Last updated Jul 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ๐ฌ๐งUK | Visa-free | 60 days | Free |
| ๐บ๐ธUSA | Visa-free | 60 days | Free |
| ๐ฆ๐บAustralia | Visa-free | 60 days | Free |
| ๐ช๐บEU countries | Visa-free | 60 days | Free |
| ๐จ๐ณChina | Visa-free | 30 days | Free |
| ๐ฎ๐ณIndia | Visa-free | 30 days | Free |
Visa rules change. Always confirm your requirements at the official Thailand eVisa site before you travel.
60-day visa-free stay is being cut to 30 days โ start date not yet set
The Thai cabinet approved ending the 60-day visa exemption in May 2026, and confirmed the revised country list in July 2026. Most nationalities revert to 30 days. The change takes effect 15 days after publication in the Royal Gazette, which had not happened as of 19 July 2026 โ so the 60-day stay above is still valid for now. If your trip is longer than 30 days, check the official Thailand eVisa site before booking flights.
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 โ an eSIM activates automatically when you land, no airport queue needed. Prices are approximate USD and may vary.
Short stay โ up to 10 days
7 days ยท Unlimited ยท True / DTAC network
Speed may reduce after heavy daily use
Long stay โ 10 to 30 days
30 days ยท Unlimited ยท True / DTAC network
Speed may reduce after heavy daily use
More plan lengths and data sizes available directly from:
Airport Transport
Suvarnabhumi ยท BKK
Main international hub โ most long-haul and full-service carriers
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airport Rail Link (ARL)Fastest to city B floor of terminal ยท 05:30โmidnight ยท every 10โ15 min | 26โ30 min to Phaya Thai | 45 THB (~$1.30) | Solo travellers near BTS/MRT network |
| Grab Pick-up at Level 1, Gate 4 (outer kerb) ยท price fixed in-app | 45โ75 min | 300โ600 THB ($9โ18) | Door-to-door, heavy bags, known price upfront |
| Official metered taxi Queue ticket at kiosk, Level 1, Gates 4โ7 (inner curb) ยท 24/7 ยท flagfall 35โ40 THB | 45โ75 min | 250โ400 THB + 50 THB airport surcharge + ~100 THB tolls ($8โ14 before extras) | Groups, no smartphone, available 24/7 |
| Public Bus S1Budget Level 1, Gate 7 (inner curb) ยท 06:00โ20:00 ยท pay on board | 60โ90 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 ยท DMK
Low-cost carriers โ AirAsia, Nok Air, Lion Air, Thai Lion
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| SRT Red Line trainBest value Covered walkway from Terminal 1 ยท 05:00โmidnight ยท every 15 min ยท 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 | 30โ60 min | 250โ450 THB ($7โ13) | Door-to-door, known price, late-night arrivals |
| Official metered taxi Kiosk queue in front of arrivals halls, Terminals 1 and 2 ยท meter + 50 THB airport surcharge | 30โ60 min | 250โ400 THB + 50 THB airport surcharge + ~120 THB tolls ($7โ13 before extras) | Groups, no app, 24/7 |
| Airport Bus (A1โA4)Budget Service Hall outside Terminal 1 ยท A1/A2: 30 THB ยท A3/A4: 50 THB | 30โ60 min | 30โ50 THB ($0.90โ1.50) | 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 โ 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 1,000โ2,000 THB on hand at all times.
ATMs
ATMs are everywhere but charge a flat foreign-card fee regardless of amount โ 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 (10,000โ20,000 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 โ 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 โ Thailand has more per capita than almost anywhere.
- 3Download LINE and add your accommodation's LINE ID before you arrive โ 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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