Destination Guide
Thailand Travel Tips
Thailand
Before travelling to Thailand, familiarise yourself with the following tips so you can feel confident in your knowledge of the country and its customs.
Respect is integral to Thai culture, so it is important to always be respectful of Thai people and their beliefs.
Photo by: alikainwanderlust
ATM fees are expensive
It costs 220 Baht (6 USD) to withdraw cash from an ATM in Thailand, so I recommend withdrawing money for the duration of your trip in your home country.
Many places in Thailand only accept cash. Card machines are commonly found in hotels, restaurants, and large businesses.
The best money card for travelling is the Wise Debit Visa Card as it has low conversion fees and zero transaction fees.
Sign up and create an account with Wise even if you’re not going to use their card. It’s free to open an account and it’s the easiest way to send money to bank accounts in different currencies/countries. In Thailand, if restaurant card machines aren't working or they don't have one they will usually accept a transfer through Wise which is handy if you don't have enough cash!
International Driver's License
If you plan on riding a scooter in Thailand, you should obtain an International Driver's License for scooters larger than 50ccs and bring your home country's license with you. Scooter rental companies do not request it, but if you are pulled over by the police, you will be fined if you do not have the proper license.
When renting a scooter in Thailand, you must either leave your passport or a cash deposit with the company.
Always wear a helmet, not only for your own safety but also to avoid being fined.
In Chiang Mai particularly around the Old City, there are numerous roadblocks where police will stop tourists and fine them 500 Baht if they are not wearing a helmet or have the proper license.
Purchasing alcohol in stores
Selling alcohol is limited to the hours of 11 am - 2 pm and then again from 5 pm until midnight.
You’ll find that convenience stores won’t allow you to purchase beer, wine or liquor outside these times however some Family Marts and small stores will.
If you are travelling by bus to get to one destination from another, make sure to wear warm clothes as the buses are usually very cold with the air conditioning.
Redeem your bus ticket for a free meal at the food stop during long bus rides. Just present it to the people dishing out the food.
Download Grab
Download the Grab app to your phone for the cheapest and most convenient way to get around Thailand's cities.
In Bangkok, there are taxis that don’t run on a meter and the driver will just tell you the price. It’s usually a lot more than it should be. Always make sure to get metered taxis or use Grab so you know exactly what you can expect to pay.
If you’re in a public place at 8 am or 6 pm, be prepared to stand up, stop what you’re doing and keep silent as the national anthem plays. This can occur in shopping centers, night markets etc.
Be careful of scams
There are many scams, especially in Bangkok, so it's a good idea to be aware of them before visiting Thailand.
1. “The Grand Palace is closed”
While you are walking around the vicinity of the Grand Palace you will most likely be approached by tuk-tuk drivers that will tell you that “The Grand Palace is closed today”. Then they proceed to tell you that they can take you to all these free temples for 20 to 40 Baht. What they don’t tell you is that they take you to jewellery stores/tailor shops etc. as they get some form of payment from the shop owners.
2. Khlongs Boat Canal
If you want to explore the Khlongs by boat, book a trip with a tour agent or at the pier. Avoid people that approach you on the street, even near the pier. They will try to charge you a lot more than it should be. If it’s a cheaper price, be aware that they may take you on the boat but stop close to the pier demanding more money to take you back.
3. Tuk-Tuk Rides
This is similar to “The Grand Palace is closed” scam. Make sure to negotiate a price with the Tuk-tuk drivers before you ride one and that you are clear with them to only take you to the places you want to go and not to jewellery shops/tailors etc. unless you want to. Download the “Grab App” and check how much it roughly costs to get to and from destinations. This will help with knowing what price you can ask for.
Because tap water in Thailand can make you sick, use bottled water even when brushing your teeth.
Dress appropriately when visiting temples
Temples are considered holy places, and everyone is required to dress modestly. Both men and women should cover their knees and shoulders. You will not be allowed to enter the temple if you are dressed inappropriately.
Remove your shoes before entering a temple, a home, or even some stores.
When visiting markets, you can barter with the locals to get a better price. Tipping is appreciated when you receive excellent service. Locals are paid very little, so even 20 Baht, which may seem insignificant to us, is appreciated by them.
Always show respect
Disrespecting the Thai Royal Family can result in incarceration. Show reverence for monks and Buddha images.
Avoid placing your feet on the table while sitting, pointing to anything with your feet or touching anybody with your feet.
Thailand is a diverse and culturally enriching Southeast Asian travel destination. There is so much to see and do in Thailand! Knowing the above tips will help provide a better experience.