Useful Information for Visiting Thailand

Beyond your TDAC, here's what's genuinely useful to know before you land — money, transport, weather, and a few local customs worth respecting.

1 Entry requirements at a glance

Every foreign national needs a TDAC before arrival, regardless of whether your nationality also needs a visa. Many nationalities — including the UK, most of the EU, Australia, and the US — get visa-exempt entry for short tourist stays, but that exemption is separate from the TDAC requirement. Check your passport has at least 6 months' validity remaining, and keep proof of onward travel handy in case you're asked at the border.

2 Best time to visit

Thailand has three broad seasons: the cool, dry season (November to February) is the most popular time to visit, with comfortable temperatures and little rain. The hot season (March to June) brings the highest temperatures, especially inland. The rainy season (July to October) sees regular afternoon downpours, particularly in the south and west, but also thinner crowds and lower prices.

3 Currency and money

The Thai Baht (THB) is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai, but smaller shops, markets, and rural areas are often cash-only. ATMs are everywhere but usually charge a foreign transaction fee (around 220 THB per withdrawal) — a debit card with no foreign fees will save you money over a longer trip. Tipping isn't mandatory but is appreciated: rounding up a restaurant bill or leaving 20–50 THB for good service is common practice.

4 Getting around

Bangkok's BTS Skytrain and MRT subway are the easiest way to avoid traffic in the capital. Grab (the regional ride-hailing app) is widely used and generally more reliable on pricing than hailing a taxi on the street. For longer distances, domestic flights are cheap and frequent, and overnight trains are a scenic (if slower) alternative between major cities.

5 Staying connected

A local SIM or eSIM is the simplest way to get data on arrival — counters for AIS, DTAC, and True are all available at the airport, with tourist SIM packages that typically include several days to a month of data. Wifi is widely available in hotels, cafes, and shopping centres in tourist areas.

6 Health, safety, and common scams

Travel insurance covering medical treatment is strongly recommended — Thai private hospitals are excellent but expensive without cover. Tap water isn't recommended for drinking; bottled water is cheap and widely available. As in most popular tourist destinations, a few scams recur often enough to be worth knowing about: unusually cheap "gem" or tailoring deals steered by tuk-tuk drivers, jet-ski rental disputes over pre-existing damage, and taxis that "forget" to use the meter. Agreeing a price or insisting on the meter before you get in solves most of this.

7 Local customs and etiquette

Thailand takes respect for the monarchy and for Buddhist imagery seriously — avoid disrespectful comments or gestures involving either, including using images of the King or Buddha statues as decoration or props. When visiting temples, cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes before entering buildings. The traditional greeting is the "wai" — a slight bow with palms pressed together — which locals will appreciate if you return it, though a handshake or nod is also perfectly fine as a visitor. Pointing your feet at people, religious objects, or images of the King is considered rude, as the feet are seen as the lowest, least respectful part of the body.

8 What to pack

Light, breathable clothing suits the climate year-round, but pack something that covers your shoulders and knees for temple visits. If you're travelling in the rainy season, a compact umbrella or light rain jacket is worth the suitcase space — downpours are usually short but heavy.

Ready to get your entry paperwork sorted before any of this? Check whether you need a TDAC and start your application.