How should I take money to Thailand?
Bring a combination of credit and debit cards and cash. ATMs accepting international cards are available throughout Thailand and are the easiest way to obtain cash. Money is dispensed in the local currency baht (BHT). Most hotels, banks and exchange booths change cash at reasonable rates. Credit cards are widely accepted at hotels, mid-range and upmarket restaurants and shops. Traveller's cheques in USD, AUD, CAD & GBP are accepted throughout the country, but these are now becoming harder to cash.

How much money will I need each day for food and other expenses?
Thailand is an inexpensive country to visit by almost any standards. Allow approximately 15 USD per person for day-to-day living, which will buy you lunch and dinner at good local restaurants (your breakfast is always included), as well as refreshments during the day. Transport such as tuk-tuks is inexpensive, and should cost you no more than 3 USD per trip on average, and often much less. If you are travelling independently, you will need to factor in any entrance fees, which are generally between 1-5 USD. For meals in local restaurants, you should budget for around 4-5 USD for a 2-course meal in a local restaurant or café and approximately 10 USD for a 3-course meal in a comfortable mid-range Thai restaurant. Beverages in local restaurants and cafes will cost around 2 USD for soft drinks and tea/coffee and approximately 3 USD for alcoholic drinks such as beer. Food and drinks in high-end and Western restaurants will cost considerably more. Clothes, jewellery and handicrafts are generally cheap, with good buys to be found throughout the country in both markets and shopping malls.

Do I need to tip in Thailand?
Tipping inspires great service and, while it is not generally expected in Thailand, it is appreciated. If you would like to tip, 10% of the bill is appropriate. If you are happy with the services provided by your guides and drivers, we suggest a tip of 3-5 USD per person per day for guides and 2 USD per day for drivers. Of course you are free to tip more or less as you see fit, depending on your perception of service quality.

Will I need to bargain for everything I want to buy?
Bargaining in markets is the norm in Thailand, however shops and boutiques normally mark items with price tags and therefore, prices are fixed. Bargaining should always be good-natured – a smile and friendly attitude are a must. In some cases (particularly in tourist areas) you may be able to get a 50% discount or more, at other times this may only be 10%. Once you start bargaining, if the vendor accepts the price, then you should buy the good. In most cases you will not need to bargain for basic items such as bottled water, toiletries and food.

Health & safety

What vaccinations will I need to have?
Some of the diseases known to exist in Thailand include hepatitis A and B, malaria, dengue, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, rabies and HIV/AIDS. Consult with your local doctor or a specialist travel medical centre for up-to-date health information on vaccinations and medicine for your trip at least one month prior to departure.

Are Western toilets available?
All hotels and guesthouses, including home-stays, are equipped with Western toilets, as are most restaurants. Squat toilets are the norm on boats. On long drives, we endeavour to time stops according to acceptable and hygienic toilet facilities which will, in most cases, include a Western toilet. Toilet facilities on boats can be basic. We recommend that you carry hand sanitizer and toilet paper.

Is Thailand a safe country?
Thailand is relatively safe by world standards though usual common sense precautions apply. Petty theft can be a problem in tourist centres so we recommend you wear as little jewellery as possible and keep your spending money close to your body in a secure place when out on the street. We advise you take taxis rather than tuk-tuks at night. Taxis are metered and inexpensive. Always keep a photocopy of your passport, airline tickets and credit card numbers, and a detailed record of your traveller's cheques. You should leave valuables in hotel safety deposit boxes wherever possible.

I'm travelling alone - is it safe to go out at night?
Our hotels are centrally located in safe neighbourhoods. In most cases you will feel quite safe walking outside even at night. Common sense precautions apply, and it is best to avoid poorly lit streets at night. Most hotels we use have a restaurant or can arrange a tuk-tuk or a taxi to take you directly to your destination if you'd prefer. To assist in finding your way back to your hotel, make sure that you obtain a hotel address card, to show taxi drivers where you want to go.

Is Thailand a good place to take children?
Thailand is very child-friendly. If you are travelling with children aged 5-17, our Family Journeys, featuring a combination of fun and educational activities, might best suit your needs. Some hotels cater well to families with triple share options or adjoining rooms.

Food & water

Can I drink the water?
We advise against drinking tap water in Thailand. Bottled water is provided on a complimentary basis by many hotels and is otherwise inexpensive and readily available.

Is there vegetarian food and Western food available?
Vegetarian dishes are widely available and fresh fruit is abundant throughout Thailand. Even vegetable dishes may use fish sauce as a base so if you're a strict Vegetarian it's a good idea to ask about the ingredients used. Western food is available in most tourist centres, though is generally more expensive than local cuisine.

I have special dietary requirements/allergies - can these be accommodated?
It is generally possible to accommodate special dietary requirements and allergies, though it is a good idea to have someone prepare a Thai translation of the details of your needs to show restaurant staff. Even non-seafood dishes may contain fish sauce as a base. Peanuts are a common ingredient.

