ThailandTravel Tools
Useful from the moment you arrive: check reference exchange rates or translate a local phrase.
Entry & Visa
Thailand’s visa exemption, visa-on-arrival and visa rules depend on nationality and have changed during 2026. Check the official Thai e-Visa/immigration information for the current rule that applies on your actual travel date.
Visa overview
Do not rely on an old list of visa-exempt countries or stay lengths. Where a visa is required or appropriate, Thailand’s official e-Visa system is available internationally for eligible applications.
Passport requirements
Carry the passport used for your travel permission and make sure it meets current Thai immigration and airline requirements. Keep proof of onward travel and accommodation available if required for your circumstances.
eVisa / Visa on arrival
Thailand operates an official e-Visa platform. Visa exemption and visa-on-arrival eligibility remain nationality-specific, so confirm current eligibility before departure.
Arrival requirements
All non-Thai nationals are required to submit the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online before entry. The official system says it can be submitted within the three days before arrival, including the arrival date. TDAC is not a visa.
Money & Payments
The Thai baht is the local currency. Cash remains useful for markets, street food, smaller shops and some local transport, while cards are common in hotels, malls and larger businesses. International ATM withdrawals may carry local and home-bank fees, so compare the total cost of fewer larger withdrawals versus frequent small ones.
Related reading
How to Use Wise When TravellingLanguage & Communication
Thai is the official language. English is widely encountered in major tourism areas, hotels and airports, but fluency varies outside visitor centres. Learning basic greetings and keeping hotel/address details in Thai can help with taxis and local transport.
SIM, Internet & Connectivity
Tourist SIMs and eSIMs are widely available from major Thai operators, including at airports and city stores. Plans vary by speed, duration and hotspot allowance. Use authorised providers and keep your passport available if identity registration is required.
Electricity & Plugs
Getting Around
Bangkok has BTS Skytrain, MRT, buses, taxis, boats and app-based transport. Intercity travel includes domestic flights, trains and long-distance buses, while ferries connect many islands. Journey times can be affected by Bangkok traffic and weather, so allow buffer time for airport and ferry connections.
Safety & Emergency
Use normal precautions with valuables, nightlife, traffic and water activities, and use licensed or clearly identified transport where practical. Thailand’s Tourist Police hotline is 1155 and can assist visitors; 191 is the general police emergency number, 1669 medical emergency and 199 fire/rescue. Follow local weather and marine warnings during monsoon periods.
Emergency numbers: Police 191 · Tourist Police 1155 · Medical 1669 · Fire 199
Health & Practical Information
Hot weather, sun exposure, mosquito-borne illnesses and food or water issues can affect travellers depending on season and destination. Travel insurance should cover the activities you plan, particularly scooters, diving or adventure activities if included. Seek personalised medical advice before travel when vaccinations or health conditions are relevant.
Related reading
Travel Insurance: Find the Right Cover for Your TripTravel Costs
Budget to mid-range
Thailand supports everything from inexpensive local travel to luxury resorts. Islands, beachfront areas and peak-season destinations can cost considerably more than inland cities. Budget separately for domestic flights/ferries, accommodation, activities and nightlife rather than assuming one daily cost fits the whole country.
Culture & Etiquette
Dress respectfully at temples, remove shoes where requested and avoid touching sacred objects or people’s heads. Public behaviour around the monarchy and religious sites should be respectful. Bargaining is normal in some markets but not everywhere; keep it friendly and accept when a price is fixed.
Climate / When to Visit
Thailand is tropical, with hot conditions much of the year and regional differences in rainy seasons. Andaman-coast and Gulf islands do not share exactly the same weather pattern, so beach timing should be checked by specific destination. Northern areas can be cooler in the dry-season months and may experience seasonal haze.
Useful Links
Guides to Thailand
See all Thailand Guides →
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa for Thailand?
That depends on nationality and the rules in force on your travel date. Thailand revised visa-exemption and visa-on-arrival arrangements during 2026, so verify through official Thai channels before travelling.
Do I need to complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card?
The official TDAC system states that all non-Thai nationals must submit travel information before entry. It can be submitted within the three days before arrival, including the arrival date.
Is TDAC the same as a visa?
No. TDAC is an arrival card and does not replace any visa or visa-exemption requirement.
Is cash useful in Thailand?
Yes. Cards are common at larger businesses, but cash is still useful for markets, street food, smaller shops and some local transport.
What is the Tourist Police number?
Call 1155 for Thailand Tourist Police. Other key emergency numbers include 191 for police, 1669 for emergency medical assistance and 199 for fire/rescue.
India
Vietnam
South Korea
Indonesia