Thailand First-Trip Cheat Sheet

Everything we wish we'd known on day one, with an official or trusted source for every point. Updated October 2026.

Before you fly: TDAC

Every non-Thai national needs to complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card within the 3 days before arrival, and that includes children and infants. Use only tdac.immigration.go.th or the official THIM app. Copycat sites charge for something that's free. You need a new card for every entry, and one submission can cover up to 10 travellers.

Sources: tdac.immigration.go.th · www.tatnews.org

SIM & eSIM

Tourist SIMs from the big Thai networks have to be registered with your passport. AIS and True-dtac both sell tourist SIM and eSIM plans and register them at their shops, including airport counters. Compare plans on the operators' own sites before you land.

Sources: www.ais.th · www.true.th · www.true.th

Getting around

In Bangkok, the Airport Rail Link, Red Line, BTS Skytrain and MRT connect the city with its airports. Take care in open vehicles like tuk-tuks. Hire motorbikes are often unregistered: you need a valid licence and IDP, a helmet is the law, and you should check that your insurance covers you. Don't hand over your passport as a deposit for rentals.

Sources: www.tatnews.org · www.gov.uk · thailand.prd.go.th

Money

Use ATMs inside banks, cover your PIN, and never lose sight of your card during a payment, because ATM skimming does happen. Carry cash for small or remote places. Some villages, such as Ban Rak Thai, have no ATMs.

Sources: www.gov.uk · www.thaiholidayguide.com

Common scams & safety

Never leave a drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers. Be wary of job offers that look too good to be true. Watch for bag-snatchers on motorbikes. Don't leave your passport with jet-ski or bike rental shops. Only use the official site or app for the TDAC.

Sources: www.gov.uk · www.thaitinerary.com

Rules that catch visitors

Vapes and e-cigarettes are illegal to possess, with no tourist exception. Smoking in public places can bring a fine. Alcohol sales are restricted between midnight and 11am, except in licensed venues. Drones must be registered with the NBTC. Carry your passport or a copy of the photo page.

Sources: www.gov.uk

Temple etiquette

Cover your shoulders and knees. Take off your shoes before entering temple buildings. Step over the raised threshold, not on it. Keep your voice low, and don't point your feet at Buddha images, monks or people.

Sources: www.tatnews.org · www.thailand.go.th

Five words to start with

Sawasdee khrap/kha (hello) · Khop khun khrap/kha (thank you) · Tao rai? (how much?) · Mai phet (not spicy) · Mai pen rai (no worries)

Sources: general Thai language usage