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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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.
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 Truemove network
Speed may reduce after heavy daily use
Long stay โ 10 to 30 days
30 days ยท Unlimited ยท Truemove network
Speed may reduce after heavy daily use
More plan lengths and data sizes available directly from:
Airport Transport
CNX โ Chiang Mai International
Northern Thailand hub โ domestic and some regional routes
| Option | Time | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grab | 10โ20 min | 80โ150 THB ($2.50โ4.50) | Fast and affordable โ airport is very close to the city |
| Official metered taxi | 10โ20 min | 120โ180 THB ($3.50โ5.50) | Reliable backup if Grab is unavailable |
| Red Songthaew (shared truck) | 20โ30 min | 40โ60 THB ($1.20โ1.80) | Budget travellers comfortable with shared transport |
Watch out
Chiang Mai airport is only 3 km from the Old City moat, so even taxis are cheap. Negotiate the songthaew fare before boarding โ there's no meter.
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 220 THB (~$6.50) foreign transaction fee regardless of amount. Withdraw large amounts (10,000โ20,000 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.
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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