Last updated Sep 2026
Thailand
Everything you need before landing in Thailand: visa requirements, best eSIM plans, Bangkok airport transport options, ATM tips, and essential apps.
Visa
| Passport | Status | Duration | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇬🇧UK | Visa-free | 30 days | Free |
| 🇺🇸USA | Visa-free | 30 days | Free |
| 🇦🇺Australia | Visa-free | 30 days | Free |
| 🇪🇺EU countries | Visa-free | 30 days | Free |
| 🇨🇳China | Visa-free | 30 days | Free |
| 🇮🇳India | Visa-free | 30 days | Free |
Visa rules change. Always confirm your requirements at the official Thailand eVisa site before you travel.
Visa-free stays cut from 60 days to 30 days — effective 15 September 2026
Thailand has ended its 60-day visa exemption. The new rules were published in the Royal Gazette on 31 August 2026 and take effect on 15 September 2026. From that date most nationalities — including the UK, US, Australia, Canada and EU states — get 30 days visa-free instead of 60. Anyone who enters Thailand before 15 September keeps the length of stay stamped on arrival. If you land on or after 15 September and want to stay longer than 30 days, check the official Thailand eVisa site before you book.
Digital arrival card required
All travellers must complete the Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within 3 days before arrival. It's free and takes a few minutes.
eSIM / SIM card
Buy before you fly — an eSIM activates automatically when you land, no airport queue needed. Prices are approximate USD and may vary.
Short stay — up to 10 days
Long stay — 10 to 30 days
Airport Transport
Suvarnabhumi · BKK
Main international hub — most long-haul and full-service carriers
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Rail Link (ARL)Fastest to city B floor of terminal · 05:30–midnight · every 10–15 min | 26–30 min to Phaya Thai | 45 THB (~$1.30) | Solo travellers near BTS/MRT network |
| Grab Pick-up at Level 1, Gate 4 (outer kerb) · price fixed in-app | 45–75 min | 300–600 THB ($9–18) | Door-to-door, heavy bags, known price upfront |
| Official metered taxi Queue ticket at kiosk, Level 1, Gates 4–7 (inner curb) · 24/7 · flagfall 35–40 THB | 45–75 min | 250–400 THB + 50 THB airport surcharge + ~100 THB tolls ($8–14 before extras) | Groups, no smartphone, available 24/7 |
| Public Bus S1Budget Level 1, Gate 7 (inner curb) · 06:00–20:00 · pay on board | 60–90 min | 60 THB (~$1.85) | Ultra-budget; direct to Khao San Road / Sanam Luang |
Use only the official taxi kiosk on Level 1
Press the button, get a slip with a bay number, and go directly to your driver. Avoid anyone offering fixed fares inside the arrivals hall; they're always more expensive. Grab costs slightly more than a metered taxi but gives you a locked-in price before you get in.
Don Mueang · DMK
Low-cost carriers — AirAsia, Nok Air, Lion Air, Thai Lion
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRT Red Line trainBest value Covered walkway from Terminal 1 · 05:00–midnight · every 15 min · transfer to MRT Blue Line at Bang Sue | ~20 min to Bang Sue | 33 THB (~$1) | Avoiding traffic, connecting via MRT |
| Grab Pick-up outside arrivals, both terminals | 30–60 min | 250–450 THB ($7–13) | Door-to-door, known price, late-night arrivals |
| Official metered taxi Kiosk queue in front of arrivals halls, Terminals 1 and 2 · meter + 50 THB airport surcharge | 30–60 min | 250–400 THB + 50 THB airport surcharge + ~120 THB tolls ($7–13 before extras) | Groups, no app, 24/7 |
| Airport Bus (A1–A4)Budget Service Hall outside Terminal 1 · A1/A2: 30 THB · A3/A4: 50 THB | 30–60 min | 30–50 THB ($0.90–1.50) | Mo Chit/BTS (A1), Victory Monument (A2), Khao San Rd (A4) |
Don Mueang has no Airport Rail Link
The SRT Red Line is a separate commuter train requiring a transfer at Bang Sue to reach the MRT — budget extra time. Bangkok's northern expressways can add 30+ min during rush hours. Double-check your booking: mixing up BKK and DMK is one of the most common traveller mistakes.
Cash & ATMs
Verdict
Thailand is moderately cash-dependent. Street food, markets, small guesthouses, and tuk-tuks are cash-only. Cards are widely accepted at malls, mid-range restaurants, and 7-Elevens. Keep 1,000–2,000 THB on hand at all times.
ATMs
ATMs are everywhere but charge a flat foreign-card fee regardless of amount — expect around 250 THB (~$7.50) on Visa and up to 350 THB (~$10.50) on Mastercard. Aeon Bank is usually the cheapest at about 150 THB. Withdraw large amounts (10,000–20,000 THB) to minimise the per-transaction hit, and always choose to be charged in Thai baht rather than your home currency. Use a Wise or Charles Schwab card to offset the fee.
Tipping
Not mandatory but appreciated. Round up taxi fares and casual resturants, and leave 50-100 THB for massage therapists. Not expected at street food stalls.
Essential Apps
Grab
Ride-hailing and food delivery. More reliable than tuk-tuks, prices fixed upfront. Save by buying their Travel Pass package.
LINE
Thailand's dominant messaging app. Hotels, tour operators, and locals all communicate via LINE.
Google Maps
Offline maps work well in Thailand. Download Bangkok, Phuket or Chiang Mai before landing.
Bolt
Ride-hailing alternative to Grab — often cheaper in Bangkok and Phuket.
Agoda
Thailand-based hotel booking platform with the best deals for Southeast Asian properties.
First Day Tips
- 1At Suvarnabhumi (BKK), head to the Airport Rail Link station on the basement level (B floor) rather than queuing for a taxi. It's 26 minutes to Phaya Thai station for 45 THB.
- 2Stop at any 7-Eleven after clearing customs to grab a Thai SIM top-up, water, and snacks. There are multiple 7-Elevens airside and landside — Thailand has more per capita than almost anywhere.
- 3Download LINE and add your accommodation's LINE ID before you arrive — most Thai hotels and guesthouses prefer LINE messages over WhatsApp or email for check-in coordination.
Stay up to date on Thailand
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