🇹🇭

Asia · Destination guide

Thailand

Capital: Bangkok

Currency฿ THB

LanguageThai

Drive on⬅ Left

Plug typeType A/B/C · 220V

🛂Visa requirements

🇬🇧 UKVisa-free · 30d

🇺🇸 USVisa-free · 30d

🇦🇺 AUVisa-free · 30d

🇦🇪 UAEVisa-free · 30d

Check your specific passport on the visa checker

💳Money & payments

Cards: Cards accepted at larger hotels, shopping malls, and restaurants. Street food, markets, and smaller businesses: cash only.

ATMs: Foreign ATM withdrawals incur a flat fee of 220 THB per transaction — withdraw larger amounts less frequently. Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank are most reliable.

Tipping

Not expected but appreciated. 20–50 THB for meals, 50–100 THB for massage therapists. Round up for taxis.

💬Language

Thai

Good in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and tourist areas. Limited elsewhere.

Useful phrases

·Khob khun krap/kha — Thank you (male/female)
·Sawasdee krap/kha — Hello (male/female)
·Mai pen rai — Never mind / No problem

🔌Electricity & plugs

Voltage220V

Plug typeType A/B/C accepted (sockets are universal in most hotels)

Most Thai sockets accept flat pins (Type A), round pins (Type C), and angled pins (Type I). Check your hotel specifically.

🤝Local customs & etiquette

1.The head is considered sacred, the feet impure. Never touch anyone's head, and do not point your feet at people or religious images.
2.The monarchy is deeply revered. Any criticism of the Royal Family is a serious criminal offence (lèse-majesté) — do not joke about the monarchy.
3.Remove shoes before entering any temple, many shops, and private homes. Look for shoes at the entrance as a guide.
4.Dress modestly at temples: shoulders and knees covered. Many temples provide sarongs if needed.
5.The Thai greeting (wai — pressing palms together) is appreciated when offered to you; return it with a slight bow.

📶SIM cards & connectivity

eSIM supportedGet an eSIM for Thailand

Local SIM: AIS, DTAC, and True Move are the main operators. Excellent value — tourist SIMs with unlimited data from 299 THB (8 days). Available at airports.

WiFi: Good in hotels and cafés. Airports have free WiFi. Rural areas and islands have limited coverage.

🛡️Safety

Generally safe for tourists. Be cautious of gem scams and tuk-tuk scams in Bangkok. Motorcycle safety: wear a helmet — always. Food safety: eat where locals eat; high turnover means fresher ingredients.

💉Health

Recommended vaccinations: Hepatitis A, Typhoid. Malaria prophylaxis for rural/jungle areas. Do not drink tap water — bottled water is cheap and available everywhere.

🚨Emergency numbers

police

191

ambulance tourist

1155 (Tourist Police)

fire

199

🚗Driving

Traffic side⬅ Drive on the left

LicenceIDP required. Traffic in Bangkok is extremely challenging — Grab (rideshare) is highly recommended over self-driving.

Explore Thailand

Itineraries in Thailand Events in Thailand Visa checker

💳Money & payments

Cards: Cards accepted at larger hotels, shopping malls, and restaurants. Street food, markets, and smaller businesses: cash only.

ATMs: Foreign ATM withdrawals incur a flat fee of 220 THB per transaction — withdraw larger amounts less frequently. Bangkok Bank and Kasikorn Bank are most reliable.

Tipping

Not expected but appreciated. 20–50 THB for meals, 50–100 THB for massage therapists. Round up for taxis.

🤝Local customs & etiquette

1.The head is considered sacred, the feet impure. Never touch anyone's head, and do not point your feet at people or religious images.

2.The monarchy is deeply revered. Any criticism of the Royal Family is a serious criminal offence (lèse-majesté) — do not joke about the monarchy.

3.Remove shoes before entering any temple, many shops, and private homes. Look for shoes at the entrance as a guide.

4.Dress modestly at temples: shoulders and knees covered. Many temples provide sarongs if needed.

5.The Thai greeting (wai — pressing palms together) is appreciated when offered to you; return it with a slight bow.

📶SIM cards & connectivity

eSIM supportedGet an eSIM for Thailand

Local SIM: AIS, DTAC, and True Move are the main operators. Excellent value — tourist SIMs with unlimited data from 299 THB (8 days). Available at airports.

WiFi: Good in hotels and cafés. Airports have free WiFi. Rural areas and islands have limited coverage.