Are you planning a trip to Thailand? Yes, well, you’re in the right place! This list is just the beginning; we have a ton of blogs to help you plan an unforgettable adventure. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Before you pack your bags and jump on that long-haul flight, there are just a few things to know before visiting Thailand.

We think we’ve got it nailed, as after living in Thailand for more than three years, we’ve had our fair share of issues; a costly hospital visit, terrifying speedboat trips, accidently tipping 10x the amount we meant to, missing our flight from Bangkok due to the insane traffic, day long visa runs, the list goes on… but there are so many incredible things that we’ve experienced along the way and to make sure your trip goes to plan, we’ve put together this comprehensive list of things you should know before you arrive.

📦 Suggested Packing List

5 Must-have items for every trip to Thailand:

• Lightweight rain jacket
• Power bank
• Loop earplugs
• Water filter bottle
• Compact, lightweight towel

Whether it’s your first or fifth visit, this guide will help you travel smarter, save money, and make the most of your time in the Land of Smiles.

🧳 Money & SIM Cards

1. Cash is King

Many small restaurants, local bars, and market stalls are cash only—especially outside of major tourist hubs. While cards are accepted in larger supermarkets, hotels, and some restaurants, you’ll definitely need cash for everyday spending. ATMs are widely available but usually charge a flat fee of ฿220 (around £5) per withdrawal, so it’s more cost-effective to withdraw larger amounts at once.

If you’re bringing foreign currency, you’ll find lots of Forex booths. These currency exchange booths offer much better rates than airports, but the rates can vary slightly from one booth to another, so it’s worth shopping around.

We always recommend exchanging a small amount before you arrive for immediate expenses (like your taxi or airport snack), and then bringing the rest in GBP, EUR, or USD to exchange locally. Make sure your notes are clean and unmarked, many booths won’t accept damaged or very old notes.

💡 Top tip: Download the XE.com app, it’s a handy tool for quick currency conversions and helps you get familiar with Thai baht and how much you’re spending.

2. Bring more than one bank card

One of our top tips: always carry a backup card. We’ve learned this the hard way (more than once). Cards can get declined for no reason, lost in machines, or simply stop working, and many Thai ATMs won’t accept every card type.

We personally recommend using Wise for travel, it’s easy to manage via their app, gives great exchange rates, and makes it simple to freeze your card if anything goes wrong. It’s the ideal account for travelling in Thailand and across Southeast Asia.

💡 Important ATM tip: Thai ATMs return your cash before your card (unlike most machines in Europe), and it’s far too easy to forget your card in the rush. We and several friends have done it. So please double-check before you walk away.

3. Staying Connected

DTAC and AIS are the two most popular mobile providers in Thailand. You can pick up a SIM card at 7-Eleven or directly at the airport, although airport prices are typically a bit higher and queues can be long. Don’t forget, you’ll need to show your passport to purchase one. We use AIS, and their app makes it easy to top up your package online.

For short trips or if you’re planning to travel across multiple Southeast Asian countries, an eSIM is often the better choice. It saves you time, helps you avoid SIM swapping, and ensures you’re connected as soon as you land. We recommend using Airalo, which offers affordable eSIM packages for Thailand or regional plans that cover all of Southeast Asia.

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🚗 Getting Around

4. You’ll need an international driving licence
(and a helmet is non-negotiable)

If you’re planning to rent a scooter or motorbike in Thailand, you must bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) from the UK—it costs just £5.50 and is easy to apply for through the UK government website. Without one, you’re technically not insured, even if the rental company hands you the keys without asking.

Equally important: wear a helmet. Always. Not only is it essential for your safety (Thailand has one of the highest rates of motorbike accidents in the world), but as of 1 June 2025, the Thai government introduced stricter helmet laws:
➡️ A ฿2,000 fine (around £45.50) can be issued per person on a motorbike who isn’t wearing a helmet, driver or passenger. Yes, that means if you and your friend are both riding helmetless, it’s a ฿4,000 fine.

And remember: traffic in Thailand can be chaotic, with cars, scooters, songthaews, and even the occasional chicken sharing the road. If you’re not confident, skip the bike and opt for taxis, tuk-tuks, or apps like InDrive or Bolt for safer transport options.

5. Public transport is unique

Expect tuk-tuks, songthaews (open-air trucks), and scooters. Always agree on a price before jumping in. Thailand’s transport might look a little different from what you’re used to, but that’s all part of the fun.

• Tuk-tuks are great for short trips, especially in cities, but they can be pricey if you don’t agree on a fare in advance.
• Songthaews are shared red trucks (especially common on islands like Samui and in Chiang Mai) that run set routes, you can flag one down and hop off wherever you like.
• Scooters are a popular way to explore more freely, but if you’re renting one, make sure you have an international driving permit and always wear a helmet.

For all transport, whether it’s a tuk tuk or a private taxi, make sure to agree on a price before jumping in to avoid any surprises.

