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
🇬🇧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.

60-day visa-free stay is being cut to 30 days — 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 — 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 — 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 · True network

~$10Get it →

Can top up if you run low

HolaflyUnlimited data

7 days · Unlimited · True / DTAC network

~$27.50Get it →

Speed may reduce after heavy daily use

Long stay — 10 to 30 days

AiraloBest value

30 days · 20GB · True network

~$18Get it →

Can top up if you run low

HolaflyUnlimited data

30 days · Unlimited · True / DTAC network

~$74Get 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

CNX – Chiang Mai International

Northern Thailand hub — domestic and some regional routes

Option	Time	Cost	Best for
Grab	10–20 min	80–150 THB ($2.50–4.50)	Fast and affordable — airport is very close to the city
Official metered taxi	10–20 min	120–180 THB approx., plus 50 THB airport surcharge ($3.50–5.50 + surcharge)	Reliable backup if Grab is unavailable
Red Songthaew (shared truck)	20–30 min	40–60 THB ($1.20–1.80)	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 — there's no meter. Metered taxis add a 50 THB airport surcharge. Fares below are approximate and not published by the airport — treat them as a guide, not a quote.

chiangmai.airportthai.co.th

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.

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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