Don't Let Poor Travel Planning Ruin Your Vacation!

Travel Documents and Tourist Visa Requirements

Embarking on a memorable vacation begins with meticulous travel planning and adherence to visa requirements. Begin by ensuring your passport remains valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival in Thailand, with ample empty pages for visa stamps. If traveling with children, ensure their names are accurately recorded in your passport or they possess individual passports.

Thailand's tourist visa regulations vary based on your country of residence, with immigration authorities at the airport inspecting the passport issued by your home country upon arrival and departure. This clarification aims to alleviate common queries surrounding visa eligibility.

Click on the following link to check for Visa Requirements for your country.

For the most accurate and up-to-date visa information, consult any
Royal Thai Embassy and Consulates Worldwide.

Consider carrying a few 2" photos for visa purposes, and prioritize obtaining medical and travel insurance as integral components of your travel preparations.

Travel Planning and Arrangements
Prepare yourself for just about every travel need, including dress and manners.

Planning a trip to Thailand involves considering various factors such as the timing of your visit, the duration of your stay, destinations to explore, and attractions to experience. Our website aims to assist in making these decisions easier. You can visit the Outline page to familiarize yourself with the main points of the Website.

A list of Thailand's National and Public Holidays will come in handy in your travel planning and itinerary preparations. For instance, during holidays, many residents of Bangkok return to their hometowns, mainly in northern provinces. Bangkokians also like to travel to national parks, beach resorts, and similar places around Bangkok, leading to reduced traffic flow in Bangkok, but it builds up outwards. Regarding traffic, remember the rule of the road à±¼ driving direction in Thailand on the left lane. Further information on Thai-style driving habits can be found under the Driving in Thailand section.

Thailand operates on a 220 V 50 Hz electrical system. Adapters and voltage converters are readily available at hotels and various retail outlets. The prevalent electric sockets feature either flat or round two-pin plugs.

Electric Plugs Commonly Used in Thailand

Visit the Thailand Weather Forecast page to get information about weather conditions in major Thai cities and regions. Gain insights into Thailand's climate and its impact on tourists from the Overview - General Information page. For guidance on appropriate attire, especially in urban areas and beach resorts, refer to the sections dedicated to Bangkok and Pattaya.

Courtesy is paramount when interacting with locals, regardless of the circumstances.

Finally, familiarize yourself with the local currency, the Thai Baht (฿), as it will be essential for your transactions in Thailand.

On The Money

Purchasing Thai Baht in Thailand would usually get a better exchange rate. It would be wise to bring US dollars, British pounds, Euros, or other major currencies, which provide more secure and stable rates while exchanging to the Thai Baht at any bank or readily accessible currency exchange booths. A foreign exchange service is available at most hotels but be prepared to pay a premium as high as 10% or more.

Private currency exchange traders offer more favorable rates. International credit and debit cards issued by established banks are widely accepted in major cities and tourist areas, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when traveling to rural areas or small towns. ATMs are readily available throughout the country, and you can use your international cards to withdraw Thai Baht. Be aware of any international transaction fees your bank may charge. Thai ATMs use 4-digit PINs. Traveler's checks are widely accepted, but to cash them, one should carry a passport.

Most importantly, enjoy your trip and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and hospitality that Thailand has to offer.

Banknotes of the Thai Baht (฿)

10 Baht			20 Baht
50 Baht			100 Baht
500 Baht			1000 Baht

Apropos Thailand money, click on the banknote's thumbnail to see its original size. Not long ago, newly designed banknotes were enrolled in the market, and both are circulaing. Try this Currency Calculator to check the exchange rates from various currencies to Thai Baht (฿).

Click on Thai Baht Current Exchange Rates in Bangkok Bank for actual rates in Thailand.

For the Attention of Budget Travelers!

Thailand is an affordable destination for travelers worldwide. For instance, check out our budget-friendly Vacation Package to Bangkok and Pattaya. For those seeking real bargains, some of the cheapest guesthouses in Bangkok, particularly on Khao San Road, cost as little as US$ 30.00 or less per room per night. While exploring this backpacker haven, be sure to stay vigilant for some quirky characters, and don't miss out on the exceptional dining and shopping opportunities. Khao San Road has likely contributed to Bangkok's reputation as the most traveler-friendly city in Southeast Asia, accommodating both luxury tourists and budget-conscious backpackers alike.

However, no matter how affordable it is, keep in mind that Thailand offers a wealth of marvels and enticing experiences, with surprises and delights around every corner. Ultimately, everything has its cost. I've often heard first-time visitors exclaim:

"...we've been told that everything in Thailand is so cheap, but...
  nobody told us how many of these things there are! "  

This highlights the discomfort of having to impose unwanted limits on spending—and thus on enjoyment—due to poor planning and preparation.

As a rough estimate, a couple can comfortably manage by eating in restaurants and traveling by taxis for around US$ 50-60 per day. This amount would be even less outside of Bangkok and other major tourist destinations like Pattaya or Phuket.

Of course, this estimate doesn't apply if you plan to engage in nightlife activities. Nightclubs and other nighttime entertainment venues, popular with tourists, can quickly strain a budget. Simply put, the nightlife throughout Thailand is legendary, largely due to the beauty and cheerful attitude of Thai girls.

Country Facts. Do and Don't Tips! Are You Prepared For:
• Average temperatures are around 30-33 °C (88-92 °F) à±¼ hot, doesn't matter a season
• Don't drink tap water. Drink a lot, but only special drinking water served in restaurants, hotels, and similar places, as well as bottled or canned drinks
• A drive from the airport to downtown Bangkok is one hour or so, due to an awful traffic
• Thailand is a left-hand traffic country, like England and Japan
• Thai Baht ฿ is essential for every payment, be it taxis, dining, shopping, whatsoever
• Tips are gladly accepted and appreciated (service charges are mostly nonexistent in Thailand except in luxurious establishments)
• Keep your passport(s), air ticket(s), and other valuables in the hotel's safety boxes
• Don't leave your hotel without the hotel's name card
• Be wary of strangers trying to push various products or services, they're usually wicked
• Beware of scams; don't end up a subject of extortion by renting jet skis or similar gear
• Bargaining and haggling aren't only customary in Thailand; it's quite wise in most cases
• If in trouble, call the Tourist Police in Bangkok: 02 652 1721 or 02 652 1699;
  in Pattaya: 061 146 1155; Tourist Police's local emergency number: 1155.
  For safety matters, unethical practices, and similar cases, contact the Tourist Assistance Center, Bangkok phones: 02 281 5051 or 02 282 8129.
  To prepare yourself furthermore, check out these titles:
  • Bangkok, Thailand Capital à±¼ the City of Angels
  • Hot Spots à±¼ Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment in Thailand
  • Pattaya à±¼ Thai Premier Beach Resort
  • Chiang Mai City à±¼ the Northern Capital
  • Thailand Overview à±¼ General Info
  • Thai Culture and Traditions
  • Thai Driving Habits
  • Buddhist Religion and Thai Society
  • Kingdom Brief History
  • H.M. King Bhumibol Adulyadej 60 Years on The Throne Anniversary
  • Key Events in Thailand's Modern History and Politics
  • Thai Politics in the News
  • Who's Who in Thai Politics
  • Marriage in Thailand: Thai Rituals, Wedding Ceremonies, and More
  • Thai Tropical Fruit
  • Introduction to Thai Ladies
  • Thai Girls' Sexy Students Outfits
  • Thai Nightlife, Tough Ladies, and More...
  • Thai Courtesans: Terms and Definitions