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🐘 Booking Tours and Activities

6. Booking activities in advance

If you’re visiting Thailand between December and March or during local holiday periods, it’s worth planning your day trips and activities ahead of time, especially if you’re only in each destination for a few days. Many of the most popular tours, like boat trips to Ang Thong Marine Park or ethical elephant experiences in Chiang Mai, get fully booked well in advance.

Booking early helps you avoid missing out, but it also gives you time to compare prices, read reviews, and plan your itinerary without the pressure of choosing something last-minute. It’s also a good way to spread out your travel costs.

We recommend using platforms like Klook and GetYourGuide for reliable and well-reviewed experiences. Both offer instant booking confirmations, free cancellation on many tours, and 24/7 support.

Whether you’re snorkelling in Koh Tao, ziplining in Koh Samui, or exploring temples in Bangkok, a little planning goes a long way!

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7. Not all elephant sanctuaries are ethical

Avoid any experience that allows bathing or touching. These activities might seem harmless, but constant physical interaction with humans can be stressful and unnatural for elephants. Ethical sanctuaries focus on observation and feeding only, letting elephants just be elephants.

If a tour promises up-close encounters, elephant riding or “once-in-a-lifetime” bathing experiences, it’s a red flag. Choosing responsibly helps protect these gentle giants and supports businesses that truly prioritise animal welfare.

👉 Book an ethical elephant experience in Koh Samui with GetYourGuide

We have a full review of our experience at Samui Elephant Sanctuary here.

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8. Ethical animal tourism doesn’t just apply to elephants

We’ve already discussed elephant sanctuaries, but the same rule applies to tiger parks, monkey shows, and snake shows. Please skip them. This also extends to locals who will walk up and down the beach, targeting tourists with lizards and birds, to take photos with them in exchange for money. It’s not fair to these animals; it’s stressful and it’s cruel. Your photo opportunity is not more important than the safety and comfort of animals.

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🛍 Local Etiquette & Culture

9. Take your shoes off at the door

It’s customary to remove your shoes before entering homes and sometimes shops or restaurants; this does not apply to 7-Elevens or supermarkets, just look for signs or other shoes at the door.

10. Be respectful of Buddha

Never sit, touch or climb on statues of Buddha and dress modestly when visiting temples.
Buddhism is deeply woven into daily life in Thailand, and respect for religious customs is essential. Many temples are active places of worship where locals go to pray or receive blessings from monks. When visiting, always dress appropriately—shoulders and knees should be covered (this goes for both men and women). Women can bring a lightweight scarf or sarong to cover up when needed.

If you have a Buddhist tattoo, be sure to cover it while in temples, as it’s considered highly disrespectful to display religious imagery in a casual or decorative way. Monks are not permitted to touch women, so avoid standing too close or handing them anything directly. Donations at temples are always appreciated. A little respect goes a long way, and showing cultural awareness will always be met with kindness.

11. Learn a little Thai

When travelling popular areas in Thailand, you’ll find that most people speak English, but learning a few simple Thai phrases goes a long way.

Locals really appreciate it when tourists make the effort to speak their language, even if it’s just a friendly “hello” or “thank you.” It can lead to warmer interactions and even better service in restaurants and shops.

Here are a few easy phrases to learn before you go:

• Hello – Sawasdee ka (female) / Sawasdee krub (male)
• Thank you – Khob khun ka (female) / Khob khun krub (male)
• Yes – Chai
• No – Mai chai
• How much? – Tao rai?
• Delicious! – Aroi mak!
• No spicy – Mai phet
• Sorry / Excuse me – Kor toht

Learning just a few of these will make your trip smoother—and might even help you haggle a better price at the market!

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🍲 Eating & Drinking

12. Don’t drink the tap water

While tap water in Bangkok is technically treated and safe, the pipes often aren’t, which means bottled or filtered water is still your safest bet throughout Thailand. Stick to sealed bottled water or use a reusable bottle with a built-in filter (like a LifeStraw or Grayl) to stay safe and sustainable.

Along with the water, your body might need a little time to adjust to Thailand’s new climate, cuisine, and bacteria—especially if you’re coming from a colder country or a Western diet. A sudden change in temperature, spice levels, or local ingredients can sometimes cause mild stomach upsets (even if the food is perfectly safe and delicious).

Luckily, 7-Eleven stores are everywhere, and they’re packed with useful remedies. A few helpful things to pick up if your tummy feels off:

• Charcoal tablets (ผงถ่าน) – helps with digestion and mild food-related upsets.
• ORS (oral rehydration salts) – helps replace fluids and minerals if you’ve had an upset stomach or are feeling dehydrated.
• Royal-D or similar – vitamin sachets, really cheap and great for the morning after the night before
• Cooling powder or wipes – for heat rash
• Menthol inhalers (like the iconic “POY-SIAN” sticks) – for clearing your head and nose, or calming nausea during long travel days.

💡 Top tip: pack a small first aid kit with Imodium, rehydration sachets, and probiotics before you travel, just in case.

