Flying to Thailand

Direct Flight – takes 12hr -13 hours with British Airways or Thai Airways from Heathrow or Gatwick.

Connect – Connect to Dubai or Doha with Emirates and Qatar.

Currency

Thailand uses the Thai Baht (THB).

For tourists, you will need cash. There are a few places that accept cards; however, I would say 97% of restaurants only accept cash. Most of these are chains, and 7-Eleven only accepts cards if you spend over 200THB.

Be aware that ATMs in Thailand charge you 220THB to withdraw any amount of money, so it’s worth getting more out than less.

Thai people will use a QR code to pay, but you will need to have a Thai bank account to do this. Tourists can get a Tag Thai card at the airport, which allows you to use a QR code through an app; however, if you are in Thailand for a short period, it probably isnt work doing this.

For more help with which travel cards are best, check out Most Useful Travel Cards For Budget Travellers UK

Make sure you exchange some cash into Thai Baht before you arrive in Thailand as you may have to pay the toll with cash and also for street food if you are hungry when you arrive.

Tipping

In Thailand, the tip is included in the bill and will vary on where you are in Thailand.

ATM & Local Banks

I would recommend taking some money out in the UK before you leave to go to Thailand. Thailand banks will charge you 220THB for any withdrawal of money.

Here are some of the banks in Thailand:

• Bangkok Bank,
• Siam Commercial Bank,
• Krung Thai Bank.

Phone Service/ESim

You can purchase an ESIM prior to arriving in Thailand so that it will work on the day you arrive. The best ESIM I found was Airalo, which has unlimited data. You can find all the info here on the best Thailand Sim Cards for tourists.

However, I did find it cheaper to get a physical SIM card as I was staying for 30 days. You can purchase these at the airport; however, this is the most expensive way to get a physical SIM card.

Instead when you arrive in Bangkok head to a shopping mall and go to the phone store to get your sim, it will activate straight away.

The best network (in my opinion) is AIS as it automatically connects to fast wifi when it is available through AIS. Another option is a “True” SIM card, which you can purchase from a 7/11 store. You will need to bring your passport with you to purchase any physical SIM card.

Transportation

Public transport in Thailand is extremely affordable; however may take a lot longer than getting a taxi (which is also really affordable).

If you are planning to visit Chiang Mai from Bangkok, I would recommend the Train 9 Bangkok to Chiang Mai sleeper train, which costs around £20-25 for 2nd class.

I would recommend downloading the apps Grab and Bolt and adding your card details. Both Grab and Bolt are taxi apps which offer motorbike and car transportation, which is really affordable and easy to get around the city.

If you are staying in Bangkok, I would recommend staying near the MRT (metro) or BTS (sky train lines as these will take you pretty much anywhere in Bangkok.

Emergency Phone Numbers:

Thailand Emergency Number: 191

Weather

Wet Season: May to October

Cool Season: November to February

Hot Season: March to May

The best time to visit Thailand is from November to March, but this is Thailand’s high season, where it is incredibly crowded, busy, and accommodation is more expensive.

Restrictions:

Be sure to check current restrictions when travelling to Thailand. These can change suddenly. Make sure you have the correct documentation. If you are from the UK, click here for current restrictions

Visa

For UK citizens, you will get a FREE 60-day visa upon entering Thailand, which can be extended for an additional 30 days, making it 90 days when in Thailand.

Thailand has now introduced a digital arrival card that you will need to fill out 72 hours before you travel. Use the link above, as it is completely FREE to fill out. There are some online services that make you pay, but it is indeed free.

Safety

Thailand is a relatively safe country to visit, but do be aware of heavily touristy areas as there are pickpockets.

Accommodation

• Hostel: £2.30 – £12 per night (depending on the size of the dorm and if it has an ensuite)
  If you want a private room it will cost you £15-40 per night.

• I stayed at The Hidden Garden hostel- the perfect budget hostel as it was clean, easily within walkable distance into the old town and offers free tea and coffee.

If you have never stayed in a hostel before, check out Really Helpful Tips For Staying In Hostels For Complete Newbies

Food

• To get the most affordable food eat at the markets.

• For breakfast, I would recommend 7/11 and get their famous toasties that they can warm up for you. These cost 27THB.

• Definitely try Khoa Soi (a northern Thailand dish), pad Thai and Thai green curry and Pad Kra Pro.

Transport

• Download Grab, Bolt and Indrive for affordable taxi and motorbike rides.

• Public transport is cheaper but will take you a lot longer to get to places.

• Hire a Motorbike. This can be an affordable option, especially if you are visiting the islands. Make sure you have a valid International Driving Licence (IDP) as well as your Driving Licence.