endorsement (or your travel insurance will refuse to pay).
22. Domestic flights are cheap
Nok Air, Thai AirAsia and Thai Lion all offer Bangkok–Chiang Mai, Bangkok–Phuket and Bangkok–Krabi routes for 800–2,000 baht. Book a few weeks ahead for the best fares.
23. Overnight trains and buses save a hotel night
The overnight train to Chiang Mai (12 hours) and to Surat Thani for the Gulf islands is a classic experience. Book second-class sleeper or first-class for the best rest.
Health & safety
24. Don't drink the tap water
Bottled or filtered only. Even locals don't drink tap water. Use bottled water for brushing your teeth in remote areas.
25. Ice is generally safe
The cylindrical "tube" ice with a hole through the middle is factory-made and safe everywhere. Chipped ice is less reliable.
26. Mosquito repellent: yes
Especially in the wet season and in rural or jungle areas. Dengue fever is present in Thailand. DEET-based or picaridin repellents work best.
27. Sunscreen, sunscreen, sunscreen
Thai sun is no joke. SPF 50, reapplied every 2 hours. Reef-safe formulations are required by law on some marine parks.
28. Watch for scams (but don't get paranoid)
The Grand Palace "closed today" scam, the "very cheap gem shop" tuk-tuk tour, and the rented-jet-ski "damage" scam are the classics. If something feels too good to be true at a tourist site, it usually is.
29. Keep digital copies of your documents
Photo of your passport, TDAC PDF, travel insurance and credit cards. Email them to yourself so you have access from anywhere.
Practical tips you'll thank us for
30. Get a tourist SIM card at the airport
AIS and TrueMove offer 7- to 30-day data SIMs from 300 baht. Worth every satang for Grab, Google Maps and translation apps.
31. Download offline Google Maps
Save your destination areas before you arrive. Maps work even when your data doesn't.
32. Use the official taxi queue at the airport
Don't accept rides from drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall — they always cost double.
33. Learn 10 words of Thai
"Sawasdee" (hello), "khob khun" (thank you), "khor toht" (sorry), "chai" (yes), "mai chai" (no), "tao rai?" (how much?), "paeng pai" (too expensive), "aroi" (delicious), "mai pet" (not spicy), "hong nam" (toilet). Even minimal effort gets a huge smile back.
34. Carry your own toilet paper
Many public restrooms don't supply it. A small packet of tissues in your bag is a lifesaver.
35. Slow down
The biggest tip. Thailand rewards the traveller who lingers. Skip the third destination, sit in the same coffee shop for an extra hour, take the long boat ride. The country's magic is in the pauses.
Before you fly
The single most important step: file your Thailand Digital Arrival Card within 72 hours of your flight. Our assisted TDAC service handles it in minutes with expert review and same-day processing.