13. Thai food is incredible (and affordable)

There’s so much more to Thai cuisine than green curry and Pad Thai, although those are delicious too! Venture beyond the tourist menus and try dishes like khao soi (a rich, northern curry noodle soup), stir-fried morning glory, sizzling seafood BBQ, or a spicy and sour Tom Yum.

Some of the best meals you’ll have in Thailand will be at humble roadside restaurants or at the local night market. These markets are a feast for the senses, where you can sample everything from tropical fruits like rambutan and mangosteen to grilled meats, roasted duck, fresh sushi, and yes, even fried insects on sticks!

14. Fork & spoon over chopsticks

Thai people mainly use a fork and spoon to eat; chopsticks are typically only used for noodle soup. So please don’t ask for chopsticks when ordering a Pad Thai.

15. Alcohol rules apply

You can’t buy alcohol from 7-Eleven or supermarkets between 2 pm–5 pm due to a very outdated civil servant law that dates back to the 1970s! There are also several ‘Buddha Days’ throughout the year where it is strictly prohibited to sell alcohol in shops, restaurants and hotels.

16. Vegetarian? Vegan? You’ll be just fine

Vegetarian food is widely available across Thailand, with dishes such as papaya salad, veggie stir-fries, and tofu-packed curries. Vegan dishes are a little less common but can often be made to order if you ask.

If you have allergies or dietary requirements, it’s smart to carry a translation (in both Thai and Burmese), as many hospitality workers are originally from Myanmar and may not speak fluent Thai.

💡 Top tip: Download the Google Translate app and download both Thai and Myanmar (Burmese) for offline use to communicate any dietary requirements or allergies.

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📱 Tech & Tools

17. Download these useful apps

• Taxis: InDrive, Bolt or Grab
• Hotels: Booking.com
• Activities: GetYourGuide or Klook
• Language: Google Translate (download languages for offline use)
• Maps: Google Maps (download areas for offline use)
• Currency: xe.com
• Food Delivery: Grab

18. Pack the right plug

Thailand mostly uses European-style 2-pin sockets. But if you’re planning to travel around Southeast Asia I highly recommend investing in a quality universal adaptor.

19. Bring a power bank

You’ll be snapping pics and using maps all day long. A reliable power bank is a must.

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🌦 What about the weather?

20. Don’t expect sunshine every day

Thailand has a tropical climate, and even in the dry season, short bursts of rain can (and do) happen. A lightweight rain jacket or a foldaway mac will quickly become your best friend, especially if you’re exploring during shoulder season. Those plastic cover-ups from 7-Eleven are not the one, environmentally terrible, they steam up and stick to you and are just sweaty and gross. Skip them and get yourself a cute, packable rain jacket before you leave.

The best time to visit for sunshine depends on where you’re going:

• ☀️ Central & Northern Thailand (Bangkok, Chiang Mai): November – February.
• 🌴 Southern Thailand (West Coast) (Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta): November – April.
• 🌊 Southern Thailand (East Coast) (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao): mid-December – April.

Don’t let the rain ruin your day; some of the best meals, massages, and memories in Thailand happen while waiting out a storm under a tin roof.

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🛂 Understanding Visas

21. UK visitors get a 60-day visa

As of July 2024, UK passport holders receive a 60-day visa on arrival. This visa does not need to be applied for prior to travel and is completely free.

Rules change very quickly here, so please check your government website for updated information.

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22. Extending your visa

Head to your local immigration office for a 30-day visa extension. This costs 1,900 THB (£43 approx.), you will need to complete a TM7 form and bring a passport photo. You will also be required to take copies of your passport pages and current visa – all immigration offices have photocopying services.

This information is based on our own personal experience as British passport holders. Please check on your government website for more information on visa requirements for Thailand.

🚨 Legal Matters

23. Updated cannabis laws – June 2025

Thailand made headlines as the first Southeast Asian country to legalise cannabis in 2022, leading to a rapid rise in dispensaries, weed-themed cafés, and even full-blown cannabis festivals across the country. It was a surprising and exciting shift, until now.

As of June 2025, the law has been reversed. Cannabis is no longer legal for recreational use. You can now only purchase or use cannabis if you have a valid medical prescription and a doctor’s certificate clearly stating your condition. All legal dispensaries are now required to have an on-site licensed doctor to issue or verify these documents.

Do not risk it: Being caught buying, carrying, or using weed in Thailand without proper documentation is now a criminal offence. While dispensaries still exist, they are now heavily regulated, and only those with medical approval can legally buy from them.

When in doubt, steer clear. The laws are serious, and the consequences aren’t worth it.

25. Stay chill and smile often

Thai people do not respond well to those who argue and shout; they are very sweet and timid people, but do not overstep, as you can be met with a lot of trouble. Police here are very quick to respond to incidents involving tourists, including traffic accidents, where you’ll often find that you’re in the wrong, regardless of the situation. The last thing you want is to be arrested for bad behaviour in Thailand.

Stay calm, smile through confusion, and you’ll be met with kindness.

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Travel safe and don’t forget to subscribe for more travel tips + guides!

Sending sunshine from Koh Samui,

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