Nice to Know – Practical Tips for Visiting Thailand

Currency & Payments

The currency used in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB).

• ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas.

• Most hotels, malls, and restaurants accept Visa and Mastercard.

• Street markets, small shops, taxis, and local eateries are mostly cash-only.
  It’s best to carry a mix of both card and cash.

ATM tip:
Foreign cards work almost everywhere. ATMs usually charge a fixed withdrawal fee of ~220 THB regardless of the amount — withdraw larger amounts at once to minimize fees.

Mobile payments:
PromptPay (Thai QR payment system) is widely used. Some foreign wallets via QR can work depending on the country.

Electrical Outlets

Voltage: 220V
Frequency: 50Hz

Common plug types:

• Type A (flat pins)

• Type C (Europlug)

• Type F (round pins)

Most hotels have universal sockets, but it’s still smart to bring a universal travel adapter.

Telephone & Connectivity

Country calling code: +66
When dialing Thai numbers from abroad, drop the first zero.
Example: A Thai number 081-234-5678 → from abroad: +66 81-234-5678.

Local SIM Cards / eSIM:
Highly recommended — affordable and easy.
Best providers with strong nationwide coverage:

• AIS

• TrueMove H

• DTAC

Tourist SIMs are sold at:

• Airports (easy, fast)

• 7-Eleven shops across the country

Average cost: 8–20€ for 7–30 days with generous data.

eSIM: Available online if your phone supports it — very convenient.

SurfRoam: World wide data SIM or eSIM cards
This is the easiest hassle free option which never expires. Get it here.

Getting Around

Thailand has a mix of public transport and private options depending on location.

Cities (Bangkok, Chiang Mai):

• Grab (ride-hailing app) is widely used.

• Bangkok has BTS Skytrain and MRT metro — fast and reliable.

• Taxis are common – ask to use the meter to avoid negotiation.

Tuk-tuks:
Fun for short rides — but agree on the price before getting in.

Car & Motorbike Rentals — Should You?

Car Rental

Safe and practical if:

• You drive confidently in busy traffic.

• You avoid city centers and use the car mainly for countryside or intercity trips.

Useful for regions like:

• Chiang Mai → Pai

• Khao Yai National Park

• Phuket (for beach hopping)

Requirements:

• Your home license + International Driving Permit (IDP)

• Passport copy and deposit/credit card

Motorbike / Scooter Rental

Common, but only recommended for experienced riders.
Road accidents involving scooters are unfortunately very frequent.

If you choose to rent:

• Wear a helmet (legally required)

• Take photos of the bike before use (damage check)

• Ask for proper insurance coverage

Typical cost: 150–300 THB/day depending on location and engine size.

Health & Safety Tips

• Tap water is not recommended for drinking → buy bottled or refill from filtered dispensers.

• Thailand is generally safe, but use normal travel awareness in crowded markets.

• Mosquito repellent is useful, especially in the north and near forests.

Quick Cheat Sheet