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Practical guide
Everything a first-time visitor to Thailand actually needs.
Eight sections. No fluff. The stuff we tell every guest on WhatsApp before their trip.
Visa & entry+
- 60+ nationalities get 30-60 days visa-exempt entry (US, UK, EU, AU, GCC — check IATA Timatic for yours).
- Passport must have 6+ months validity remaining.
- Proof of onward travel occasionally requested at check-in.
- Overstay penalty: ฿500/day, cash on exit. Do not overstay.
Weather season by season+
- Nov–Feb: dry, cool (28°C), flat sea — peak season, book early.
- Mar–May: hot (32°C+), still dry — great for city + North.
- Jun–Oct: monsoon — 30-min showers most afternoons, cheaper, sea rougher.
Money & tipping+
- Currency: Thai Baht (฿). Roughly ฿35 = $1, ฿38 = €1, ฿9 = 1 AED.
- ATMs: everywhere in tourist areas — ฿220 foreign-card fee per withdrawal.
- Cards: accepted at hotels, restaurants, malls — cash preferred by small vendors and taxis.
- Tipping: not required, always appreciated. 10% at good restaurants, ฿100-200 for a driver, ฿300-500 for a full-day guide.
What to pack+
- Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+) — Hawaiian brands mostly banned in Thai marine parks.
- Modest clothing for temple visits (shoulders + knees covered).
- Waterproof phone pouch.
- Universal power adapter — Thailand uses Type A/B/C sockets.
- Light rain jacket if travelling Jun–Oct.
- Reusable water bottle — every tour includes refill.
Connectivity+
- eSIMs: AIS, TrueMove, dtac work with Airalo/Nomad. Cheapest is ~$10 for 15 days unlimited.
- Airport SIM: buy at HKT/BKK arrivals — ฿300-500 for 15GB.
- Wi-Fi: hotels, malls, cafes — always fast. Not on longtails, patchy on remote islands.
- WhatsApp works everywhere — Line is the local equivalent.
Emergency numbers+
- Tourist Police: 1155 (English support).
- Ambulance: 1669.
- Loma 24/7 concierge WhatsApp: +66 99 391 5504.
- Marine emergencies: 199 (Phuket Marine Department).
Health & insurance+
- Travel insurance covering adventure sports is a Loma requirement for jet-ski, paramotor and diving.
- Recommended: World Nomads, AXA Assistance, Chapka (Europe), Squaremouth (US).
- No mandatory vaccinations for Thailand. Rabies + Japanese Encephalitis suggested if rural stay.
- Water: tap water not drinkable. Ice at hotels/restaurants is filtered.
Cultural etiquette+
- Head is sacred, feet are unclean — don't touch heads, don't point feet at people or Buddha statues.
- Never disrespect the monarchy — even in jest. It's a serious crime.
- Remove shoes before entering homes and most temples.
- Wai greeting: hands together, slight bow. Optional for foreigners, but polite.
अपना एस्केप प्लान करें
अपनी तारीखें बताएं। हम ट्रिप बना देंगे।
आपकी भाषा में फ्री इटिनरी, पारदर्शी प्राइसिंग, कोई दबाव नहीं। ज़्यादातर रिप्लाई 30 मिनट के अंदर।