From arrival cards to how to order a taxi, here are 15 things you should know that will help you prepare, save money and have an even better time on your next trip to Thailand.
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15 Things You Should Know Before Booking Your Next Trip to Thailand
Our 15 tips have got you covered, helping you plan your trip to Thailand to perfection.
1. You don't need a visa
If you’re from the UK, you don’t need a visa to enter Thailand for the purpose of tourism. In fact, this applies to trips or holidays for up to 60 days! However, you do need to have at least 6 months left on your passport, and a blank page so make sure you check that.
If you want to stay longer than 60 days, you can apply for an extension for another 30 days.
If you’re not from the UK, you can check whether you need a visa on the official Thai e-visa website.
2. You do need to fill in an arrival card
All foreigners arriving in Thailand need to complete a digital arrival card before arriving.
This card was introduced in May 2025 to help manage the entry process more smoothly as there was a paper form before. You have to do this whether you’re arriving by air, sea or land and you’re able to fill the form in within 3 days of your arrival – so make a note and don’t forget!
3. You’ll need cash or an app to pay by QR code
Cash is still used frequently in Thailand, so if you’re used to paying for everything with contactless or your phone, then keep this in mind. More and more places are taking card, but cash is more reliable – and this is especially true when you leave the bigger cities behind.
Another option is to pay by QR code, which is a rapidly growing way to pay for locals. However, it’s always been harder for tourists to do as you need a local sim, but new apps and workarounds are being launched. For example, there’s now apps like TAGTHAI that link to a prepaid card which you can pick up for free and connect to an e-wallet in the app – then you’re good to go.
4. Thai ATMs charge you to withdraw cash
I’m normally a big fan of not taking my money out until I get to a country, since if you can find an ATM that does free cash withdrawals and you’re using a card that doesn’t charge you to do so, you can often get a good exchange rate.
However, there are sadly no free ATMs in Thailand, and the fee for withdrawing is 220 baht. That’s £4.93!
Therefore, it may be worth getting some cash out from a currency exchange at home in advance – though not at the airport. They often have some of the worst exchange rates out there!
Withdrawing money in Thailand is still a good option, but I’d simply try and limit how many times you do it to cut back on those pesky withdrawal fees.
5. Don’t skip Bangkok
Many people fly into Bangkok and then on to the jungle or the beach, but don’t miss out on this amazing city! It can feel overwhelming when you first arrive, but hang in there – it’s a very special place.
You’ve got stunning temples, amazing shopping, huge markets, hopping nightlife and incredible food and drink all in one place. My tip is to allow a few days here to explore different areas because there’s so much to see, and having to rush around between attractions will make the place seem even more hectic.
6. Street food is your friend
The street food in Thailand is so cheap and tasty that it would be a real shame to not try it out!! However, if you’re feeling a little apprehensive, stick to the general rules below to keep your wallet and your stomach happy.
You can also look up which stalls have made it into the Michelin guide – which since they’ve made it into famous guides, are more likely to prepare food safely.
Choose a busy stall
Look for stalls that are busy – if there are lots of customers, food will be served up quicker and it’s less likely to be sitting around.
Follow the locals
If you’re stuck choosing a place to eat, then a spot that is popular with locals is more likely to serve up tasty food safely.
Basic can be clean
Be mindful that if somewhere is basic, it doesn’t mean it isn’t clean. For example, it’s common to get very small thin tissue or even toilet roll here as a napkin.
Be smart with meat choices
If nervous, avoid meat that’s rare and raw fish and shellfish which has a higher chance of spoiling quicker.
7. Don’t drink the tap water
Speaking of consuming things safely, it’s not considered safe to drink the tap water in Thailand.
If you’re going to drink water, then for got either bottled water or get hold of a water purifier bottle (they aren’t cheap though!). Remember this is also for things like brushing your teeth – use bottled water for this too.
8. Order a taxi like a local
Download a taxi app to feel like a local, and make it easy to get around. The OG app here is Grab Taxi, but you can use Bolt as well. In Bangkok, there’s also MuvMi, an e-tuk tuk app that lets you hire a tuk tuk for a competitive rate.
I’ll usually use these apps to find out the price of a specific or typical journey where I’m going, so if I do need to get a local car or a tuk tuk, I know what’s a fair price.
If you’re not using an app, make sure the driver turns the meter on. Taxi drivers here aren’t allowed to offer you a fare that isn’t metered, although they might try it.
