If you’re still in the planning stages for your trip to Bangkok, below you’ll find some useful resources to help you navigate the process.
Passports And Thai Visas
Generally speaking, nationals of 93 countries can enter Thailand without a visa for up to 60 days. You can then extend this visa for an additional 30 days at an immigration office in Thailand. For all the latest updates about Thailand visa requirements, check the Thailand Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Government Advisories
Bangkok is one of the safest cities in the world. But it’s a good idea to check the latest travel advisories on your local government’s website. US State Department (USA), Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK), and Smart Traveller (AUS) post updated travel advisories for Thailand.
Customs Information
If you plan to bring something into or out of Thailand but you’re not sure if it’s legal or subject to import fees, check the Thailand Customs Department website to find out what’s permitted.
Travel Insurance
Medical treatment in Thailand is relatively inexpensive, but costs from serious injuries or sicknesses can add up, especially if spend a few days in one of Bangkok’s private hospitals. To avoid unwanted and surprising financial setbacks, it’s wise to cover yourself with travel insurance.
Booking Flights And Hotels
To get to Thailand, I’d recommend using two websites: SkyScanner and Booking.com. SkyScanner is useful to find the lowest prices for airline tickets, while Booking.com is great for hotel, apartment, and house reservations. Be wary of using Airbnb in Thailand to rent apartments or condos as most residential buildings prohibit it. If you or the owner get caught, you might have to leave mid-stay. Not only will you lose money, but you’ll have to scramble to find another place to stay.
Vaccinations
You don’t need any mandatory vaccines or boosters to enter Thailand. But if you want to side with safety, the Center for Disease Control lists the vaccines and boosters you might want to get.
Money
Thailand is slowly moving away from using cash, and many shops have stopped accepting it altogether. But you can still use cash to pay for goods and services at most places in Bangkok. Most major stores and restaurants accept debit cards and credit cards. You can withdraw Thai Baht from ATMs in Thailand, but you’ll incur a 200 Thai Baht (US$7) fee on top of what your home bank charges you. To get the most Thai Baht in exchange for your currency, bring cash to Bangkok and exchange it at Superrich near Asok BTS Station.
Tipping
You don’t have to tip in Thailand, but staff do appreciate it. At mom and pop shops, it’s generally okay to leave behind the coins you get after paying your bill. Some larger restaurants will add a service charge to your bill, so be sure to check your receipt before you tip. You don’t have to tip taxi drivers. In fact, if a taxi fare is 103 Thai Baht, it’s not out of the ordinary for the taxi driver to round the fare to 100 or 105 Thai Baht.
Language
Thai is the official language of Thailand, but in Bangkok almost all signs read in English. So, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting around the city. Also, many Thais in Bangkok can speak basic English.
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John is a former long-time English-language Muay Thai commentator who’s been living in Thailand since 2014. Over the last decade, he commentated fights at MAX Muay Thai, Rajadamnern Stadium, Lumpinee Stadium, Siam Omnoi Stadium, World Siam Stadium, and more. In 2022 he stepped away from commentating to focus on writing. His goal is to help you watch Muay Thai in Thailand so that you can have an unforgettable experience.