What general food and water precautions should I take?
We advise you to use bottled water, even to clean your teeth. Always wash your hands thoroughly, particularly after handling local money. Ensure meats are thoroughly cooked. It is not necessary to avoid salads and herbs out of hand but remember uncooked foods do carry a greater risk. In general, water provided in restaurants will have been boiled. Ice is generally made from filtered water that is delivered in blocks from local factories and should be safe. If in doubt as to the origin of ice, it's a good idea to ask.

Getting there and away and around

What is the flight time to Thailand?
From Australia: Flight times range from 7 hours (Perth) to 10 Hours (Sydney, Brisbane ,Melbourne)
From New Zealand: 13 hours from Auckland
From UK: 12 hours from London
From USA: Flight times range from 19 hours (Los Angeles) to 20 hours (New York)

Do I need a visa for Thailand?
To enter Thailand you will need a passport with at least six-months validity and a tourist visa. Travellers on Australian, British, US, NZ and Canadian passports will receive a 30-day tourist visa on arrival when they arrive by air, or a 15-day visa if they arrive by land (or boat). For further details see our visa information page, speak to one of our experts or contact your local Thai consulate or embassy.

Are the domestic flights safe and reliable?
Most domestic flights within Thailand are with Thai or Bangkok Airways on modern ATR - 72, Airbus 319 & 320 and Boeing 717 & 737s. Schedules sometimes change and this can result in alterations to your itinerary.

Is it safe to catch a taxi or tuk-tuk at night?
Though tuk-tuks are generally safe, we advise you take taxis at night. Taxis are safe and metered. To assist in finding your way back to your hotel, make sure that you obtain a hotel address card, to show taxi drivers where you want to go.

Packing

Should I take a suitcase or a backpack?
We recommend one piece of medium-sized lightweight luggage with wheels and preferably a soft cover. If you are travelling on a train during your stay, bear in mind that you will need to travel with your luggage in your compartment, where space is limited, as there is no separate baggage car.

What is the baggage allowance on domestic flights?
The baggage allowance on Thai or Bangkok Airways domestic flights in economy class is 20kg (44 pounds) for checked luggage, plus one piece of hand luggage weighing no more than 5kg (11 pounds).

What should I pack for a holiday in Thailand?
Please refer to the following checklist as a guide. You may need to carry your own bags at certain stages during the trip so you should be able to lift them! Laundry service is available in most hotels but can be expensive.

Travel documents: passport, visas, travel insurance certificate, air tickets,
Money: traveller's cheques/cash/credit card and money pouch
Day pack and/or shoulder bag that can be slung across the body for security
First aid kit
Medication/prescriptions (it is a good idea to have a doctors letter if you are carrying a large amount of medication), travel sickness tablets if required
Torch/flashlight
Hairdryer (not all hotels supply them)
Travel plug/international adapter
Insect repellent
A range of comfortable, quick dry, loose fitting clothes
Sunscreen, hat and sunglasses
Swimming costume
Lightweight travel towel
Ear plugs/eye mask
Comfortable walking shoes
Camera, film and/or memory cards with spare batteries (or battery charger)
Raincoat/umbrella
Waterproof jacket
Clothes for temples - long pants or long skirts, long sleeve tops, shoes which are easy to slip on/off

Will I need wet weather gear?
We do advise you bring wet weather gear however raincoats and umbrellas can easily be purchased in Thailand.

Communications & technology

Will I be able to use my mobile phone?
Mobile phone networks cover much of the country and global roaming is available – check with your service provider before leaving home. Reception is generally good.

Are there many internet cafes in Thailand?
You will find many internet cafes throughout Thailand and connection speed is generally good. Rates are very reasonable. Most hotels offer an internet service however rates are generally higher than in internet cafes.

I am travelling with my laptop - will I be able to access WiFi?
WiFi is offered in some hotels, either in-room or in certain public areas such as the lobby. Check with your travel expert for availability of WiFi at your chosen hotel/s before departure.

Responsible travel

I would like to bring some gifts for the local children - what do you suggest?
Gifts such as text books and pencils are most appropriate and best given to organisations (such as schools or clinics) rather than to individuals, as distribution through a community channel is more likely to occur equitably, and with dignity. We generally advise against giving gifts directly to children on the street, at home or in village communities. Gift giving creates inequality within communities and encourages children to start begging. Giving money (even to children who offer to act as guides) can also make children the primary income earners in their family, resulting in long-term school truancy.

What are some of the local customs I should be aware of?
Thailand is a devoutly Buddhist country people are generally very polite. The traditional greeting known as the wai, where you press your hands together as is in prayer and bow slightly, is still widely practised. Dress standards can be conservative outside the major cities and tourist areas. When visiting religious sites men often need to wear long trousers and women a long skirt or sarong. At temples and in rural areas, women should try to keep your shoulders covered. It is illegal to show disrespect to the royal family. The head is considered to be the holiest part of the body so try to avoid touching people's heads. As a general rule, try to travel with patience and a sense of humour and try to resolve any difficulties in a calm, friendly matter.

For more responsible travel tips read our ‘Tread Lightly’ booklet on our Responsible travel page.

View our full list of Thailand tours.

Return to our Thailand travel overview page.