It’s also not a given that your English will be understood, so have your destination written down or ready to show the driver in your phone. If you want to be confident of the route, call it up yourself on an app like google maps, and – as far as your communication skills will allow – indicate this is the route you want them to take.
9. Thailand can be super affordable, but it can be bougie too!
Depending on what areas you head to, the prices in Thailand can really change. In Bangkok for example, you’ll be able to eat street food in Chinatown for around £1. But head along Sukhimvit Road to Thong Lor, and you’ll also find prices more similar to the UK.
I personally like to mix it up between super local places and these trendy areas too, which often have options that rank high on global lists for food and drink. It’s all about balance!!
10. Not every island is a party island
Thailand is famous for its party islands like Koh Phang Nan, that are especially popular with younger travellers. But as with most places – there are spots where you can party, and spots where you can get away from it all.
If you don’t fancy a beach party every night, then head to a smaller island like Koh Lanta where it’s easier to find more peaceful corners. James and I would often have the beach to ourselves when we visited in both November and June!
11. The North and the South have very different vibes
Most countries change from region to region, and Thailand is no exception. It’s a fairly long country, so there’s a decent amount of distance too between the northernmost and southernmost parts.
The south of Thailand is where most of the islands and beaches are – for example Phuket, Koh Samui and Koh Phang Nan and travellers flock here for the diving, sunsets and seafood. The north has gorgeous mountain scenery, incredible nature and a more spiritual vibe. I loved the more laidback approach in its largest city, Chiang Mai. Plus, you may find your money goes a little further up here.
12. It’s not always going to be warm and sunny
My tip is to check the typical temperatures for the specific area you want to visit – but it’s not like you need to avoid rainy season altogether. The reality is it doesn’t rain every day, and the prices are more reasonable – which is my bag completely!
Just be aware that weather can impact ferry trips, if you’re planning to catch one to the islands, and Thailand can also get smoggy in some areas, especially between January and March. The Thailand tourism board has a lot of helpful articles – including about climate and weather – on their website.
13. Avoid animal tourism traps
At Thai attractions that involve animals, you may find that the standard of welfare is not what you’d expect in the UK. Therefore, if you’re keen to see the animals here, the best thing you can do is research and choose ethical places that treat the animals well.
The good news is that many places are changing their practices and the most powerful way to encourage this is to opt for those who are already doing this! Fan Club Thailand has a helpful list of ethical places to see elephants across Thailand.
James and I went to see the elephants at Following Giants in Koh Lanta, which is a no touch sanctuary with the thought that the best thing for the animals is that they don’t have any forced interactions with us humans! So definitely be on alert for any sanctuaries that allow you to touch, feed or even ride animals.
14. Take modest clothing with you
15. Respect is big deal
Thailand has a big culture around respect. It’s good to be aware of this so you can have positive social interactions, which is especially important if you don’t speak the language.
This focus on respect comes through in a few different ways – some of the main ones are:
Wai
The wai (pronounced ‘why’) is the main gesture of respect, which you might already be aware of – broadly, it involves putting your palms together and bowing your head and shoulders. It’s a pretty universal move – used for greeting, saying thank you, apologising, around religious buildings or people, and for anything connected to the King. Now let’s be clear – as a tourist you’re not expected to go around making this gesture for every interaction, but you might well receive it from someone local – and it’s polite to return it.
Hierarchy
Hierarchy is a big thing in Thailand – basically people are treated here accordingly to their level of importance. Respect is shown to those with a higher status, which includes authority figures and royalty, as well as elders in general – for example, younger people are expected to offer up their seat to someone older.
Body language
Touching someone’s head or pointing your feet at someone is seen as disrespectful – be aware that this would include putting your feet up on something in public. It’s also best not to point or beckon with your index finger.
Behaviour
Being obviously angry or critical is seen as a source of embarrassment, and whistling and shouting aren’t considered respectful.
Buddha
Thailand is a majority Buddhist country and respect for Buddha and religious figures, like monks, is very important.
Enjoy an Epic Trip Thanks to Our 15 Things You Should Know Before Booking Your Next Trip to Thailand
Use our list of 15 things you should know before booking your next trip to Thailand to prepare for a fabulous adventure, whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to explore some old haunts.
Thailand remains a great option for an affordable long-haul break, with well-priced accommodation, cheap food and jaw-dropping attractions. Let us know if you use our tips to plan your trip, and whether there are any you think we should add!
