Last updated Mar 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	60 days	Free
🇺🇸USA	Visa-free	60 days	Free
🇦🇺Australia	Visa-free	60 days	Free
🇪🇺EU countries	Visa-free	60 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.

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

AiraloBest value

7 days · 10GB · AIS network

~$10Get it →

Can top up if you run low

HolaflyUnlimited data

7 days · Unlimited · Truemove network

~$27Get it →

Speed may reduce after heavy daily use

Long stay — 10 to 30 days

AiraloBest value

30 days · 20GB · AIS network

~$18Get it →

Can top up if you run low

HolaflyUnlimited data

30 days · Unlimited · Truemove network

~$75Get it →

Speed may reduce after heavy daily use

More plan lengths and data sizes available directly from:

Airalo →Holafly →

No eSIM on your device? Physical SIMs from AIS, DTAC, or TrueMove are available at Suvarnabhumi (BKK) and Don Mueang (DMK) airports.

Purchase and install your eSIM 1-2 days before your departure, and activate it once you land — Most eSIMs validity period start when it connects to a supported network.

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 Kiosk on Level 1, Gates 4–7 · press button, get slip with bay number	45–75 min	250–400 THB + ~100 THB tolls ($8–14 before tolls)	Groups, no smartphone, available 24/7
Airport Bus (A1–A4)Budget Transport Centre — free shuttle from Level 1 Exits 3 or 8 · 06:00–midnight	60–90 min	35 THB (~$1)	Ultra-budget; A1 goes to Mo Chit/Khao San Road

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.

suvarnabhumi.airportthai.co.th

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	30–60 min	250–400 THB + ~120 THB tolls ($7–13 before tolls)	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.

donmueangairport.com

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 220 THB (~$6.50) foreign transaction fee regardless of amount. Withdraw large amounts (10,000–20,000 THB) to minimise fees. Kasikorn Bank (KBank) and Bangkok Bank tend to offer the best exchange rates. 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.

Exchange a small amount of cash (1,000–2,000 THB) at the airport money changers for your first taxi or meal, then use ATMs in the city for better rates. SuperRich currency exchange booths in Bangkok offer excellent rates.

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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