Thailand is one of the world's most popular travel destinations for tourists, digital nomads, and expats looking to settle there. It's a modern country that offers everything one could wish for. However, as with any trip to a new country, preparation is necessary to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

Here is a checklist for your Thailand trip with the absolute minimum you should do before your trip to Thailand.

1. Make sure you have the correct Thai visa to enter the country.

If you are only visiting Thailand and your country qualifies for the visa waiver program, you do not need a visa in advance and can enter and stay for a short period. If you do not qualify for visa-free entry, your nationality may allow you to obtain a visa on arrival, which you can apply for upon arrival at the airport and which permits a stay of a few weeks.

If neither of these options is available to you, or if you wish to stay longer than these methods allow, you must apply for a Thai visa before your departure. The most common options are:

  • The Thai tourist visa for short-term visitors
  • The Thailand visa for digital nomads and frequent travelers
  • The 90-day non-immigrant visa is for those planning to convert it into a marriage, retirement, or business visa.
  • The LTR visa for Thailand is aimed at wealthy and highly qualified foreigners who wish to settle in Thailand.
  • The Thailand Privilege Visa is for those seeking maximum flexibility and luxury in Thailand.

    • 2. Check the weather forecast

    That it's hot in Thailand should come as no surprise. But it also rains there sometimes.

    The rainy season in Thailand lasts from approximately June to October. During this time, heavy but usually short showers and thunderstorms occur. It is considered the off-season for tourism, as most travelers prefer sunshine. The good news: To boost tourism, flights, accommodations, and attractions are generally cheaper during this period.

    The peak season, which includes winter and spring, offers typical tropical weather but also brings more heat, more tourists, and higher prices. Before your final trip to Thailand, consider which time of year best suits your preferences and budget.

    3. Take out travel insurance.

    Healthcare in Thailand is affordable compared to the West, even if you pay out of pocket. However, the best treatments with fluent English-speaking doctors and hospital stays are more expensive. Therefore, it is advisable to take out travel insurance before traveling to Thailand if your existing health insurance is not valid abroad.

    4. Pack the right things

    Since Thailand is a modern country and Bangkok an international hub, you can fortunately buy everything you need for your trip in one of Thailand's many shopping malls, markets, and stores. Furthermore, a single visit to one of the countless 7-Eleven stores is usually enough to stock up on essentials, including toiletries, insect repellent, sunscreen, and even emergency clothing and shoes.

    However, those who wish to prepare in advance should pack the following items:

  • In Thailand, the standard mains voltage is 220 V at a frequency of 50 Hz. This means that if your devices are not designed for dual voltages, you may need a voltage converter to use them safely here.
  • Prescription medications are widely available here in hospitals and pharmacies, and you may be able to obtain some medications without a prescription that are not available in your home country. However, it is advisable to check in advance if you require any specific medications and if and how you can obtain them.
  • Warm-weather clothing is recommended year-round, but every major Thai city has shopping malls where you can buy clothes. However, taller people may find it difficult to find well-fitting clothes, as the population is generally smaller than in Western countries.
  • If you plan to visit temples or other culturally significant sites, please pack appropriate clothing. Casual or revealing clothing is not permitted in such areas.

    • When traveling to Thailand, one should heed the tourist wisdom: plan too much and pack too little.

    5. Prepare travel documents

    Besides a visa and passport, there are some important travel documents you should consider when preparing for your trip to Thailand:

  • Travel tickets: Most travelers fly to Thailand, arriving at either Bangkok or Phuket international airport. Alternatively, entry is possible by land through neighboring countries such as Cambodia or Laos. However, please note that most border crossings are located far outside the major cities.
  • Onward travel ticket: If you are only visiting Thailand, you will need proof of your departure after your visa expires. This requires purchasing an onward travel ticket, either to another country or returning via the same route. Save the confirmation of this ticket to your mobile device.
  • Digital Entry Card for Thailand (TDAC): This electronic traveler registration is mandatory for all visitors to Thailand, regardless of visa. You can complete the registration up to 3 days before your arrival in Thailand. For more information, please see our Digital Entry Card for Thailand page.

    • Please note that from 2025 onwards, you will generally no longer need proof of vaccination to enter Thailand. However, if you travel through certain countries before arriving in Thailand, proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required. Further information can be found on our TDAC page (link above).

    Be sure to save copies of all your important documents, ideally both in paper form and digitally.

    6. Get the money and get your finances in order.

    Most shops in Thailand accept major credit cards like Visa and Mastercard, but many others, including street vendors, do not. Therefore, it is advisable to carry sufficient cash. While it is possible to withdraw money from your foreign bank account at Thai ATMs, the fees are very high. It is therefore recommended to have cash on hand.

    For solo travelers, a daily budget of 1,000–1,500 THB is recommended. Exchange your cash into Thai Baht at the airport or use one of the numerous exchange bureaus located throughout Bangkok. Exchange bureaus in tourist centers like Phuket or Pattaya are not recommended, as they are known to offer higher or lower exchange rates than usual.

    For longer stays, opening a bank account in Thailand is recommended. You don't need a long-term visa, and the ability to withdraw cash free of charge from local ATMs and use mobile banking via smartphone is extremely convenient.

    7. Obtain accommodation

    As a popular tourist destination and world-class travel destination, Thailand offers a wide range of hotels, resorts, Airbnbs, serviced apartments, vacation rentals, and other accommodations for visitors. Choose accommodations within your budget and consider the following:

  • Proximity to tourist attractions and public transport is important, as traffic is notoriously bad, especially in Bangkok.
  • Amenities such as a hotel pool or a fitness room
  • A certified hotel with a license, as many illegal operators rent out apartments or condominiums that are not approved for temporary accommodation.
  • Air conditioning, especially if you are traveling to an urban area during the hotter months.

    • Make sure to save the exact address of your accommodation, as immigration authorities may ask for it and you will need something to show taxi drivers in case you get lost.

    8. Familiarize yourself with Thai culture.

    Thailand is known for its hospitality, and the population is accustomed to international visitors from all over the world. Nevertheless, it is important to familiarize yourself with the basics of Thai culture in order to be a good guest and avoid misunderstandings and conflicts.

    You can find a quick and easy introduction on our page about rules of conduct in Thailand.

    9. Get a SIM card or set up international roaming.

    These days, a smartphone with a data plan is practically essential in Thailand. If your mobile provider offers international roaming packages at a good price, that's a convenient and easy solution.

    Alternatively, there are numerous options in Thailand for purchasing a travel SIM card with a data plan, for example at the airport or in 7-Eleven stores. Setup usually only takes a few minutes, and if you buy the card at an airport kiosk, the vendor will take care of it for you.

    10. Save Siam Legal's contact details in case you get into trouble.

    Thailand is a safe country, but anything can happen when traveling. There could be visa issues, or a misunderstanding could lead to legal problems. Therefore, it's advisable to save the contact details of a trusted law firm like Siam Legal or bookmark their website. Siam Legal specializes in advising foreigners in Thailand.

    We are a full-service law firm specializing in visa consulting with over 20 years of experience. We assist both tourists and foreign residents with smooth entry procedures and the protection of their rights and assets in the event of legal issues. Do you need help with a visa application or have a more urgent legal matter? Don't hesitate to contact us.